If you’re staying in Zadar, the sunset capital of Croatia, and want to make your vacation even better through a day trip, here’s something for you. A day trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park is among the most popular excursions from this city on the northern border of the Dalmatia region. Plitvice Lakes are the most famous and largest national park in Croatia, and they are not so far away from Zadar, especially if you’re planning on traveling by motorway.
This article will be about a Zadar to Plitvice Lakes day trip, and we’ll present you with the most common ways of reaching this natural wonder of Croatia. Plitvice are located around 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Zadar. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect place for an unforgettable experience of untouched nature and stunning waterfalls.
Why Visit Plitvice Lakes from Zadar? There are many reasons why you should consider putting Plitvice Lakes on your travel itinerary fo Croatia. There are even more reasons to do so if you’re staying in Zadar. Here are just a few of them:
Proximity: Plitvice is just a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Zadar, thus an ideal day trip destination.Natural Beauty: Plitvice Lakes National Park has 16 interconnected lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and wildlife . Sounds like a great place? Because it is.Convenience: There are few travel options available, and the best ones are guided tours , buses, and rental cars .
How to Get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes When it comes to getting from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes, there are 4 main options that we’re going to discuss below. Also, for some means of transport like the guided tours , we’re going to put links to the highest-rated tours so you can explore further and proceed with the booking if you like what you get. Here we go.
1. Guided Tour (Recommended Option) Booking a guided tour from Zadar is one of the most convenient ways of reaching and exploring Plitvice Lakes, especially if you want a carefree experience without worrying about transportation or logistics.
Duration: Full-day tour (10–12 hours).Inclusions: Transportation, park entry fees, professional guide, and sometimes meals.Pros: Carefree, educational, and includes all logistics.Cons: Less flexibility than traveling independently.
Highest-rated Zadar to Plitvice Lakes Day Trips:
2. Bus from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes Taking a bus from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is the most budget-friendly way of reaching this national park in central Croatia. However, the buses are not so frequent because Plitvice Lakes are located on the ‘old road’ and most buses use the motorway nowadays. The buses exist on this line, but you’ll need some planning to get the most out of your visit.
Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each way.Cost: €10 to €20 one-way.Pros: Affordable and straightforward.Cons: Limited departure times and less flexibility compared to other means of transport.
Tip: Book your bus tickets in advance, especially if planning on visiting Plitvice Lakes from Zadar during the high season (June to September).
3. Rental Car (Best for Flexibility) Renting a car in Croatia is something we always suggest to anyone coming to our country. It’s simply the best and very flexible way of exploring Croatia at your own pace. If you rent a car, you get the option to explore additional attractions along the way.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way.Cost: From €50 per day plus fuel.Pros: Flexibility to stop at other stunning places like Rastoke or Željava Airbase near Plitvice Lakes .Cons: Parking at Plitvice Lakes might be hard to find.
Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at Rastoke , a place known as the “Small Plitvice” because of its waterfalls. Rastoke is located just 20 minutes away from Plitvice.
Activity suggestion if you’re traveling to Plitvice by car:
4. Private Transfer Finally, booking a private transfer from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is also a great choice and it’s a mix between a guided tour and driving to Plitvice on your own. It’s a comfortable and quick way of traveling, and you can also stop at some additional attractions along the way.
Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours each way.Cost: Ranges from €150 to €250 , depending on the provider and vehicle type.Pros: Direct, with option to stop at various points of interest.Cons: More expensive than other options mentioned in this article.
Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes from Zadar Any time is a great time to visit Plitvice from Zadar, and here’s what to expect at various parts of the year:
Spring (April to June): Lush vegetation and waterfalls full of water from melting snow.Summer (July to August): Warm and nice weather, but can be very crowded. We suggest arriving early or booking a guided tour for a better experience.Autumn (September to October): The most colorful time of the year in Plitvice with fall colors and fewer visitors.Winter (November to March): Snow-covered landscapes create a real fairytale, but the parts of the park are closed.
What to Wear and Bring Plitvice Lakes are located in inland Croatia, and parts of it are in the canyon, so it might be wise to bring layered clothes. Here’s what else to bring for a day trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes:
Comfortable Walking Shoes: The trails inside the park are mostly made of wood and gravel.Layered Clothing: The weather in this part of Croatia can be unpredictable, so bring a light jacket or raincoat. Just in case.Water and Snacks: There are restaurants at the entrances, but it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you’re going to explore remote parts of the park with no bars, shops, or restaurants.Camera: You’ll want to capture all the beauty of Plitvice Lakes.
Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes from Zadar Thank you for staying with us so long, you’ve just earned yourself a few extra tips:
Book Tickets in Advance: Particularly if visiting during the summer months when the park gets very busy. There is a limited number of tickets being sold for each hour so make sure you get the tickets online.Follow the Trails: Stay on the marked paths to protect the natural environment and follow the Leave No Trace Principles .Start Early: We suggest arriving as early as possible and entering the park before everyone else. This will result in a much better experience.
Before You Venture on a Day Trip From Zadar to Plitvice Lakes A day trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is a great way of exploring the most famous national park in Croatia. Krka National Park is also not so far away from Zadar and it’s somewhat similar to Plitvice. Check our comparison of these two marvels of nature if you’re not sure which one to visit. If you have the chance, visit both. Zadar is a beautiful city and a place we love very much. Make sure to explore other nearby attractions that are much closer than Plitvice Lakes. Some of these are Paklenica National Park , Zrmanja River Canyon, Kornati National Park, and more.
We wish you a great experience at Plitvice Lakes National Park!
