Are you heading to Croatia and feel like taking to the sea? Here’s what you need to know to get from Ancona to Zadar by ferry.
Zadar is located on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Less famous than its compatriots Dubrovnik and Split, it is best known for being on the road to the latter and as a departure point for trips to the islands.
Yet it would be a mistake not to stop and take the time to visit it. Although Zadar bore the full brunt of the bombardments of the Second World War, its ancient center, built on a peninsula, is well worth a visit. Successively Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian, Zadar also became Italian.
This history makes it a small open-air museum where strolling is a pleasure. Its narrow pedestrian streets, medieval churches and buildings give it an Italian air. And there’s a bonus! It’s much less crowded than Dubrovnik and Split, yet has the dynamism of a student city. So whether you’re looking for a short break or a weekend getaway, don’t hesitate!
To get there, you can cross the Adriatic Sea by ferry from Ancona to Zadar. Here’s some information and advice to bear in mind when travelling by ferry from Ancona to Zadar.
Ferry companies linking Ancona to Zadar
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Steve Heap
The ferry company
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ferrying from Ancona to Zadar. At present, there is only one company making the crossing: Jadrolinija, which offers 5 crossings a week.
However, this frequency is given as an indication only. The service may be suspended during the winter season, in which case you will be redirected to the Ancona-Split route. As with all sea crossings, it is also subject to the vagaries of the weather.
What type of boat do you travel on?
The Ancona to Zadar ferry is a cruise ferry that can carry up to 1,053 passengers and 280 vehicles. It offers a wide range of amenities to keep you entertained during your crossing: a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a children’s play area, a V.I.P. lounge, a bar-café, as well as a duty-free store for those who like to treat themselves or others.
View ferries from Ancona to Zadar
Plan your trip to Zadar with Direct Ferries
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / biggunsband
Why choose Direct Ferries?
Direct Ferries is the equivalent of a flight comparison service, but for sea connections. The site allows you to choose the most suitable solution for your requirements.
With only one company operating the Ancona-Zadar route, and with crossings subject to interruption, you can see at a glance what options are available to you.
Ferry timetable from Ancona to Zadar
The ferry routes from Ancona to Zadar are all overnight.
- Outward journey: the boat leaves the port of Ancona at 10:00 pm and arrives in Zadar at around 7:00 am.
- Return: the company offers overnight returns, departing from Zadar at 11:45 pm and arriving in the morning. You can also take the daytime ferry, departing at 8:00 am and arriving at 2:00 pm.
Please note: in 2020, you’ll only find regular crossings from June onwards, with 5 crossings a week. In July and August, the number of crossings can rise to 7 per week. The frequency drops to 5 or 6 crossings a week in September. In October, the company interrupts this crossing, only to resume it the following summer.
Journey time
The ferry service between Ancona and Zadar takes between 6 and 9 hours.
Ferry fares from Ancona to Zadar
As your trip will take place on a cruise ferry, fares will vary according to the options you choose. Please note that the prices shown below are minimum rates. In fact, prices vary greatly depending on the equipment you choose. Here are a few examples:
- For an adult: 57€ (without car, meal or berth). At this price, all you get is a pitch on the deck. For two adults, it’s 113€.
- With cabin: €133 (€214 for two)
- Standard car supplement: €130 (including adult ticket). Rates vary according to vehicle type, whether you have a roof box or trailer.
Please note: buffet breakfast is €6 per person and dinner €19 (pre-booking required).
How do I book a ferry from Ancona to Zadar?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Diego Bonacina
Croatia is a popular destination, so it’s best to book your crossing well in advance. In fact, the website indicates that this is a highly sought-after route. As mentioned above, Jadrolinija only operates this crossing from June to September.
When booking through Direct Ferries, you must first enter your travel dates, the number of passengers, and whether you have a vehicle or a pet. For vehicles, it’s best to enter the make and model to avoid unpleasant surprises. In the case of a motorcycle, this information is mandatory.
Next, the site shows you the base price without any options. Click on the « continue » tab. You’ll then have to choose your options from the drop-down menus. Check your choices carefully before validating, bearing in mind that an outside cabin is more expensive than an inside cabin. Similarly, if you take a cabin, you don’t need to reserve a seat.
If you have a pet, make sure you choose pitches with authorized access, otherwise you’ll have to keep your companion in a cage. You can also pre-book your meals. However, if you want to save money, we recommend that you pack a picnic lunch.
After updating the fare, the site asks you to enter your contact details, including your passport or identity card number. You can also choose to take out cancellation insurance.
Then simply proceed to payment on a new page. You will receive your booking confirmation in your mailbox.
When you pack your bags, make sure you don’t forget your identity papers, as they will be checked on boarding and on arrival.
View ferries from Ancona to Zadar