Plitvice Lakes FAQs: 40 Most Asked Questions Answered
Plitvice Lakes National Park is open every day of the year. Adult tickets cost €10 (November–March), €23 (April–May, October), or €40 (June–September). The park opens at 7:00 AM in summer and 8:00 AM in other seasons. Swimming is strictly prohibited. Drones are not permitted. Dogs are allowed on a lead. The best routes for first-time visitors are Route C from Entrance 1 or Route H from Entrance 2, both covering the full park in 4–6 hours. Booking tickets in advance online is strongly recommended from April through October.
This page answers the 40 questions visitors ask most often about Plitvice Lakes National Park — gathered from search data, visitor forums, and the park’s own FAQ. Each answer is direct and based on current 2026 information.
Top Tickets
Tickets & Entry
1. How much does it cost to enter Plitvice Lakes?
Adult tickets are €10 (November–March), €23 (April–May, October), and €40 (June–September). After 4:00 PM from June to September, a reduced rate of €25 applies.
2. Where can I buy Plitvice Lakes tickets?
Online through the official park site (ticketing.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr), through third-party booking platforms, or in person at Entrance 1, Entrance 2, or the Flora auxiliary entrance on the day.
3. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, in peak season (June–September). The park has daily capacity limits and popular time slots sell out. Book at least a week ahead in July and August. See our advance booking guide.
4. Are tickets non-refundable?
Tickets bought through the official park website are non-refundable. Third-party booking platforms typically offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
5. Is there a student discount?
Yes. Present a valid university ID at the ticket office for a reduced student rate. Students must be 18 or over.
6. Do children pay?
Children under 7 enter free. Children aged 7–18 pay a reduced rate: €6 (shoulder season) and €13 (peak season).
7. Are there discounts for visitors with disabilities?
Visitors with a disability of 50% or more (with valid documentation) enter free.
8. Can I buy a two-day ticket?
Yes — two-day tickets are available at a discount compared to two single-day tickets. They must be used on consecutive days.
9. What does the ticket include?
The entrance ticket includes access to all park trails, the electric boat crossing of Lake Kozjak, and the panoramic train. It does not include parking, food, or guided tour services.
10. What if I arrive late for my time slot?
You may enter up to 55 minutes after your booked time slot. Later than this and your ticket may be considered invalid.
Opening Hours
11. What time does Plitvice Lakes open?
7:00 AM in June, July, and August. 8:00 AM in all other months.
12. What time does Plitvice Lakes close?
The park does not have a fixed posted closing time in most seasons — visitors may stay until dusk. Ticket sales end at 4:00 PM in winter.
13. Is Plitvice Lakes open in winter?
Yes, year-round. The Upper Lakes section is closed from approximately November to mid-March for safety, but the Lower Lakes remain accessible.
14. Is Plitvice Lakes open on Croatian public holidays?
Yes — the park is open every day of the year without exception.
15. Do the boat and train run in winter?
They usually operate on a reduced schedule but may be suspended during severe cold or ice. Call the park before a winter visit to confirm: +385 53 751 014.
Getting There & Getting Around
16. How far is Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb?
Approximately 130 km — about 2 hours by car via the A1 motorway and D1 national road.
17. How far is Plitvice Lakes from Zadar?
Approximately 120 km — about 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
18. How far is Plitvice Lakes from Split?
Approximately 260 km — about 3 to 3.5 hours by car.
19. Is there a train to Plitvice Lakes?
No. There is no railway service to the park. The nearest city with a train station is Zagreb, from which you would need to take a bus or tour.
20. Can I get there by bus?
Yes. Regular intercity buses run from Zagreb, Zadar, and Split to stops near both park entrances. Journey from Zagreb is approximately 2–2.5 hours.
21. Is there parking at Plitvice Lakes?
Yes — paid parking at P1 (Entrance 1) and P2/P3 (Entrance 2). Approximately €1.50–2 per hour. P1 fills completely by 8:30–9:00 AM in peak summer.
The Park Itself
22. How many lakes are there at Plitvice?
16 named lakes, divided into 12 Upper Lakes and 4 Lower Lakes, connected by over 90 waterfalls and cascades.
23. What is Veliki Slap?
Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall) is Croatia’s tallest waterfall at 78 metres. It is located in the Lower Lakes section, accessible from Entrance 1.
24. How long does it take to walk around Plitvice Lakes?
Route A (Lower Lakes only): 2.5–3.5 hours. Route C or H (full park): 4–6 hours. Route K (entire park): 6–8 hours.
25. Which is the best route?
Route C from Entrance 1 or Route H from Entrance 2 — both cover the full park including the boat and train. Route C is recommended for most first-time visitors. See our routes guide.
26. What is the difference between Entrance 1 and Entrance 2?
Entrance 1 is at the north, close to the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap. Entrance 2 is at the south, near the Upper Lakes. You must choose before booking your ticket. See our entrance guide.
27. Is the electric boat included in the ticket?
Yes — the boat crossing of Lake Kozjak is included in all standard admission tickets.
28. Is the panoramic train included in the ticket?
Yes — the panoramic train is included in all standard admission tickets.
Rules & Restrictions
29. Can you swim at Plitvice Lakes?
No. Swimming is strictly prohibited throughout the park to protect the travertine ecosystem. Fines apply.
30. Are drones allowed?
No. Drones are strictly prohibited. No exceptions.
31. Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in the park and on the boat and train, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Dogs may not enter the water.
32. Can I use a tripod for photography?
Yes. Tripods are permitted. In peak season, patience is required to find clear windows without other visitors in frame.
33. Are pushchairs/prams allowed?
No. The boardwalks are too narrow and uneven for pushchairs. Baby carriers are the practical alternative for families with infants.
34. Can I pick flowers or collect rocks?
No. Collecting any natural material is strictly prohibited throughout the park.
Planning Your Visit
35. What should I wear to Plitvice Lakes?
Sturdy closed-toe shoes with a non-slip sole are essential. Light layers plus a waterproof jacket year-round. Waterproof boots in winter. See our what to wear guide.
36. Is Plitvice Lakes suitable for children?
Yes — it is excellent for children. The boardwalks are engaging, the boat and train provide variety, and children under 7 enter free. No pushchairs allowed — use a baby carrier. See our family guide.
37. When is the best time to visit?
May and September are the best months — good weather, manageable crowds, lower prices than peak. July and August are the busiest and most expensive. See our best time to visit guide.
38. How do I avoid crowds?
Arrive at opening time, visit on weekdays, choose May or September over July–August, and start from Entrance 2 (Route H) rather than Entrance 1. See our avoiding crowds guide.
39. Is Plitvice Lakes wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The flat Lower Lakes boardwalk sections and the boat are accessible. The initial descent from Entrance 1 and the Upper Lakes are not. Call the park before visiting to discuss your specific situation. See our accessibility guide.
40. Is it worth staying overnight near Plitvice?
Yes — staying overnight allows you to enter at opening before day-trippers arrive, and guests of park hotels and campsites receive free entry on days after the first paid day. See our where to stay guide.
