7 Ways To Get From Zadar/Split Airport To Zrce For Under €15

1. The Local Bus Combo (Zadar Route)

This is the classic student route. Zadar Airport is about 85km from Novalja. Direct taxis are expensive, but local buses are cheap.

The Method: Take the airport shuttle bus to Zadar Main Bus Station (Liburnija lines). It costs roughly €4-5. From the main station, catch the Antonio Tours or Arriva bus to Novalja. If you book online in advance, tickets can be as low as €10. Total cost: around €15.

2. BlaBlaCar (The Carpool Hack)

BlaBlaCar is huge in Croatia. Locals drive between Zadar, Split, and Pag every day for work. They list their empty seats on the app to cover gas money.

The Method: Download the app a week before your flight. Search for “Zadar Airport to Novalja”. You will often find rides for €8 to €12. It is faster than the bus, cheaper than a taxi, and you get air conditioning. It is the only realistic way to get from Split to Novalja for under €15, as the distance is much longer.

3. The “Full Car” Taxi Split

A private taxi from Zadar to Novalja costs about €80-100 if you book via Uber or Bolt. That sounds like a lot. But math is your friend.

The Method: You need to fill the car. A standard car takes 4 passengers. If the fare is €80, that is €20 each. If you negotiate with a local driver outside the app and offer cash, you can sometimes get it down to €60 total. That makes it €15 per person. Find people to share with in the baggage claim area. Don’t be shy.

4. The Arriva App Discount

Arriva is the main bus company operating the route. They want you to use their app instead of buying paper tickets from the driver.

The Method: Download the Arriva Croatia app. They often have “App Only” fares or a 5% discount for mobile tickets. It isn’t a massive saving, but it brings the ticket price down closer to that €10-12 mark, leaving you money for a snack.

5. The Early Bird Flixbus

Flixbus operates routes that connect Zadar and Split to Novalja during the summer. Their dynamic pricing works like an airline. The first few seats sold are cheap.

The Method: Book your bus ticket the same day you book your flight. If you book 3 months in advance, you can snag a Zadar-Novalja seat for €7-9. If you wait until you land, that same seat will be €25.

6. Facebook Group Rides

We mentioned this in our “Apps” guide, but it is crucial for transport. There are people renting cars who want to offset the rental cost.

The Method: Post in the “Fresh Island Solo Travelers” group: “Landing Zadar Tuesday at 2 PM. Anyone driving? Will pay €15 for gas.” Someone with a rental car will almost always say yes. It is cheaper for you than a transfer, and it gives them free petrol money.

7. Hitchhiking (For The Brave)

Croatia is a very safe country. Hitchhiking is common among backpackers on the coast road. We only recommend this if you are traveling in pairs (for safety) and have light luggage.

The Method: From Zadar, take a local bus to the edge of the city (direction Pag). Stand with a sign that says “PAG / NOVALJA”. You might get picked up by a festival-goer or a local. Cost: €0. Adventure level: High.

Price vs Time Comparison (Zadar Airport)

Here is the reality of getting to the festival.