Krka National Park by Car: Waterfalls, Routes and Parking Tips from Split or Zadar

Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most accessible natural wonders. Unlike Plitvice Lakes, where swimming is forbidden, Krka lets you plunge right into the water beneath its famous cascades. If you’re staying in Split, Zadar or Šibenik, hiring a car is by far the best way to reach the park on your own schedule and explore the surrounding countryside without being tied to tour bus timetables.

Where Is Krka National Park?

The park sits in central Dalmatia, roughly halfway between Split and Zadar. The main visitor area — Skradinski Buk waterfall — is near the town of Skradin, about 15 kilometres inland from the coast. The river itself stretches for 73 kilometres from its source near Knin to the Adriatic at Šibenik, but most visitors focus on the lower section where the waterfalls concentrate.

Driving Routes to Krka

From Split (85 km, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes)

Take the A1 motorway north towards Zagreb and exit at Šibenik. Follow the D33 road east towards Skradin. The road is well maintained and scenic once you leave the motorway, passing through olive groves and small villages. In summer, expect slow traffic around Šibenik — add 15 to 20 minutes to your estimate.

From Zadar (75 km, roughly 1 hour)

Head south on the A1 and again exit at Šibenik, then follow the same D33 route east. This is the quickest approach and the road conditions are excellent. From Zadar you also have the option of the coastal D8 road through Biograd na Moru, which is slower but offers sea views.

From Šibenik (20 km, roughly 25 minutes)

This is the closest major town. The D33 runs directly from Šibenik to Skradin and the park entrance. If you’re based in Šibenik for a few days, Krka makes an easy half-day trip.

Parking at Krka National Park

There are two main options for reaching Skradinski Buk:

• Skradin car park — Large paved lot near the waterfront. From here you either walk 3.5 kilometres along the river on a flat gravel path (pleasant, about 45 minutes) or take the park boat (included in your ticket, 25-minute scenic ride). Parking in Skradin costs roughly 10 to 15 kuna per hour in peak season.
• Lozovac car park — The main official park car park sits above the canyon. A shuttle bus runs down to the waterfalls every 20 minutes in summer. This is the better option if you want to avoid the walk from Skradin or if the boat queue is long. Parking is included in your park ticket when you enter via Lozovac.

Both car parks fill by mid-morning in July and August. Arrive before 9:00 AM to guarantee a space and enjoy the falls before the largest tour groups arrive.

Entrance Tickets and Practicalities

As of 2026, adult tickets for Skradinski Buk in high season (June to September) run approximately 200 to 250 kuna. Prices drop in shoulder season. Children and students get reduced rates. Tickets are sold online through the official Krka National Park website and at both entrance points.

The boat from Skradin operates more frequently in summer. If you choose the Lozovac entrance, note that the shuttle bus stops running earlier in the day — check the timetable posted at the car park.

What to See by Car Beyond Skradinski Buk

Most visitors never leave the main waterfall, but if you have a rental car you can easily explore the park’s quieter corners:

• Roški Slap — A 30-minute drive north of Skradin. Smaller cascades spread across a wide stretch of the river, with traditional watermills and far fewer crowds. There is a separate car park and a small entrance fee.
• Visovac Island — A Franciscan monastery on a tiny island in the middle of the river. Boat trips depart from Remetić near Roški Slap. The car park is small but usually has space.
• Krka Monastery — An Orthodox monastery near the river’s upper reaches, accessible by road from Knin. The drive is longer and the roads narrower, but the site is peaceful and largely tourist-free.
• Burnum Roman amphitheatre — Just off the road between Skradin and Roški Slap. A partially excavated first-century Roman military camp with an impressive amphitheatre. There is a small car park right at the site.

Vehicle Tips for Krka

A compact car is perfectly adequate for all the main routes. The D33 and A1 are modern roads. If you plan to visit Roški Slap or the upper reaches, you’ll encounter narrower rural lanes — nothing challenging, but a smaller car makes parking easier in Skradin’s tight streets.

Fuel up before you leave Šibenik, Split or Zadar. There are petrol stations in Skradin but prices tend to be slightly higher, and queues form in summer.

Day-Trip Combinations

Krka pairs well with other destinations in the region:

• Šibenik — Combine your park visit with lunch in Šibenik’s old town. The cathedral and fortress are worth a stop.
• Primošten — A picturesque peninsula village 30 minutes south of Šibenik, ideal for a sunset dinner.
• Trogir — A UNESCO-listed old town 40 minutes south of Split. Easy to combine with a morning at Krka if you’re driving from Split.

When to Visit

Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds and full water flow. Summer is hot and busy but the swimming beneath the falls is refreshing. Winter visits are possible — the park remains open with reduced hours — but swimming is not permitted and some facilities close.

Final Tips

• Bring water shoes. The rocks beneath the falls are slippery and uneven.
• Pack a towel and swimwear if you plan to swim at Skradinski Buk.
• There are no cash machines inside the park. Bring kunas or a card — most vendors accept cards.
• Mobile signal is patchy in the canyon. Download offline maps before you set off.
• The walk from Skradin to the falls is mostly flat but offers little shade. Bring a hat in summer.

If you’re starting your trip in Split, Zadar or Šibenik, a rental car gives you the freedom to reach Krka early, stay late, and explore the surrounding Dalmatian countryside at your own pace. The drive is straightforward, the rewards are immediate, and the waterfalls are every bit as impressive as the photographs suggest.

For more route ideas, see our guides to the Split to Zadar drive and Split to Šibenik road trip.

Ready to book? Visit our homepage for the best hire car deals.