The Zadar to Ancona ferry connects Zadar on Croatia’s Adriatic coast with Ancona in Italy. In 2026, Jadrolinija operates this route as Catamaran Line 51 using the high-speed catamaran Jelena.
The crossing takes about 4 hours and is designed for foot passengers. In 2026, the seasonal service runs from 26 June through 6 September, after Jadrolinija extended the first season because of strong passenger demand.
Important: this is a passenger catamaran, not a vehicle ferry. Cars, motorcycles and campers are not carried on this service. If you need to travel to Italy with a vehicle, the Split to Ancona ferry is the main alternative.
Because this is an international route, plan to be at Zadar Gaženica ferry terminal around 2 hours before departure. For an 08:00 sailing, that means arriving at approximately 06:00.
If you’re looking for other routes around the region, see ferry connections from Zadar.
Quick answers: Zadar to Ancona ferry
- Operator: Jadrolinija
- Route number: Catamaran Line 51; some Jadrolinija documents also use 51BB
- Vessel: high-speed catamaran Jelena
- When it runs: 26 June - 6 September 2026
- Crossing time: about 4 hours
- Peak frequency: up to 5 sailings per week
- September extension: additional sailings on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through 6 September
- Main summer timetable: Zadar 08:00 → Ancona 12:00
- Main summer return: Ancona 14:00 → Zadar 18:00
- Vehicles: no cars, motorcycles or campers
- Reservation: a purchased ticket guarantees a place on the selected departure
- International check-in: plan to arrive around 2 hours before departure
- Ports: Zadar Gaženica Ferry Port and Ancona Ferry Terminal
Zadar - Ancona by Jadrolinija (Line 51) - 2026 schedule
The Zadar-Ancona route is a seasonal high-speed Jadrolinija catamaran service. Jadrolinija's current English route page identifies it as Catamaran Line 51, while some timetable and internal references use 51BB. Always confirm the latest sailing before travel because international timetables can change.
Timetable period: 26.06.2026 - 28.06.2026
| Direction | Day | Depart | Arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zadar (Gaženica) → Ancona | Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 08:00 | 12:00 | Daytime catamaran crossing |
| Ancona → Zadar (Gaženica) | Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 14:00 | 18:00 | Daytime catamaran crossing |
Timetable period: 03.07.2026 - 30.08.2026
| Direction | Day | Depart | Arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zadar (Gaženica) → Ancona | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 08:00 | 12:00 | Daytime catamaran crossing |
| Ancona → Zadar (Gaženica) | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | 14:00 | 18:00 | Daytime catamaran crossing |
Extended season: 02.09.2026 - 06.09.2026
After the original published timetable ended on 30 August, Jadrolinija extended the season through 6 September 2026. Additional sailings were announced for Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ship line no. 51: View the official Zadar (Gaženica) to Ancona 2026 timetable PDF.
2026 timetable checked: 3 September 2026. The original published timetable ended on 30 August; Jadrolinija subsequently announced additional sailings through 6 September.
Duration and route
The scheduled sailing time from Zadar Gaženica to Ancona is about 4 hours. The main 2026 summer timetable shows an 08:00 departure from Zadar and 12:00 arrival in Ancona. Return sailings in that timetable leave Ancona at 14:00 and arrive in Zadar at 18:00.
The exact departure times for the September extension should be confirmed through Jadrolinija's live booking system.
This is a fast daytime crossing rather than an overnight ferry, so there are no cabin arrangements to plan around. The route is designed around seated passenger travel.
Tickets, prices and reservations
Prices can vary by sailing date and fare offered in Jadrolinija’s booking system. Treat prices shown by third-party booking platforms as indicative planning prices rather than a fixed tariff.
September 2026 promotional fare: for the extended final sailings through 6 September, Jadrolinija has announced a one-way fare of €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 3-12. These are promotional fares for the season extension rather than a permanent route price.
For the final price and availability, check Jadrolinija’s current booking system for your exact departure:
Search schedules and buy tickets online.
When to book
- September extension: availability is limited to the final sailings through 6 September, so check and book immediately if you want to use the route.
- July and August: book early, especially for Friday-Sunday departures.
- Late June: the route runs only three days per week, so plan around the published operating days before booking onward travel.
- Fixed travel plans: book the ferry before non-refundable accommodation or rail tickets if your itinerary depends on this route.
How to book Zadar to Ancona ferry tickets
You can book through Jadrolinija’s official website, mJadrolinija app, or an authorized booking platform. Because this is a reserved international sailing, booking ahead is recommended.
- Official online booking: Jadrolinija online ticket sales.
- Search and buy: Jadrolinija timetable and booking search.
- Third-party booking: use the booking button above to compare current availability.
International purchase confirmation
For Jadrolinija international routes, an online booking initially provides a purchase confirmation. Present this confirmation during international check-in, where the final travel and boarding documentation is handled.
Sales and check-in points
- Zadar: Jadrolinija sales services are available in Zadar and at Gaženica ferry port.
- Ancona: Jadrolinija’s local agent operates from the ferry terminal at Via Einaudi.
Can you take a car on the Zadar to Ancona ferry?
No. The 2026 Zadar-Ancona Line 51 is a passenger catamaran and does not carry cars, motorcycles or campers.
If you need to cross the Adriatic with a vehicle, use a conventional car-ferry route such as the Split to Ancona ferry.
What about bicycles?
If you are travelling with a bicycle, check the live Line 51 booking options before purchase. Bicycle carriage on high-speed vessels can depend on the specific vessel, available space and the operator’s current booking conditions.
Cabins
There are no conventional overnight-ferry cabins to plan around on this four-hour daytime catamaran crossing. Travel is based on passenger seating.
Check-in, boarding and travel documents
Zadar-Ancona is an international Croatia-Italy sailing. Jadrolinija’s international check-in opens around 2 hours before departure, so for an 08:00 sailing plan to reach Gaženica at approximately 06:00.
- Purchase confirmation: keep the international booking confirmation accessible for check-in.
- Passport or national ID: carry a travel document valid for entry into Italy.
- Children: minors should have their own valid travel document where required.
- Peak summer: allow additional time for road traffic and queues around Gaženica.
Croatia and Italy are both in the Schengen Area, but you should still carry valid identification and be prepared to present it during check-in or boarding.
Travel rules: luggage, pets and accessibility
Luggage
- Hand baggage: Jadrolinija’s international passenger rules allow up to 30 kg of hand baggage per passenger.
- Fast-vessel limits: oversized or additional baggage may be restricted by the vessel’s available space and load capacity.
- Keep essentials with you: carry medication, documents, valuables and electronics in a small day bag.
Pets on the high-speed catamaran
- Small pets only in the passenger lounge: fast-route rules allow small pets in an appropriate carrier.
- Carrier size: maximum 45 × 35 × 25 cm.
- Weight: pet plus carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
- Carrier: must have a waterproof bottom and remain under the seat or on the passenger’s lap.
- Limit: one carrier per passenger.
- Documents: bring the pet passport, vaccination records and any other documentation required for international travel.
Accessibility
Assistance is available for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. If you need help with boarding, seating, medical equipment or other specific arrangements, notify Jadrolinija in advance. For general assistance requests, contact the carrier or terminal operator at least 48 hours before travel whenever possible.
Zadar Gaženica ferry terminal guide
The Zadar-Ancona catamaran departs from Zadar Gaženica Ferry Port, not the passenger port beside the Old Town. Gaženica is several kilometres southeast of central Zadar, so plan the transfer in advance for an early morning departure.
- By taxi: usually the simplest choice with luggage or for an early check-in.
- By local bus: use the current Liburnija city transport timetable rather than relying on an old route schedule.
- From Zadar Airport: check the current airport-transfer timetable and whether your service stops at Gaženica.
- By car: follow signs for Gaženica / Ferry Port and allow extra time in summer traffic.
For more local ferry-port information, see ferry connections from Zadar and our Zadar Airport guide.
Ancona ferry port guide
Zadar-Ancona sailings use Ancona’s ferry terminal area on Via Einaudi, where Jadrolinija’s local agent handles international check-in.
- Check-in: arrive around 2 hours before the scheduled return departure.
- Ancona Centrale: the city’s main railway station is the key onward connection for trains through Marche and the rest of Italy.
- With luggage: taxi is the simplest option between the ferry terminal and station.
- Public transport: local bus services connect the port and city; check the current route and fare on the day.
What it’s like onboard
The route is operated by Jadrolinija’s high-speed catamaran Jelena, designed for seated daytime travel rather than vehicle or cabin accommodation.
- Passenger seating: modern indoor seating for the four-hour crossing.
- Coffee bar: Jadrolinija catamarans include café/bar service for drinks and light refreshments.
- Indoor lounge: air-conditioned passenger space with toilets.
- Internet: do not rely on continuous connectivity during the crossing; maritime internet is limited away from coastal areas.
- Accessibility: Jelena is designed with accessibility in mind, but passengers needing assistance should arrange it in advance.
Comfort tips
- Bring a light layer: air-conditioned seating areas can feel cool.
- Download entertainment: connectivity may disappear once the vessel is away from the coast.
- Motion sensitivity: choose a seat nearer the middle of the vessel if you are sensitive to movement.
- Bring water and a snack: café service is available, but having your own basics can still be useful.
Alternatives if Zadar-Ancona is not running
The Zadar-Ancona catamaran is highly seasonal. In 2026, the season ends on 6 September after the short extension. If your dates fall outside the operating period or you need vehicle transport, consider one of these alternatives.
- Split → Ancona: the Split to Ancona ferry is the main alternative and carries vehicles on applicable sailings.
- Split → Bari: useful for travelers heading toward southern Italy and Puglia.
- Dubrovnik → Bari: the Dubrovnik to Bari car ferry can work if you are travelling from southern Croatia.
- Flights: outside the summer operating window, flying may be more practical than repositioning to another ferry port.
Tips for a smooth crossing
- Book the exact sailing you want: your ticket guarantees the selected departure, so reserve early for busy sailings and the limited September extension.
- Allow 2 hours for check-in: for an 08:00 departure, aim to be at Gaženica around 06:00. For September extension sailings, confirm the exact departure time first.
- Go to Gaženica: do not confuse the international terminal with Zadar’s Old Town passenger port.
- Keep documents ready: have your purchase confirmation and travel ID accessible.
- Pack for a seated four-hour trip: this is not an overnight ferry and there are no cabins.
- Check the latest timetable: international schedules can change for operational or weather reasons.
- Need to take a car? use a conventional vehicle ferry such as Split-Ancona instead.
FAQ - Zadar to Ancona ferry
Does the Zadar to Ancona ferry run all year?
No. The 2026 Jadrolinija service is seasonal. It began on 26 June and was originally scheduled to finish on 30 August, but Jadrolinija extended the season through 6 September 2026 because of strong passenger demand.
How long is the ferry from Zadar to Ancona?
The crossing takes about 4 hours. The main 2026 summer timetable lists Zadar departures at 08:00 with arrival in Ancona at 12:00. Check Jadrolinija’s live booking system for the exact time of the September extension sailings.
How often does Zadar-Ancona run?
From 26-28 June it runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From 3 July-30 August it runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Jadrolinija then extended the season through 6 September with additional sailings on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where does the ferry leave from in Zadar?
The catamaran departs from Zadar Gaženica Ferry Port, not the passenger port beside Zadar Old Town.
Where does the ferry arrive in Ancona?
It arrives at Ancona’s ferry-terminal area on Via Einaudi.
Can you take a car on the Zadar to Ancona ferry?
No. The 2026 Line 51 is a passenger catamaran and does not carry cars, motorcycles or campers. Use a vehicle-ferry route such as Split-Ancona if you need to take a vehicle.
Does my ticket reserve a specific departure?
Yes. A purchased ticket guarantees your place on the selected Zadar-Ancona departure.
How early should I arrive for check-in?
Plan to arrive around 2 hours before departure for international check-in. For an 08:00 sailing, aim to be at Gaženica at approximately 06:00.
What happens with an online international booking?
Jadrolinija international online bookings initially provide a purchase confirmation. Present this at port check-in, where the international travel and boarding documentation is handled.
How much luggage can I bring?
Jadrolinija’s international passenger rules allow up to 30 kg of hand baggage per passenger. Extra or oversized baggage can depend on available space on the high-speed vessel.
Can I travel with a pet on the catamaran?
Yes, but only small pets are permitted in the passenger lounge under the high-speed-vessel rules. The pet must be in a waterproof carrier no larger than 45 × 35 × 25 cm, and the total weight of pet plus carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
Are there cabins on the Zadar-Ancona catamaran?
No conventional overnight-ferry cabins are used for this four-hour daytime catamaran service. Travel is based on passenger seating.
What are the return times from Ancona to Zadar?
In the main published 2026 summer timetable, the return sailing is Ancona 14:00 → Zadar Gaženica 18:00. For the additional September sailings through 6 September, confirm the exact time in Jadrolinija’s live booking system.