How to Get from Split to Zadar

Another popular Croatian path linking significant architectural marvels is the Split to Zadar route. If you’ve heard of what either town has to offer and would like to experience it for yourself, here’s a detailed guide of the various travel options at your disposal.

1) Taking the bus

A bus proves the most affordable way to travel with tickets costing about 80 kunas (11 €) each and the good news is that there are no shortages of these transport vehicles.

Two possible routes exist one passing through the coastal road with a number of detours and another shorter and more direct one taking 2.5 hours compared to the former’s 4 hours. Separate buses pass through either route and which one you’ll take will largely depend on whether you’re pressed for time or money. Whichever route you take, be sure to book in advance as it can be extremely difficult to get reservations during the high season.

Also important to note if you are travelling by flight first to Split before heading on to Zadar is that the main airport is some distance off from the town itself. You’ll, therefore, need to take a taxi from the airport to the main bus terminal which is located a stone’s throw away from Split’s main port and adjacent to the Split Riva.

2) Travelling via private transfer

If fast and comfortable is what you’re looking for, then that’s exactly what you’ll get with a private transfer that affords perks such as WiFi, catered accommodation and detour-free transportation. For less than 4 passengers, this option will cost you ‎€130 for a three-passenger car while an 8-passenger minivan is priced at ‎€145 with that figure breaking down to less than €20 per head so it’s a case of the more the merrier.

3) Hire a car.

Do you love the feel of the open road and the freedom that comes with it to try out new adventures unhindered? If so, then you could hire a car in Split—which shouldn’t be a problem as there are many renting companies available—then take on the 158 km of obsidian tarmac that lies between Zadar and Split. As with the bus, you could go for the more appealing lure of the coastal road or the direct and fast path of the straight route. If you don't have a lot of time on your hands, take the direct E65 route but if you'd like to do some site seeing along the way, then you'll find the coastal route more endearing.

4) Taking the Train

The last means of travel you could consider is catching the Split to Zadar train but that is not very advisable. While there’s nothing wrong with the journey itself, the fact that it takes up to 7 hours long is rather off-putting so it’s best you hold off on getting those train tickets.

Are there any other alternatives?

There are no commercial trains or ferries traversing the Split and Zadar connection so these four options are basically all you have when moving between the two towns. However, there is a between-the-lines fifth option where you could rent a yacht in Split and sail your way to Zadar. It is a nice means of travel if you’d like to experience the beguiling treasures that the waters of the Adriatic have to offer.