Zadar Airport is at Zemunik, about 13 km inland from the city of Zadar, and Split is roughly 143 km down the coast, most of it on the A1 motorway. The airport is small and well served by low-cost flights, but onward travel to Split takes a little planning: there is no train and, as far as we know, no direct bus from the terminal to Split. Most people choose between a private transfer, the airport shuttle combined with an intercity bus, or a taxi or rental car.
Option 1: a private transfer
A pre-booked transfer takes you from the arrivals hall to your address in Split without changing vehicles. With us, Zadar Airport to Split city is from about €215 in a car for up to 4 people and about €255 in a van for up to 8, per vehicle, not per person. The price is fixed before you travel and already includes motorway tolls, fuel and the meet & greet. Your driver tracks your flight, and the first 60 minutes after landing are free.
The drive takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes in normal traffic. The exact price depends on your drop-off address, so enter it in the booking form for the final figure. Booking the return leg together applies an automatic 5% discount.
Best for: families, groups, late arrivals and anyone with luggage who would rather not change vehicles after a flight.
Option 2: airport shuttle plus intercity bus
The airport shuttle runs to Zadar bus station and costs around €4–5, with a journey of about 20–25 minutes. From there, intercity buses to Split take roughly 2 to 3.5 hours depending on the operator, with fares of about €10–20 and a handful of departures a day. Door to door, with the wait between the shuttle and the bus, plan on 4 to 5 hours.
Timetables and fares change from season to season and between operators, so check them before you fly. A late flight can also mean the last bus has already left.
Best for: solo travellers and couples with light luggage and a flexible schedule.
Option 3: a taxi or a rental car
A taxi from the rank is metered, and for a distance like this it makes sense only if you agree the total price with the driver before you get in. Do not rely on the meter. A rental car gives you freedom, but one-way drop-off fees can be high when you return the car in a different city, so compare the total, not just the daily rate.
Heading to Šibenik or the Plitvice Lakes instead?
Many Zadar arrivals head south to Šibenik or inland to the Plitvice Lakes rather than all the way to Split. Zadar Airport to Šibenik is about 75 km, roughly 50 minutes, from about €120 in a car and about €140 in a van. Zadar Airport to the Plitvice Lakes is about 117 km, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes, from about €175 in a car and about €210 in a van. See the Zadar Airport transfer page for the routes we drive from this airport.
Quick comparison
| Option | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | from ~€215 car / ~€255 van | ~1 h 30 min | Fixed price, door to door |
| Shuttle + intercity bus | ~€15–25 per person | 4–5 h | Bus station only, check timetables |
| Taxi from the rank | agree the price first | ~1 h 30 min | Metered taxis are not meant for this distance |
For one person with a backpack, the shuttle and the bus are the cheapest way and the slowest. For a family of four, the bus tickets add up to roughly €60–100 and leave you at the bus station in Split, while a car door to door costs more but saves a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Zadar Airport from Split?
About 143 km by road, mostly on the A1 motorway. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes in normal traffic and longer on summer weekends.
Is there a direct bus from Zadar Airport to Split?
Most travellers take the airport shuttle to Zadar bus station and change to an intercity bus there, as far as we know. Check current timetables before you fly.
How much is a private transfer from Zadar Airport to Split?
From about €215 for a car with up to 4 passengers and about €255 for a van with up to 8, per vehicle, with motorway tolls included. The booking form shows the exact fixed price for your address.
Can you take me from Zadar Airport to Šibenik or the Plitvice Lakes instead?
Yes. Šibenik is about 75 km away, roughly 50 minutes, from about €120 in a car. Plitvice Lakes National Park is about 117 km, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes, from about €175 in a car.