Car Hire Zadar Airport (ZAD)

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, you’ll find booking an Avis hire car from Zadar Airport an easy way to explore this part of the country at your own pace from the moment you land.

Zadar is centrally located within Croatia, making hiring a car from Zadar Airport the ideal base for a road trip along the Dalmatian coast.

The city is within easy reach of the other major cities like Dubrovnik, Spilt and Pula, while the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is within a 3hr drive.

Whether you are travelling to Croatia for business or leisure, our friendly, efficient Avis team at Zadar Airport is ready to provide the perfect rental car for your trip. Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection to get you on the road plus we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.

You’ll find our Avis counter at Zadar Airport located just across the road from the terminal building. Our Avis rental car collection is a short walk away in the airport parking just beside our office.

Zadar International Airport (ZAD) is the fourth largest airport in Croatia and welcomed its 1.5 millionth passenger in 2024.

First opened in the 1930s as a military airfield, it serves 70 destinations in 16 countries as well as domestic flights to Zagreb International Airport, Pula Airport, Split Airport and Dubrovnik Airport. The airport is going through a period of expansion and development as tourism grows along the Dalmatian coast and its compact terminal building offers passengers a range of shopping and leisure facilities.

The airport is located on the eastern edge of the city of Zadar with good road access via the E65 and A424 motorways.

If you are driving in Croatia for the first time or have just arrived in Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with Croatian driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in Croatia include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that cars must keep headlights lit throughout the day. This is applicable all year round. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. It is forbidden to use headphones or earbuds.  There is a zero-tolerance alcohol policy for drivers under 25.

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Zadar?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Zadar and the rest of Croatia is 21. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in Croatia?

To hire a car in Zadar, Croatia, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred  card),
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in Zadar and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Zadar Airport and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Croatia or even another country in Europe. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in Zadar?

While Zadar is compact and easy to walk around on foot – especially the narrow streets of the old town which are pedestrianised – and the city has a good public transport network of bus routes, you’ll want to hire a car to travel further afield. Renting a car at Zadar International Airport gives you the freedom of independent travel as well as the opportunity to plan a Dalmatian coast road trip.

The Avis team at Zadar Airport are experts on Zadar and the surrounding area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in Zadar?

Parking in Zadar is easiest on the outskirts around the city walls although there are some central car parks and on street parking which is chargeable.

 You can find out more about the zones and parking options from the city council.

From the Avis car park at Zadar Airport to the centre of Zadar is a drive of 12.2km which will take around 20min depending on the time of day. Head west from the airport and take the D422 and D424 following signs to the centre of the city.

Zadar is a magical city stretching along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Steeped in history with Roman and Venetian origins, its roots are hard to miss from the Venetian gates at the city walls to the Roman forum. While you are in the old town, check out the Byzantine-style Church of St Donatus built in Zadar’s Roman Forum in the 9th century. Walk along the promenade along the Adriatic Sea and you’ll hear the town’s sea organ whose sounds are created by waves. If you are spending a day in Zadar, take in a breathtaking sunset from the promontory and then head to the Monument to the Sun - a 22-metre solar-powered dance floor that lights up when the sun goes down.

Beyond the town of Zadar, the Dalmatian coastline is a bucket list destination with its stunning landscapes, heritage and folklore. As well as fascinating villages and towns, other cities like Dubrovnik along the coastline are within a couple of hours drive by hire car from Zadar Airport.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Take a road trip to experience Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the border with Bosnia. This natural wonderland is just a 1 hr 30 min (118.6 km) drive north from Zadar via the E71 and D1. Expect to feel refreshed after this magical encounter with nature – there are six emerald lakes and magnificent waterfalls connected by scenic walkways.

Šibenik

Just a 1 hr 5 min (98.9 km) drive via the E65/E71, Šibenik is regarded by many as one of Croatia’s best kept secrets and perhaps a smaller, quieter version of Dubrovnik. You can get lost in its historic centre and maze of narrow streets before settling down to people watch in a waterside café.