Split to Zadar tickets

About the ride from Split to Zadar

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and a favorite stop for visitors. With undisturbed Adriatic Sea views, plenty of nearby islands, and stunning historic architecture, you could easily spend weeks admiring this spot. 

However, it’s not the only coastal destination you must see on your Croatia trip. Zadar is another gorgeous city on the Dalmatian coastline. Here, you can wander amongst Roman and Venetian ruins, sip coffee (or Croatian wine!) in the Old Town, and soak up the sunset sea views. 

The distance from Split to Zadar is approximately 160 km (100 miles). So, how do you bridge this gap without stress? By bus, car, or minivan. Journeys take two to three hours, depending on the route and stops on the way. 

Take the stress out of booking and adventure the Dalmatian coastline with ease. Keep reading to become a pro in minutes.

Five stellar things to do and see in Zadar

No matter where you are in Zadar, you can take in seascape views and breathe fresh sea air. But there are more than epic views in this city. Here are five stellar suggestions to make your trip:

1. Listen to the Sea Organ: Designed by Nikola Bašić, a famous Croatian architect, the Sea Organ is a sound art object that makes music when the Adriatic Sea waves crash into the sculpture.
   
   

2. Explore the People’s Square: With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, the People’s Square in Old Town has always been a staple of life in Zadar. Today, it’s packed with cafes and restaurants. However, it can be very crowded during the summer months.
   
   

3. Visit the Church of St. Donatus: The Church of St. Donatus dates back to the 9th century and is the largest pre-Romanesque building in the country. It is a must-see for culture vultures!
   
   

4. Try Maraska liqueur: Maraska is Zadar’s signature alcoholic drink with a sweet and sour taste. Most cafes, bars, and restaurants offer it.
   
   

5. Admire the Land Gate: If you visit the Old Town, you’ll pass through one of the four main city gates. Don’t just walk through! Take time to admire the walls and gates, but pay attention to the Land Gate in particular. This one dates back to the 1500s and sits next to the Fosa Harbor.

How to get from Split to Zadar

Before you stroll the cobblestone streets of Zadar’s Old Town, you must go north from Split. to Zadar. The main transport options are bus, car, and minivan. Here’s the lowdown on each.

By bus

Buses are the most affordable way to travel from Split to Zadar. Unsurprisingly, they are also the most popular way. Tickets start at $15 per person and increase slightly depending on the bus provider and amenities. 

Most bus journeys leave from Split Central Bus Station or Split Bus Terminal. You’ll arrive at Zadar Bus Terminal or Zadar Central Bus Station. Check your booking details to be sure. 

The average journey time for buses ranges between two hours to three hours. 

Most buses provide large luggage storage and A/C. Some also offer WCs, chargers, WiFi, and reclining seats. 

Pro tip: Bring water for the journey. Croatia can get very hot in the summer!

By car

Cars from Split to Zadar are more expensive. These cost around $193 per booking but offer a completely private travel experience. Most private transfer cars can fit up to three passengers, and when you split the cost, this comes to around $65 per person. 

Car journeys take around two hours. Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included, and you can choose your departure time. With this swift transfer, you won’t have to hang around at a bus station!

Possible car amenities include English-speaking staff, chargers, WiFi, water, A/C, large luggage space, and toilet stops (on request).

By minivan

Minivans are a popular option for big groups, as most fit up to eight guests. 

They start at $188 per booking. You can split the cost to $24 each with eight total passengers. This makes the ride more affordable than you’d expect from a glance!

These are also private transfers, meaning you won’t have to share your ride with people you don’t know. 

The average minivan travel time is just under two hours. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. Perfect if you want a door-to-door journey. 

Minivans usually offer large luggage storage and A/C. Some may also come with English-speaking staff, water, chargers, WiFi, and toilet stops (on request). 

More details about the trip from Split to Zadar

The journey from Split to Zadar takes you 160 km (100 miles) north along the Dalmatian coastline. However, most routes follow the E65 road, which stays further inland. You won’t get any fantastic sea views until the last 30 minutes when you reach Zadar. Don’t worry about taking a quick nap!

Croatian travel, in general, is safe for all travelers, regardless of gender, age, and nationality. Whether you’re on your first trip or your one hundredth, you’ll feel safe on this trip.  

Most drivers and bus station staff have basic English proficiency. Don’t be afraid to ask for help on the way.

The best time to travel from Split to Zadar

April to October is the best period to visit Zadar. These seven months experience steady sunshine and dry weather. The peak of the heat occurs in June, July, and August, where temperatures sit around 28°C/82°F. These are also the driest months.

From November to March, the weather is cooler and averages 12°C/53°F. The coldest month is January when temperatures range between 6 and 10°C (43 to 10°F). Bring a jumper or two if you’re visiting then.

November and February are the wettest months, with Zadar receiving around nine days of rain per month.

Is three days enough in Zadar?

Yes — three days is perfect for seeing the city without feeling rushed. There’s plenty to do in Zadar, and you can easily fill a week. But three days are enough to see the main sights and get a feel for the city. 

Where to visit after Zadar?

Level up your Croatia adventure with a quick visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, northeast of Zadar. 

Here, you can explore lakes, waterfalls, and verdant greenery. Zadar to Plitvice Lakes takes two to three hours by bus. Perfect for a longer day trip or a quick overnight stop.