Plitvice Lakes FAQs: 40 Most Asked Questions Answered

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.

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.

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.

Tickets bought through the official park website are non-refundable. Third-party booking platforms typically offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Yes. Present a valid university ID at the ticket office for a reduced student rate. Students must be 18 or over.

Children under 7 enter free. Children aged 7–18 pay a reduced rate: €6 (shoulder season) and €13 (peak season).

Visitors with a disability of 50% or more (with valid documentation) enter free.

Yes — two-day tickets are available at a discount compared to two single-day tickets. They must be used on consecutive days.

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.

You may enter up to 55 minutes after your booked time slot. Later than this and your ticket may be considered invalid.

7:00 AM in June, July, and August. 8:00 AM in all other months.

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.

Yes, year-round. The Upper Lakes section is closed from approximately November to mid-March for safety, but the Lower Lakes remain accessible.

Yes — the park is open every day of the year without exception.

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.

Approximately 130 km — about 2 hours by car via the A1 motorway and D1 national road.

Approximately 120 km — about 1 hour 45 minutes by car.

Approximately 260 km — about 3 to 3.5 hours by car.

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.

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.

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.

16 named lakes, divided into 12 Upper Lakes and 4 Lower Lakes, connected by over 90 waterfalls and cascades.

Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall) is Croatia’s tallest waterfall at 78 metres. It is located in the Lower Lakes section, accessible from Entrance 1.

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.

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.

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.

Yes — the boat crossing of Lake Kozjak is included in all standard admission tickets.

Yes — the panoramic train is included in all standard admission tickets.

No. Swimming is strictly prohibited throughout the park to protect the travertine ecosystem. Fines apply.

No. Drones are strictly prohibited. No exceptions.

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.

Yes. Tripods are permitted. In peak season, patience is required to find clear windows without other visitors in frame.

No. The boardwalks are too narrow and uneven for pushchairs. Baby carriers are the practical alternative for families with infants.

No. Collecting any natural material is strictly prohibited throughout the park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.