Plan Your Visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park

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Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour

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Flexible duration

Guided tour

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From Zadar: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

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8 hr. - 9 hr.

Guided tour

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From Split: Full-Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park with Guided Tour Option

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12 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

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From Zagreb: Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park & Rastoke Village

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10 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Hotel pickup

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Where is Plitvice Lakes National Park located?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, between the cities of Zagreb and Zadar. It lies near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled in a forested karst region known for its waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and rugged natural beauty. The nearest town is Plitvička Jezera, with the closest major roads being the D1 and E71 highways.

Address: Josipa Jovića 19, 53231 Plitvička Jezera, Croatia
Driving Time:
- From Zagreb: 2 hours
- From Zadar: 1.5 hours
- From Split: 2.5–3 hours

Plitvice Lakes National Park opening hours

Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour from Split

Plitvice Lakes National Park is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally.

November to March: 8am to 4pm
April to May: 7am to 7pm
June to August: 7am to 8pm
September to October: 7am to 7pm
Closure: The national park is open on all days of the year. However, the Upper Lakes are closed to visitors during winter and open again only in April.

Explore Plitvice Lakes timings

Best time to visit Plitvice National Park

Fishes swimming in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) is an ideal time to visit as the waterfalls are at their fullest due to melting snow and spring rains.
Summer (July and August) offers long daylight hours and warm weather, but it’s also the busiest time with high visitor numbers. Pre-booking is essential.
Autumn (September to October) brings fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and vibrant fall foliage, making it one of the most photogenic times.
Winter (November to February) turns the park into a snowy wonderland, but some areas may be inaccessible due to ice.

Plitvice Lakes National Park cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes on tour from Split.

Weekday vs. weekend

Weekdays are typically less crowded, offering a more tranquil and relaxed experience with better opportunities for uninterrupted photography and wildlife spotting.
Weekends and public holidays tend to draw larger crowds, especially during summer and holiday seasons. If visiting on weekends, arrive early in the morning to enjoy the quieter trails.

How to get to Plitvice National Park

View of guests traveling to Plitvice National park from Zagreb

Location

The national park is located in central Croatia, nestled between the cities of Zagreb and Zadar. It is easily accessible by car or bus via the D1 highway, and it serves as a great midway stop for travelers moving between inland Croatia and the Adriatic coast.
The closest villages are Plitvička Jezera and Rastovaca, which also offer accommodation options.

Zagreb cityscape view from funicular, featuring historic buildings and lush greenery during walking tour.

Distance from major attractions

Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes: 130 km (approx. 2 hours by car)
Split to Plitvice Lakes: 250 km (3.5 to 4 hours)
Zadar to Plitvice Lakes: 120 km (2 hours)
Blue Cave / Blue Lagoon: 250–270 km (approx. 4–4.5 hours)
Krka National Park: 115 km (about 1 hour 45 minutes)
Rastoke Village: 35 km (30–40 minutes)

Getting to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Getting there

You can reach the park by car, public bus, or guided tour. Direct buses run daily from Zagreb, Zadar, and Split, stopping at the Plitvice Jezera bus station located near Entrance 1(North).
Self-drivers will find well-maintained highways and ample paid parking near both main entrances.
Guided day tours offer the convenience of transfers and structured itineraries covering most of the park.

Things to know before you visit Plitvice National Park

Park restaurants at Entrances 1 and 2: Both main entrances offer casual restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Croatian dishes, hot meals, and drinks.
Cafeterias: Smaller kiosks and cafés can be found at popular junctions like P1 (Kozjak boat terminal) and the Upper Lakes trailheads. They offer sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and drinks—convenient for quick bites during your park visit.
Picnic zones: If you prefer to bring your food, there are designated picnic areas within the park. These shaded spots include benches and tables and are great for a relaxing break.
Local restaurants: Outside the park, nearby villages like Jezerce and Smoljanac offer traditional inns and farm-to-table restaurants. Expect home-style meals with local cheese, cured meats, grilled trout, and strukli (cheese-filled pastry).

Hotel Jezero (Inside Park Grounds): Located just a few minutes walk from Entrance 2, Hotel Jezero is the only accommodation within the park itself. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, wellness facilities, and unbeatable access to the Upper Lakes.
Plitvice Ethno House and Etno Garden Apartments: These charming guesthouses offer rustic yet modern stays close to the park. Set in a natural setting with wooden cottages and mountain views, they’re perfect for couples or small families.
Budget and family-friendly options: House Boro, Villa Knezevic, and House Jelena are popular budget options offering clean, cozy rooms with friendly local hosts. These are excellent choices for travelers seeking an affordable yet convenient stay.
Camping: Camp Korana and Camp Plitvice provide camping pitches, mobile homes, and bungalows. They are well-equipped with modern amenities, on-site restaurants, and shuttle services to the park entrances.

Outdoor restroom sign with directional arrow.

Wheelchair: While the park has made efforts to improve accessibility, many areas—especially the wooden boardwalks—remain challenging for wheelchair users. Some flat, gravel paths near Entrance 1 and the Kozjak ferry point are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. Accessible restrooms are located at both main entrances.
Restrooms and baby-changing stations: Restrooms are located at Entrances 1 and 2, near key ferry points, and in picnic areas. Baby changing facilities are also available at the entrances, making the park family-friendly for visitors with infants.
Pet and service animals: Pets are not allowed in the park, or on electric boats or panoramic trains. Certified service animals are an exception and can accompany you across all accessible areas of the park.

Group tour at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, with guide in wooded area.

Park rules: Plitvice Lakes National Park is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors are expected to follow strict conservation rules. Swimming, diving, and fishing are strictly prohibited in all lakes and waterfalls. Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles are also banned to preserve the park’s peace and protect wildlife habitats.
Dress for comfort and weather: Weather in Plitvice can change quickly, so dress in layers and wear moisture-wicking clothes that keep you warm when needed. Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes are a must, as many paths can be slippery, especially near waterfalls or during the early morning dew. In summer, carry a hat and sunscreen; in winter, gloves and thermal wear may be needed.
Packing essentials: Besides comfortable clothing, be sure to bring water bottles (refill points are available), energy bars, a map or offline GPS app, and a power bank. While a mobile signal is available in most areas, coverage may drop in deeper forest trails or near waterfalls.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Plitvice National Park

What’s included in the standard entry ticket?

The basic Plitvice Lakes National Park ticket includes access to all trails, boardwalks, the electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak, and the panoramic train ride.

How much is the entrance fee to Plitvice Lakes?

The entrance fee varies by season. In peak summer (June to September), adult tickets range from €40 to €45, while student and child discounts apply. In the low season, entry can be as affordable as €10 to €23. Children under 7 enter for free.

Which entrance should I use? Entrance 1 or Entrance 2?

Entrance 1 (Rastovača) is closer to the Lower Lakes and iconic waterfalls like Veliki Slap, making it a great starting point for scenic highlights. Entrance 2 (Hladovina) is closer to the Upper Lakes and is usually less crowded.

Is Plitvice suitable for children and seniors?

Yes, Plitvice offers short, easy trails suitable for all ages. Families with kids can enjoy boat rides and the panoramic train, while seniors can use the shuttle services between key points.

How do I get from Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb, Split, or Zadar?

Buses regularly connect Plitvice with major cities. Travel time is approximately 2 hours to Zadar, 2.5 hours to Zagreb, and 3.5 to 5 hours to Split, depending on traffic. You can also book day trips to Plitvice from these cities, including round-trip transfers and park entry.

Is the park open year-round?

Yes, Plitvice Lakes National Park is open every day, including holidays. However, the operating hours and available trails may vary by season, especially in winter when snowfall or icy conditions may limit access to certain areas.

Can I leave and re-enter the park on the same day?

No. Standard tickets allow single entry only. Once you exit the park, you cannot re-enter using the same ticket. If you're planning a picnic or a break, it's best to do so inside the park before you leave.

Is swimming allowed at Plitvice Lakes?

No, swimming is not allowed anywhere in Plitvice Lakes National Park to preserve the fragile ecosystems and water quality. If you’re looking to swim, consider visiting Krka National Park, where designated swimming areas are open during the warmer months.