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The road less traveled. Drive 290 km from the Dalmatian coast through Croatia\'s rugged interior — the Velebit Mountains, Zrmanja Canyon, and the quiet Lika highlands that most tourists never see.
The fast motorway or the scenic Old Road through the mountains — your call.
The original road through Croatia\'s rugged interior. You\'ll drive through mountain passes, cross river canyons, and pass through villages unchanged for decades.
Pick up your car in Zadar and drop it off in Zagreb — no need to drive back. Perfect for ending your coastal vacation with a scenic drive north.
Cross-border travel is available for this route Free cross-border travel for 3+ day rentals — Cross-Border Destinations
Five stops that turn a transfer into an adventure through Croatia\'s wild interior.
Gateway to Paklenica National Park — a dramatic gorge cutting through the Velebit Mountains. Popular with rock climbers, but even a short walk into the canyon is breathtaking. Croatia\'s answer to the Grand Canyon.
One of Croatia\'s best-kept secrets — a turquoise river cutting through white limestone cliffs. Famous as a filming location for the Karl May Winnetou films.
A quiet mountain town in the heart of the Lika highlands. This is the rugged, untouched Croatia most tourists never see — vast meadows, dense forests, and a handful of roadside konobas serving local cheese and lamb.
The D1 passes within 30 km of Plitvice Lakes National Park. If you haven\'t been, this is your chance — detour east for 16 cascading turquoise lakes.
Your last stop before the capital. Where four rivers meet, this charming town has a star-shaped Renaissance fortress and excellent riverside cafes. A perfect farewell coffee before dropping off the car.
The hidden gems of the Velebit route — worth pulling over for.
Walk into the Velika Paklenica canyon — even 30 minutes on the trail gives you towering cliffs and dense forest. For a longer stop, hike to the Manita Peć cave (1.5–2 hours round trip).
A quick 10-minute stop for dramatic photos of the emerald river cutting through white limestone. The viewpoint near Muškovci is the most accessible from the road.
The D1 passes within 30 km of Croatia\'s most famous national park. If you haven\'t been, detour east — 16 cascading turquoise lakes. Allow 3–4 hours for the visit.
A rental car gives you maximum freedom — here\'s how the options compare.
| Rental Car | Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3–5 h | 3.5–4.5 h | ~8 h (via Knin) |
| Scenic stops | |||
| Door-to-door | |||
| Flexibility | Full freedom | Fixed schedule | Fixed schedule |
| Luggage | Limited | ||
| Approx. cost | From €142/day One-way fee included | €15–25 pp | €15–25 pp |
Only a rental car lets you take the Old Road through the Velebit Mountains. Buses and trains stick to the motorway or the slow coastal rail line.
Everything you need for a stress-free Zadar to Zagreb drive.
Finishing your island holiday? Drop off at Zagreb Airport and fly home. No need to backtrack to Zadar — we handle the logistics.
Pick up at Zadar Airport or Zadar Center. Drop off at Zagreb Airport or Zagreb Center — whichever fits your flight schedule.
Planning a detour to Bosnia or Slovenia on the way? Rent for 3+ days and your cross-border permit is free.
Our cars come equipped with GPS and air conditioning — essential for navigating the winding mountain roads of the Velebit.
Start your journey at Zadar Airport (ZAD) or Zadar Downtown. Return your car at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) or Zagreb Downtown — whichever fits your flight or onward plans.
Need to continue to Slovenia or Austria? Rent for 3 days or more and your free cross-border permit is included automatically.
Check availability and lock in your one-way rate. Free cancellation included.