Getting from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
Getting from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Croatia’s capital. At just around 130 km away, it’s closer to Zagreb than to the coastal cities, making travel easier and faster.
Whether you prefer to drive yourself, catch a bus, or join a guided excursion, there are plenty of ways to plan your journey. Here’s what you should know before going from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes.
Distance and Travel Time from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
The park lies about 130 km (80 miles) south of Zagreb. Travel time by car is usually 2 to 2.5 hours, while buses can take a bit longer depending on stops. Many day tours also depart directly from the city, making Zagreb the most convenient starting point for a Plitvice adventure.
→ Click here to read more about Plitvice Lakes National Park location.
How to Get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes: Travel Options
Driving by Car
Driving is the quickest and most flexible option. From Zagreb, take the A1 motorway (part of European routes E65/E71) heading south, then exit at Karlovac and follow signs to Plitvice Lakes. Alternatively, the D1 road offers a scenic route through smaller towns.
- Time: About 2–2.5 hours
- Tips: Toll charges apply on the motorway; rest stops and fuel stations are frequent. Paid parking is available at Entrance 1 and Entrance 2.
Bus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
Taking the bus is a budget-friendly choice and very popular with travelers. Buses leave from Zagreb Bus Station (Autobusni Kolodvor) several times a day and stop at Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 of the park.
- Time: 2.5–3 hours depending on the service
- Where to check: Always confirm the Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes bus schedule on the official Zagreb Bus Station website.
- Tip: Book tickets in advance during peak season as buses can fill quickly.
Tours from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
If you’d rather not handle logistics yourself, guided tours are the most convenient option. Most tours last about 9–10 hours, including transportation, guided walks, and free time in the park. Many also offer hotel pick-up in Zagreb.
- Includes: Round-trip transfers, guided exploration, boat and train rides
- Best for: First-time visitors, families, and travelers with limited time
When Is the Best Time to Travel?
From Zagreb, day trips to Plitvice Lakes are possible year-round. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and mild weather, while summer offers long days but can be busy. In winter, the park is quieter, and frozen waterfalls make for a unique experience, though services are more limited.
→ Read more about Plitvice Lakes to plan your trip with helpful tips.
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]
