This Jadrolinija car ferry line connects Zadar (Gaženica Ferry Port) with Ošljak and Preko on Ugljan Island. It’s one of the easiest ways to reach Ugljan from Zadar with both foot passengers and vehicles, with frequent sailings throughout the year.
The voyage typically takes 25 minutes. On departures that call at Ošljak, the crossing can be longer, it’s worth checking the notes in the timetable below before you plan a tight connection.
Ugljan sits right across from Zadar, which makes this route ideal for a simple day trip: arrive in Preko, enjoy an easy waterfront walk, and then pick one highlight, either a swim in a quiet bay like Južna Luka (near Muline) or a walk/hike up to St. Michael’s Fortress (Tvrđava sv. Mihovila) for panoramic views over the Zadar archipelago.
Important: This page covers the car ferry from Zadar Gaženica (line 431). If you’re leaving from Zadar Old Town (central port), that’s a different service: the passenger ship Zadar-Preko (line 409) with its own timetable.
Quick facts: Zadar-Ošljak-Preko ferry (line 431)
- Line: 431 (ferry)
- Route: Zadar (Gaženica) ⇄ Ošljak ⇄ Preko (Ugljan)
- Typical crossing time: about 25 minutes (longer on sailings that call at Ošljak)
- Operator: Jadrolinija
- Seasonality: runs year-round (different low/high-season timetables)
Jump to 2026 timetable | Jump to 2026 prices | Tickets & reservations
Timetable 2026 Zadar (Gaženica) ⇄ Preko (Ugljan) ferry
The official 2026 sailing schedule for ferry line 431 is split into two periods. Use the correct table for your travel date and pay attention to the * and ** notes (exceptions) shown in the legend below.
Valid from 01.6.2026 - 30.9.2026
Daily departures from Zadar and Preko
| From Zadar | From Preko |
|---|---|
| 01:00 | 00:30 |
| 05:00 | 05:30 |
| 06:20 | 06:15 |
| 07:30 | 07:00 |
| 08:30 * | 08:15 |
| 09:30 | 09:15 * |
| 10:30 * | 10:30 |
| 11:30 | 11:30 * |
| 12:30 * | 12:30 |
| 13:30 | 13:15 * |
| 14:45 | 14:30 |
| 15:30 | 15:30 |
| 16:40 | 16:00 |
| 18:00 | 17:20 |
| 19:30 | 18:40 |
| 20:45 | 20:10 |
| 22:30 | 22:00 |
| 23:59 | 23:00 |
- * Does not sail on sundays & holidays from 01.06. - 14.06.& from 20.09. - 30.09.
- **Does not operate on 24.12., 25.12. & 31.12.
Tip: If you’re traveling on a Sunday/holiday or in early June/late September, double-check whether your chosen departure has a * or ** marker.
The ferry calls at Ošljak on sailings from Monday to Saturday from Zadar (Gaženica) at 07:30 and 14:45, and from Preko at 12:30 and 18:40. On Sundays and public holidays, it calls at Ošljak on sailings from Zadar (Gaženica) at 09:30 and 13:30, and from Preko at 08:15 and 18:40. (Due to the call at Ošljak, the total journey time is 30 minutes.)
Valid from 1.1.2026 - 31.5.2026 and 01.10.2026 - 31.12.2026
Daily departures from Zadar and Preko
| From Zadar | From Preko |
|---|---|
| 05:00 * | 05:30 * |
| 06:20 ** | 06:15 ** |
| 07:30 | 07:00 |
| 08:30 * | 08:15 |
| 09:30 | 09:15 * |
| 10:30 * | 10:30 |
| 11:30 | 11:30 * |
| 12:15 * | 12:15 |
| 13:30 | 13:00 * |
| 14:45 | 14:30 |
| 15:30 | 15:30 |
| 16:40 ** | 16:00 |
| 18:00 | 17:20 ** |
| 19:30 | 18:40 |
| 20:45 | 20:10 |
| 22:00 | 21:20 |
| 23:00 ** | 22:30 ** |
- * Does not sail on Sundays & Holidays
- **Does not sail on 01.01., 05.04., 25.12. &26.12.
The ferry calls at Ošljak on sailings from Monday to Saturday from Zadar (Gaženica) at 07:30 and 14:45, and from Preko at 12:15 and 18:40. On Sundays and public holidays, it calls at Ošljak on sailings from Zadar (Gaženica) at 09:30 and 13:30, and from Preko at 08:15 and 18:40. (Due to the call at Ošljak, the total journey time is 30 minutes.)
Ošljak stop: which departures call at Ošljak?
Not every crossing stops at Ošljak. If your sailing calls at Ošljak, the total journey is longer (about 30 minutes instead of the usual ~25 minutes), so check this before planning tight connections.
| Day type | Depart Zadar (Gaženica) that stop at Ošljak | Depart Preko that stop at Ošljak |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Saturday | , | Low season: High season: |
| Sundays & public holidays | , | , |
Ticket prices 2026 (EUR)
Official 2026 ticket prices for the Zadar (Gaženica) - Ošljak - Preko (Ugljan) ferry. Prices include port fees and VAT, and the ticket price is the same in both directions.
Most common tickets
| Ticket type | Standard fare |
|---|---|
| Passenger (adult) | 3,80 EUR |
| Child (3-12 years) | 1,60 EUR |
| Car (up to 9 seats) up to 5,00 m length and/or up to 2,00 m height | 17,30 EUR |
| Car (up to 9 seats) over 5,00 m length and/or over 2,00 m height | 25,70 EUR |
| Motorcycle / moped | 7,60 EUR |
| Bicycle | 3,80 EUR |
Full 2026 fare table (vehicles, trailers, buses)
| Category | Standard fare |
|---|---|
| Passenger (adult) | 3,80 EUR |
| Child (3-12 years) | 1,60 EUR |
| Car (up to 9 seats) up to 5,00 m length and/or up to 2,00 m height | 17,30 EUR |
| Car (up to 9 seats) over 5,00 m length and/or over 2,00 m height | 25,70 EUR |
| Light (luggage) trailer up to 3,00 m length | 11,40 EUR |
| Light (luggage) trailer 3,01-5,00 m length | 17,30 EUR |
| Light (luggage) trailer over 5,01 m length | 25,70 EUR |
| Trailer / camper trailer / trailer (caravan) / camper vehicle up to 5,00 m length | 25,70 EUR |
| Trailer / camper trailer / trailer (caravan) / camper vehicle 5,01-7,00 m length | 30,10 EUR |
| Trailer / camper trailer / trailer (caravan) / camper vehicle over 7,00 m length | 38,80 EUR |
| Bus 10-17 seats | 61,20 EUR |
| Bus 18-33 seats | 81,20 EUR |
| Bus 34-54 seats | 133,70 EUR |
| Bus over 54 seats | 173,20 EUR |
| Motorcycle with trailer / tricycle / quad | 10,20 EUR |
| Bicycle | 3,80 EUR |
Important notes (2026)
- Children: under 1 year travel free (no separate ticket issued; noted on the parent/guardian ticket). Children 1-3 years travel free (a ticket is issued).
- Included in the fare: port fees and VAT.
- Same price both ways: the fare is equal in both directions.
- Pets: transported free of charge, but they must not pose a danger or nuisance; pets are generally not allowed in enclosed passenger areas unless the operator specifies otherwise.
- Hand luggage: hand luggage up to 20 kg is free of charge.
Luggage & cargo pricing (only if applicable)
- Extra luggage: for each additional 10 kg, the listed maximum price is 0,40 EUR.
- Goods: maximum prices listed include 1,80 EUR per each 100 kg and 4,20 EUR per 1 m³ (when applicable).
- Note: cargo is generally not transported by ferries, except exceptionally by agreement with the operator.
Ports: Zadar (Gaženica) and Preko ferry port
This route uses Zadar (Gaženica) for departures on the mainland and arrives at Preko on Ugljan. Gaženica is Zadar’s main ferry/vehicle port (separate from the Old Town passenger pier), with a modern terminal and clearly marked boarding lanes for domestic ferries. See Zadar Ferries: Routes, Ports (Gaženica vs Old Town), Timetables & Tickets.
Zadar (Gaženica) ferry port
- Used for: vehicle ferries and most Ro-Ro services (including line 431)
- Location: about 3.5-5 km from Zadar Old Town; around 10 km from Zadar Airport (Zemunik)
- Why it matters: if you’re taking a car ferry, this is almost always the departure point (not the Old Town pier)
- Modern passenger terminal with services nearby (cafes/shops depending on season)
- Marked lanes for vehicles and boarding ramps for different destinations
- Short- and long-term parking options at/near the port
- Luggage storage is available at the port (useful if you’re walking on)
Preko ferry port (Ugljan)
- Arrival point: Preko town waterfront on the island of Ugljan
- Location: near the town centre, at the end of the seaside promenade
- Easy on foot: most accommodation in Preko is walkable from the terminal
- Shops, cafes, and restaurants close to the waterfront
- Simple connections for exploring Ugljan (walking, cycling, taxi/local transport as needed)
- Great base for a half-day or day trip from Zadar
Zadar Ferry Port (Gaženica) location map
Use the interactive map below to find the Zadar ferry port area and get directions. For this route (line 431), make sure you’re heading to Gaženica Ferry Port, not the Old Town passenger pier.
How to get to Zadar (Gaženica) ferry port
Zadar’s vehicle ferries (including line 431 to Preko via Ošljak) depart from Gaženica Ferry Port, a few kilometres southeast of Zadar’s Old Town. Plan your transfer in advance in summer, when traffic and queues are common.
City bus (Liburnija)
The city operator runs a dedicated line to Gaženica (Trajektna luka).
- Use: line 9A (Gaženica -ferry port)
- Best start point: Zadar main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor)
- Tip: check the latest timetable PDF (it can change without notice)
Zadar Airport shuttle bus (official)
If you’re arriving by plane, the airport shuttle route includes a stop at Gaženica Ferry Port (near/above the passenger terminal building).
- Fare: €5.00 one-way (baggage included)
- Travel time: about 20 minutes from the airport to Zadar Old Town (Gaženica is on the route)
- Good to know: the monthly timetable is published a few days before month-end
Taxi / ride-hailing
The simplest option if you have luggage or tight timing.
- From Zadar Bus Station: around 2.8 km, typically about 7 minutes depending on traffic
- Tip: in peak season, add buffer time and aim to arrive early for vehicle boarding
Tickets & boarding tips (cars + foot passengers)
You can buy Jadrolinija tickets online, via the mJadrolinija app, or at official sales points in the port. In exceptional cases (e.g., if the agency is closed), tickets may be sold on board, but the recommended option is to buy in advance online/app to avoid queues.
How to buy tickets
- Online / app: buy ahead and keep the ticket on your phone (no printing needed).
- Port sales point: buy at the ticket office if you prefer in-person purchase.
- On board (exception): only if the port agency is closed.
Vehicles: what you’ll need
- Traffic permit: required when purchasing a vehicle ticket.
- License plate: if you are travelling with a rental car, enter RENTAL in the license plate field (if needed in the booking form).
- Vehicle category matters: make sure the length/height category matches your car (see the price table).
When to arrive at the port
| Traveller type | Recommended arrival buffer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| With a vehicle (peak season) | 1-2 hours early (and sometimes earlier in high peak season) | Vehicle lanes can fill up fast; boarding is based on arrival order on non-reserved lines. |
| Foot passengers | At least 45 minutes early | Time to buy/validate tickets and reach the correct boarding area without rushing. |
Fast checklist (before you join the queue)
- Confirm your travel date and choose the correct timetable period in Timetable 2026.
- If you need Ošljak, double-check the departures that call at Ošljak in Ošljak stop.
- Have your ticket ready on your phone (or buy at the port sales point).
- Vehicles: keep your traffic permit accessible; join the correct lane early.
Ticket validity note: for local service lines where reservations are not possible, Jadrolinija states that the ticket is valid for one voyage of the selected line until the departure date indicated on the ticket.
What to do in Preko, Ugljan & Ošljak
Preko is a perfect base for an easy island day trip: it’s walkable right from the ferry, has quick boat access to the tiny islet of Galevac, and it sits below St. Michael’s Fortress for one of the best viewpoints in the Zadar archipelago.
Preko (right by the ferry)
- Galevac (Školjić) islet: a short hop from Preko (about 80 m away) for swimming and sightseeing the Franciscan monastery; the monastery museum collection is open to visitors in July and August.
- Easy seaside walk: follow the coast from the ferry terminal for relaxed views toward Ošljak and the nearby islets (great at sunset).
- Low-effort swim: pick a beach close to town if you only have a few hours before the return ferry.
Ugljan “must-do” viewpoints & beaches
- St. Michael’s Fortress (Sv. Mihovil): hike (or drive part-way) above Preko for panoramic views over Zadar and the archipelago.
- Južna Luka (Muline): a scenic sandy cove with pine shade, reached via a macadam road from the car park in Muline (great for a quieter swim).
- Olive heritage: Ugljan is known for its olive-growing tradition—add a short stop in Muline if you’re exploring by bike or car.
Ošljak (Lazaret): tiny, peaceful, car-free
- Smallest permanently inhabited island in the Adriatic: about 0.39 km² and only half a nautical mile from Preko.
- Best way to explore: the marked walking trail is about 2 km and circles key points like the lighthouse and old windmill remains.
- What to see: traditional stone architecture, a small harbour, and the early Christian Church of St. Mary (6th century).
Simple itineraries (pick one)
2–3 hours (quick island break)
- Arrive in Preko and do a short waterfront loop + coffee.
- If time allows, hop to Galevac for a quick swim near the islet.
- Return to the port early and choose your sailing back first (peak season queues).
Half day (views + one swim)
- Preko → hike toward St. Michael’s Fortress for the viewpoint.
- Swim near Preko or pick a beach stop if you have transport.
- Return for a relaxed meal near the waterfront before your ferry.
Full day (Ugljan + Ošljak combo)
- Morning: St. Michael’s Fortress (best before midday heat in summer).
- Midday: beach time (Južna Luka is a strong choice if you want shade and space).
- Late afternoon: walk the 2 km Ošljak trail for a calm, car-free finish.
If you’d rather skip ferry queues and fixed departure times, you can also book a private speedboat tour from Zadar that visits Preko (Ugljan) and nearby islands like Ošljak (often with extra swim/snorkel stops such as Galevac/Školjić). A private skipper means you set the pace, no timetable planning, no vehicle lanes, and no stress about missing the last return sailing—so it’s a great option for families, small groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed half-day island-hop experience.
Private tour to Islands Ugljan, Ošljak and Preko from Zadar
Set off on a 4-hour private speedboat tour and explore Zadar’s nearby islands in total comfort.
With a local skipper and a sleek, modern boat, you’ll cruise to beautiful spots like the sandy Kostanj beach, the postcard-perfect islets of Ošljak and Galevac, and the charming village of Preko on Ugljan, stopping whenever you want to swim in the Adriatic’s crystal-clear water.
This tour is fully customizable to your preferences, so you can spend more time snorkeling, swimming, or simply sightseeing at your own pace, without worrying about ferry schedules. Snorkel equipment is included.
FAQ: Zadar (Gaženica) – Ošljak – Preko (Ugljan) ferry
Which port in Zadar does the car ferry to Preko (Ugljan) use?
The car ferry to Preko uses Zadar (Gaženica) Ferry Port. If you’re departing from the Zadar Old Town pier, that’s a different service (the passenger ship line Zadar–Preko) with its own timetable and boarding point.
How long is the ferry from Zadar (Gaženica) to Preko?
The crossing is typically about 25 minutes. If the ferry calls at Ošljak on your sailing, the total journey time is usually around 30 minutes.
Does every sailing stop at Ošljak?
No. Only specific departures call at Ošljak. In 2026 the ferry calls at Ošljak on:
Monday–Saturday: from Zadar at 07:30 and 14:45; from Preko at 12:15 (low season) / 12:30 (high season) and 18:40.
Sundays & public holidays: from Zadar at 09:30 and 13:30; from Preko at 08:15 and 18:40.
When the ferry calls at Ošljak, plan for a longer crossing (about 30 minutes total).
What are the first and last departures in 2026?
Low season (01 Jan–31 May, 01 Oct–31 Dec): the first departures are 05:00 from Zadar and 05:30 from Preko (marked *), and the last departures are 23:00 from Zadar and 22:30 from Preko (marked **).
High season (01 Jun–30 Sep): the first departures are 01:00 from Zadar and 00:30 from Preko, and the last departures are 23:59 from Zadar and 23:00 from Preko.
Always check the */** notes in the timetable for Sunday/holiday restrictions and holiday exceptions.
Do I need to reserve a car spot on line 431?
This route is not listed among Jadrolinija’s vehicle-reservation lines, so boarding is typically based on arrival order. In peak summer periods, arrive early to improve your chances of boarding your preferred departure.
How much are tickets in 2026?
According to the official 2026 price list, common standard fares include: adult €3.80, child (3–12) €1.60, car (≤5.00 m / ≤2.00 m) €17.30, motorcycle €7.60, and bicycle €3.80. An island fare is also listed for eligible users (for example: adult €1.40, car €7.50).
Can I show the ticket on my phone? What documents do I need for a vehicle?
Yes—Jadrolinija states you can board by presenting the ticket stored on your mobile device. If you’re travelling with a vehicle, you’ll need the traffic permit (vehicle registration) when purchasing the vehicle ticket.
What happens if I miss my planned departure?
On local routes without available reservations, Jadrolinija’s rules state the ticket is valid for a single trip up to and including the departure date shown on the ticket. In practice, if you miss a sailing, you’ll typically board the next available departure the same day (subject to capacity), but confirm at the port ticket office if you’re unsure.