A day trippers guide to Plitvice Lakes, Croatia 🇭🇷
WHAT IS PLITVICE LAKES?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest and oldest national park, famed for its unique system of 16 interconnected lakes, stunning waterfalls, and lush forests. Its held UNESCO World Heritage status for around 50 years. The park covers nearly 300 square kilometers and is home to much wildlife, including bears, deer, and rare bird species. Exploring Plitvice Lakes and enjoying its scenic beauty is made easy via wooden boardwalks and well mapped hiking trails, it really is one of Europe’s most spectacular natural destinations!
HOW DO I GET TO PLITVICE LAKES?
Plitvice Lakes is quite frankly in the middle of nowhere - and with many who visit Croatia likely on the coast in Split, Dubrovnik or Zadar, or in the northern capital Zagreb; accessing Plitvice from any of those is no small task. Here are our recommendations for getting to Plitvice from wherever you maybe coming from:
🚗 By car – If you decide to rent a car in Croatia (or you happen to be driving your UK car as we did!), driving to Plitvice Lakes National Park can be an adventure in itself. The park is easily accessible by road, with two main entrances and ample parking. You can reach it via the E71 (Zagreb-Split highway) by taking the exit for Plitvice Lakes. From Split, the drive takes around 2.5–3 hours, while from Dubrovnik, it’s approximately 5–6 hours. We’d definitely not recommend a day trip from Dubrovnik, but a multi-day mini-road trip - perhaps including the scenic coastal drive via Split and Zadar, or as part of a trip into neighbouring Bosnia, visiting Mostar and Neum (plug: have a dig around for our articles on Bosnia).
🚎 By bus – there are regular bus services to Plitvice Lakes from major cities, including Zagreb, Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik. From Split, direct buses take about 4–5 hours, while from Dubrovnik, buses often require a transfer in Zadar or Split and can take 7–8 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at bus stations, and buses stop at both the lower and upper park entrances.
🚂 By train – While there is no direct train to Plitvice Lakes, you can take a train from Zagreb to Karlovac or Slunj, both of which are relatively close to the park. From Karlovac (about 50 miles away) or Slunj (about 19 miles away), you can take a local bus or taxi to reach the park. Trains are not an option from Split or Dubrovnik.
🗓️ By organized tour – the second best option to a hire car would be using one of the many tour companies who offer day trips and multi-day tours to Plitvice from cities like Zagreb, Split, and even Dubrovnik. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and sometimes meals, making them a convenient choice. The tour linked here offers some of the best value we were able to find from Zagreb.
WHAT’S INCLUDED (and not) IN THE TICKET PRICE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
A standard ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park includes:
✅ Full day access to the park’s trails, boardwalks, and scenic viewpoints to be explored at your own pace.
✅ Transportation within the park, including the electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak and the panoramic shuttle bus that connects different areas of the park.
🌟 TIP: Its important to be familiar with the operating times, particularly of the shuttle bus which connects the end of the trail to the start/carpark - especially if you’re doing a point to point trail. 🌟
A standard ticket does not include:
❌ Guided tours - the standard tick permits access, but there are no guides, its up to you to plot your route around the marked trails.
❌ Food and drink - no food or drink is included in the standard entry fee.
❌ Parking - parking is charged on top of the entry fee, and is hourly, payable by card or cash at the kiosk on exit.
💰 PLITVICE LAKES PRICING
Pricing is seasonal, if you’re able to visit in the shoulder of off-season you could save as much as 75% on your visit.
🌟 TIP: If you’re visiting in peak season, booking ahead - by at least a day or two is advisable - when we were checking for on the day tickets, we did see times sold out. 🌟
Costs given below were correct at time of writing;
January to March and from November to December: 10€
April to May and in October: 23€
June to September: 40€ (before 4 pm) or 25€ (after 4 pm)
🎟️ BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE 🎟️
WHAT TO EXPECT ON ARRIVAL - PARKING, AND GETTING TO THE BOAT DEPARTURE
If arriving by car or bus you will likely want to do so via entrance 2. There is ample (paid) parking but dependant on where you park the walk to the boat transfer dock is around 15-20 minutes (1-1.5km) - we were unaware of this ahead of our visit and if travelling with kids or those of limited mobility, its something to be mindful of. The walk to the lake is mostly downhill - which of course means it’s mostly back uphill on the way back to the car!
The trails can be accessed directly if you do not wish to take the electric boat shuttle (though this is included in your entry), simply by walking around the perimeter of the main Kozjak lake, however the main starting point of the marked trails, does require the short 3-5 minute boat shuttle to get across.
The boat shuttle has limited capacity and takes probably 10 minutes to complete the out and back journey for the next batch of visitors, while we didn’t have a long wait, I would expect it could take longer in peak times.
WHEN SHOULD I GO TO PLITVICE LAKES?
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes is during the two shoulder seasons bookending the summer - spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Croatia, certainly inland, can get unbarebly hot in the peak summer - visiting in the shoulder seasons ensures the best weather for trail walking.
😎 Summer (July to August) is the peak season, with the highest number of visitors, most expensive ticket prices and warmest weather. While the the park will receive its highest number of visitors and may in parts feel crowded - the scale of the park is such that it can accomodate visitors while allowing everyone to have a feeling of space. Sure, some of the boardwalks may have more people that other times of the year, or day, but use this an opportunity to stretch the legs beyond the usual trails.
🌟TIP: Note the lower priced late afternoon ticket, if you’re only looking to spend a few hours in the park, this could be a great option!🌟
⛄️ Winter (November to March) offers a completely different experience with fewer tourists, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. The park can be less accessible due to snow, and some areas may be closed, but the frozen waterfalls and snow-covered forests create a magical winter wonderland.
Overall - if avoiding the crowds is a priority for you, the shoulder season - spring or fall, is going to be the time for you, but each season has its own unique charm depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for!
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO PLITVICE LAKES?
🥾 Comfortable shoes - while trainers with good grip are fine, walking shoes or light trail boots are recommended if you’re spending a full day on the trails.
🥤Water/drinks - a must in the summer, there are a few kiosks but we’d recommend bring a couple of litres of water per person.
🍿 Snacks - again, kiosks provide the basics, but bring a picnic and make a day of it.
📸 Camera - you’re going to fill a memory card with everything you find at Plitvice!
🧢 Sun protection - a large part of the trails and the boardwalks are uncovered, there are a number of forest sections for some respite, but sun hats, glasses and sunscreen would be recommended in the peak season.
🚶♂️ Fresh legs - its what you make of it, and while its not a particularly challenging set of trails, a full day of walking could see you clocking up 20km.
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE AT PLITVICE LAKES?
Plitvice Lakes is a real bucket list destination for nature lovers, offering an array of sights to explore. Here’s a run down of the park’s must-see’s:
The 16 Lakes – The park is famous for its 16 interconnected lakes, divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes. The waters are crystal-clear waters and range in colour from turquoise to deep blue; with the ability to view from different elevations there are plenty of opportunities to take epic photos.
Waterfalls – Plitvice is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, including the majestic Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall), which is 78 meters high. There are over 90 waterfalls in total, with such a variety, not only are they impressive to admire, but create a truly unique soundscape throughout the park.
Boardwalk Trails – The park has network of wooden boardwalks allows you to get up close to the lakes and waterfalls. The trails vary in length and difficulty ensuring everyone is catered for, from casual walkers to avid hikers.
Cave Systems – In addition to its lakes and waterfalls, the park also features hidden caves, like the Bijela Cave, which adds an intriguing element to your exploration.
Wildlife – The park is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, deer, wild boar, and over 120 bird species. While spotting these creatures isn’t guaranteed (thankfully in the case of the bears!), keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see some of Croatia’s best wildlife.
The Electric Boat Ride – A ride across the stunning Kozjak Lake is included in your ticket, offering a relaxing way to take in the scenery from a different perspective.
Panoramic Shuttle Bus – The park’s panoramic bus provides easy access to different parts of the park, offering great views from above and saving time if you’re trying to see it all in one day.
Boat hire - Wooden rowing boats are available for hire from close to the shuttle boat
Each of these features showcases the park's natural beauty and makes Plitvice Lakes one of the most captivating destinations in Europe. Whether you're there for a scenic walk, a photo op, or a quiet moment in nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
IS PLITVICE LAKES SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
Absolutely! We visited on an off peak/late afternoon ticket in the height of summer, temperatures were in the low 30’s and we spent around 3-4 hours exploring the park, it was especially resplendent in golden hour. The kids really enjoyed the boardwalks, the variety of lakes, spotting fish and other wildlife in the water, the waterfalls, the shuttle boat and even the bus back. The walk back up hill to the car park took a little gentle encouragement but its certainly somewhere we look back on fondly as summer family memory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
💡 Is Plitvice Lakes National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! It’s one of, if not the best and most popular natural attraction in Croatia. Plitvice lakes is famous for its cascading waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and lush scenery.
💡 How long should I spend at Plitvice Lakes?
We’d recommend allocating a full day to explore the park without rushing, but if you're short on time, its definitely possible to do a half-day visit.
💡 How long is the walk at Plitvice Lakes?
There are several trails ranging from around 3 km, to nearly 20 km - trails are well maintained and signposted, and many are mapped out on alltrails if you feel more comfortable using this for way-finding.
💡What footwear will I need for Plitvice Lakes?
We’d suggest comfortable, waterproof hiking or walking shoes, or training shoes with a good grip. Many of the trails have boardwalks but some sections can be uneven and slippery depending on the weather.
💡Are there toilets at Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, toilets are available at entrances, rest areas, and key spots along the trails.
💡 Do you need to book Plitvice Lakes in advance?
Undoubtedly Yes, and especially in peak season (spring-summer), as visitor numbers are limited. Booking online via a tour or the official website is recommended.
💡 Does Plitvice Lakes have food or will I need to bring my own?
There are restaurants and snack bars near the entrances, but bringing snacks and water is recommended for
💡 Can you do Plitvice Lakes in a day?
Yes! A well-planned visit allows you to see the highlights in a single day or less.
💡 Can you swim in Plitvice waterfalls?
No, as tempting as the water looks for swimming, it is strictly prohibited in order to protect the park’s ecosystem.
💡 Can I use my drone at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
No, you generally cannot fly drones in or above Plitvice Lakes National Park without special permission from the park authorities