Quick answer: Most larger cruise ships calling at Zadar use Gaženica passenger port, about 3.5 km south of the city centre. The simplest independent options are a taxi or the local Liburnija bus network. Line 9A serves Gaženica ferry port, while line 2 serves Poluotok/Centre from the main bus station. Smaller cruise ships can sometimes berth at the city-centre passenger port on the peninsula, so check your exact berth before planning any transfer.
Our ExploreAlotLife Croatia video was published on 13 July 2026 and is embedded at the end of this guide. P&O Azura’s 2026 Zadar calls were scheduled at Gaženica, which is why this guide focuses on that terminal.
Where do cruise ships dock in Zadar?
Zadar has two relevant passenger-port areas. The historic Zadar passenger port is on the peninsula in the city centre, while the newer Gaženica passenger port is south of central Zadar and handles ferries as well as large cruise ships.
The Port of Zadar Authority says Gaženica is around 3.5 km from the city centre. Its 2026 cruise schedule shows large ships including P&O Azura using Gaženica, while a number of smaller vessels use the central Zadar passenger port.
If your ship docks at the city-centre Zadar port
You are already in the useful sightseeing area. The central passenger port sits on the peninsula itself, so there is no need to arrange a transfer simply to reach Zadar Old Town. You can start exploring on foot.
If your ship docks at Gaženica
Gaženica is outside the historic peninsula, so cruise passengers normally need to decide between public transport, a taxi, a cruise-line shuttle if one is offered, or walking.
Public bus from Gaženica
Zadar’s official bus operator, Liburnija, currently lists line 9A as the Gaženica ferry-port service. The main Zadar bus station connects with other city routes, including line 2 Poluotok (Centre).
That makes the normal public-transport approach: Gaženica towards the bus-station network, then continue towards the peninsula/centre as required. Timetables can change by season, so check Liburnija on the day rather than relying on a timetable copied into an old article.
Zadar Airport’s official transport page also shows that some airport-bus journeys route through Gaženica and the Old Town, but these services are timed around airport operations. Treat them as an occasional extra option rather than the foundation of a cruise-day plan.
Taxi from Gaženica to Zadar Old Town
A taxi is the simplest option if you want to maximise sightseeing time or are travelling as a small group. Because there is no official fixed cruise-port fare that we can verify, agree the fare or use the meter/app terms before setting off rather than relying on an old online price estimate.
Can you walk from Gaženica to Zadar Old Town?
It is physically possible because the port is only a few kilometres from the centre, but we would not make it the default cruise-day choice. You will spend a meaningful amount of your port time walking through the modern approach to the city before reaching the peninsula, and summer heat can make that much less appealing.
If you enjoy walking and have a long port call, check the route and weather first. Otherwise, save your walking for the Old Town itself.
Does P&O provide a shuttle?
Shuttle arrangements can vary by cruise line and by individual port call. If P&O or the local port provides a dedicated shuttle for your sailing, the details should be supplied on board. Check the daily programme or port information rather than assuming a shuttle will operate because one did on a previous cruise.
How much return time should you allow?
Work backwards from the ship’s all-aboard time, not the published sailing time. If you are using public transport, avoid relying on the final possible bus. If you are using a taxi, still allow for traffic and demand when several thousand passengers may be returning at a similar time.
The Old Town is compact, so there is little benefit in staying until the final minute. A comfortable return buffer is more useful than squeezing in one extra square or café.
Is Zadar Old Town walkable once you arrive?
Yes. The historic peninsula is compact and particularly well suited to independent walking. Zadar Tourist Board’s own UNESCO and heritage self-guided route is only about 2.1 km and is designed to take around 30–40 minutes before stops, photos and attraction visits are added.
What to check before leaving the ship
- Your exact berth: Gaženica or central Zadar
- Your ship’s all-aboard time
- Whether a cruise shuttle is operating
- The current Liburnija line 9A and city-centre timetable
- Weather and heat if considering walking
- Your intended return method before you begin sightseeing
Our practical recommendation
If you berth at Gaženica and want the simplest day, take the ship shuttle if one is convenient or use a taxi. Use the public bus if budget matters more than saving time. Once you reach the peninsula, stop thinking about transport and explore on foot.
Official information to check
- Port of Zadar Authority: Gaženica passenger port
- Port of Zadar Authority: central passenger port
- Liburnija Zadar: city bus lines
- Zadar Airport: current transport routing
Last fact-checked: 20 August 2026. Berths, shuttle arrangements and bus timetables can change.
Watch our Croatia cruise-day experience
We visited Croatia during our P&O Azura Mediterranean cruise. The video below shows what the day actually felt like for us: