Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park are not really close to one another but many people still choose to travel from the most visited city in Croatia to the most visited national park of this country. This article will be all about how to get from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park and we’re going to discuss various options for this journey as well as provide you with some tips for the most pleasant trip.
Plitvice Lakes are an absolutely stunning place. This park can get crowded during the summer months, just like Dubrovnik, but hey, what place doesn’t get crowded in Croatia during summer? There are almost no such places. Just get over it and enjoy the beauty and history of Croatia. We are also going to put some links to the tours from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park so you can easily access them and explore their offer.
Let’s start this long, but rewarding journey through Croatia!
Distance from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes Here are the 2 most important aspects of this trip, as well as a list of some places to see on the route. You have two options when traveling from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and these are the motorway on which you can enter near the city of Ploče (around 1.30 hours away from Dubrovnik) or traveling on the ‘old road’ for the most scenic journey.
Distance: Approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) .Travel Time: Varies depending on the mode of transport and roads you use, expect it to last anywhere from 5 to 8 hours .Places To See Along The Way: Arboretum Trsteno, Ston, Neretva Valley, Baćina Lakes , Makarska Riviera, and Biokovo, Knin.
Travel Options from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes In this section, we’re going to present you with the best options for traveling this route and what you can expect on the journey. You’ll notice that there are very few to no guided tours from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the reason for that is simply the large distance between these 2 places, which makes the guided tours very hard to organize.
When traveling such distances in one day, comfort is the most important aspect, so always try to choose the most comfortable way of traveling. Here are your best options for reaching Plitvice Lakes from Dubrovnik.
1. Private Transfer or Guided Tour (Most Convenient Option) Hiring a private transfer from Dubrovnik to Plitvice is the most convenient and comfortable way of traveling between these 2 destinations. You can stop whenever you like, and there is an option to explore some of the places located on this route.
Duration: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours .Cost: Ranges from €800 to €1000 , depending on the provider and type of vehicle.Pros: Direct, ability to stop for breaks or sightseeing along the way.Cons: More expensive than public transport options.
Tip: Look for a private transfer that includes a guided tour of Plitvice Lakes.
2. Bus (Most Affordable Option) Taking a bus from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes is the most budget-friendly option, but it’s not the most comfortable way of traveling.
Duration: Around 7 to 8 hours .Cost: Typically between €20 to €40 one-way.Pros: Cheap and straightforward.Cons: Long travel time and limited flexibility because not many buses use the regional road, so expect bus changes in Split .Operators: Croatia Bus, FlixBus, and others.
Tip: Buses usually run only once or twice daily, check schedules in advance, and book your tickets as soon as possible.
3. Rental Car (Best for Flexibility) Renting a car is one of the best things you can do when traveling to Croatia since it gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and make as many stops along the way as you want.
Duration: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours .Cost: From €40 per day plus fuel and toll fees.Pros: Flexibility, ability to explore other attractions en route such as Šibenik, Zadar, or Krka National Park .Cons: Driving long distances can be tiring, especially if you’re not familiar with Croatian roads.
4. Combination of Bus and Rental Car Now this is a nice combination in which you travel by bus from Dubrovnik to either Split or Zadar which are much better connected with the Croatian south than the Plitvice Lakes. Then you rent a car at any of these destinations and continue your journey toward Lika and Plitvice.
Duration: Varies depending on the chosen route.Cost: More affordable than renting a car for the entire trip.Pros: Flexibility and reduced costs.Cons: Requires some planning and coordination between different modes of transportation.
Best Route to Take We already scratched the surface of the answer to this question in the previous section, and there are basically a few options for a route from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park. You can take a longer and more scenic route, take the motorway for the fastest journey, or combine these 2 options.
From Dubrovnik, take the D8 coastal road to Ploče and then enter the A1 motorway towards Split or Zadar .Drive all the way from Dubrovnik only using the regional D8 road.
If you’re looking for the quickest route, follow the A1 motorway for most of the journey.
Tips for the Journey And you’re almost ready to take this scenic road trip through Croatia . Let us just share a few final tips with you:
Book Tickets in Advance: This is particularly important if you’re traveling to Croatia during peak season (July and August) when buses and tours can fill up quickly.Plan Your Visit: If you plan on traveling by car, consider staying overnight near Plitvice Lakes or somewhere along the way. This will result in a more relaxed journey and experience.Check the Weather: Plitvice Lakes can be colder than the coastal regions , even during summer, so bring appropriate clothing.
Before You Venture From Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park Traveling from Dubrovnik to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Enjoy your travels in Croatia!
