How to get to Plitvice Lakes
The park lies in the mountains of central Croatia, between Zagreb and the Dalmatian coast. Most visitors arrive by scheduled bus, by car or by an organised trip that includes the transport. Buses stop near both main entrances, and both entrances have car parks.
Before you decide, work out when you need to leave the park. The bus from Zagreb takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, from Zadar at least 1 hour 30 minutes and from Split at least 3 hours 30 minutes, so the last bus back often sets the length of your visit.
By bus from Zagreb, Split and Zadar
Minimum travel times and starting fares (2026). The exact timetable depends on the date.
| From | Travel time | Distance | Fare from | Departure point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zagreb | About 2 h 30 min | About 136 km | €15.60 | Avenija Marina Držića 4 |
| Zadar | 1 h 30 min or more | 131 km | €13.98 | Ante Starčevića 1 |
| Split | 3 h 30 min or more | 266 km | €20.98 | Obala kneza Domagoja 12 |
For most visitors without a car, Zagreb or Zadar is the easiest starting point. Only a few buses run each day, so check the return before you book the outward ride. The stop is called Plitvička Jezera, and the park has stops near both main entrances for the Zagreb and Zadar directions. A bus does not always serve every stop, so look at the address on your ticket and check the walk to the entrance you need.
City guides give more detail: Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes from Split.
Our pick: the bus from Split
Our take: transport from Split with boat and train, then you explore on your own.
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 with transport
Day trips and transfers to the lakes from Zagreb, Split and Zadar, with live prices and availability. Check whether the park ticket is included.
By car: roads and parking
There are two approaches. From Zagreb and Zadar, the D429 runs from Selište Drežničko to Prijeboj. From Otočac and the A1, the D52 runs from Vrhovine to Korenica. Some stop addresses and signs call the road at the entrances the D1, so follow the signs for the park.
Parking is paid per vehicle, with the fee collected at the exit pay points. When the car parks are full, do not park on the green areas or block the road. For a longer program such as K1 or K2, remember that car parks at the main entrances are open from 07:00 to 19:00 in autumn.
| Vehicle | March to May | June to September | October and November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | €1.50 per hour | €2 per hour | €1.50 per hour |
| Motorcycle | €5 per day | €7 per day | €5 per day |
| Motorhome | €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 |
Fees include VAT. For December to February, check the tariff at the car park. In winter, vehicles up to 3.5 t need winter tyres or chains on the drive wheels. Read more on the winter page.
Choosing a mode of travel
What each option means in practice.
Scheduled bus
Cheapest and simple, but tied to a few departures. Best if you start from Zagreb or Zadar and pick a short or medium program. Fix the return time first.
Car
Freedom to start early and stay late, and the easiest way to combine the lakes with other stops. You pay parking by the hour for a car, so a long K route costs more than a short visit. Pick the entrance that matches your walking program.
Entrance 1 or 2 →Organised trip or transfer
A transfer or a guided Plitvice Lakes tour takes care of the drive. Prices differ by provider and by group size, so compare the pickup point, the time at the lakes and whether the park ticket is included.
Plitvice Lakes tours →
Getting to Plitvice Lakes: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get to Plitvice Lakes?
From Zagreb or Zadar, the scheduled bus or a guided day trip. With a car you gain freedom, but you pay for parking at the entrance you use.
Is there a bus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes?
Yes. The ride takes about 2 hours 30 minutes and fares start at €15.60. The bus leaves from Zagreb bus station at Avenija Marina Držića 4.
Does the bus stop at both entrances?
There are bus stops near both main entrances, for the Zagreb and Zadar directions. Not every bus serves every stop, so check your ticket.
How much does parking cost at Plitvice Lakes?
A car pays €1.50 per hour from March to May and in October and November, and €2 per hour from June to September. You pay when you leave.
Which road leads to the park?
From Zagreb and Zadar, the D429. From Otočac and the A1, the D52 through Vrhovine and Korenica. The road at the entrances also appears as the D1.
Is this the official park website?
No. This is an independent travel guide and is not connected to the park administration, the Croatian National Tourist Board or any operator. Use the park's own channels for official notices.