Zadar Ferry Port
Zadar is the ferry hub of northern Dalmatia, with short crossings to Ugljan and longer services to Dugi Otok and the outer islands of the Zadar archipelago.
The port
Zadar's ferry connections depart from two points: the Liburnska obala quay in the city centre handles the shorter island crossings to Ugljan and Pašman, while larger car ferries to Dugi Otok and outer islands use the Gaženica terminal about 3 km south. Check which terminal your ferry uses when planning your journey — both are served by city buses.
The Zadar archipelago
Zadar sits at the heart of one of the most island-rich stretches of the Adriatic. The nearest islands — Ugljan (port of Preko, about 25 minutes) and Pašman — are popular as residential islands and easy day trips. Dugi Otok, meaning "Long Island", is roughly 1–1.5 hours away and offers dramatic scenery, the Telašćica nature park and the Sakarun beach.
Jadrolinija services
All scheduled island ferries from Zadar are operated by Jadrolinija. Frequency is highest to Ugljan, with crossings running through most of the day. Dugi Otok has fewer sailings but the route carries cars, making it a practical option for exploring the island by vehicle.
Planning tips
Zadar's islands are less crowded than those around Split and Dubrovnik, but summer demand is growing. For Dugi Otok in July and August, arriving at the ferry terminal early is recommended for car ferry sailings.
Ports & terminals
- Zadar Ferry PortView on map →
Ferry routes from here
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the ferry terminal in Zadar?
- The main Jadrolinija ferry berths are at the Liburnska obala terminal on the eastern side of Zadar's peninsula, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. Some island boats also use the nearby Gaženica port for larger car ferries.
- Which islands can I reach from Zadar by ferry?
- Ugljan and Pašman are the closest islands, reachable in under 30 minutes. Dugi Otok (Brbinj) is about 1–1.5 hours away. Jadrolinija also serves Ist, Molat and more distant islands in the archipelago.
- Are there fast catamarans from Zadar?
- Zadar is primarily served by conventional car ferries for the short island crossings. Catamaran services exist to some outer islands in summer, but the short crossing times mean conventional ferries are usually sufficient.