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Will I encounter toll roads when leaving Zadar Airport?
Driving from Zadar Airport, the route into Zadar city centre via the D424 is completely free — no motorway needed. Tolls only apply if you join the A1 motorway heading north or south. Below are the major toll routes from Zadar Airport:
| Destination | Motorway | Estimated Toll |
| Zadar city centre | None — D424 direct | Free |
| Plitvice Lakes | A1 north to Gornja Ploča exit | €4–5 |
| Šibenik | A1 south | €3–4 |
| Split | A1 south | €8–10 |
| Dubrovnik | A1 south (partial) | €10–12 to the Ploče area, then toll-free coastal road |
| Zagreb | A1 north | €18–22 |
Croatia uses a distance-based toll system. You pull a ticket when entering the motorway and pay at the toll plaza when exiting. Payment Methods: You can pay in Euros (cash), by major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), or via the electronic ENC transponder system.
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Can I drive my rental car to nearby islands from Zadar Airport?
You cannot drive directly to any island from Zadar — all crossings require a car ferry (operated by Jadrolinija). Most suppliers permit ferry crossings to the closer islands but require advance written permission, and loading a car onto a ferry incurs a separate ferry ticket fee not covered by your rental.
| Island & ferry route from Zadar | Rental car typically allowed? |
| Ugljan — Preko ferry (~25 min) | ✅ Usually yes |
| Pašman — Tkon ferry (~45 min) | ✅ Usually yes |
| Dugi Otok — Brbinj ferry (~1.5 hrs) | ⚠️ With permission + fee |
| Ist / Molat — Zadar ferry (~2–3 hrs) | ⚠️ With permission + fee |
| Kornati | ✖ Usually restricted — no public car ferry |
Ferry car spaces must be booked separately — vehicle decks sell out weeks in advance in July and August. Your rental supplier’s written permission does not reserve you a space on the boat. Arrive at Gaženica port at least 20–30 minutes before departure.
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What are the best parking options in the city for Zadar Airport car rentals?
For the best overall suitability, factoring in security, daily rate, and walk time to Old Town, below are the top parking options for rental car visitors:
| Parking Option | Typical Summer Pricing | Walk to Old Town | Best for |
| Ravnice Lot (Ravnice 2) | ~€0.40/hr ~€4–5/day | 3–5 min on foot | Best-value option near the walls, no overnight charge, any rental car |
| Poluotok Garage | €1.30–2.00/hr ~€10–15/day | 6–7 min on foot | Multi-day stays, overnight storage, covered, and CCTV monitored |
| Jazine Lot | ~€0.80–1.60/hr ~€8–15/day est. | 8–10 min on foot | Half-day visits, families, and larger vehicles |
| Branimirova obala (Zone 1) | ~€1.60/hr 3-hour max | 2–5 min on foot | Short errands and 1–2 hr city visits only — overstay risk is high |
Ravnice 2 is the most consistently recommended option by local accommodation hosts – close enough to walk, cheap enough to leave all day, and no overnight charge. Avoid Zone 1 street bays for anything longer than a 2-hour stop.
