If you’ve completed your foray through Split exploring the many wonders of the old coastal town including the famed UNESCO World Heritage site Diocletian’s Palace and are planning to move on to Zadar to discover the treasures that lie within its borders, then read on to find out how you can travel from Split to Zadar.
1) Leasing a car
A 158km stretch lies between the two towns with there being two possible travel routes including a coastal pathway and a direct alternative with journey durations lasting between 1 hour and 40 minutes for the latter and up to two and a half hours more with the longer coastal option. However, the coastal road makes up for its length with splendid views of the coastline to keep you company. You can lease a car in Split and get to where you’re going via the comfort of your own vehicle.
2) Taking the bus
Don’t have too much money to spare or not too keen on blowing a lot of it on renting a car? If that is the case, then taking the bus is the most budget-friendly way to travel as tickets cost just about 80 kunas only. The bus route through the A1 freeway takes about two and a half hours while the old coastal road, on the other hand, lasts approximately 1.5 hours more so before boarding a bus, check to confirm which route it’s taking. Getting a ticket shouldn’t be a problem given the sheer number of buses available at Split though you might need to book early during peak season as it tends to get a little bit crowded.
3) Catching the train
The journey to Zadar from Split is a long and tiresome one but it remains a possible means of travel nonetheless. You’ll have to sit through 7 hours of a train ride, including a detour at Knin, so taking the train is not very advisable unless you have lots of spare time to kill.
4) Electing for a private transfer
A private transfer proves the best option you have if you like to travel in style and without too much hustle. Aside from A-class services, it also provides complimentary benefits such as WiFi and other modern amenities that you might need. A mini-van with room for 8 passengers will set you back about €145 while a car seating a maximum of 3 will cost you €130 so, as you can see, it’s a case of the bigger the better with private transfers.
5) Travel by sea
No official ferry plies the route between Zadar and Split but the presence of water body sandwiched between the two towns allows visitors to get creative and charter a boat then sail the journey to their destination. It’ll take considerably longer than traveling by road so if time is not a problem, travel by sea is not a bad option as you also get to see some of the jewels of the Adriatic along the way.
On paper, there are five travel options to get to Zadar from Split but, plausibly, there are only two travel options i.e. traveling by road or traveling by private transfer.