Ferries Zadar

Most ferry companies with routes to and from Zadar offer fixed discounts for the following passenger categories:

• Children and toddlers under 3 years old usually travel for free
• Children 3-12 years old typically travel with a reduced fare

When booking your ticket on Ferryhopper, simply select the route that suits you, choose the discount you are eligible for, and it will be applied to your final ticket price.

Zadar is a popular year-round destination, but ferry connections are more frequent and ticket demand is higher from May until September. If you’re planning a summer getaway to Zasar, it’s a good idea to book your ferry tickets 1-2 months in advance. For off-season trips, tickets are usually available even a few days before departure.

Please note that ferry schedules can vary by season, so be sure to check Ferryhopper for the most up-to-date itineraries before booking.

Zadar is where centuries-old history meets modern creativity. Perched along the shimmering Adriatic coast, this coastal gem of a city invites you to wander Roman ruins, admire historic churches, and lose yourself in the charm of narrow streets that buzz with everyday life.

Arguably, the city’s most unusual attraction is the Sea Organ, a striking fusion of architecture and music that turns the motion of waves into melodic tones. Just around the corner, the Greeting to the Sun installation captures solar energy during the day and transforms it into a hypnotic light display at dusk. It’s a nightly ritual that draws both locals and travelers to the waterfront.

Zadar also boasts its share of cultural treasures, including the Church of St. Donatus, with its distinctive circular design and storied past, the remnants of the Roman Forum, and the surprisingly engaging Museum of Ancient Glass. For those of you chasing panoramic views, climbing the bell tower of St. Anastasia (Zadar Cathedral) is well worth the effort.

Zadar’s old town pulses with life, with cafés lining cobbled lanes, bars serving delicious cocktails, and restaurants serving Dalmatian delights like seafood risotto, tender roasted lamb, and the famed cheese from Pag island. And if you’re planning to cruise Croatia like a pro, Zadar should be on your list of destinations as it is well connected by ferry to some of the Adriatic’s most enchanting islands, such as Silba, Ilovik, and Unije.

Here are some tips to enjoy your trip to Zadar to the max:

• Make sure to arrive at the port 30-45 minutes before departure, especially during summer months or weekends to avoid delays and overcrowding.
• The local currency is the euro. Cards are accepted widely, but it’s helpful to carry cash for smaller establishments.
• Ιf you travel from Italy (Ancona) to Zadar, you should carry with you either a valid passport or an identity card. Also, we recommend booking a cabin because this ferry journey is longer than the domestic routes to Zadar.
• Zadar is the perfect spot from which to explore the numerous breathtaking islands of the Adriatic Sea. You can always check out island-hopping options with our Map of ferries.

Ferries routes from the mainland Croatian city of Pula or from various islands of the Adriatic Sea to from Zadar are primarily operated by high-speed catamarans. Journeys on these routes are relatively short, therefore there are no cabins available for booking. Onboard services and amenities on these vessels vary by ferry operators, but most include standard deck-lounge seating and snack bars for a quick bite while at sea.

Ferries operating on the Ancona (Italy) to Zadar route are open-deck vessels which offer comfortable cabins in various categories for a more relaxing trip. Snack bars are also available onboard.

Both high-speed and open-deck ferries traveling to Zadar offer Wi-Fi on select routes and accessibility infrastructure for passenger with disabilities. Pets are generally allowed on most routes, but make sure to check the operator’s pet policy before booking.

There are two main ports on the island of Zadar:

• Gaženica Port: the main travel port, located on the outskirts of Zadar, between Zadar and the village of Bibinje. It’s about 4-5 km south of the city center and is well connected to downtown Zadar by bus and taxi.
• Zadar Old Town Port: a smaller port situated at the Sea Promenade, which is in the heart of the Old Town, just a stone's throw from various sites such as the church of St Donatus.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Zadar, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.