How to Get from Split to Zadar

There are only 98 miles (158 km) to cover from Split to Zadar, making it easy to include these two popular destinations on Croatia's Dalmatian coast as part of your trip. Traveling by private transfer or rental car is the quickest and most convenient travel option.

It's also easy to make the journey by bus, which is only slightly longer than traveling by car. There are many direct buses linking these two cities with several departures throughout the day. Though there's no direct flight between Split and Zadar, there's also the possibility of flying via Zagreb. Train travel is the least convenient option because of long travel times.

This 15-day Family Holiday takes in the highlights of Croatia's Dalmatian coast, including the coastal cities of Split and Zadar, the islands of Hvar and Krapanj, and Krka National Park.

By Private Transfer

Duration: 2-2.5 hours

If you're not comfortable driving in a foreign country, using the services of a private transfer company is a convenient way to get from Split to Zadar, and offers the possibility of making stops during the journey. For details of companies offering transfer services, contact your local travel specialist.

By Rental Car 

Duration: 2-3 hours

Travelling from Split to Zadar by rental car is another convenient option. From Split take the A1 highway to Koprivno from where you can get on the E65 toll highway towards Zadar. Take the D8 exit onto the 424 to continue to Zadar.

Another option is to take the scenic Jadranska Magistrala coastal road. This route takes longer but offers opportunities for stops in coastal cities such as Trogir, Primošten and Šibenik along the way.

By Bus

Duration: 2-3.5 hours

There are many bus connections linking Split to Zadar with several departures throughout the day. Journey times will depend on the route taken and number of scheduled stops. Most buses follow the coastal road and stop in other towns and cities along the way, including Trogir, Primošten and Šibenik. The fastest buses are those that take the toll highway. During the summer buses can fill quickly: do book ahead if you have a schedule to keep. Most bus companies offer online booking and Arriva and Črnja Tours have the perk of free wifi onboard.

By Plane

Duration: 2-9 hours

There are no direct flights from Split to Zadar but it is possible to fly with Croatia Airlines via Zagreb. The best journey time is 2 hours and 10 minutes, including the connection time in Zagreb.

By Train

Duration: 5-13 hours

Though it is possible to travel from Split to Zadar by train, this option is not recommended because of long travel times requiring a change of trains in Knin.