Zadar Ferries: Routes, Ports (Gaženica vs Old Town), Timetables & Tickets

Zadar has two main departure areas for ferries and fast passenger boats: the modern Zadar (Gaženica) terminal and the Old Town / central port (Poluotok). Picking the right port is the #1 way to avoid missed sailings, especially in summer when schedules and departure points vary by route and vessel type. Always confirm the latest timetable on the operator’s site close to travel dates.

Zadar Ferries - Quick answers

• Traveling with a car? Most car ferries use Zadar (Gaženica).
• Foot passenger fast boats/catamarans? Many depart from the Old Town / central port (Poluotok), depending on the line.
• Zadar-Preko (Ugljan): There are services from Gaženica (car ferry via Ošljak) and from the central port (passenger boat), so double-check your ticket and departure point.
• Zadar-Ancona (Italy): Typically seasonal and shown as Zadar (Gaženica) - Ancona; arrive early for international check-in.

Zadar ferry ports: Gaženica vs Old Town (which one you need)

Zadar’s ferry traffic is split between Gaženica (the main modern passenger/ferry terminal) and the central Old Town port area on the peninsula (Poluotok). In general: vehicles and many main ferry lines use Gaženica, while the central port is used for passenger-only services on certain routes. When in doubt, trust the departure port written on your timetable/ticket, because some destinations have more than one type of service.

1) Zadar (Gaženica) ferry terminal

• Best for: car ferries, Ro-Ro/vehicle traffic, and international services shown as departing from Gaženica.
• Distance & access: about 3.5 km from the city center and about 10 km from the airport, designed to keep heavy ferry traffic out of the Old Town streets.
• Practical tip: if your sailing involves a vehicle, treat Gaženica as the default departure point unless the operator clearly states otherwise.

Example: Jadrolinija lists key lines as departing from "Zadar ferry port Gaženica", including the car-ferry service via Ošljak to Preko (Ugljan).

2) Old Town / central port (Poluotok)

• Best for: passenger boats and some catamaran/fast-boat services, depending on the route.
• Location: in/next to the Old Town peninsula, making it the easiest option on foot if you’re staying in the center.
• Common confusion: some destinations (like Preko) may have both a car-ferry option from Gaženica and a passenger-only boat option from the central port, so always match your port to the specific line.

Example: Jadrolinija’s boat line to Preko states it departs from the central port of Zadar.

All ferry routes from Zadar (table: destination, type, port, operator)

This overview lists the main ferry and fast-boat routes you can take from Zadar. Departure ports matter: Gaženica is the main terminal for car ferries and many longer routes, while the city port (Old Town/central port) is commonly used by passenger-only fast ships. Timetables change by season, so treat this as a route map and confirm your exact sailing time on the operator’s official schedule.

Most popular routes (quick guides)

If you are choosing just one island day trip or planning a simple island hop from Zadar, these are the routes travellers use most often. Use this section to pick the right departure port fast, then jump to the full route details below.

Zadar - Ancona ferry (Italy)

The Zadar - Ancona sea connection is a popular summer shortcut between Croatia and Italy. Jadrolinija runs this route as a seasonal catamaran (fast passenger vessel) from Zadar (Gaženica) with a scheduled crossing time of about 4 hours.

Timetable and seasonality (2026)

This is a seasonal route and the sailing calendar changes by year and by period within summer. In Jadrolinija’s published materials for 2026, the catamaran timetable is shown across summer date ranges including 12 June - 28 June 2026 and 3 July - 30 August 2026.

See the full Zadar - Ancona ferry timetable for 2026 (recommended - this page is updated whenever the operator publishes changes).

Departure port in Zadar

• Port: Zadar (Gaženica)
• Best for: travellers heading to Italy without a car, and anyone connecting onward by train or car from Ancona

Tickets and reservations

Because this is an international seasonal service with limited weekly departures, book as early as you can for peak dates. On Jadrolinija services with reservations, your purchased ticket is tied to a specific departure time (treat it as a reserved place on that sailing).

• Where to buy: online (best for securing a seat) or at official sales points
• What to double-check: your sailing date, departure time, and the Zadar departure port listed as Gaženica

Check-in, documents and boarding

• Travel documents: carry valid travel documents required for international travel and present them if requested at check-in or boarding.
• Hand baggage: allow up to 30 kg of hand baggage on international routes (practical rule - pack so you can comfortably carry it yourself).

How long is the ferry from Zadar to Ancona?

The scheduled sailing time is about 4 hours. Sea conditions can affect exact arrival time, so if you have onward connections in Italy, add a buffer.

Zadar - Preko ferry (Ugljan)

Zadar - Preko is the fastest and most popular way to reach Ugljan Island from Zadar. There are two main services and they depart from different ports in Zadar, so choose the option that matches your ticket: a car ferry from Zadar (Gaženica) and a passenger ship from the central (Old Town) port.

Practical tips for Zadar - Preko

• Do not guess the port: Zadar has both Gaženica and the central port. Your ticket and timetable will state the correct departure point.
• Peak summer with a car: arrive early at Gaženica, especially on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and changeover days.
• Same-day flexibility: if you miss a departure, both lines are designed for frequent travel and your ticket is typically valid for another departure on the same date and line (check your ticket conditions).

Dugi Otok, Iž/Rava and other island connections

Beyond Preko (Ugljan), Zadar is the main jumping-off point for Dugi Otok, Iž, Rava and a chain of smaller islands. The key is choosing the right combination of vessel type (car ferry vs fast ship/catamaran) and departure port (Gaženica vs city port), because routes can look similar but depart from different places.

1) Dugi Otok from Zadar: Brbinj, Božava, Sali and Zaglav

• With a car: use the car ferry from Zadar (Gaženica) to Brbinj (line 434). Brbinj is a practical arrival point for driving across the island.
• On foot: check fast ship/catamaran services from the city port that call at Božava and Brbinj (line 9404), plus other passenger services published by operators serving Sali and Zaglav (state ship line 406 is one example).

2) Iž and Rava: choose Gaženica vs city port carefully

• Car ferry option: Zadar (Gaženica) - Bršanj (Iž) - Rava - Mala Rava (line 435). This is the right choice if you need vehicle capacity.
• Fast ship option: Zadar (city port) - Mali Iž - Veli Iž - Mala Rava - Rava (line 9405). Great for day trips and quick foot-passenger travel.
• Weather note: some fast-ship operations publish alternate docking rules in rough weather (for example, 9405 notes it may dock at Bršanj instead of Iž Mali in adverse conditions), so check the timetable notes if the forecast is bad.

3) Molat and Ist: multi-stop routes with different ports

• Fast ship chain: from the city port to Molat (including calls at Brgulje and Zapuntel) and onward to Ist (line 9403).
• Car ferry chain: from Gaženica via smaller islands (line 433) - slower, but vehicle-capable and useful if your trip needs a car on the island side.

How to pick the right Zadar island sailing

• Start with the island village name: Dugi Otok alone has multiple ports (Brbinj, Božava, Sali, Zaglav). Your accommodation location matters.
• Decide on car vs foot: car ferries usually mean Gaženica; fast ships usually mean the city port (but always verify your ticket).
• Check the stop pattern: multi-stop routes can add time and may not call every port on every departure.
• Build in buffers: in peak summer, arrive early and allow extra time for boarding, especially with vehicles.

Operators and official timetables (where to check what is running)

Ferry and fast-boat timetables from Zadar change by season (and sometimes mid-season). For the most reliable information, always verify your exact departure time, port and vessel type on the operator's official timetable close to your travel date. Jadrolinija explicitly notes it guarantees accuracy only on its own website and that sailing schedules are subject to change.

1) Jadrolinija (main operator)

• Use for: most Zadar island ferries (especially car ferries from Gaženica) and many fast ships from the city port.
• Best way to check: use Jadrolinija's official sailing schedule search and each route's line page, especially the day before travel because the schedule is subject to change.
• Useful pages on this site: Zadar - Ošljak - Preko (Ugljan) and Zadar - Ancona (Italy).

2) TP Line (high-speed catamaran)

• Use for: selected high-speed routes that include Zadar (seasonal patterns and stop lists vary by line).
• How to check: download the latest timetable and price list from TP Line's timetable page, then also scan their news section for last-minute changes.
• Boarding habit that saves trips: TP Line publishes boarding-place guidance on its timetable pages (for example, it advises arriving at least 30 minutes before departure for some routes).

3) G&V Line Iadera (state ship lines)

• Use for: passenger ship lines including Zadar-related services (commonly referenced as state ship lines such as 405 and 406).
• How to check: use their timetable search and download the 2026 timetable PDFs from their official site for the exact sailing days and times.

Tickets, prices and reservations (foot passengers vs vehicles)

Buying ferry tickets in Zadar is straightforward once you know two things: (1) whether your line uses reservations, and (2) whether you are traveling with a vehicle. Timetables and rules can change, so always confirm details close to your travel date.

Where to buy tickets (recommended order)

• Online best for up-to-date timetables and for anything that may require a reservation.
• Official ticket offices and agencies at the port: good for last-minute purchases and questions about boarding.

Book ferry tickets from Zadar (live schedules and prices)

Use the booking tool below to compare departures and prices for popular routes from Zadar (including car ferries from Gaženica and passenger lines from the city port). Always confirm your departure port and check-in time on your ticket.

• Compare routes and operators in one place
• See availability for your travel date
• Helpful for seasonal routes and peak summer dates

Prices: what to expect (without outdated numbers)

Ticket prices vary by route, vessel type (car ferry vs catamaran), passenger category, and season. The most reliable way to avoid outdated pricing is to open the price list linked on the operator's official page for your exact line and travel date.

Changes, cancellations and missed departures

• Timetable changes happen: operators can update schedules, and Jadrolinija notes that schedules are subject to change and guarantees accuracy only on its own website.
• Cancellations depend on reservation status: Jadrolinija FAQ explains different cancellation logic for lines with reservations vs lines without reservations (validity period differs), so check your ticket conditions before assuming refunds.
• If you miss a sailing: on flexible local lines, your ticket may still be usable later the same day; on reserved lines, you may need a new ticket or rebooking depending on conditions.

How to get to the ports (Old Town, bus station, airport)

Zadar departures use two main areas: Zadar (Gaženica) for most car ferries and many longer routes, and the Old Town (city port, Poluotok) for many passenger-only boats and some fast services. Always match your transport plan to the departure port written on your ticket.

Which port are you going to?

Facilities, parking, boarding and peak-season tips

Zadar’s ferry system is easy once you plan for two things: the correct departure port (Gaženica vs Old Town city port) and realistic arrival time in summer. Use the tips below to avoid missed sailings, long queues and last-minute stress.

Parking at Gaženica: practical rules that matter

Gaženica has port parking, but charging rules and hours vary by season and zone. Always follow on-site signs and payment instructions.

When to arrive: the safest timing

Boarding tips that save time

• Vehicles: follow lane signs, keep tickets and vehicle documents ready, and do not leave your lane once you are queued.
• Foot passengers: avoid vehicle lanes, locate the correct berth early, and be ready to board when called.
• Updates and cancellations: check operator notice pages on the travel day, as timetables can change and route-specific updates are published.

FAQs

Quick answers to the most common questions about Zadar ferries, ports, tickets and connections. Always confirm exact departure times and ports on the operator timetable close to travel dates.

Which port do I need in Zadar - Gaženica or the Old Town city port?

Most car ferries and many longer routes depart from Zadar (Gaženica). Many passenger-only boats and some fast services depart from the Old Town city port (Poluotok). Always follow the departure port printed on your ticket. See: Gaženica vs Old Town.

Is Zadar - Preko the same ferry as Zadar (Gaženica) - Ošljak - Preko?

Not always. There are two common services: a car ferry from Zadar (Gaženica) via Ošljak and a passenger ship from the central (Old Town) port. Both are about 25 minutes, but the departure ports are different. See: Zadar - Preko ferry.

Can I use my Zadar - Preko ticket on a later departure the same day?

For some local lines, Jadrolinija states the ticket is valid for any departure on the date printed on the travel ticket. Always verify the rule on your specific line page and keep the same operator and line. See: tickets and reservations.

Do I need to book Zadar ferries in advance?

For frequent local routes you can often buy close to departure, but in July and August vehicle capacity and seasonal sailings can sell out. If your line uses reservations or you are traveling on a limited seasonal route (like Italy), booking ahead is recommended. See: tickets, prices and reservations.

Is there a ferry from Zadar to Ancona all year?

No. Zadar - Ancona is described by Jadrolinija as a seasonal catamaran service. Check the current year schedule before planning flights or accommodation around it. See: Zadar - Ancona and Zadar - Ancona ferry timetable.

How long is the ferry from Zadar to Ancona?

Jadrolinija describes the Zadar (Gaženica) - Ancona catamaran as taking approximately 4 hours. Sea conditions can affect arrival time, so add buffer time if you have onward connections. See: Zadar - Ancona.

How do I get from Zadar Airport to Gaženica Ferry Port?

Zadar Airport publishes an airport bus route that includes a Gaženica Ferry Port stop on the way to or from the city. Use this if you are connecting directly to a ferry and choose a trip that stops at Gaženica. See: how to get to the ports.

Which city bus goes to Gaženica ferry terminal?

Liburnija publishes city-bus timetables for Gaženica (trajektna luka). The commonly used city line is 9A for the ferry port area. Always check the latest timetable close to travel dates. See: how to get to the ports.

Can I take a car on a catamaran from Zadar?

In general, catamarans and fast boats are passenger-only. If you are traveling with a vehicle, look for car ferry sailings, which most often depart from Gaženica. See: all routes from Zadar.

What if the ferry is cancelled because of weather?

Fast boats are more likely to be affected by rough sea than large car ferries. If the forecast is bad, check operator notice pages on the day of travel, arrive early, and have a backup plan (later sailing or different route if available). See: operators and official timetables.

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