Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting a packet of a zero-padded OFDM signal, which are capable of determining if a packet exists in a reception (RX) signal by comparing a cross-correlation value of an OFDM signal delayed by a predetermined sample time, e.g., a zero-padded sample time, with a power value of the RX signal, thereby increasing a packet detection probability and preventing a false alarm. The packet detecting apparatus includes: a cross-correlation calculator for calculating a cross-correlation value of a reception signal received from the outside and delaying the calculated cross-correlation value by a predetermined sample time; a power calculator for calculating a power value of the reception signal; and a packet detector for determining if a packet exists in the reception signal by comparing the delayed cross-correlation value with the calculated power value, and detecting the corresponding packet.