Ferries
Ancona - Zadar

It was the Picenes, an ancient people who inhabited today's territory between Marche and Abruzzo, who built the port of Ancona and had started a flourishing sea trade with the Greeks as early as the 3rd century. Later, the rich port city became a Greek colony and the new rulers called it Ἀγκών, i.e. “elbow”. The very etymology of the word highlights the perfect geographical position for the birth and development of a port within a natural inlet, protected by Colle Guasco and the higher Passetto coastline.

The ancient city of Zara stood on a picturesque promontory, from which even today one is bewitched by unforgettable sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, sunsets that left even the great film director Alfred Hitchcock speechless, describing them as “a thousand facets, a thousand times better than those in Los Angeles”. Zadar is one of the most important cities in Dalmatia, once its capital, boasting the largest number of islands around its coastline, called the Zadar archipelago. When Croatia is referred to as the country of a thousand islands, this is precisely the region that contributed to this nickname. Many islands are uninhabited and have become a paradise for yachtsmen who can find sandy or pebble beaches and hidden coves far from mass tourism.

Information and tips for ferry travel

What is the distance between the two ports?

The distance between Ancona and the port of Zara is 80 nautical miles. The ship docks at the new port of Gazenica, which has become an important factor in the industrial and socio-economic development of the entire area in recent years. The old port, on the other hand, houses the Zadar Marina, a modern and well-equipped marina for pleasure boats, and departures to the islands.

How long is the ferry trip from Ancona to Zadar?

The connection between Ancona and Zadar is operated by the ferries of the Croatian company Jadrolinija and lasts a total of eight hours, during which passengers spend their time pleasantly between the TV room, play area, bar and strolls on the open deck.

 Are there hydrofoils or fast ferries on the Ancona Zadar route?

The ship making the scheduled trip from Ancona to Zadar is the traditional ferry Marko Polo, with a capacity of 1100 passengers and 280 vehicles, and a speed of up to 22 knots. There are no other fast ferries on this route or hydrofoils Ancona Zadar.

Documents required for travel

Croatia has been part of the EU family since 2013, but it was not until 2023 that the country joined the’Schengen area, which greatly facilitated trade and eased border controls. For ferry travel to the Croatia a valid identity document for expatriation, such as a paper or digital ID card or passport, is sufficient.

The driving licence, the vehicle registration card, the insurance policy including Croatia and the owner's proxy if driving a car not in the driver's name are also sufficient.

What are the procedures for checking in and boarding the ship?

All those who already have a reservation on the ferry Ancona Zadar must present themselves at the Terminal of the Port of Ancona, Banchina Nazario Sauro, at the Maritime Agency offices, at least 2 hours before departure, for check-in and document registration of all passengers and accompanying vehicles.

Together with the digital ticket, purchased on our Ferries Portal, you must present the original documents of all travellers and the vehicle. After collecting your boarding passes, you go to the forecourt in front of the ferry and wait your turn to board.

Afterwards, passengers with a vehicle and without a vehicle must go to the dock where the ship is anchored and wait their turn, as instructed by the ship's crew.

Ferry timetables, prices and offers Ancona Zadar

From the search engine Sealines Ferries you can check the dates and times of the departures Ancona Zadar, check active promotions and choose discounted trips before purchasing a ship ticket online.

How much is the ferry from Ancona to Zadar?

The ferry ticket costs 67.50 euro per person in simple passage and for a small difference of 8 euros you can opt for a seat that guarantees a numbered seat in a comfortable, air-conditioned hall. For the vehicles instead the cost is 93 euro and refers to a machine no longer than 4.25 m, with a height of less than 1.8 m.

Discounts on standard rates

For return tickets issued at the same time, the company applies a discount of 20% on the route of the return Zara Ancona, for both passengers and vehicles.

I children up to 3 years of age travel free of charge if they occupy neither a seat nor a bed during the ship's voyage.

I children aged 3 to 12 instead enjoy a discount on the chosen accommodation up to 75%. It is important to remember that minors must travel with an adult.

La Jadrolinija dedicates subsidised fares to the ferry journeys of pre-established groups, both for the participants and for any vehicles accompanying them, with reductions up to 40% on all selected accommodations. For booking and issuing ship tickets for a group, please contact our Group Office at 0809260042, send an e-mail to booking@sealines.eu or fill in the application form which can be found on our website.

Offers and promotions 

If the cost of the ferry trip worries you and you want to get the maximum discounts, then you should decide to block seats in advance, considering that until 31 March you can get up to 30% off with the Early Booking.

For a preview of offers and promotions on the Ancona Zadar route simply subscribe to our social channels Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Tok, Whatsapp and Telegram.

Buy your low-cost ship ticket online in one click for the Croatia and organise an unforgettable, carefree holiday for you and the whole family.

Accommodation on the ship Ancona Zadar

From our website Sealines Ferries, during the booking process, you can choose between the simple bridge crossing which ensures you the lowest price of the trip and accommodation in numbered seat aircraft type, located in a large, bright, air-conditioned hall. For overnight trips, however, many opt for the 2, 3 or 4-bed cabins, either outside with a sea view or inside, which are cheaper. Some cabins have only a washbasin, others have a shower and toilet. From our Ferries Portal you have the possibility of locking the cabin for the exclusive use of the whole family, in comfort and with full respect for privacy. 

Services offered on board

On the ship Marko Polo of Jadrolinija travellers will immediately find the convenience of reaching the upper floors of the ship where the reception is located by means of large, quiet lifts, which are especially useful and necessary for those travelling with small children or elderly people. In addition to a bar, a souvenir and sea article shop, two restaurants offering self-service and a là carte food, there is a chapel on the ship for Holy Mass and for individual prayers by devotees who wish to gather in silence and prayer during the voyage.

Booking and Boarding for Persons with Reduced Mobility 

Like all maritime companies, the Jadrolinija has long since conformed to European regulations on the right to maritime transport without inconvenience for disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility. When purchasing the Ancona Zara ferry online, you must click on the box for passengers in need of assistance and care.

For any further information, our Ferry Office is on hand to complete the booking process, identifying appropriate accommodation on board ship and providing assistance during check-in and boarding procedures.

Travelling by car or motorbike on the Ancona Zadar ferry

From the drop-down menu of our online booking system, you can choose the type of car travelling with the passengers. There are several options depending on the length of the car. The average one-way cost is 93 euro in low season, taxes and fees included. If you choose to also purchase a car ticket from the return Zara Ancona, the cost of the latter is discounted by 20%.

Arriving in Zadar in your own car will give you greater freedom of movement and certainly saves you time and the cost of renting one locally. From here, you can visit enchanting seaside resorts such as Biograd na Moru, Sibenik and Obrovac on the banks of the Zermagna River, as well as the Paklenica and Plitvice nature parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Booking a camper van or caravan on the ferry

Croatia boasts some of the best-equipped and best-located campsites in the whole of Europe. Croatian law is very strict with those who venture into do-it-yourself camping, outside authorised areas, and given the high demand for the summer period, we recommend that you book your camper van and possible tent pitch well in advance, at the same time as booking your ferry trip.

The price of the motor home ticket in low season is 142.50 euro, including taxes. The vehicle is parked in the ship's garage area, where it cannot be accessed during navigation. For the journey of return Zara Ancona the company recognises a reduction of 20% on the motorhome.

Buy online the ticket to your campervan, you can select the vehicle according to length from 5 to 9 metres. If you have any difficulties or if you just want to block the price for two days without obligation, you can contact our Ferry Office. 

Bringing a pet on board the ship

On the ships of Jadrolinija the voyage of the pets is possible by adhering to the general rules and conditions of the company, which obliges owners to carry a health certificate of good health and to equip themselves with a leash and muzzle for dogs and to kennel for cats.

During the voyage, they are not allowed to enter the common areas, such as the bar, restaurant and lounge), but they can walk around on the open deck.

I am travelling without a vehicle, where can I leave my luggage

Travelling by car is also convenient because you can leave your luggage without any hassle and take just what you need for the trip. Passengers on foot, on the other hand, can leave their luggage at the entrance to the ship in a secure area. The service is included in the ship's ticket for luggage up to 30 kg.

How to book Ancona ferries to Zadar

Check online in real time travel in ferry to Zadar from Ancona Port, check the fares and locate the departures on offer and buy your ship ticket at the best price. Don't miss the beautiful coasts of Zara, its lonely islands, Caribbean beaches, legendary sunsets, national parks and crystal-clear lakes, hiking and walking along the Velebit mountain trails, rafting on the Zermagna River and water sports.

Zara is an excellent destination to choose as a base for summer holidays and to explore the rest of the region, one of the most visited in the Croatia.

When is it cheapest to book a ferry ticket? 

If you want to know when the shipping company publishes its summer programme, with times and rates, just contact our Booking office Ferries Croatia or log on to our Portal for availability and promotions. You can save up to 30% on the total ticket price by 31/03 with the promotion Early Booking.

How can I book ship travel for a group?

Would you like to book a group on the Ancona Zadar route and take advantage of discounted fares? Contact our Ferries Booking Office  at 0809260042 or send a whatsapp/viber/telegram message to 3441743399. You can also fill out the request form directly on our website and we will contact you within 24 hours for details, to finalise and complete the confirmation of your places.

Can I buy an open-date ship ticket for the return?

The reservation system of the Jadrolinija does not allow a return ticket to be issued on an open date, but if you need to change or cancel a ticket purchased online, you can contact our Booking Ferries.

Book cheap Ancona to Zadar ferries

On our Sealines Portal you can buy discounted tickets of ferry Ancona Zadar and back throughout the summer, enter the number of persons and vehicles correctly, choose your preferred accommodation, add travel insurance and active discounts and promotions will be applied automatically, saving you time and money.