How to find a cheap car hire deal in Zadar (ZAD)
Whether you need a small car for cruising around town or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap Zadar rental car. Pick from options averaging 131 € a day and get on the road for less.
The cheapest daily rental price at Zadar is 32 €.
Staying a while in Zadar and want to go further than the usual stops? 219 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap ZAD car hire. Book around one week before your departure date to land the best price.
Check out the offers available from AVIA Rent, Surprice and Carwiz. These are some of the leading providers at Zadar.
Whether you book with AVIA Rent or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Zadar car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in ZAD.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a car hire in Zadar with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average 92 € a day.
Close behind, this provider offers daily rates of around 118 €.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly 93 € a day with this supplier.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travellers at ZAD.
Compare car hire types from Zadar (ZAD)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Zadar rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this ZAD car hire option includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Zadar that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your ZAD car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Zadar by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
Age requirements often vary by supplier and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Croatia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Travelling with kids? Child car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Be sure to add the right one to your ZAD car rental booking.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Driving in Croatia may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In Croatia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you expect to drink, pass the keys to someone else or find a safe alternative way to get around.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) on your trip here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a ZAD car hire, you're in charge when it comes to where you go. If central Zadar is the first place you're exploring, it's around 10 kilometres west of the airport and a trip of about 15 minutes.
During peak hour, expect the drive from Zadar to the centre to take as long as 20 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in Zadar instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Zadar (ZAD)
Begin with some of the most popular attractions in Zadar, like Plitvice National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar and Zadar Sunset. Whether you drive or choose a different way to get there, you'll want to tour these highlights before leaving town.
Around 64 kilometres southeast of ZAD, Šibenik belongs on your itinerary. Tick off can't-miss sights like Panoramic Viewpoint of Šibenik City and St. Michael's Fortress (Tvrdava Sv. Mihovila).
Add Knin to your journey too. Around 64 kilometres east of the airport, drive there in your Zadar car hire to see standout attractions like Knin Fortress and Izvor rijeke Krke.
Up for a bonus adventure? Rijeka is a fun road trip destination that's about 153 kilometres northwest of ZAD. Teatro Fenice and The St. Vitus Cathedral are the perfect pit stops.
