Where to find us — Zadar Airport
No Credit Card Required at Zadar Airport
Rent a car at Zadar Airport with just a debit card — no credit card, no hidden deposit. One of the very few car rental companies at ZAD that accepts debit cards and cash payments. Ideal for international travelers who prefer flexible payment options.
- ✓Debit card accepted — Visa, Mastercard (no credit card needed)
- ✓Zero deposit option with Premium insurance upgrade
- ✓No credit card surcharge or processing fee
- ✓Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
Office Photos
How It Works
Book Online
Choose your dates and vehicle. Secure your booking online and pay at pickup.
Pick Up at Zadar Airport
Collect your car quickly and easily. Our staff will walk you through everything.
Enjoy Croatia
Explore with unlimited kilometers and 24/7 support assistance included.
Best Time to Book
Car rental prices in Croatia vary by season. Plan ahead for the best rates.
Our Fleet at ZAD Airport
Includes automatic & manual transmission options.
Your Guide to Renting a Car at Zadar Airport
Zadar Airport (ZAD) is located near the village of Zemunik Donji, approximately 12 km east of Zadar city centre. It has grown rapidly in recent years as a popular low-cost carrier destination, with direct flights from across Europe operated by Ryanair, easyJet, Eurowings, and others. The compact terminal makes arriving and departing a quick, hassle-free experience.
The Avax office is located right next to the arrivals gate, making pickup extremely convenient. After collecting your rental car, Zadar's historic old town is just a 15-minute drive west along the D424 road. The old town sits on a narrow peninsula and is famous for the Sea Organ, a unique architectural installation that creates music from the movement of waves, and the Sun Salutation, a spectacular light installation best viewed at sunset.
Zadar is perfectly positioned for exploring northern Dalmatia. The Kornati Islands National Park, an archipelago of 89 pristine islands, can be reached by boat from Murter (1 hour drive). Plitvice Lakes National Park is approximately 2 hours to the northeast. For beach lovers, the Saharun beach on Dugi Otok island is consistently rated one of Croatia's most beautiful and can be reached via ferry from Zadar port.
Nearby Attractions
Zadar Old Town
A 3,000-year-old peninsula town featuring Roman ruins, the 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, the Sea Organ, and the Sun Salutation. Alfred Hitchcock reportedly said Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia's crown jewel, a UNESCO-listed network of 16 turquoise lakes and countless waterfalls. From Zadar, it makes for a perfect day trip with enough time to walk the main trails.
Kornati Islands National Park
A stunning archipelago of 89 islands and islets known for their dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Best explored by boat tour from Murter or Biograd.
Paklenica National Park
A dramatic canyon park in the Velebit mountain range, popular for rock climbing, hiking, and its network of underground tunnels. The Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica gorges are spectacular.
Driving Tips
The A1 motorway is easily accessible from Zadar Airport and connects north to Zagreb and south to Split. For the coastal drive to Sibenik or Split, the D8 road offers beautiful sea views but is slower and winding. Zadar old town has limited parking; use the Fosa garage near the Land Gate or the large open-air lot near the bus station. Street parking in the old town zone requires tickets from kiosks or the mParking SMS system.
Our Zadar office is well-connected to local neighbourhoods including Bili Brig, Borik, Diklo, Stanovi, Arbanasi, making it easy to reach your accommodation or explore the city and its surroundings.
Distances from Zadar Airport
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zadar Old Town | 12 km | 15 min |
| Zadar Ferry Port | 13 km | 18 min |
| Šibenik | 73 km | 55 min |
| Krka National Park | 90 km | 1h 10 min |
| Plitvice Lakes | 130 km | 1h 30 min |
| Split | 165 km | 2h |
Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic conditions.
Useful Travel Guides
Renting a Car in Croatia as an American: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything American tourists need to know about renting a car in Croatia — driving license requirements, insurance tips, costs, toll roads, and what makes Croatia different from the US.
Is It Worth Renting a Car in Croatia? (2026 Honest Guide)
Wondering if you really need a rental car in Croatia? We give you the honest answer — when it's worth it, when it's not, and what nobody else tells you.
Rent a Car in Omiš: Beaches, Fortresses, and Adventure
Discover Omiš — Croatia's adventure capital with pirate history, stunning beaches, and Game of Thrones filming locations. Car delivery available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental in Zadar Airport
How far is Zadar Airport from the old town?
Where is the Avax office at Zadar Airport?
Can I visit Plitvice Lakes as a day trip from Zadar?
How do I get to the Kornati Islands from Zadar?
Is Zadar a good base for exploring Croatia?
What is the road like between Zadar and Split?
Popular One-Way Route
Zadar Airport → Split
Drive south along the Dalmatian coast to Split. Enjoy views of the Kornati islands and stop at Šibenik along the way. Free cross-border included for 3+ day rentals.
Popular One-Way Route
Zadar Airport → Zagreb
Drive north from Zadar to the Croatian capital. Stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park — just 90 minutes from Zadar. Free cross-border included for 3+ day rentals.
Popular One-Way Route
Zadar Airport → Dubrovnik
Drive the length of the Dalmatian coast from Zadar to Dubrovnik. Pass through Split and across the Pelješac Bridge. Free cross-border included for 3+ day rentals.
One-Way Rentals from Zadar Airport
Pick up here, return at a different Avax location
Other Avax Locations in Croatia
Explore our car rental network across Croatia
