Plitvice entrance 1 or 2: the short answer
The park has two main entrances. Entrance 1, Rastovača, is the northern start for programs A, B, C and K1. Entrance 2, Hladovina, is the southern start for programs E, F, H and K2. Pick the entrance that starts the program you want, because your Plitvice Lakes tickets are activated at the entrance you choose when you book.
A smaller ticket point called Flora lies near Entrance 2. It is a ticket point, not a third main entrance. Both main entrances have a parking lot, and bus stops are close to both.
Entrance 1 and entrance 2 compared
Programs, length and the transport that belongs to each.
| Program | Start | Length | Duration | Area and transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Entrance 1 | 3.5 km | 2 to 3 h | Lower Lakes, Veliki slap; on foot only |
| B | Entrance 1 | 4.0 km | 3 to 4 h | Lower Lakes, Veliki slap; electric boat across Kozjak, panoramic vehicle |
| C | Entrance 1 | 8.0 km | 4 to 6 h | Upper and Lower Lakes; boat, return mostly by panoramic vehicle |
| K1 | Entrance 1 | 16.5 km | 6 to 8 h | Long walk, both lake groups; short electric boat crossing |
| E | Entrance 2 | 5.1 km | 2 to 3 h | Upper Lakes to Prošćansko; short boat ride, return by panoramic vehicle |
| F | Entrance 2 | 4.6 km | 3 to 4 h | Lower Lakes, Veliki slap; Kozjak boat, panoramic vehicle; steep switchbacks |
| H | Entrance 2 | 8.9 km | 4 to 6 h | Upper and Lower Lakes; panoramic vehicle and Kozjak boat |
| K2 | Entrance 2 | 17.5 km | 6 to 8 h | Long walk from the south; short electric boat crossing |
For most first visits to the Lower Lakes and the Big Waterfall, Entrance 1 with program A or B is the plain choice. Program F from Entrance 2 also reaches the waterfall, but it includes a steep climb on switchbacks. If you want the Upper Lakes first, start at Entrance 2 with program E.
Our pick: meet near the park
Our take: a guided walk with a reserved entry slot; you buy the park ticket on site.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Plitvice Lakes tours and day trips
Guided visits and day trips to Plitvice Lakes, with live prices and availability. Check which entrance and program the tour uses.
Parking at the Plitvice entrances
Parking fees 2026, per vehicle, VAT included.
| Vehicle | March to May | June to September | October to November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | €1.50 per hour | €2 per hour | €1.50 per hour |
| Motorcycle | €5 per day | €7 per day | €5 per day |
| Camper van | €15 per day | €18 per day | €15 per day |
| Car with trailer | €15 per day | €18 per day | €15 per day |
| Bus | €15 per day | €18 per day | €15 per day |
You pay when you leave, at the pay points. Check the current tariff at the lot for December to February. If the lots are full, do not park on the access road (DC1) or on green areas, and do not wait in a way that blocks traffic. Parking is not reserved, so arrive early in high season. The lots are open longer than the ticket desks; see the opening hours.
Buses, cars and the choice by visit type
How you arrive can decide the entrance.
By bus
Bus stops are near both main entrances, for the directions of Zagreb and Zadar. This does not mean every operator calls at both stops. The stop on your bus ticket decides where you get off, so ask the driver if you need a particular entrance.
Getting there →By car
You park at the entrance you chose and pay when you leave. Pick the entrance by your program, then the lot follows. Both lots charge the same tariff.
Roads and access →Short visit, Big Waterfall
Choose Entrance 1 and program A or B. Both lead through the Lower Lakes to Veliki slap.
The Big Waterfall →Long day, both lake groups
Entrance 1 starts C and K1, Entrance 2 starts H and K2. Start where your bus or car is, and check the return by panoramic vehicle.
Hiking routes →
Plitvice entrances: frequently asked questions
Which entrance is better, 1 or 2?
Neither is better in general. Entrance 1 starts programs A, B, C and K1, and Entrance 2 starts E, F, H and K2. Choose the one that starts the program you want.
Can I enter at one entrance and leave at the other?
Programs are built around a start, and most return you by boat or panoramic vehicle. Read the program description before you plan a one-way route, and ask at the desk if you are unsure.
What does parking cost in 2026?
A car pays €1.50 per hour in March to May and October to November, and €2 per hour from June to September. Motorcycles pay €5 or €7 per day, camper vans, cars with trailers and buses €15 or €18 per day.
Is Flora a third entrance?
No. Flora is a smaller ticket point near Entrance 2. The two main entrances are Rastovača (1) and Hladovina (2).
Do the buses stop at both entrances?
Stops are near both main entrances, but not every operator serves both. Check the stop named on your ticket before you travel.
Is this the park's own entrance guide?
No. This is an independent guide, not connected to the park administration. For entry conditions on the day, the park decides.