Ferry to Zadar

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Zadar in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Zadar connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Silba - Zadar, Susak - Zadar, Lussinpiccolo (Mali Lošinj) - Zadar.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Zadar are provided by leading carriers like Krilo Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija, TP Line.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Zadar feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Zadar.

Zadar is currently served by 22 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry operators including Krilo Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija, TP Line.

Zadar is easily accessible via multiple transportation options. The city connects to Croatia's highway network, making it a 3-hour drive from Zagreb and 1.5 hours from Split. Train services link Zadar to major Croatian cities, while Zadar International Airport welcomes flights from across Europe, just 20 minutes from the ferry port. Local buses regularly shuttle between the main bus station and the ferry terminal. If arriving by car, several parking facilities are available near the port area, though summer months require arriving early to secure a spot.

Nestled on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, Zadar blends ancient Roman ruins with innovative modern attractions in a captivating seaside setting. This 3,000-year-old city serves as an important ferry gateway to the stunning islands of the Adriatic. Visitors arriving by sea are greeted by Zadar's distinctive skyline of church towers and its famous waterfront promenade where nature and art create unforgettable experiences.

Zadar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The prime visiting period runs from May to October when temperatures range from 22-30°C (72-86°F) and ferry services operate at peak frequency. July and August bring the warmest weather and largest crowds, while May, June, September and early October offer pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists. The Zadar Summer Festival (July-August) features outdoor performances throughout the historic center. Spring and autumn visits provide more affordable accommodation rates while still offering comfortable conditions for exploring.

Zadar serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Croatia's stunning islands. Regular ferries connect to Ugljan (just 25 minutes away), offering peaceful villages and olive groves. The nature-lover's paradise of Dugi Otok can be reached in about 1.5 hours, home to Telašćica Nature Park and the dramatic Sakarun beach. The Kornati archipelago, a stunning national park comprising 89 mostly uninhabited islands, makes for an unforgettable day trip. Pag Island, famous for its moonlike landscape, cheese production, and summer festivals, is accessible via a scenic 2-hour ferry journey.

Zadar's waterfront boasts two remarkable attractions: the Sea Organ, where ocean waves create haunting melodies through underwater pipes, and the Sun Salutation, a solar-powered light display that comes alive at sunset. The Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church showcase the city's ancient heritage, while the Museum of Ancient Glass houses delicate artifacts from antiquity. For culinary adventures, sample fresh seafood at the fish market or try local Maraschino liqueur, originally produced by Zadar's Dominican monks. The charming streets of the Varoš neighborhood offer authentic restaurants serving Dalmatian specialties like peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables under a bell-shaped lid).

Alfred Hitchcock once declared that Zadar offers the world's most beautiful sunset, even surpassing those in Key West, Florida. The city's Sea Organ won the prestigious European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2006, recognizing its innovative fusion of art and nature. Zadar claims the title of Croatia's oldest continuously inhabited city, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 9th century BC. The famous Croatian tie (cravat) has connections to Zadar, as Croatian mercenaries from the region introduced neckwear to French fashion during the Thirty Years' War.