Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most famous natural wonder in Croatia. And good news, Zagreb is very close to them. In fact, Plitvice are much closer to Zagreb than to coastal cities like Split, Zadar, or Dubrovnik. And in this article, we’re going to go through the best ways to get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park. So if you’re starting your Croatian journey in Zagreb, like many people do, and want to visit Plitvice, stay with us until the ned of this article and find out what to expect.
When it comes to Plitvice Lakes, we believe this park doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s a unique natural place famous for its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation . This famous national park is located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Zagreb , and it’s a popular day trip or overnight destination for both locals and tourists. Let’s start this journey from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Why Visit Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb? Traveling to Plitvice Lakes National Park from Zagreb is the most popular day trip from the capital of Croatia. We’ve lived in Zagreb for 10 years, and this route was our main way to get to Dalmatia during our student life . We don’t even count how many times we have passed on this road that goes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Croatia. The ‘old road’ from Zagreb, through Lika and then further to the Dalmatian coast, is the most scenic route in Croatia and a perfect choice for an ultimate Croatia road trip.
Let’s get back to Plitvice Lakes and why visiting them from Zagreb is a good idea:
Proximity: This famous national park is only about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Zagreb. This makes it the perfect destination for a day trip into the heart of nature.Accessibility: There are many ways of transportation available on this route, from buses to private transfers and guided tours .Natural Beauty: Plitvice Lakes is the largest and oldest national park in Croatia, famous for its beautiful 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls .Photography Opportunities: Crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and wooden walkways all make for perfect photo opportunities.
In the next section we’re going to discuss the ways of getting from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park. We’re also going to provide you with links to the highest-rated tour options so you can explore them further and eventually book them.
1. Private Transfer (Recommended) We’re starting with the most comfortable option, and that is a private transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park . If you’re looking for a convenient and comfortable option, especially if traveling as a family or with a group, then this option is a great choice for you.
Duration: Around 2 to 2.5 hours .Cost: Typically between €100 to €150 , depending on the vehicle type and group size.Pros: Comfortable, flexible schedule, and the ability to stop at some places along the way (Slunj, Rastoke, Mrežnica).Cons: More expensive than public transport.
Tip: Think about booking a private transfer that includes a guided tour of Plitvice Lakes for the best experience.
2. Car Rental (Best for Flexibility) Renting a car in Croatia gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. And that’s one of the best ways to explore this stunning country. You can stop at other attractions along the way, such as Rastoke Village or the Željava Airbase – an abandoned underground airport near the Plitvice Lakes.
Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours .Cost: From €40 per day plus fuel and additional parking fees.Pros: Flexibility, ability to stop at multiple locations, and a lot of parking spaces are available at Plitvice Lakes.Cons: Navigating rural Croatian roads may be challenging for some.
Tip: Book your rental car as soon as possible to get the best rates and ensure you get a car. This is especially important if traveling to Croatia during the summer season.
3. Bus (Most Budget-Friendly Option) Taking a bus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most affordable option. There are quite a few bus lines that connect Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes, and these are much more frequent during the high season when this park is the most visited.
Duration: Around 2.5 to 3 hours .Cost: Cca. €10 to €20 one-way.Pros: Cheap, frequent departures from Zagreb Bus Station .Cons: Limited flexibility and schedule.
Popular Bus Operators On This Route: Croatia Bus, FlixBus, Autotrans.
4. Guided Tour (Best for Convenience and Insight) For anyone looking for a carefree experience , a guided tour from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great option. There are many of these available, and they are the best choice if you want to learn more about Plitvice and its nature from a professional guide.
Duration: Full-day tour that lasts from 10 to 12 hours including travel and exploration of the park.Cost: Between €70 to €110 , depending on the itinerary and the things included in the price.Pros: Includes transportation, park entry fees, and a professional guide.Cons: Less flexible than traveling independently.
Tour Suggestion:
5. Taxi (Option for Extreme Cases) Now this is yet another option, but use it only if you must. In all other cases, go with the options we mentioned above. The only reason for that is the fact that the taxi ride from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most expensive way of reaching this park.
Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours .Cost: Around €150 to €200 .Pros: Direct and convenient.Cons: Expensive compared to other options.
What to Wear When Visiting Plitvice Lakes When you visit Plitvice Lakes National Park , expect a lot of walking on uneven trails and wooden walkways. This is what we suggest you bring with you on this day trip:
Comfortable Footwear: Walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip are a must for the best experience.Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Wear light clothing in summer, but also bring a light jacket because it can get cooler in the canyon, especially when the sun is lower on the sky.Rain Protection: We recommend a lightweight rain poncho that can come in handy in case of sudden rain.Backpack: Bring water, some snacks, and a camera for capturing stunning nature.Sun protection: This is also a must when visiting Plitvice Lakes during summer. The sun can get strong, so it’s better to protect yourself from its rays. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Best Time to Visit Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb Plitvice Lakes are a year-round destination, and each season brings a different vibe to this natural landscape. For example, we love winter at Plitvice Lakes very much because of the fairytale scenes all across the park. The downside of winter at Plitvice Lakes is the fact that most of the park is closed for visiting, and you can only reach a few places.
Here’s what to expect out of each season at Plitvice Lakes:
Spring (April to June): Beautiful blooming nature and fewer crowds compared to the peak season. The weather in this period is the most pleasant, and it all smells of the scents of nature. The waterfalls are also full of water after the snow melts and feeds them with extra water.Summer (July to August): Warm and nice weather, but the park can be very crowded. Unfortunately, that’s how it goes in the summer, and our best suggestion is to arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds and enter the park among the first visitors.Autumn (September to October): The most colorful season on the Plitvice Lakes, temperatures are pleasant, and there are fewer visitors once again. It can still get crowded, but it’s nothing compared to the peak season.Winter (November to March): This is our favorite season in the park, but only when it’s snow-covered. Snow falls at least for a few days each year and creates an absolute Plitvice winter wonderland.
Before You Venture from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park As you can see from this article, getting from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park is easy, and you have many options at your disposal. Which one you’ll choose, depends on your preferences and traveling style. Yes, Plitvice Lakes can get crowded, but who can blame all those people who want to enjoy this beautiful nature? Zagreb is also a beautiful place and a lot of people come to Croatia through Zagreb Airport, which is well connected with many other airports all across the world. Make sure to spend at least one day in Zagreb too, before continuing toward other parts of Croatia.
Enjoy your Plitvice Lakes experience!
