Car hire in Zadar, Croatia

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There are 32 car hire providers in Zadar. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Zadar: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Zadar.
Most travellers can use their regular licence. If it isn’t in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies also check that your ID matches your booking.
Navigating city driving
Zadar has simple coastal roads and narrow old-town streets.
Driving is easy on main routes, though some streets in the historic centre restrict access. Navigation apps help you reach beaches, marinas and nearby towns without difficulty.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Croatia uses tolls on major motorways outside Zadar.
Zadar itself has no tolls or emissions zones. Toll charges apply only when you take longer journeys on the country’s main highways.
Parking your car in Zadar
Parking is easiest in car parks around the old town.
Street spaces are limited in central areas. Public car parks near the walls and waterfront offer reliable access. Always check signposts for time limits and fees.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Zadar are increasing.
Petrol stations sit along major routes into the city. Charging points are growing in marinas and shopping areas. Apps like PlugShare help you check what’s available.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are calm, but old-town lanes are narrow.
Traffic moves smoothly on coastal roads, while historic areas need slower speeds. Scooters are common in summer, so give extra space when turning or joining tight streets.
Find Zadar car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Zadar

Hiring a car in Zadar: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAVIA Rent
Most popular carEconomy, People Carrier
Average daily priceR 3,458
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Zadar

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Zadar car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Zadar

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Zadar and start your adventure for around R 3,454 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.

  • R 344 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Zadar.

  • For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from R 2,405 and make room for more adventures.

  • If you want to get the timing right, book about one week ahead to score yourself the best price on a Zadar car hire.

  • Surprice, AVIA Rent and Carwiz are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Zadar car hire policy, whether you go with Surprice or a different supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.

  • Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can bag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Zadar.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Travel without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you like without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,168 a day.

  • Coming in next, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/sixt/673)) offers daily rates of around R 2,114.

  • The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 923 a day with this supplier.

  • The Economy rental category is a dependable choice if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Zadar.

Flying to Zadar? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Zadar Airport. If you're flying to Zadar through this airport, simply collect your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 10 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Zadar

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Zadar makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are ideal for short trips and city driving.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this Zadar car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Zadar takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Zadar car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Zadar by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals can vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Croatia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.

  • Add a car seat to your Zadar car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest option.

  • Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.

  • Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Croatia.

  • Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Croatia is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for smaller purchases.

Best hotels in Zadar for drivers

  • Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at Sobe Dejan. About 2 kilometres from central Zadar, it comes with valet parking, air conditioning and a lounge.

  • Hotel Kali also works well for a trip built around driving. It features accessible parking, along with shuttle services and a fitness centre. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the selection of hotels in Zadar for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Zadar and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Plitvice National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar, Zadar Sunset and Zadar City Walls are some of the city's best experiences.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Zadar

  • Around 72 kilometres southeast of central Zadar, Šibenik should be on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Panoramic Viewpoint of Šibenik City and St. Michael's Fortress (Tvrdava Sv. Mihovila).

  • Amadria Park Kids Hotel Andrija and Amadria Park Beach Hotel Jure are reliable accommodation options with parking in Šibenik.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Zadar and then take off to Knin. About 80 kilometres east of Zadar, Knin Fortress and Izvor rijeke Krke are highlights that make the drive more than worth it.

  • Why slow down now? Set out for Rijeka, around 145 kilometres northwest of Zadar. From Teatro Fenice to The St. Vitus Cathedral, it'll round out your trip nicely.

  • All that's left to do now is sleep. Grand Hotel Bonavia and Hotel Neboder have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Rijeka.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Zadar will set you back around R 3,458 per day or R 15,999 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Zadar is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Economy, People Carrier.
The cheapest car hire companies in Zadar are currently Avis and Sixt.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Zadar is currently June.
On average, around R 15,999. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Zadar is R 2,408.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Zadar for a whole month is R 98,226. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Zadar, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Zadar that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Zadar.
Most places – Zadar included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 376 per day. The average price per day is around R 3,458.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like AVIA Rent, addCar and Sixt offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated AVIA Rent as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Zadar.