Quick answer
Zadar Airport is about 12 km east of the city center. The drive takes 15-20 minutes. A taxi to the Old Town costs 25-35 EUR. Pre-booked transfers run 30-45 EUR. There is a Liburnija bus that connects with flight arrivals for about 5 EUR per person. Uber does not operate in Zadar. The airport is small and the city is close, so getting into town is quick and simple.
What actually happens after landing
ZAD is a small airport that handles mostly seasonal European traffic, with charter and low-cost carriers flying from across Europe during summer. The terminal has been expanded in recent years but remains compact.
After collecting your bags, you exit into a small arrivals area. There is a tourist information desk, a couple of ATMs, and car rental counters. The entire terminal can be crossed in a few minutes. Outside, you will find the taxi stand and the bus stop.
During peak summer months (June-September), the terminal can feel crowded when multiple flights land close together. Outside of summer, it is very quiet.
Transport options explained honestly
Taxi: Taxis wait outside the terminal. The fare to the center is 25-35 EUR using the meter. Availability is usually good when flights arrive, but Zadar has a limited number of taxis, so during peak arrival times you may wait. Agree on the fare or ensure the meter is running before departing.
Liburnija bus: A bus service operates to coincide with flight arrivals and departures. The fare is about 5 EUR per person. The bus goes to the main bus station in Zadar, which is close to the Old Town. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes. It is the budget option and works well for solo travelers with light luggage.
Car rental: Several companies have counters at the airport. Renting a car makes sense if you plan to explore the Dalmatian coast, national parks (Krka, Plitvice), or islands. For just staying in Zadar city, you do not need a car — the Old Town is pedestrian.
Uber/Bolt: Neither operates in Zadar as of 2026. You are limited to traditional taxis and pre-booked transfers.
Realistic pricing expectations
Typical one-way fares from ZAD in 2026:
- Zadar Old Town: 25-35 EUR by taxi (15-20 min)
- Zadar bus station: 22-30 EUR by taxi (12-18 min)
- Borik / Falkensteiner hotels: 28-38 EUR by taxi (18-22 min)
- Nin: 30-45 EUR by transfer (20-25 min)
- Biograd na Moru: 40-55 EUR by transfer (25-35 min)
- Sibenik: 80-120 EUR by transfer (60-75 min)
- Krka National Park: 90-130 EUR by transfer (65-80 min)
- Plitvice Lakes: 150-220 EUR by transfer (120-150 min)
- Split: 200-280 EUR by transfer (150-180 min)
Late night arrivals
ZAD handles mostly daytime and early evening flights during summer season. Late-night arrivals are uncommon but do happen with delayed flights. The airport bus only runs in coordination with scheduled flights, so a delayed late arrival may not have bus service.
Taxis are available but in limited numbers late at night. A pre-booked transfer is strongly recommended for any arrival after 10 PM, as taxi availability at this small airport becomes unpredictable.
The drive to Zadar is fast at night with no traffic — about 12-15 minutes.
Families and luggage
Croatian law requires children under 150 cm to use appropriate child restraints. Taxis are not exempt. If you need a child seat, book a private transfer and request one in advance — taxis at the airport will not have them.
The airport bus can handle pushchairs and suitcases but has limited luggage space when full. For families with significant luggage, a taxi or transfer is more practical. Standard taxis handle 2-3 suitcases. For larger groups heading to holiday rentals with extra bags, request a minivan.
Where you meet the driver
Pre-booked transfer drivers wait in the arrivals area or just outside the exit with a name sign. The terminal is small enough that finding your driver is easy.
The taxi stand is immediately outside the arrivals exit. The bus stop is a short walk from the terminal, clearly signed.
Decision helper
Book a private transfer if: You need a child seat, are heading to a specific apartment in the Old Town, traveling to Nin or other coastal towns, or arriving late.
Take the bus if: You are a solo traveler or couple with light luggage heading to the center, and your flight coincides with bus service.
Rent a car if: You plan to explore Dalmatia, visit national parks, or travel between coastal towns during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Zadar Airport to the Old Town?
A taxi costs 25-35 EUR and takes 15-20 minutes. The airport bus goes to the bus station near the Old Town for about 5 EUR. Pre-booked transfers provide door-to-door service for 30-45 EUR.
Is there an airport bus in Zadar?
Yes. The Liburnija bus runs to coincide with flight arrivals. The fare is about 5 EUR per person and the ride to the bus station takes 20-25 minutes. Service depends on the flight schedule.
Does Uber work in Zadar?
No. Neither Uber nor Bolt operates in Zadar as of 2026. Your car-based options are traditional taxis and pre-booked private transfers.
How much is a taxi from Zadar Airport to the center?
A metered taxi to Zadar Old Town costs 25-35 EUR. Make sure the meter is running or agree on a price before you depart.
Can I get a transfer from Zadar Airport to Plitvice Lakes?
Yes. Plitvice is about 120-150 minutes from Zadar Airport. A private transfer costs 150-220 EUR for the vehicle. There is no direct bus from the airport to Plitvice.
How far is Zadar Airport from the city?
The airport is about 12 km east of the city center, roughly a 15-20 minute drive. It is one of the closer airport-city distances on the Croatian coast.
Should I rent a car at Zadar Airport?
If you plan to visit Krka, Plitvice, or travel along the coast, a rental car provides the most flexibility. If you are staying only in Zadar Old Town, you do not need one — the historic center is pedestrian and parking is limited and expensive.
Is Zadar Airport open year-round?
Yes, but flight frequency drops significantly outside of summer. Peak season is June through September with many European charter and low-cost flights. Winter sees limited scheduled service, mainly to Zagreb and a few European hubs.
Can I get a transfer from Zadar Airport to Nin?
Yes. Nin is about 20-25 minutes from the airport. A taxi or transfer costs 30-45 EUR. Nin is a popular beach and historical destination northwest of Zadar.
What currency do I need at Zadar Airport?
Croatia adopted the euro (EUR) in January 2023. ATMs at the airport dispense euros. Credit cards are widely accepted. You do not need Croatian kuna, which is no longer in circulation.
Zadar Airport is small, efficient, and close to the city. Transport into town is straightforward regardless of which option you choose. The main thing to be aware of is the limited taxi supply — if several flights arrive at once, there may not be enough taxis for everyone. Booking a transfer in advance removes that uncertainty. If you are heading beyond Zadar to the national parks or other coastal towns, arrange transport before you arrive rather than hoping to find it at the airport.