Car Rental Zadar

Where to drive

• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Drive approximately 1.5-2 hours (120 km) northeast to witness the breathtaking tiered lakes and waterfalls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Krka National Park: A shorter drive of about 1 hour (80 km) south leads to Krka National Park, famous for its cascading waterfalls and the Skradinski Buk, ideal for a day trip.
• Nin: Just a 20-minute drive (15 km) north of Zadar, visit the historic town of Nin, known for its tiny cathedral, salt pans, and healing mud beach.
• Island of Pag: Cross the Pag Bridge (≈ 45 minutes, 50 km) to explore the moon-like landscapes, famous cheese, and lace of Pag island, offering a unique coastal experience.
• Šibenik: Drive south for about 1 hour (70 km) to the historic city of Šibenik, home to the magnificent Cathedral of St. James, another UNESCO World Heritage site.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Croatia, you typically need a valid driving license held for at least 1-2 years, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. If your driving license is not in a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The minimum age for renting is usually 21, though some companies may have a higher age limit or apply a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Zadar vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium models can range from approximately 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. During the peak summer months, expect prices across all categories to increase by 50-100% or more due to high demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Croatia, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, but for drivers under 24 or professional drivers, it is 0.00%. Headlights must be on during the day from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm.

Parking

In Zadar, parking is primarily paid, especially in the city center and near popular attractions. There are designated parking zones (Zone 1, 2, 3) with varying rates. Payment is usually made via parking meters (cash or card), SMS, or mobile apps. Free parking can be found further away from the center, but spaces are limited. Always check local signs for parking regulations to avoid fines.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Zadar and along main roads across Croatia. Most stations offer unleaded petrol (Eurosuper 95 and 98) and diesel (Eurodiesel). LPG is also available at some larger stations. Fuel prices are regulated and generally comparable to other EU countries, fluctuating but typically around 1.50-1.70 EUR per liter for petrol and diesel. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's always good to have some cash for smaller, remote stations.

Which car to choose

For exploring Zadar and its immediate surroundings, a compact or economy car is ideal due to narrow city streets and easier parking. If you plan to venture into national parks or along the coast with luggage, a comfortable mid-range sedan or a small SUV would be more suitable, especially if you prefer more ground clearance or a smoother ride on varied road conditions. Manual transmission is common, but automatics are widely available and often preferred by international visitors.

Frequently asked questions