Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and has become increasingly popular as the entry point into Croatia with more and more flights landing in this interesting city. Zagreb has really come to life over the past 5 years with its world-famous Advent markets, unique Museums and cool coffee culture with many tourists spending a few days in Zagreb before making their way around Croatia.
How To Get From Zagreb To Zadar & Zadar To Zagreb
If you're headed to Dalmatia from Zagreb the first major city you will come across is Zadar. With tourists wanting to visit both Zadar and Zagreb, one of the most popular questions we get asked is how to get from Zadar to Zagreb. That is closely followed by how to get from Zagreb to Zadar via Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The good news is that travel from Zagreb to Zadar and from Zadar to Zagreb is simple, with a few great options.
How To Get From Zadar To Zagreb?
This blog post will cover the different modes of transport available to you for travel between these cities.
What is the distance between Zagreb and Zadar?
The distance from Zagreb to Zadar is 285 km when taking the most direct route on the A1 motorway. The Zagreb to Zadar drive will take you 3 hours in regular traffic. The drive will take you from Zagreb through Lika and the Velebit Mountains where you will enter Northern Dalmatia. Many people like to drive from Zadar to Zagreb taking the old highway and stopping for a visit in Plitvice Lakes National Park which is right along the route. This is actually a great way to kill to birds with one stone! Of course, you can choose to drive, take the bus, train, plane, or take a private transfer from Zagreb to Zadar.
Zagreb To Zadar Drive
If you want to drive from Zagreb to Zadar or drive from Zadar to Zagreb the A1 motorway will get you there the quicker than the old highway. Like all freeway's there are tolls which you will need pay upon exit of the A1 motorway. A one-way trip will cost you 121 Kuna. All you need to do is leave Zagreb, enter the A1 motorway at Lucko and follow the signs all the way to Zadar.
If time is on your side, perhaps take the old highway from Zagreb and Zadar. This obviously takes longer as the speed limits are much lower but it's also a pleasant drive. Plus you can incorporate some stops along the way like Karlovac, the watermill village of Rastoke, and Plitvice.
Zagreb to Zadar Car Rental
There are many Zagreb car rental companies, as well as in Zadar car rental companies so you can find the best deal possible. Almost all of them offer one way travel options making your trip planning easy not having to return to your point of hire.
In summary driving from Zadar to Zagreb is very easy and you have two options available to you - Motorway and the old road.
Zagreb To Zadar Bus
By far the cheapest option is to take the Zagreb Zadar bus. There are numerous Zadar to Zagreb bus services (40-50) that operate both through the day and even through the night. The earliest Zagreb bus departure is at 12:30am and will have you in Zadar at 3:30 am. A direct bus takes 3 hours, depending on traffic. If you are traveling in summer, we recommend that you book your ticket ahead of time, as this is a very popular and busy route. You can check out the timetable and buy tickets for Zagreb Main Bus Station and Zadar Main Bus Station from their respective websites.
As far as the buses go, they are comfortable, and some have Wi-Fi onboard, with a bathroom break along the way. Prices vary according to the bus company you use, but in general, are 100-200 kuna. Getting from Zagreb to Zadar by bus is definitely the cheapest way of traveling between Zadar and Zagreb.
Zagreb To Zadar Transfer
If you want a comfortable, convenient and totally hassle-free journey then book a private transfer from Zagreb to Zadar or a Zadar to Zagreb transfer. A private transfer from Zadar to Zagreb will pick you up at your Zadar Hotel (door to door service), take care of your luggage and you'll be whisked off in a new vehicle equipped with free wifi and bottled water. Along the way feel free to make a couple of photo stops before your driver drops you off at your Zagreb Hotel. No waiting for buses, other people and you can stop when and where you like.
Many travellers like to travel from Zagreb to Zadar via Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plitvice is along the "old road" route and it saves you having to backtrack to visit the National Parks once you are in Zadar. You save quite a bit of money by incorporating a Plitvice stop into this transfer.
In summary, A taxi from Zagreb to Split is the best way to get from Zagreb to Zadar when it comes to convenience and comfort. Contact Octopus Transfers for you Zagreb to Zadar Transfers.
Zagreb to Zadar Train
Whilst it's possible to catch a train from Zagreb to Zadar it's not recommended. The trains are in poor condition and take FOREVER! If you are keen on having a less than pleasant train journey from Zagreb to Zadar by train you can check out the time table and tickets prices here: Croatian Railways website. The bus and private transfer are much better options.
Zagreb To Zadar Flight
Flights between Zagreb and Zadar or flights from Zadar to Zagreb are your best option if you are short on time and need to get to Zadar or Zagreb quickly. Flights are direct, and take around 40 minutes, which is significantly quicker than all the other options! There can be a downside, a poor flight connection. During winter there is one flight per day and in summer that increases to 2 flights per day. Check out Croatia Airlines for Zagreb to Zadar flight schedules.
Obviously, Zadar to Zagreb flight is more expensive than the other public transport options. The other factor when determining your costs is that Zagreb Airport is located around 30 mins from Zagreb, while Zadar Airport lies around 20 minutes from the center of Zadar. Lastly, by taking the flight you miss the opportunity to stop in Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke.
Zagreb To Zadar via Plitvice Lakes
The vast majority of travellers are now opting to drive from Zagreb to Zadar and make a stop in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Simply because it's both a time and cost-efficient way of visiting Plitvice Lakes. Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's most famous National Park and an absolute must-see site. This UNESCO listed National Park and its 16 interconnected lakes and falls are impressive. In addition, you can make a short stop at the charming watermill village of Rastoke which also along the route.
If you need to travel from Zagreb to Zadar via Plitvice Lakes your best options are:
Zadar to Zagreb via Plitvice Private Transfer
Here you get a professional driver, a new vehicle and a safe and comfortable ride with an agreed fixed price. For a free quote contact Octopus Transfer Croatia.
Taxi from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes and then a taxi from Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb
This is an expensive option and that meter is always running. Many of the vehicles are old and run down making the private transfer a much better option.
Bus from Zagreb to Plitvice and then Bus from Plitvice to Zadar.
This is the cheapest but most inconvenient option.
Unfortunately, the only time and cost-effective option for a Zagreb to Zadar via Plitvice Lakes transfer is by using a private transfer service. All other options require public transport. If you would like a quote for a Zadar to Zagreb via Plitvice Lakes private transfer contact Octopus Transfers Croatia. Prices start at 440 Euro.
What Sites Are There Between Zagreb And Zadar?
There are quite a number of interesting places you can make a stop and visit when traveling from Zagreb to Zadar especially if you have a bit of time up your sleeve. Here are some ideas:
Karlovac
Zrmanja Canyon
Paklenica National Park
Plitvice Lakes
Rastoke Village
More Croatia Travel Info:
How to get from Split to Dubrovnik
