Zadar is the main ferry gateway for many islands in the Zadar archipelago. From Zadar ferry port and the Gaženica ferry terminal, travellers can reach Ugljan, Dugi Otok, Iž, Rava, Molat, Ist, Mali Lošinj and other island destinations. Zadar also has international ferry relevance because of the Zadar – Ancona connection.
This guide explains the most useful ferry and catamaran routes from Zadar, how to choose the right island connection, and what to check before travelling. For other Croatian ports, see the Croatia ferry ports overview.
Quick answer: where can you go by ferry from Zadar?
- Ugljan: use Zadar – Preko, one of the most important local routes.
- Dugi Otok: check Zadar – Brbinj for car travel and Zadar – Sali – Zaglav for passenger options.
- Iž and Rava: check Zadar – Iž – Rava and related island lines.
- Molat and Ist: check Zadar – Molat – Ist and routes via Rivanj, Sestrunj and Zverinac.
- Mali Lošinj: check Zadar – Mali Lošinj.
- Italy: check Zadar – Ancona for the international ferry route.
Main ferry and passenger routes from Zadar
| Route from Zadar | Best for | Type of trip | Car travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zadar – Preko | Ugljan, Preko, day trips, connection towards Pašman | Local ferry / passenger connection | Check route details |
| Zadar – Brbinj | Dugi Otok, Brbinj, Sali, Telašćica by road | Ferry | Yes, on the ferry route |
| Zadar – Sali – Zaglav | Dugi Otok for foot passengers | Catamaran / passenger route | No |
| Zadar – Iž – Rava | Iž, Rava and smaller island settlements | Local island route | Check route details |
| Zadar – Bršanj – Rava – Mala Rava | Rava, Mala Rava and smaller island stops | Local island route | Check route details |
| Zadar – Molat – Ist | Molat, Ist and island-hopping in the Zadar archipelago | Catamaran / passenger route | No |
| Zadar – Rivanj – Sestrunj – Zverinac – Molat – Ist | Smaller islands north-west of Zadar | Local island route | Check route details |
| Zadar – Mali Lošinj | Mali Lošinj and longer Kvarner island travel | Passenger / seasonal route | Check route details |
| Zadar – Ancona | International travel between Croatia and Italy | International ferry | Check operator and season |
Zadar ferry port and Gaženica
One important thing to know about Zadar is that ferry traffic can involve different port areas. Many car ferry departures use Gaženica, while some passenger services may be associated with the city port area. Always check the exact departure point on your ticket or route page before travelling.
This is especially important if you are walking from the old town, arriving by bus or planning a tight transfer. The difference between the old town port and Gaženica can matter a lot when you have luggage or a car.
Zadar to Ugljan
The Zadar – Preko route is one of the most useful short island connections from Zadar. Preko is the main arrival point on Ugljan and works well for day trips, stays on Ugljan and onward travel towards Pašman by road.
For fare information, see the Zadar – Preko ticket price page.
Zadar to Dugi Otok
Dugi Otok has two different types of useful connections from Zadar. If you are travelling with a car, check Zadar – Brbinj. Brbinj is a practical arrival point for exploring the island by road, including Sali, Božava and Telašćica.
If you travel without a car, check the passenger and catamaran options such as Zadar – Sali – Zaglav and Zadar – Dugi Otok – Sali – Zaglav. These are useful when your final destination is in the southern part of Dugi Otok or when you do not need a vehicle.
Zadar to Iž, Rava, Molat and Ist
Zadar is also the main access point for smaller islands in the archipelago. Routes such as Zadar – Iž – Rava, Zadar – Bršanj – Rava – Mala Rava and Zadar – Rivanj – Sestrunj – Zverinac – Molat – Ist are especially useful for travellers staying on smaller islands or visiting relatives, apartments and local harbours.
These routes can be less frequent than the main Ugljan connection, so always plan the return trip before you travel.
Zadar to Mali Lošinj and Ancona
For longer island travel, check Zadar – Mali Lošinj. This route can be useful if you are combining northern Dalmatia with the Kvarner islands.
For international travel, Zadar – Ancona connects Croatia with Italy. This route is especially relevant for travellers planning a ferry itinerary between the Adriatic coast and central Italy.
Practical tips for using Zadar ferry port
- Check whether your ferry leaves from Gaženica or the city port. This is the most important practical detail for Zadar.
- Allow extra time if travelling with a car. Boarding procedures and queues can take longer during summer weekends.
- Do not confuse Ugljan and Dugi Otok routes. They serve different islands and often different departure areas or berths.
- Plan returns from smaller islands carefully. Local island routes may have fewer departures than major routes.
- Check prices separately. Useful fare pages include Zadar – Preko prices, Zadar – Mali Lošinj prices and Zadar – Molat – Ist prices.
FAQ about Zadar ferry port
Which islands can I reach from Zadar?
From Zadar you can reach Ugljan, Dugi Otok, Iž, Rava, Molat, Ist, Mali Lošinj and several smaller islands in the Zadar archipelago.
Is Zadar good for visiting Ugljan?
Yes. Zadar – Preko is the main connection to Ugljan and is one of the easiest island routes from Zadar.
How do I get to Dugi Otok from Zadar?
If travelling with a car, check Zadar – Brbinj. If travelling without a car, check passenger or catamaran connections to Sali, Zaglav or other island ports.
Does Zadar have a ferry to Italy?
Yes. The Zadar – Ancona route connects Zadar with Italy, but you should always check the current timetable and season before planning the trip.
Continue to the Croatia ferry ports overview to compare Zadar with Split, Dubrovnik, Makarska and other ferry ports.