How To Get From Split To Zadar (& Zadar To Split)

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Post author Mate

Written by our local expert Mate

Mate is Croatian and owns a transport company in the Balkans, he has visited over 30 countries. He is an expert on all things transportation as well as food and wine.

After completing your Split sightseeing, it’s time to visit the next Croatian city, Zadar. Learn how to get from Split to Zadar and from Zadar to Split.

You’re in Split and have just completed your 7-day cruise and explored the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. Now it’s time to go and check out the things to do in Zadar.

First, you must know how you can travel from Split to Zadar. With the number of intercity transfers at an all-time high and thousands of tourists traversing this great country in an attempt to see as much of Croatia as possible, getting from Zadar to Split or Split to Zadar has never been easier. The other plus with a visit to Zadar is its centrally located and makes an excellent base for Zadar day trips to Croatia National Parks and Nature Parks.

Getting from Split to Zadar is limited to road transport as no flights, trains, or ferry connections exist. That leaves you with private transfers, bus services, or the good old taxi service.

Let’s Take A Look At How To Get From Split To Zadar (& Zadar To Split)

First, you need to know that the distance from Split to Zadar is 158 kilometers. The journey can take anywhere from 1 hour 40 minutes to 4 hours if you go by bus along the old coastal road. Yikes!

While the Zadar to Split drive along the coast road is undeniably pretty, you will need plenty of time. You’ll also need to know whether you are traveling from Zadar Airport to Split or Split Airport to Zadar, as both airports are outside the city and require a bus or taxi ride to get into the city.

Zadar To Split Map

Map Zadar To Split - Split To Zadar Map

Split To Zadar Transfer

728*90 Octopus GIF Dec

This is by far the fastest and most comfortable way to travel is to take a Private Transfer from Split to Zadar, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes. A Zadar to Split transfer offers 5-star service. You’ll get picked up at your accommodation and be transported in a modern vehicle, some of which have Wi-Fi, directly to your destination in Zadar. The drivers are professional, English-speaking, and super friendly.

Contact Octopus Transfers below for more information on private transfers from Split to Zadar.

Private transfers from Split to Zadar start at 160 euros for a car that can accommodate 1-3 passengers, while they start at 190 euros for a minivan with seating for up to 8 passengers. A private transfer with a minivan becomes very affordable with 6 to 8 passengers, allowing you to travel in style.

This is also an option if you want to take a Split to Zadar taxi. However the price is very similar; however, the quality of the vehicle and driver are not even close to the same.

Brands We Use And Trust

  

Split To Zadar Bus Information

How to Get from Split to Zadar Croatia
How to Get from Split to Zadar – Split Airport Transfers

Split Main Bus Station To Zadar

If you are budget-conscious, taking the bus from Split to Zadar is the cheapest mode of transport. Tickets start at around 11 euros. If time is of the essence, you’ll want to ensure you catch the direct Split to Zadar bus using the A1 freeway, which is a 2.5-hour journey. 

Something to be aware of is that there is an alternate Split to Zadar or Zadar to Split route that takes the old coastal road and stops in various towns between Zadar and Split. This prolongs the journey significantly and can take up to 4 hours. Be sure to check before you buy your tickets.

The good news is you are spoiled for choice with many bus departures from the Split and Zadar bus stations (more than 30 during the tourist season). However, if you can book your ticket in advance, do consider that. In the peak tourist season, the Zadar to Split bus and Split to Zadar bus fills quickly. It’s also important to note that the Split bus station is beside the Split Port. Only a short walk from the Split Riva, it is super-accessible.

If you arrive at Zadar Airport, the Zadar airport bus will get you to the Zadar bus station. However, as it’s not within walking distance, the Zadar bus station will require you to catch a taxi from Zadar city center to Zadar bus station. You could also take a Zadar Airport to Zadar taxi. Apply the same principle from Split Airport to Split, taking the Split Airport bus or Split Airport taxi.

Book Your Split To Zadar Bus

Split To Zadar Ferry

With such a huge coastline in Croatia, you would think there would be a ferry service between Zadar and Split, but unfortunately, there is not. Your only option is if you have lots of time and fancy a bit of sailing in Croatia, then perhaps sail from Split to Zadar.

It’s a great way of combining spending time on the sea while getting you from Zadar to Split. If time is of the essence, sailing from Split to Zadar or Zadar to Split is definitely not a good idea.

Driving From Zadar To Split

Split To Zadar Train

The Split to Zadar train service takes around 7 hours, including a stop in Knin. Hmm, I think not! Better to save money on those Split train tickets!

Realistically, there are only two options when traveling from Split to Zadar: the Zadar or Split bus or a private transfer.

Split Airport To Zadar

Split Airport To Zadar Transfer

The most convenient way of getting from Split Airport to Zadar is by private transfer or taxi directly from the Airport. The big plus with a Private transfer is that it is a door-to-door service, and you have a meet and greet service at the airport. Lastly, with a Private transfer, the price is fixed and agreed upon in advance, so there are no surprises regarding the bill. For a free quote, contact Octopus Transfers.

Split Airport to Zadar Bus

There are no direct bus services from Split Airport to Zadar. You can catch a bus from Split Airport to Trogir bus station and then catch a bus from Trogir to Zadar bus station and from Zadar central bus station catch a bus to the Zadar Old Town. So it would be three buses and considerably longer than by private transfer. The second bus option is to get the bus to Split central bus station. From there, you catch the Split to Zadar main bus station bus followed by another bus from Zadar bus station to Zadar center. Not ideal, but a good option for those on a budget.

Zadar Airport To Split

Zadar Airport To Split Transfer

Like those above, taking a transfer from Zadar Airport to Split is the most convenient and comfortable way of getting between these two places; it is also worth noting that when traveling in a group, the price is similar to catching the bus, so it is very cost-friendly. Once again, contact our friends at Octopus Transfers for a quote.

Zadar Airport To Split Bus

Catching a bus from Zadar Airport to Split is much better than from Split. From Zadar Airport, you catch the bus to Zadar central bus station, and from there, you have regular buses to the Split Main bus station, which is located directly beside Split old town. Only two buses for this trip and a solo traveler are much cheaper than taking a private transfer from Zadar Airport. 

Split To Zadar FAQs

How Far is Split From Zadar?

Split to Zadar is 158km.

How long is the bus from Zadar to Split?

The trip can take 2 hours and 15 minutes up to 4 hours, depending on whether you get a direct bus.

How much is a bus from Split to Zadar?

The price for a Split to Zadar bus ticket varies from 7 to 17 euros depending on the date and time of your booking.

How long is a private transfer from Zadar to Split?

A Split to Zadar transfer takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

How much is a private transfer from Split to Zadar?

With Octopus Transfers, prices start at 160 euros for a car with 1-3 passengers and 190 euros for a minivan for up to 8 passengers.

How much is a Uber or taxi from Split to Zadar?

Taxis from Split to Zadar are around 200 euros, and Uber has dynamic pricing, which starts at 170 euros and increases when they are busy, which is from June to the end of August.

Is there a ferry between Split and Zadar?

There is no direct ferry service between Split and Zadar

Is there a train service between Split and Zadar?

Yes, but it takes a very long time and travels via Knin. It’s not worth catching.

Is there a flight between Split and Zadar?

There is no direct flight between Split and Zadar. The drive time is 1 hour and 40 minutes, so flying makes no sense. 


What To Do In Zadar

The most popular tours in Zadar

 

What To Do In Split

The most popular tours in Split

  • 🚶 Explore nearly 1,700 years of history and discover top attractions with ease on this Split walking tour
  • 🍲 Discover Split’s highlight landmarks and go on a tasting tour of the city’s in-demand restaurants and eateries on this tour
  • 📽️ On this tour, follow in the footsteps of Daenerys, Mother of Dragons, and discover memorable filming locations from the HBO’s hit TV series Game of Thrones
  • 🌇 See the highlights of both Split and Trogir with a private guide with this combo tour
  • 🚢 See the sunset over Split and enjoy a relaxing time on the water on this fun boat tour

 

Comments (9)

  1. Just a question as realky need advice pkease!!! We have flights to zadar for a week in august but think that’s too long there. Can you suggest what to do in the area apart from the parks day trips. What are the islands nearby line for beaches/ stying on. We would ideally like a few days chilling by a lovely clear sea beach . Or should we just go somewhere else … split etc? ? Thank you so much for advice !

  2. I planned to go with Flixbus, but they require child seats for infants, and we won’t have ours with us. Can you recommend a bus company that doesn’t require child seats?

  3. I’m ferrying into Croatia from Trieste and have a rental car. Our final destination is Dubrovnik within 8 days. I would like to visit plitvice and am also eyeing Zadar. I’m torn if it’s worth an overnight in Zadar on the way to Split or should I just give that up until next visit? Maybe on my timeframe it would make more sense to go straight to Split for a few nights and do day trips from there. I’m guilty of over scheduling in the past and don’t want to stretch us too thin to enjoy. Any thoughts you have will be appreciated. Thanks

  4. I am so sorry, not a comment but a question. We plan to take a bus from Zadar to Split (coastal route) and then a ferry from Split to Hvar in September 2019. Can we do it all in a day?

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