Plitvice Lakes National Park Location & Getting There
Plitvice Lakes National Park Location & Getting There
The breathtaking beauty of Croatia’s most famous natural wonder often leads travelers to ask: where exactly is Plitvice Lakes National Park located?
Situated in a mountainous region of central Croatia, the park lies between Zagreb and Zadar, making it easy to reach from either the capital or the Adriatic coast. Knowing the exact Plitvice Lakes National Park location and how to get there will help you plan your trip smoothly.
Where is Plitvice Lakes?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, between the Mala Kapela mountain range to the west and the Lička Plješivica range to the east. Administratively, it sits across two counties: Lika-Senj (90.7%) and Karlovac (9.3%). The nearest towns are Korenica and Slunj, and the park is roughly 130 km from Zagreb (about 2 hours by car) and 120 km from Zadar (about 1.5–2 hours by car).
→ Learn more about highlights and history of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- Plitvice Lakes address: Josipa Jovića 19, 53230 Plitvička Jezera, Croatia
- Find on Google Maps: Plitvice Lakes location
Directions: How to Get to Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is well-connected by road, making it one of the easiest day trips in Croatia. Here’s how to reach the park:
By Car
Driving is the fastest and most flexible way to reach Plitvice Lakes. From Zagreb, Zadar, or Split, take the A1 motorway and then exit onto the D1 road, which leads directly past the park entrances. The drive from Zagreb takes around 2 hours, from Zadar about 1 hour 45 minutes, and from Split between 3.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic.
By Bus
Regular intercity buses connect Zagreb, Zadar, and Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park via the E65, E71, and D1 highways. Travel times range from about 2–3 hours from Zagreb, 2 hours from Zadar, and up to 5.5 hours from Split. The closest bus stops are conveniently located near Entrance 1 and Entrance 2, making the journey straightforward without a car.
→ Bus schedules: Official Website of Zagreb Bus Station
By Tour
If you prefer a hassle-free option, many guided tours depart daily from Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and even Dubrovnik, including round-trip transport and a guide. These tours are ideal for those short on time or not comfortable navigating Croatian roads.
→ Explore handpicked Plitvice Lakes tour options here.
Plitvice Lakes Entrances
Plitvice Lakes National Park has two main entrances located along the D429 road, which connects Zagreb and Zadar with the park:
- Entrance 1: Located at the northern side of the park, this entrance leads straight to the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap waterfall.
- Entrance 2: Found further south, closer to the Upper Lakes, offering direct access to longer trails and the boat crossing on Lake Kozjak.
Both entrances feature paid parking areas, and bus stops are located right next to Entrance 1 and Entrance 2, allowing visitors arriving by intercity buses from Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and other cities to reach the park on foot. Since the entrances are about 3 km apart, plan your visit in advance to choose the one that best suits your route.
→ For more details about the entrances, see our dedicated Plitvice Lakes Entrances page.
Airport Near Plitvice Lakes
There is no airport directly at Plitvice Lakes National Park, but several international airports are within easy reach. The closest is Zadar Airport (ZAD), located about 120 km away, with a drive of 1.5–2 hours.
Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is another popular choice, about 140 km from the park, with good bus and road connections. Visitors arriving from further afield can also use Split Airport (SPU), around 240 km away, with travel times of 3.5–5 hours by car or bus.
Traveler Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park
What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Allowed
Photography (non-drone), walking on marked trails, bringing small snacks, and visiting with dogs (on a leash).
Not Allowed
Swimming in the lakes, leaving marked paths, picking plants, feeding or disturbing animals, lighting fires, camping, cycling on footpaths, and using drones.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Tickets
Explore below our curated selection of Plitvice Lakes tickets and guided tours:
Bestseller Plitvice Lakes Ticket
Plitvice Lakes National Park Entry with Panoramic Train & Boat Ride
5.3K+ reviews
€23
Headout
Everything from buying the tickets to entering the National Park was a breeze. The National park is exquisite and the boat ride was a lovely experience and a rest for my husband…
Top-Value Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
50+ reviews
€35
Headout
Our guide was excellent. He was personable & knowledgeable. He was very approachable & amazing with multiple languages.
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Split
From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
2.8K+ reviews
€65
Viator
Absolutely stunning lakes and a great tour out from Split. It’s a bit of a drive but the bus is lovely and comfortable so it’s an easy trip. The day in the park itself is spectacular and worth the drive…
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zadar
Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour with Tickets
2.8K+ reviews
€58
GetYourGuide
had a truly wonderful experience with Bojan! The tour was comfortable, well-organized, and fun […] I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Croatia.
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zagreb
From Zagreb: Plitvice & Rastoke Guided Day Trip with Ticket
2.7K+ reviews
€85
GetYourGuide
It was a great trip from Zagreb to see Plitvice. Included a short stop at Rastoke Village where you can explore and take a break on the way to Plitvice. […] The locations themselves are amazing, highly recommended to take this tour.
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Trogir
Bestseller Plitvice Lakes Ticket
Plitvice Lakes National Park Entry with Panoramic Train & Boat Ride
This Plitvice Lakes Ticket offers comprehensive access to Plitvice Lakes National Park, granting entry at either the North or South entrance. Immerse yourself in the park’s beauty with included perks, such as a panoramic train ride and an electric boat excursion on Kozjak, Plitvice’s largest lake.
“Everything from buying the tickets to entering the National Park was a breeze. The National park is exquisite and the boat ride was a lovely experience and a rest for my husband…” Katharine, Oct. 2023 [Source: Headout]
Top-Value Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
With this Plitvice Lakes ticket, you’ll join a fully guided tour of the park with skip-the-line entry. Explore the waterfalls, lakes, and woodland walks with ease. Along the way you’ll also enjoy a panoramic train ride and a relaxing electric boat trip across one of the largest lakes, for added scenery and serenity.
“Our guide was excellent. He was personable & knowledgeable. He was very approachable & amazing with multiple languages.” James, Sep. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Split
From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
Travel in comfort from Split with this Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour that covers round-trip transportation, and expert guide narration. You’ll get to walk through upper and lower lake trails, ride a scenic boat, and experience the park’s highlights — all while the drive is taken care of.
“Absolutely stunning lakes and a great tour out from Split. It’s a bit of a drive but the bus is lovely and comfortable so it’s an easy trip. The day in the park itself is spectacular and worth the drive…” Elizabeth, Sep. 2025 [Source: Viator]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zadar
Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour with Tickets
Departing from Zadar, this guided tour provides everything you need for a seamless Plitvice Lakes adventure — transport, admission, and a knowledgeable guide. Walk the wooden paths, admire the iconic waterfalls, and relax on a tranquil boat ride before heading back to the city.
“I had a truly wonderful experience with Bojan! The tour was comfortable, well-organized, and fun […] I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Croatia.” Yuliia, Sep. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zagreb
From Zagreb: Plitvice & Rastoke Guided Day Trip with Ticket
Embark on a 10-hour day trip to Plitvice National Park with a seasoned English-speaking guide and convenient van transportation from Zagreb. The package covers the entry ticket to Plitvice National Park and includes a visit to the charming Rastoke Village for an enriched experience.
“It was a great trip from Zagreb to see Plitvice. Included a short stop at Rastoke Village where you can explore and take a break on the way to Plitvice. […] The locations themselves are amazing, highly recommended to take this tour.” Ella, Sep. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Top-Rated Day Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Trogir
From Split or Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Tour with Entry Tickets
Experience a 12-hour guided Plitvice Lakes Tour with entry tickets to Plitvice Lakes National Park included. Enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off, transportation by minivan or tour bus, departing from either Split or Trogir.
“I recommend this tour! A well-thought-out route: it was interesting, beautiful, not boring and not too tiring. […] Our transport was very comfortable, with air conditioning.” Анастасия, Aug. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
