Zadar airport could soon be linked to the city centre by train

(Photo: Zadar County)

Zadar could once again have passenger railway services by 2028, with a series of major infrastructure projects planned to modernise rail connections across the county, Zadar County announced in a statement this week.

Plans include relocating the railway line through Bibinje and constructing a tunnel, upgrading stations in Benkovac and Škabrnja, introducing new battery-powered trains and developing a future rail connection between Zadar Airport and the city centre.

The projects were discussed at a working meeting on railway infrastructure in Zadar County, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, HŽ Infrastruktura, the Port Authority of Zadar, the City of Zadar and Zadar County.

The relocation of the railway through Bibinje and construction of the tunnel is currently estimated at almost €150 million. The figure is nearly twice the estimate made in 2019.

(Photo: Zadar County)

A government decision on financing is expected to be prepared within the coming weeks, followed by a tender for the design and construction of the project. HŽ Infrastruktura is considering a model combining design and construction in a single contract to speed up delivery.

The project has already received a location permit and is also intended to improve freight connections towards the Port of Gaženica.

Meanwhile, the reconstruction of the Zadar–Knin railway is continuing. According to the announced timetable, passenger trains could return to Zadar in 2028, allowing passengers to travel via Knin towards Zagreb.

(Photo: Zadar County)

The railway stations in Benkovac and Škabrnja are scheduled for renovation next year, while noise protection measures are planned for settlements along the route.

New rolling stock is also planned. The first Croatian-made battery-electric trains, produced by Končar, are expected to arrive next year. The trains are designed for non-electrified railway lines, meaning the Zadar route can receive modern passenger services without requiring full electrification.

(Photo: Zadar County)

A separate project would eventually connect Zadar Airport with the city’s railway station. Study documentation is currently being prepared, with a timeframe of around five years considered realistic for the airport connection.

Zadar Mayor Šime Erlić said the aim was to strengthen links between the city, airport, Port of Gaženica, Benkovac and Knin, describing the three main transport points, the airport, port and railway station, as an important foundation for the city’s future development.

(Photo: Zadar County)

The railway station is located close to the centre of Zadar, making its potential connection with the airport and port significant for both passenger and freight transport.

(Photo: Zadar County)

If the current timetable is maintained, Zadar’s railway network could therefore undergo substantial changes over the next several years, with passenger services, upgraded stations, a new Bibinje tunnel and a potential airport connection developing as part of a wider investment cycle in Croatia’s railway infrastructure.