You’ll find two cruise ports in Zadar: the Old City port and the modern Gaženica terminal. The main Gaženica terminal sits 4km from Old Town and offers five international berths with full facilities.
For other Croatia cruise destinations check out our Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Croatia page.
You can reach the city centre easily by:
- Local buses 2 and 4 (regular service)
- Port Shuttle Bus to the Sea Organ (£15 return)
- Taxis or private transfers
Your must-see attractions in the historic centre include:
- Roman Forum
- Sea Organ
- UNESCO World Heritage City Walls
You can get around comfortably from either port location, making it simple to explore Zadar’s main sights during your visit.
Port Location and Terminal Features

The Port of Zadar operates from two locations: the Old City and the Gazenica terminal.
You’ll find Gazenica terminal 4km from the Old Town at Gaženička cesta. This modern facility has five international berths, with the main berth stretching 375 metres and offering 13-metre depths.
The terminal building spans two floors with 20,000 square metres of space.
You can access essential services including:
- Restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Tourist information centres
- Retail shops (2,400 square metres)
- Office spaces
Global Ports Holding manages this €27 million facility, which opened in 2019.
The terminal welcomes all cruise ships, including the world’s largest vessels.
Map of Zadar Cruise Ship Port
Getting Around Zadar
Getting around Zadar happens mainly by bus and taxi.
The local bus company Liburnija runs 11 city routes that take you everywhere in Zadar. Buses start at 5:00 am and finish at midnight, with an extra hour in summer (until 1:00 am).
You can catch buses 2 and 4 to reach the city centre quickly.
Bus tickets are available from:
- Bus drivers
- Zadar Bus Station
- The Smartica mobile app
City centre buses run every 15 minutes, while other routes operate every 20 minutes.
You’ll find 30 suburban bus routes if you want to visit nearby areas and islands.
Taxis wait at two main spots:
- The Bus Station
- The ferry quay
Must-See Tourist Spots

Essential Landmarks in Zadar
You’ll discover Zadar’s main attractions within its historic centre. The Roman Forum, built in the 3rd century, serves as the city’s central landmark.
Two modern installations, the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, create a unique experience. You’ll hear music from the waves and watch lights dance during sunset.
St. Donatus Church showcases pre-Romanesque architecture, whilst the City Walls hold UNESCO World Heritage status.
Five Wells Square and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia display medieval craftsmanship. The Ancient Glass Museum houses a collection of historical glass pieces from different eras.
You can enjoy the best city views from two locations:
- The Seafront Promenade offers sea-level perspectives
- The Captain’s Tower provides elevated views across the Adriatic
Transportation Tips
Getting Around Zadar’s Ports
You can choose from several transport options between Gaženica port and Zadar’s old town:
Port Shuttle Bus:
- Runs from port to Sea Organ
- Costs €15 return journey
- Most direct route
Local Buses:
- Take Bus #9 to central station
- Connect to Bus #2 or #4
- Most budget-friendly option
Taxis:
- Pre-book to save up to 40%
- Standard rate: €2.40 base + €0.86 per km
- Use Bolt, Uber or Ekotaxi apps to avoid overcharging
- Some unbooked taxis charge fixed €25 rates
Private Transfers:
- Available 24/7
- Include airport services
- Most comfortable option
- Best for groups or late arrivals
The distance between Gaženica port and old town is 5-6 km.
You’ll find the best value by planning your transport method before arrival.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Split for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.
Local Services and Facilities

Zadar’s Gaženica Port Terminal offers you all essential services in one convenient location. You can access everything you need in Terminal 1.
Core Services:
- Information desk for travel queries
- ATM and currency exchange points
- Secure luggage storage
- Dining outlets and cafes
- Retail shops
Transport Options:
- Taxi rank outside the terminal
- Regular bus service
- Old town shuttle connection
Available Facilities:
- Western Union money transfers
- Local grocery store
- Tobacco shop
- Ferry ticket office
- Tourist information centre
Technical Specifications:
- Port depth: 13 metres
- Berthing length: 1,170 metres
You’ll find the terminal layout straightforward to navigate, with clear signage directing you to each service.
The modern facilities support quick and efficient passenger movement, whether you’re embarking, disembarking or exploring the local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Months to Cruise to Zadar?
The best times to cruise to Zadar are May and October. You’ll experience pleasant temperatures around 20-25°C and encounter smaller tourist crowds during these months. The Adriatic Sea stays warm and clear, perfect for swimming and water activities. These shoulder-season months also offer better deals on cruise packages and more comfortable sightseeing conditions than peak summer months.
Are There ATMS and Currency Exchange Services at the Cruise Terminal?
Terminal 1 offers easy access to ATMs and currency exchange services. You need to bring valid ID for any currency exchange transactions. ATMs provide Croatian kuna only. Western Union money transfer services operate within the terminal.
What Is the Tipping Etiquette in Zadar Restaurants and Taxis?
Restaurants:
You should tip between 10-20% when you receive good service. Check your bill first, as some restaurants include the service charge. Give your tip in cash directly to your server.
Taxis:
You can simply round up your taxi fare to the nearest convenient amount. If your journey costs 48 kuna, round it to 50 kuna. Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but drivers appreciate cash tips for good service.
Quick Tips:
- Pay tips in cash whenever possible
- Look for service charges before adding extra tips
- Share larger tips for exceptional service
- Tell your server if you want to add a tip when paying by card
Which Cruise Lines Regularly Stop at Zadar Port?
You can find several major cruise lines regularly stopping at Zadar Port:
Viking Cruises makes frequent visits throughout the Mediterranean season.
Royal Caribbean includes Zadar in many of its European itineraries.
MSC Cruises operates regular sailings to this Croatian port.
Crystal Serenity visits Zadar during its Mediterranean voyages.
AIDAblu features Zadar as a key stop on its routes.
Celebrity Constellation adds Zadar to its Mediterranean cruise schedule.
The port welcomes these cruise ships mainly during the peak season from May to October.
Is English Widely Spoken in Shops and Restaurants Around Zadar?
You’ll encounter English speakers regularly in Zadar’s tourist areas. Most shops, restaurants and hotels employ staff who speak English confidently. Young locals and service workers typically communicate well in English, with about 65% of Zadar’s population speaking it as a second language. You won’t need to worry about language barriers in the city centre or main tourist spots, though English usage may decrease in residential areas further from tourist zones.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Hvar Cruise Ship Port.