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Best Car Rental Companies at Zadar Airport

Carry out car rental comparison among the top suppliers in the industry and make a choice based on the unique requirements of your budget. Compare reviews, ratings, inclusions, optional add-ons, fuel policies etc in a single go and select the car hire deal as per your travel plans. Benefit from top notch services without compromising quality.

Car Rental Categories at Zadar Airport

A broad selection of rental cars ranging from economical to luxurious segments are made available by our partner suppliers to meet the diverse needs of customers.

Volkswagen Up

Mini

Volkswagen Up or Similar

4 5 2 Petrol
Renault Clio

Economy

Renault Clio or Similar

5 4 2 Petrol
Opel Astra

Compact

Opel/Vauxhall Astra or Similar

5 4 3 Petrol
Skoda Octavia

Standard

Skoda Octavia or Similar

5 5 3 Petrol
Citroen Jumpy

Van

Citroen Jumpy or Similar

3 4 6 Diesel
Hyundai Bayon

SUV

Hyundai Bayon or Similar

5 4 2 Petrol
Audi A4

Luxury/Premium

Audi A4 or Similar

4 4 3 Petrol
BMW 2 Series

Convertible

BMW 2 Series or Similar

4 1 2 Petrol
Zadar Airport

Rent a Car at Zadar Airport (ZAD), Croatia

Looking for reliable self-drive car hire at Zadar Airport in Croatia? You’re in the right place. Our comparison platform lets you search a wide range of vehicles from trusted suppliers and secure competitive prices in just a few clicks. Zadar is a coastal city and an ideal starting point for a road trip to explore destinations along the Adriatic coast, including Dubrovnik, Split, and Cavtat.

Having a personalised vehicle gives you the required comfort and flexibility to move between places, ensuring a hassle-free overall experience. Not to mention the ease of not having to backtrack to your starting point with the help of one-way deals. With diverse categories of cars, including compact, economy, luxury, SUV, and van, you can decide the most appropriate vehicle based on where and with how many passengers you want to travel. Book as early as you can to access maximum availability and have the rental car ready for pickup when you arrive at Zadar Airport.

Useful Information – Rent a Car at Zadar Airport (ZAD)

Rental Deal Types Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Short-Term, Long-Term, One-Way car rental
Rent a Car Categories Mini, Economy, Compact, Standard/Intermediate, Full size, Van/Minivan, SUV, Luxury/Premium, Convertible
Best time to book Minimum 2-3 weeks prior to trip
Popular Rental Companies Europcar, Avia, Nova, XL Rent a Car, Oryx, Carwiz, Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt
Extras GPS Navigation, Additional Driver, Child Booster Seat, Infant Seat, Winter Tyres, Snow Chains

Car Rental Desks at Zadar Airport (ZAD)

Some of the suppliers are located inside the terminal building while others have their desks just outside the terminal at a car rental facility. Check your Confirmation Voucher carefully to see detailed pickup information. Various suppliers like Avia, Hertz, Sixt, Oryx, Carwiz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, National, Active, XL are located at the car rental facility.

Company Address Pickup
Active Car Rental
Zadar Airport (ZAD), 23222, Zemunik Donji, Croatia
Airport
Alamo
Airport Terminal Zemunik Donji,Zadar 23000
Terminal
Autowill Rent a Car
Ulica I/2A, Zemunik Donji, 23 222 Zemunik, Zadar Croatia
Terminal
Avant Car
Ulica I/2A, 23 222 Zemunik Donji
Terminal
Avia Rent A Car
Ulica I/2A, 23222 Zemunik Donji
Airport
Carwiz
Ulica I/2A ., 23222 Zemunik Donji
Terminal
Dollar Thirfty
Zracna Luka Zadar 1 23000 ZADAR, CROATIA
Terminal
Enterprise
Airport Terminal, ZEMUNIK DONJI, Zadar, HR, 23000
Terminal
Europcar
ZADAR AIRPORT, 23000 ZADAR, CROATIA
Airport
Keddy by Europcar
Zadar Airport, Zadar, Dalmatia, 23000, Croatia
Shuttle off airport
National
Airport Terminal Zemunik Donji, Zadar 23000, HR
Terminal
Nova Rent a Car
Zemunik Donji Ulica I/2A 23222 Zadar/Zemunik
Airport
Prestigio Rent A Car
Zadar Airport – Ulica I/2A
Meet and Greet
Sicily By Car
Ulica I 2/A, Zemunik Donji, Zadarska županija, 23222, Croatia
Airport
Sixt
Zadar Airport PP 367, Zadar, Zemunik Donji, 23222, Croatia
Terminal
XL Rent a Car
I/2A, Ulica, Zemunik donji, 23222, HR
Airport

Car Hire Return at Zadar Airport

Opening hours vary from one company to another, and the after-hours pickup and returns are usually chargeable. To return a car at ZAD Airport, drive to the designated bay for your supplier in the Rent-a-Car parking area. Hand in the keys and the contract back at the company’s desk or in the drop-box. Refill at the nearest fuel station to avoid higher refuelling prices and service fees for dropping off the car at the airport.

Zadar Airport (ZAD) Overview

Address: Ulica I 2A, 23222, Zemunik Donji, Croatia IATA Code ZAD ICAO Code LDZD

Zadar Airport is an international airport that serves the city of Zadar. Zadar is one of the top tourist destinations of Croatia. The airport is located 8 kms away from the city of Zadar, in Zemunik Donji municipality. ZAD is counted among the busiest airports of Croatia, handling more than a million passengers per year.

Facilities at Zadar Airport

  • ATMs
  • Currency Exchange
  • WiFi
  • Information Desk
  • Smoking Area
  • Cafes & Restaurants
  • Duty Free Shops

Driving in Zadar: Local Rules, Speed Limits & Safety Tips

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake from the left.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Children under the age of 12 must sit in the rear seats, and those under 150 cm tall should use a child or booster seat.
  • The maximum speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on open roads, and up to 130 km/h on highways. Obey local rules and speed limitations for a safe driving experience.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit in Croatia is 0.05% (0.5 g/L) for drivers aged 24 and over. Professional drivers (taxis, buses, etc.) and those under 24 must have zero alcohol in their system. Heavy drunk driving can result in up to €2,000+ fines, licence suspension, or arrest in the worst-case scenario.
  • Random breath tests by Croatian police are common. Even refusing to take the breath test can incur the same penalties as drunk driving.
  • You can be fined or towed for entering and driving in restricted streets or areas. A fine of about €100–€200 may be imposed for an unauthorised entry.
  • Entry for regular traffic in historic centres, such as Dubrovnik Old Town, Split historic centre, and Zadar’s Old Town peninsula, is generally closed. Access is limited to residents, deliveries, and authorised vehicles only.
  • Traffic may be temporarily restricted on some streets during peak tourist season, festivals, or markets to avoid congestion.
  • Curves on coastal roads may reduce driving speed to around 40–60 km/h. Actual driving time takes longer due to multiple bends, even though the signposts indicate higher speeds.
  • Road congestion in high season can add about 15–30 minutes to every hour of driving.
  • Jet lag can cause fatigue and make it unsafe for you to drive. Travellers should take a short break upon arrival and avoid driving straight away.
  • Traffic fines for tourists are mostly issued during the peak travel season (July–August). Increased traffic is regulated with more and frequent police patrols and speed checks.

Parking in Zadar: Zones, Costs & Tips for Visitors

  • Parking areas are divided into different colour-coded zones.

    1. Red zones are closest to city centres and have the highest costs.
    2. Yellow zones have moderate parking charges.
    3. Blue zones often offer shorter-term stays.
    4. White zones provide unrestricted free parking away from busy areas.
    5. Yellow-painted lines are usually reserved for disabled or authorised persons.
  • Some of the parking zones in central areas have time limits, which are clearly indicated on the signposts. Spots near popular attractions can cost more. Keep small coins at hand to pay at meters or use mobile apps.
  • Look for a ‘P’ sign indicating the parking zone number and cost. Charges in major cities are usually between €1 and €3 per hour.
  • Park your vehicle outside pedestrian-only areas and observe local signage to avoid any penalties.
  • Parking spaces and streets in old towns can be tight and narrow. In such cases, a smaller car is not only cheaper but also easier to control.

One Way Car Rental from Zadar Airport

All major car rental companies allow picking up the car hire from one location and returning it to another based on availability. If planning to travel between cities, you can reserve a one way car hire from Zadar Airport for the popular routes mentioned below:

Most Booked Car Rental Companies at Zadar Airport

No matter which car rental company you choose you can expect highest level of services with complete reliability and professionalism. Entrusted with the major international and domestic brands in Croatia we offer the cheapest prices and the most extensive fleet of vehicles for car hire at Zadar Airport:

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can reserve a one-way deal to pick up a car hire from Zadar Airport and return it to a preferred drop-off point in other major cities, including Split, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and more. A one-way fee will be charged by the supplier based on your selected vehicle type and the distance between the two locations. To book, simply enable the ‘Different Drop-off Location’ option and conduct a search by entering your trip details in the booking form

Hiring a car with most suppliers requires you to be at least 18 years old. The minimum age limit may be higher for certain suppliers and vehicle categories, such as luxury vehicles and large vans. For that reason, a Young Driver Surcharge usually applies to drivers under 25. The driver age and license requirements are the same for the main driver and any additional driver(s). Use your correct age details to find appropriate deals and confirm eligibility within the supplier's terms and conditions before booking.

A certain amount in the form of a security deposit is temporarily held by nearly all suppliers on the main driver's credit card at pickup. The deposit serves as financial protection to cover any damage to the rental car and any traffic fines or unpaid tolls during the booking duration. The deposit is released in full, provided the car is returned in the same condition as at pickup and with no fines.

A mandatory third-party insurance may already be included in the quote, but optional coverage like a Full Protection policy needs to be purchased separately. You may come across deals offering Collision Damage Waiver or Theft Protection coverage, but your financial liability for vehicle damage and third-party claims can still be high in such cases

The average per-day base rate can be anywhere between €30 and €32. But the final booking price can vary depending on the type of car you choose and the season you arrive in Croatia. Other factors, like a deposit of about €300–€1000+ and insurance, can add up to the final costs, along with a high summer season hike of about 20-30%. In short, the same car can cost you 2 to 3 times higher or cheaper based on when you make the reservation.

Rental companies generally allow a 1- or 2-hour grace period for delayed car pickups. But it's not standard for all companies. Bookings are either cancelled or marked as 'No Show' if travellers don't show up or fail to inform the supplier on time. Inform the supplier if you expect a late pickup and share your flight details when booking online, so they can make the necessary arrangements. An extra fee of about €30 may apply for after-hours service.

A full-to-full fuel policy is commonly followed by most companies, wherein you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. Sometimes a same-to-same policy is used, in which you get the car with a certain amount of fuel and should return it with the same amount as at pickup. Returning the car with missing fuel can incur higher-than-market fuel prices and a service fee from the supplier. A full-to-empty option may also be available, but there are no refunds for unused fuel at drop-off.

Avant Car, Enterprise, Green Motion, Final Rentals, Sixt, SurPrice are just a few of the many companies offering luxury or premium vehicles. Availability is subject to seasonality and the supplier. Travellers can choose from brands such as Mercedes-Benz B/C/E-Class, Jaguar, Audi A4/A6, BMW 3/5 Series, and more, available to rent at ZAD Airport. Luxury vehicle segments may be restricted to older age groups, with average daily prices starting from about €35 to €85+.

Yes. You can add extra drivers from the list of available optional add-ons when booking. Sometimes the first additional driver is included at no extra cost, but adding multiple drivers may cost a per-day fee of €6 to €11. The standard rule across most suppliers allows only the listed drivers in the rental agreement to drive; otherwise, there is no insurance coverage for damage or injuries caused by unauthorised drivers.

The mini and economy car segments are the cheapest ones to rent at Zadar Airport. Popular options in these categories include the Volkswagen Polo, Škoda Fabia, and Fiat 500, which you can book with us at a daily rate of €6. About 70–80% of travellers opt for these cars because they are easy to drive on Croatian roads, to park in tight spaces, and are ideal for short trips. But an off-travel-season booking can also get you SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai at just €22/day and a crossover like the Volkswagen T-Cross at €9/day.

Car fleets are listed by categories, such as compact, SUV, and luxury. So, you do not always get the exact car model as shown online. A model is displayed as an example to represent a vehicle category (e.g., "Toyota Camry or similar"), rather than a specific make, model, or colour. This is why deals are offered based on size, transmission, and passenger capacity, and other specifications. If you still need a specific make or model, look for the '✓ Guaranteed Car Model' label when searching for cars on our platform.

Yes. Child seats are a legal requirement for all vehicles in Zadar and throughout Croatia for children under 135 cm in height. Children between 135 cm and 150 cm must use a seat belt or booster seat in the rear, and those under 12 or under 150 cm are not allowed to be seated in the front seat. You can add a child or toddler seat to your rental car from the available add-ons on the booking summary page for an added fee.

Although early booking is highly recommended to choose from the maximum available deals, companies like Avant Car, Europcar, Sixt, and SurPrice are notable names you can rely on for last-minute car rentals at Zadar Airport. Reservations made at the very last moment cost significantly more than those made in advance, and usually have limited availability.

A weekly car rental is generally more budget-friendly than short-term or daily bookings, as the per-day rates for week-long or longer reservations are relatively low. On average, about 71% of travellers stay for 5 nights. And a majority of them rent a car to explore Zadar and the nearby areas.