How to Get to Plitvice Lakes (By Car, Bus & Tour)
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, approximately 130 km south of Zagreb (2 hours by car), 120 km northeast of Zadar (1 hour 45 minutes), and 260 km north of Split (3 to 3.5 hours). The park sits on the D1 national road, with both main entrances visible from the roadside. There is no railway station near the park. The most common ways to arrive are by car, intercity bus from Zagreb or Zadar, or on an organised day tour from any major Croatian city.
Plitvice Lakes National Park occupies a plateau in the Lika region of central Croatia, roughly halfway between Zagreb and the Dalmatian coast. Getting there requires some advance planning — there is no train service and the park is not within walking distance of any major town. But from virtually any Croatian base, the journey is straightforward. This guide covers every realistic transport option.
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By Car (Recommended for Flexibility)
Driving is the most flexible way to reach Plitvice Lakes. It allows you to arrive at opening time, choose your entrance, and leave when you want — all without adapting to a bus or tour schedule.
From Zagreb: Take the A1 motorway south to Karlovac (approximately 50 km), then the D1 national road south through Slunj and Rakovica. Total distance approximately 130 km; driving time approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. Both park entrances are clearly signed on the right (east) side of the D1.
From Zadar: Drive north on the A1/E65 motorway through Gospić, then connect to the D1 national road north to the park. Total distance approximately 120 km; driving time approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Split: Drive north on the A1 motorway through Šibenik, Zadar, and Gospić to the D1 junction, then north to the park. Total distance approximately 260 km; driving time approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. See our tours from Split page — for this distance, a guided tour is often preferable to self-driving.
From Dubrovnik: Drive north on the coastal highway (A1) through the Neum corridor (Bosnia-Herzegovina), then continue to Split and north as above. Total distance approximately 430 km; approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. A guided tour is strongly recommended for this journey.
GPS coordinates:
- Entrance 1 (Rastovača, north): 44°54’19.9″N 15°36’43.5″E
- Entrance 2 (Hladovina, south): 44°52’54.5″N 15°37’21.1″E
Toll roads: The A1 motorway charges tolls. From Zagreb to the Karlovac exit, expect approximately €3–5 in tolls. From Split to the park, tolls will be higher — budget approximately €12–18 depending on exact route.
Parking: Paid parking is available at P1 (Entrance 1) and P2/P3 (Entrance 2). Current rates are approximately €1.50–2 per hour. See our dedicated parking guide for full layout, capacity, and peak-hour tips.
By Bus
Regular intercity buses run from Zagreb, Zadar, and Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park, stopping near both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 on the D1 national road. The journey from Zagreb takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours; from Zadar approximately 2 hours; from Split approximately 4 hours. Bus services are operated by multiple carriers including FlixBus and regional operators. Buses are a viable and affordable option for independent visitors. Check current schedules at the Zagreb Bus Station website or via FlixBus.
From Zagreb: Multiple daily departures from Zagreb’s main bus station (Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb, on Avenija M. Držića). Journey time approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Buses stop on the D1 road near both entrances — confirm your stop when booking. The bus stop near Entrance 1 is well marked.
From Zadar: Buses depart from Zadar’s main bus station. Journey approximately 2 hours. Multiple services per day in peak season; fewer in winter.
From Split: Journey approximately 4 hours, with some services requiring a change in Zadar or Gospić. For Split visitors, a guided tour is often more practical than the bus.
Practical notes for bus travel:
- Buy tickets in advance online, particularly in peak season
- Confirm the stop name with the driver — ask for “Plitvice, Ulaz 1” (Entrance 1) or “Plitvice, Ulaz 2” (Entrance 2)
- The bus stop near Entrance 1 also has a small shelter and is the most commonly used
- Return buses can fill up in peak season — have a plan for your return journey before you arrive
By Guided Tour
For most visitors travelling from the Dalmatian coast or from Zagreb without a rental car, a guided day tour is the most practical and enjoyable option. Operators handle transport, entry tickets, and logistics; you simply show up at the meeting point and enjoy the day.
Tours are available from Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Trogir, Omiš, and Dubrovnik. See our dedicated hub pages for each departure point:
Is There a Train to Plitvice Lakes?
No. There is no railway station near Plitvice Lakes National Park. The nearest train-accessible city is Zagreb, from which you would need to take a bus or guided tour onward to the park. Do not plan a train journey to the park — it does not exist.
Distances and Journey Times at a Glance
| Departure | Distance | By Car | By Bus | By Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zagreb | ~130 km | ~2 hrs | ~2–2.5 hrs | ~10 hrs total |
| Zadar | ~120 km | ~1h 45 min | ~2 hrs | ~10 hrs total |
| Split | ~260 km | ~3–3.5 hrs | ~4 hrs | ~12 hrs total |
| Trogir/Omiš | ~270 km | ~3–3.5 hrs | ~4+ hrs | ~12 hrs total |
| Dubrovnik | ~430 km | ~4.5–5 hrs | ~6+ hrs | ~14 hrs total |
| Rijeka | ~200 km | ~2.5 hrs | ~3+ hrs | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach Plitvice Lakes by public transport from the coast?
Yes — buses run from Zadar and Split to the park’s entrances. The journey from Zadar is the most practical (approximately 2 hours). From Split, the 4-hour bus ride is long but feasible for determined independent travellers. For most coastal visitors, a guided tour is more comfortable.
Is there parking at both entrances?
Yes — paid parking is available at P1 (near Entrance 1) and P2 and P3 (near Entrance 2). P1 is the largest and busiest lot. In peak summer, P1 can be completely full by 9:00 AM. Arrive before 8:00 AM or consider using P2/P3 via Entrance 2. See our parking guide for full details.
How long does the return journey take?
The same as the inbound journey. Factor in potential delays if leaving during peak afternoon hours (2:00–4:00 PM) when multiple tour buses depart simultaneously and the D1 can have brief queues near the park.
Can I visit Plitvice Lakes from the airport?
Zagreb Airport is approximately 140 km from the park (1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car). Zadar Airport is approximately 120 km (1 hour 45 minutes). Split Airport is approximately 260 km (3 to 3.5 hours). None of these airports have direct transport to the park — you would need to rent a car or connect to the city centre and join a bus or tour.
