day trip zadar to plitvice lakes

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Plitvice National Park Full-Day Tour from Zadar

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Tour Details

Our definite recommendation is stunning National Park Plitvice Lakes. Your fairy tale will begin here.

They are situated in central Croatia. Their natural beauty and crystal water will stop your heart for a second. Let your mind be blown by this unaffected fairyland. Explore its lavish nature and waterfalls by bus or simply make yourself feel like a real princess or prince and take a dreamy tour in an electric boat. We guarantee that whichever choice you make you won’t feel disappointed. 

Departure & Return Location

Any address in Zadar and area around.

Free pickups included in the price, as well as free returns on an address.

Departure Time

11:30 Departure from Zadar – Free pickup in Zadar city area

Price Includes

• Pickup on any address in Zadar
• English-speaking driver
• Professional guide
• Walking tour
• Boat ride (about 20 minutes)
• Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
• Fuel surcharge
• Entrance to the National Park, which is €15 between April 1 to May 30 and October 1 to October 30, 2019. €34 between June 1 to September 30, 2019. Children under 7 years are free of charge, with 50% off for children 7-18 years
• Optional lunch, 50,00 HRK/€7

What to Expect

If you choose of one-day excursion trip into the famous national park of the Plitvice, which is classified at the world inheritance of UNESCO, you will see, among all other natural beauties, sixteen bigger and few smaller lakes, gradually lined up and linked together by innumerable cascades and waterfalls.

While walking, you’ll hear the musical symphony of birds, see various bird and plant species, and learn from your local guide as he provides stories and information about the intriguing legends, fascinating history, and captivating culture of the park. Also, bring your camera – these are the views and adventures to remember for a lifetime.

Excursion price

• 375 HRK (50 EUR) per adult (age +13)
• 225 HRK (30 EUR) per children (age 4-12)
• Babies travels for FREE

WORRY FREE TICKET

All inclusive ticket with an extra option to pre-registered Plitvice lakes entrance ticket at checkout!

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 1 day in advance for a full refund.

Know Before You Go

• We will pick you up on a location close to your accommodation.
• After the payment is cleared you will receive voucher through e-mail which you will show to our staff at the day of the excursion on pickup site.
• Sandals or flip flops are not allowed!
• Please wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers or sport shoes. Flip flops are not permitted
• Warm clothes are recommended because the temperature in the Park may be cooler than in Zadar

11:30 Departure from Zadar

Free pickup in Zadar city area. Make sure to put your exact staying address in Zadar area (once you start booking this tour) so we can arrange a shuttle bus for you on time.

13:30 Arrival at the park - upper lakes

Once we arrive we are heading north to upper Plitvice lakes.

14:30 Boat tour

Cruising on the boat for maximum relaxation around beautiful Plitvice lakes.

15:00 Launch

Organized launch in Plitvice restauraunt.

15:00 - 16:30 Free time

16:30 lower lakes.

Heading south to Plitvice lower lakes.

17:30 Great waterfall

Visiting Plitvice great waterfalls.

20:00 Return to Zadar

Watch the video to see Plitvice lakes from the air!

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Great tour indeed. Looked online to check the prices and Zadar Day Trips had a great deal for me because of that entrance ticket which were pretty expensive if I decided to buy it myself. The nature and the memories from the tour are just amazing. Looking forward next time I will definitely visit it again.

we can only say woouww. Trip was epic. We were suspicious as we didnt know if we will get on time on a cruise since we stay only 1 day but eventually everything was great.

Higly recommended tour, thanks

Atilla (Hungary)

We just came back before few days from Plitvice lakes, it was a great day. We got shuttle bus picking us at our apartment early morning. We had an amazing lunch on Plitvice and we did some stunning photos of waterfalls. Thank you guys and see you next year.

Tommy (Poland)

We were a little suspicious about Plitvice, we couldn’t decide to go either Plitvice or Krka waterfalls. Fortunatelly, Plitvice were amazing, we saw waterfalls from the boat tour, we took some great photos to last as a long memory. Only bad thing we didn’t stay longer as there is definitelly something to see. Shame we dont have such park in Poland haha.

Best, Tommy

Anna (Switzerland)

We just had this amazing excursion before a few days and I left speechless. Lakes are breathtaking, food were delicious, and th organization was on point. +10 tour from me.

Staying COVID-secure

We confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19.

We are open and here to serve you as best as we can.

See you on board.

• Book A Tour

Plitvice Lakes National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar

75.00 € / per person.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park on a tour from Zadar. Witness the most beautiful sights, and nature as it once was and as it still should be. Clearwater you can actually drink, waterfalls running from one lake to another connected in an amazing web surrounded by forest, wild animals, and fresh air, thus creating a wonder of nature.

• Discover 16 UNESCO-protected lakes
• Be amazed by 78m high Big Waterfall
• Let your private guide show you all Plitvice's beauties
• 'Get lost' in largest national park in all Croatia
• Witness nature phenomenon travertine barriers

Plitvice Lakes is a complex of 16 lakes of various sizes that pour one into another, divided by travertine barriers.  Lakes are painted with an incredible spectrum of greens and blues thanks to the algae, mosses, and plants. Since travertine deposits are the primary cause of lakes and take millennia to create, they are one of the most significant natural occurrences. A thickness of 3 mm of travertine requires a year to produce. Additionally, all these natural processes are still in motion now and are continually transforming Plitvice Lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a living nature paradise. Visitors can explore the park's forest paths, meadows, and caves, and may spot the famous brown bear and other wildlife such as fish, birds, and small forest animals. The Lakes are also home to endemic plant species, adding to their value and importance. It is no wonder that the Plitvice Lakes were declared a national park in 1949 and were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

We recommend taking with you:

• closed comfortable shoes,
• dress in layers,
• sunglasses,
• extra snacks if you like

Plitvice Lakes National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar will take to an unforgettable journey through the Plitvice Lakes, where you can see the beauty of nature as it once was and still should be. Our friendly private guide will make sure you get the most out of your special Plitvice Lakes National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar. The cost of transportation and the lunch package is already included, allowing you to unwind completely while we take care of the planning

• Plitvice Lakes
• Departure Time: 08:00
• Return Time: 17:30
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Private guide
• Lunch package
• Free pickup in Zadar area
• Entrance ticket

Departure from Zadar

Your guide will pick you up at your address sometime before 8 AM. The departure to Plitvice Lakes starts at 8 when we pick up all passengers.

08:00 - 9:30

The van ride on Plitvice Lakes National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and will take place on the highway from Zadar.  During the van ride to the Plitvice Lakes, you will have the opportunity to pass through the Velebit mountain range and see the region of Lika. The van is comfortable and equipped with amenities such as air conditioning and wi-fi, and you will also have a short bathroom break during the ride.

09:30 - 11:30

Exploring the park.

We will start our journey at the upper lakes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its stunning beauty and natural wonders. Our guide will lead you on a walk through the upper lakes, sharing information about the area's history, geology, and ecology. You can also spot local flora and fauna along the way.

11:30 - 12:00

After exploring the upper lakes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, we will take a short ride on a small boat to the lower lakes. This boat ride is a unique and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, and it allows you to see the lakes from a different perspective. As you ride on the boat, you can take in the stunning scenery, including the waterfalls and forests that surround the lakes.

12:00 - 12:30

There will be a break for lunch and refreshing during your tour of the Plitvice Lakes. During this break, you will be provided with a lunch package including a big sandwich, croissant, juice, water, and fruit. The break will take place on a beautiful meadow with shade and tables to sit around, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal in a picturesque setting. The break will last approximately half an hour.

12:30 - 14:45

Our journey continues at the lower lakes. Exploring the lower lakes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a highlight of any visit to the area. The lower lakes are known for their stunning beauty and natural wonders, including waterfalls, forests, and wildlife. One of the biggest highlights of the lower lakes is the Big Waterfall, which is 78 meters high and is located at the end of the lower lakes.

14:45 - 16:30

Departure to zadar.

The departure from the Plitvice Lakes National Park to Zadar marks the end of the full-day tour. After spending the day exploring the stunning beauty of the Plitvice Lakes, you will make your way back to Zadar. As you make your way back to Zadar, passing by mountain Velebit and through the beautiful region Lika, you can reflect on all of the amazing sights and experiences you had during your tour of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Arrival in Zadar

Upon arrival in Zadar, your journey will come to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your tour of the Plitvice Lakes National Park.  As you arrive back in Zadar, you can take a moment to reflect on all that you have seen and experienced during your trip, and you can begin to plan your next adventure. Thank you and see you next time!

Book This Tour

How to Get From --> Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

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What to expect when visiting Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an emerald beauty in the northern mountainous region of Croatia. It boasts a total of 16 terraced lakes, with waterfalls and a karst landscape in the country’s largest national park; you can view these through walkways that are beautifully carved in and around its huge forest.

As majestic as the lakes are, they comprise only 1% of the National Park’s land area. The remaining 99% is lush jungle,  home to a variety of wildlife – like the brown bear, wolves, and lynx, as well as a huge array of birds and bats. Plitvice Lakes has 7 viewing paths around the lakes and 4 hiking trails. Keep in mind that tourists are not allowed to stray away from these routes for safety reasons and swimming is strictly prohibited.

Park entrance fees

The park is open all year. However, some areas may be closed at times, especially in winter for the safety of visitors. This is one of the reasons why entrance fees to the park vary depending on the season you’re visiting.

You can see the seasonal rates below.

These rates are for when you buy your tickets directly at the park entrance.

Want to avoid the long queue at the entrance? Buy your entrance tickets online! With Viator , you can get a summer ticket for €52 ($48) and a spring ticket for €31 ($29).

Check Entrance Tickets with Viator

If you join any of the day trips mentioned above with GetYourGuide, you can also buy your entrance ticket through them for €34 in summer and €15 in spring.

3 ways to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

Zadar to plitvice lakes by bus.

The bus is the only form of public transportation you can take from Zadar Bus Station to Plitvice Lakes. During the peak season (April to November), there are two bus operators plying this route: Prijevoz Knezevic and Prijevoz Varazdin.

We recommend travelling with Prijevoz Knezevic, as they have the shortest travel time at only 1 hour 45 minutes. A ticket costs €14.40 ($13.30).

The other bus company makes stops, so the travel time to Plitvice Lakes takes 2 hours 40 minutes. This option is cheaper at €11.80 ($10.90), though.

If you’re planning to spend only a day on Plitvice Lakes, we recommend taking the first bus that departs at 08:30.

Bus schedules from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

Keep in mind that in winter, only one bus operates from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes. Always double-check the schedules beforehand to avoid any hassle.

Return bus from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar (DIY day trip)

If you rather save money on this return ticket, you can make a day trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes on your own. Especially during the peak summer season (June to September) when there are several buses departing each day.

Just take the first bus out of Zadar in the morning. Then, on the way back, take the last trip from Plitvice Lakes.

A DIY roundtrip bus transfer costs €27 ($25) . The bus will drop you off at Zadar Bus Station.

Bus schedules from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar

PRO TIP: Take the last bus that departs at 17:00 to make the most of your time in Plitvice Lakes!

Keep in mind that fewer buses may be available beyond summer. If you’re visiting on a day trip in spring, autumn, or winter, it might be best to get a roundtrip transfer with tour operators, like this highly-recommended two-way shuttle ride with GetYourGuide .

Zadar to Plitvice Lakes by Day Trip

Planning to spend only a day on Plitvice Lakes? You can also join an organised day trip from Zadar.

An organised day trip saves you the hassle of worrying about your transfers to and from the park. Also, most day trips include a skip-the-line ticket, which is very valuable especially when you’re visiting Plitvice Lakes in summer! This skip-the-line ticket will save you a lot of time queuing, so you’ll have more time to explore the park.

Day trips normally take 8 to 9.5 hours, with 3 hours of that being your journey to and from Plitvice Lakes. Keep in mind that the rates for day trips do not include the entrance fee to the park. You can buy the tickets via your tour operator for an additional €34 in summer and €15 in spring and autumn.

3 types of day trips from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

Option 1: group tour.

There are several group day trips available from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes.

Basic day trips include:

• roundtrip transfers
• a professional guide
• breakfast box
• skip-the-line ticket

We recommend GetYourGuide’s Full-Day Group Tour because of its great value and skip-the-line ticket.

Another advantage is that it also offers a free breakfast box that you can eat in the park. A good offer when you’re in a hurry in the morning and don’t have time for food!

Regardless of these extras, this tour is among the cheapest you will find with rates from €72 ($67) per person.

Group tours normally kick off at 08:00 in the morning. You will be picked up at an agreed pick-up point in Zadar.

Option 2: Roundtrip Transfers

Not a fan of organised tours but don’t want the hassle of finding your way through public transport?

Shared roundtrip transfers are a convenient way to travel between Zadar and Plitvice Lakes. These roundtrip transfers are especially efficient in off-peak months when local buses don’t operate as frequently as they do in summer.

With this option, you will be assured of a shuttle ride to and from Plitvice Lakes.

• The bus departs from Zadar at 08:00 in the morning from a previously agreed meet-up point.
• You’ll arrive at Plitvice Lakes at around 09:30 and will have 8 hours to explore the park.
• Your return bus will leave Plitvice Lakes at exactly 17:30.
• Also for this tour, you get the great bonus of a skip-the-line ticket.

Rates for roundtrip transfers from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes start from €50 ($46) , excluding the entrance fees.

Option 3: Private Tour

Fancy a day trip with just your group? You can also get a private 8-hour tour from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes. You will be picked up and dropped off directly from your hotel, so you really won’t have to worry about anything apart from showing up!

Like the group tours, a private day trip includes the following:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• a walking tour with your own private guide

Costs for a private day tour from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes start from €505 ($465) for a group of up to seven people. This price is excluding the entrance fee at Plitvice Park.

Zadar to Plitvice Lakes by Private Transfer

If you’re travelling in a group and want the best comfort possible, you can also take a private transfer from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes. The ride will take only 1.5 hours.

Rates start from €145 ($135) for a car that can accommodate three passengers. It’s quite pricey, but it gets cheaper if you’re in a larger group. You can book an 8-seater minivan for €175 ($165). Divide the cost, and that’s only around €22 per person.

For the most trusted drivers and comfortable private transfers, book your ride with BookAway.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

What is the distance from zadar to plitvice lakes.

The distance from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is 120 km (75 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes?

The fastest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is by bus and takes 1h30m-2h50m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes?

The cheapest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is by bus with ticket costs starting from €11.80 ($10.90).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes . If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Most popular routes in Croatia

• Brac to Hvar
• Split to Brac
• Split to Dubrovnik
• Split to Hvar
• Split to Plitvice Lakes

Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

• Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes

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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

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Cpt Lyne is a Travel Blog Focusing On Europe & Japan

Europe , Croatia · 23/09/2022

How To Visit Plitvice Lakes in One Day: Croatia’s Most Beautiful National Park

Last updated on January 8th, 2024 at 10:51 pm

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most famous lakes in Europe and obviously in Croatia ;

A day trip to Plitvice Lakes is a must-add to your Croatia bucket list! If you’re visiting Croatia, you must experience the natural wonders of the lakes of Plitvice.

On my first trip to Croatia, while I visited Zagreb , I took a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park; this national park and its breathtaking views had been on my travel bucket list for a while. I was very excited to go there.

I can assure you the photos you see online lives up to expectations; it’s a gorgeous place, even better in real. It’s a great day trip to take in summer and winter.

Here’s my travel guide on how to visit Plitvice Lakes in one day. And without a car as well for travellers who, like me, don’t drive.

How To Visit Plitvice Lakes in One Day From Zagreb or Split or Zadar

If you don’t drive or can’t rent a car, don’t worry, you can still manage to visit Plitvice in one day. Some buses go to Plitvice, and if the idea of going alone doesn’t appeal, you can also book a tour of Plitvice.

It’d be a shame to miss out on this amazing National Park just because you don’t or can’t drive. It’s one of the best day trips in Split, Zadar, or Zagreb.

There are plenty of great things to do in Zadar and Split as well, but adding a day trip to Plitvice is a great addition to your itinerary; you won’t regret it!

If possible, spend at least one full day at the lakes to maximise your trip to Plitvice.

Of course, it’s also a good option if you can spend the night over, but visiting Plitvice in one day is doable, so don’t worry.

Exploring Plitvice Lakes is a family-friendly activity, making it an ideal outing for you and your kids! If you’re planning a family trip to Croatia, here’s a two-week itinerary crafted with children in mind.

In this Plitvice travel guide, I will share my experience, my itinerary of my day trip there, and all the tips to visit the national park and plan a great day there.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Trip

Get from zagreb to plitvice lakes.

So, if you’re wondering how to get to Plitvice Lakes, don’t worry; it’s quite easy.

Plitvice lakes from Zagreb

Plitvice National Park is 140km (87 miles) from the capital, Zagreb.

It takes roughly two hours by car or 2h15/2h30 min by bus. During the peak season, summer, there are a lot of buses running through every day.

It’s relatively easy to book a day trip by bus yourself but a bit more complicated during winter as there aren’t as many buses going to Plitvice. But there is still the option to book a tour to admire Plitvice lakes under the snow.

The bus goes from Zagreb’s central bus station to Plitvice entrance 1 and entrance 2.

Of course, booking a tour is an option all year round, not only during the winter.

Getting from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

Take a bus from Zadar to Plitvice – Depending on what route the bus you choose to take, it takes between 1h45 to 2h50.

Just like in Zagreb, most buses run daily between April to October. The bus goes from Zadar’s central bus station to Plitvice Entrances 1 and 2.

You can always book an organised tour if you don’t fancy organising your day trip to Plitvice Lakes.

There are two entrances at Plitvice Lakes where you can start your exploration; those two entrances offer you a few different routes to choose from, depending on what kind of time you have and if you want to take the longer route or not.

You can also find maps of those routes in the park and estimated times of how long it takes to explore those trails.

Plitvice Lakes Day Trip Itinerary

Getting around inside plitvice lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park covers over 73 000 acres of land.

Waterfalls link no less than sixteen lakes in Plitvice between the Mala Kapela and Licka Pljesivica mountains that compose the National Park of Plitvice Lakes.

Getting around Plitvice is easy; everything in the park is well indicated, and you follow the trail you chose for the day. I’d say it’s pretty hard to get lost there if you respect the rules, don’t go off the trails indicated by the park, and respect nature.

I can assure you that Plitvice Lakes in Summer is a great day trip, so keep on reading to plan a great day trip!

They are seven routes in total that go through Plitvice Lakes, starting from entrances 1 and 2. Route A, B and C start from entrance 1. Routes E, F, H and K start from entrance 2. The trails from entrance 2 are the longest ones.

The shortest route is 3km long, and the longest is 18km.

You can check out the four trails in more detail here .

My Plitvice Lakes in One Day Itinerary

We chose to do Trail B . It takes 3-4 hours , so we thought including a lunch break would be perfect for exploring the park without rushing and taking our time. Trail B includes a scenic boat ride on one of the lakes and a shuttle ride ( We choose to walk instead of using the shuttle, which is much nicer). This trail is very popular as you see many of the main points of interest in the park, and it’s easy to do in one day.

However, we could have quickly gone for trail C instead to see more of the park, as we still had plenty of time before our bus ride back to Zagreb.

Starting at Entrance 1

Our bus from Zagreb arrived at the entrance a bit earlier than anticipated, so we decided to check the souvenir shop to buy some beautiful blue rain caps as it was a wet day. And to see what souvenir I wanted at the end of the day.

As I already said above, we chose to follow trail B. After arriving inside the park, when it was our time to enter, we checked out the map with all the trails, and that’s how we picked trail B. I had done no prior research, and I regret it now, as Trail C would have been a better fit.

When you first go down, you’ll be greeted by the lower lakes; you can take some breathtaking photos on the way down to The Big Waterfall and see that it’s swamped.

• Veliki Slap (the Big Waterfall)

The moment you step into the park, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views; while it looks beautiful, it’s even more impressive. It makes you appreciate how wonderful nature is. I could have spent hours enjoying the views.

The first thing you’ll see arriving at entrance 1 is Veliki Slap, and I’d recommend checking it out first; it gets hectic. The photos above show the crowd descending the slippery bath to the fall. Those photos were taken in the afternoon, and it wasn’t nearly as crowded when we visited in the morning.

Once we finished the Big Waterfall, we followed the trail that led us through the lower lake of Kaluderovac and stopped by Supljara cave before continuing.

I saw two people who fell on their butts. Luckily they didn’t hurt themselves, but that wasn’t fun. I’d say it’s OK if you miss it, it was fun to check out, but it was complicated to walk around as it was rainy, so be careful.

There are signs at the cave entrance to warn you about that.

After visiting the cave, we continued exploring, following the trail B sign to check all the rest of the lower lakes; Gavanovac; Milanovac, all the way to Kozjak, where we found the resting areas with some food huts and table to eat your picnic.

I took photos of the ducks for a small break while visiting the park. We visited Plitvice Lakes summer time. However it was a bit rainy that day, but it didn’t make the day trip less enjoyable.

After a break, we continued our route with the scenic boat ride on Lake Kozjak to join the other side of the lake.

The boat ride takes around 15min, and the view is beautiful; it was still raining a bit when we were cruising through the lake, and the mountains were smokey, which gave the landscape an eerie atmosphere. It was a beautiful moment.

I’d have loved boating on the lake, but sadly, it was closed that day. I guess it was because of the rain.

At this point, you’d typically take the shuttle to join back at the entrance, as it is part of the trail. However, it felt like it would have been a shame to use the shuttle when we still had plenty of time left and could enjoy a pleasant afternoon stroll along the lakes to return to the entrance. We followed part of trail C to go back to the entrance.

Make sure to mind your steps, especially when you walk backwards.

For the little story, I was going back to try and check what was behind a mot and almost fell into the lakes as the path crumbled under my foot; I landed on my knee and handed the day with a bloody knee.

After a quick toilet stop to clean my knee there, we returned to the entrance, chilled a bit more inside the gazebo, and enjoyed the view of the big waterfall before returning to the bus station to return to Zagreb.

Things To Do In Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Šupljara cave 
• Largest and deepest Lake: Kozjak

You can check out more of the main thing to do in Plitvice on the official website map of places of interest.

Best Time To Visit Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice is open 365 days a year, making it a year-round destination.

August and July are the busiest time to visit the park. I saw Plitvice Lakes one day in August, on a cloudy and rainy day; therefore, the crowd were less, and it was a delightful visit; the mist gave the National Park an eerie vibe, as you can see in my photos.

While rain may not sound appealing, it’s good as the water levels tend to be lower during the summer; therefore, the waterfalls might be less impressive, so the rains help.

The recommended periods to visit the park are Spring and Autumn. But Plitvice is an excellent destination to visit all year round as each season brings charm to the park.

During Spring, the waterfalls are roaring; in Autumn, you can admire the beautiful autumn colours and foliage; and in summer, you get the best weather.

Buying Tickets To Plitvice National Park

You can buy tickets to Plitvice online to save time.

Prices change according to the time of the year.

One-day Adult tickets // children tickets

• Jan, Feb, March & Nov, December:  80 HRK (10.8 Euro or 11.85 US$). // 35 HRK (4.7 Euro or 5.2 US$)
• May & October:  180 HRK (24.15 Euro or 26.5 US$) //   50 HRK (7 Euro or 7.5 US$)
• June, July, August, September:  300 HRK (40 Euro or 44.5 US$) // 120 HRK (16 Euro or 18 US$ )

Children below the age of 7 can visit for free.

If you’re travelling with a dog, your furry friend can also visit Plitvice Lakes in one day with you on the lead.

How much time do you need in Plitvice National Park?

If you plan on visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park, then you need at least 8h, in my opinion, to visit the park’s main attractions without rushing and enjoying yourself.

Tips To Visit Plitvice Lakes

• Make sure to buy your Plitvice Lakes tickets in Advance – Tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak season. It would be best if you bought them in advance. The ticket you buy will have a time slot (which you can choose), so you can’t enter the park at any time. You want to buy in advance to get the best time slot possible.
• Arrive for the opening time if possible – Even if your ticket has a time slot, it is still best to arrive before the allocated time as many people will be waiting to enter or to buy a ticket if you haven’t done it online. You can also check the souvenir shop.
• Bring a picnic and snacks with you – you’ll spend a whole day there, so pack yourself a picnic or at least some snacks if you would instead buy yourself food at the park. There are resting areas with little huts that offer food service; however, it’s pretty crowded, so if you want to save time and money, I recommend you bring your picnic.
• Start at entrance 1 – especially if you plan to visit Plitvice Lakes in one day; this way, you’ll get to the lower lakes, and you’ll be able to check out Veliki Slap before it gets even busier.
• Remember to respect the rules – Plitvice is a UNESCO site , it is forbidden to swim in the lakes and never let any garbage anywhere.

What To Pack To Visit Plitvice Lakes In One Day

• A good pair of non-slippery walking shoes don’t have to be hiking shoes, but you need shoes that hold your feet and ankles well to avoid injuries. Some areas of the park get slippery.
• Sunglasses – the sun’s reflection on the lakes can feel aggressive, so wearing sunglasses helps.
• Sunscreen – make sure to protect your skin, especially when you visit during summer.
• If you’re visiting in winter, make sure to layer and wear a light jacket on top to block the wind and rain.
• Pack some snacks and water – you’ll be walking a lot and need the energy to keep yourself hydrated; it is a workout.

This concludes my Plitvice Lakes in a one-day itinerary with all the best tips you need to know to plan your visit to this stunning national park!

I had a fantastic time visiting Plitvice Lakes in one day; I’d recommend you stay two days, however, if you want to explore the park entirely. I know I’ll do that next time as I would love to visit Plitvice during wintertime and admire the beauty of nature under the snow.

But if you’re short on time, one day to see the highlight of Plitvice National Park is more than enough, and this travel guide gave you all the best tips to plan a killer trip to Plitvice! I hope you enjoy your one day in Plitvice lakes like we did!

Like this Plitvice Lakes One Day Itinerary? Please share it on Pinterest. How To Visit Plitvice Lakes in One Day: Croatia National Park

✈ Best Travel Ressources To Plan Your Next Trip If you need help planning your next trip, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! Here are my favourite websites and apps to plan a trip! ✈ How To Find Flights? My favourite website for booking flights is Skyscanner ; it is a good comparator for finding the cheapest flights. Google Flight is also a good help when it comes to comparing flights. ✈ Where To Book Accommodations? The best sites to book accommodations are Booking.com or Expedia. They both allow you to collect points for a discount; it’s worth comparing the two as they often have different pricing for the same hotels. Another perk about Booking.com and Expedia is that you can get bundle deals for flights and accommodations, which can sometimes help you save a lot of money. And don’t worry; you can also select to add accommodation for only a specific part of the trip if you’re not only staying in one place. ✈ Best Sites To Book Activities My go-to website when I need to book an activity is GetYourGuide when I can’t get a ticket directly on the website or if it’s easier to go through them. I always check if the price is the same, though, as the whole point is for it to be easier but not more expensive. If I don’t find the activity I want on GetYourGuide, I like to check Viator for more options! You can also check out Klook if you need to book more than just activities and would like to get everything from the same website—(i.e. transport cards, car rental, hotel…). ✈ Other helpful travel resources – Radical Storage : If you need a place to keep your luggage for an extended period when you travel, I recommend using them. It was a great help when we needed a place to keep our luggage safely while we left the city for a few days. – TheTrainline: If you love to travel by train like me, then TheTrainline needs to be your go-to website for train travel in Europe. It is very reliant and easy to use. ————————————————————————————————————- Disclaimer: this resources box contains affiliate links, which means I earn a little commission if you book anything through my links at no additional cost . They help me support the blog and generate more content. Happy travels!

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Sharyn says

25/09/2022 at 01:08

What a beautiful place. I will keep this in mind for when I eventually visit Croatia.

25/09/2022 at 19:59

I really want to visit Plitvice. We should have been there in 2020 but we all know what happened!

Ildiko says

26/09/2022 at 16:30

Plitvice is absolutely stunning. I have visited and was in awe. The color of the water, the many little waterfalls, and boardwalks are all spectacular.

Melissa says

01/10/2022 at 22:32

Great post! I missed the lakes when I visited Croatia, and I have always wanted to return!

Anja | Anja On Adventure says

02/10/2022 at 10:24

Love the post! I visited Plitvice many times since I live close by, in many seasons. I like spring alate autumn the most because there is usually the most water and waterfalls are wow! Plus, less crowds.

Marina says

15/10/2022 at 18:21

Croatia has been on my list for a long time now and you just made me wanna go asap! Thank you for sharing this one-day itinerary, will keep it for my trip planning!

Elizabeth says

15/10/2022 at 21:47

One of my favorite places in Croatia. I went in the summer but I hear it is magical in the winter when it snows.

ANUKRATI says

17/10/2022 at 09:13

Loved reading the post. Can’t wait to experience Pltvice in person.

18/12/2022 at 19:52

Soooo helpful in planning – I hope to visit Croatia!!

Danielle says

01/04/2023 at 22:41

So gorgeous and just as beautiful in person! Plitvice Lakes was one of the biggest highlights of my time in the Balkans. Would love to go back.

Goya Galeotta says

02/04/2023 at 15:35

Wow, what a beautiful place! Plitvice has been on my list for far too long – I can’t wait to visit!

01/05/2023 at 22:05

My friend visited Plitvice recently and heard great things about it. It looks wonderful and already in my list now.

06/05/2023 at 23:56

I’ve got Croatia on my list. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a perfect day trip…beautiful!

Josy A says

07/05/2023 at 19:35

What an amaaaaazing place to hike and see those stunning blue lakes! It is a huge shame your day finished with a bloody knee – but it looks like you loved it before that last topple.

I would be veeery tempted to come back for multiple days as the scenery is so lovely…

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8 days iternery for Croatia for May 2024 - Croatia Forum

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Hi travellers,

1. Overnight ferry from Ancona, Italy to Split. I do not find any ferry directly to Dubrovnik from Ancona. Is there any?

2. Spending 2 days in Split . 1 day for exploring Split and 2nd day may be Trogir or Krka NP. Please suggest what else can be done?

3. Brac or Hvar island for 1 night? Which one to choose? We are mostly interested in leisure. Can we see Lavender fields in mid May? Then we will choose Hvar. Please pour suggestions.

4. Hvar/Brac to Dubrovnik by ferry and stay there for 2 nights.

5. Travel to Zadar from Dubrovnik by bus and stay there for 2 night. Not decided yet what can be done in Zadar.

6. Zadar to Zagreb by bus and stay there for 1 night.

Is this itinerary doable or should I skip Dubrovnik or Zadar?

Where to see bus schedules for May 2024?

15 replies to this topic

You may be better off spending one night in Split , heading to an island, then going Dubrovnik to Zagreb with a stop in Split, and maybe a night in Plitvice lakes instead of Zadar en route to Zagreb. So 1 night Split, Hvar /Brač 1 night, Dubrovnik 2 nights, Split 2 nights, Plitvice 1 night, Zagreb 1 night. But I am not sure about the bus to Plitvice from Split.

You can find schedules on buscroatia.com

Thank you for quick response John.

There should be some activities for him also. Is there any other adventurous places/things which may be of interest of a teen?

I am thinking to do any one NP, either Krka or Pitvice due to time constraints.

2 nights Split (day trip to Omis for rafting, hiking and/or ziplining)

catamaran to Hvar

2 nights Hvar (if weather permits you can do a blue cave boat trip)

catamaran to Split and bus to Zadar (the solar lights are called the Sun Salutation)

2 nights Zadar (could do a NP Kornati boat trip)

bus to Plitvice

1 night Plitvice

visit at opening then bus to Zagreb

1 night Zagreb

Hey Thank you S.S. This sounds great.

Dubrovnik looks beautiful but wondering if it has anything more to offer others GOT, if compare to Split and Zagreb ? Travelling to Dubrovnik will take time at its far from Split.

Rather I am thinking to spend time in Hvar . Can we see Lavender fields only in Hvar?

Revised iternery as,

Day 1 - once reached to Split from Ancona, travelling to Hvar. Not staying in Split

Day 2- explore Hvar

Day 4 - Dubrovnik

Day 5 - Dubrovnik to Zadar

Day 6 - explore Zadar

Day 7 - Zadar to Pitvice

Day 8 - Pitvice to Zagreb

Day 9 - fly back to home

I will add 1 more day to Croatia iternery from my Italy iternery.

When you arrive in Split I highly recommend spending a few hours exploring the Palace before heading to Hvar . There is luggage storage at the Port if you require it.

Thank you once again, S.S.

I really appreciate your help.

Hope I am wrong but at this late date you will be lucky to find accommodations anywhere for this May.

You will not be lucky, there is plenty of accommodation available.

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