Croatia’s Natural Wonder

Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s most famous national park – and for good reason. Sixteen terraced lakes cascade through a limestone canyon, connected by waterfalls and surrounded by lush forest. The water glows in impossible shades of turquoise, green, and blue, coloured by minerals and algae. It’s the kind of beauty that makes you understand why this is Croatia’s most visited attraction.

The good news? It’s easily doable as a day trip from either Zagreb or Split. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Plitvice Lakes by car.

Getting to Plitvice Lakes by Car

From Zagreb

The drive from Zagreb to Plitvice takes about two hours via the A1 motorway. Head south from Zagreb, exiting at Grabovac (junction 2) or Plitvice (junction 3). The park entrance is well-signposted from the motorway.

The route is straightforward: take the A1 south, exit at Grabovac, and follow the D1 road to the entrance. The last stretch is a two-lane road through forest – don’t be tempted to speed, as police frequently patrol this section.

Total driving time: 2 hours
Distance: 130 km

From Split

From Split, the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The route goes via the A1 motorway north through the mountains, exiting at Grabovac or Plitvice.

The drive is scenic – you’ll pass through the mountain region of Lika, with its empty landscapes and traditional villages. There’s a petrol station at the motorway services near Ogulin if you need a break.

Total driving time: 2.5-3 hours
Distance: 230 km

From Other Locations

If you’re coming from Zadar, the drive is about 1.5 hours via the A1. From Dubrovnik, it’s a longer 4.5-5 hours – doable, but you’d need an early start.

Planning Your Day Trip

When to Go

Arrive early – really early. The park opens at 7am in summer, and the first couple of hours are the most magical. The lakes are peaceful, the light is soft, and you’ll have the boardwalks to yourself. By mid-morning, tour buses arrive in force.

The best months are May, June, and September. July and August are beautiful but crowded. Winter (November to March) has a different charm – fewer visitors, and the frozen waterfalls are spectacular, though some trails may be closed.

How Long to Spend

You need at least four hours to properly explore the park – more if you want to see everything. The full circuit takes about eight hours, but most visitors do a shorter route.

Here’s a typical itinerary:

• 7:00 – Arrive at entrance, go straight in
• 7:30 – Start hiking the upper or lower lakes
• 11:00 – Take the boat across the lake
• 12:30 – Finish main circuit, have lunch
• 14:00 – Explore any remaining areas
• 15:00 – Leave for return journey

Understanding the Park

The Lakes

The 16 lakes are divided into upper and lower groups. The upper lakes (12 lakes) are larger and more dramatic, with bigger waterfalls. The lower lakes (4 lakes) are smaller but equally beautiful, culminating in the Great Waterfall – the tallest in Croatia at 78 metres.

The Trails

The park has several marked trails of different lengths. The most popular are:

• Full circuit (E): 8 hours, covers everything
• Big circuit (C): 4-5 hours, uses boat and train
• Small circuit (A): 2-3 hours, lower lakes only

We recommend the big circuit (C) for most visitors – it covers the highlights without exhausting you. You’ll ride the electric boat across one lake and take the panoramic train to return.

The Boat and Train

Both are included in your entry ticket. The boat crosses from the lower to upper lakes (and vice versa). The train runs along the edge of the park, connecting the main entrance to the upper lakes. They’re both charming – the boat is electric and quiet, the train offers scenic views.

What to Bring

Essentials

• Comfortable walking shoes – the boardwalks can be slippery when wet
• Water bottle – refill at the fountains in the park
• Swimwear – yes, you can swim in some areas! (But it’s cold!)
• Camera – you’ll want photos of the waterfalls
• Sunscreen and hat – there’s limited shade

What to Leave Behind

Large bags aren’t allowed on the trails. Bring only what you can carry in a small daypack. Leave valuables in your car – there’s secure parking at the entrance.

Driving Tips

Parking

There’s a large parking area at the main entrance (P1). It fills up quickly in summer – arrive before 8am to get a spot. The cost is around 7-10 kuna per hour (as of last update). There’s also smaller parking at the upper entrance (P2).

Toll Roads

The A1 is a toll road. You pick up a ticket at the entry barrier and pay at the exit. From Zagreb to Plitvice, the toll is around 10-15 kuna. Payment is by credit card or cash (kuna or euro).

Fuel Up

Fill your tank before heading to the park. There’s a petrol station near the entrance, but prices are higher. The nearest large petrol stations are in Karlovac (on the Zagreb side) or Zadar (if coming from the coast).

Road Conditions

The motorway is in excellent condition. The road from the motorway to the park is good but can be busy with other visitors. In winter, check road conditions – snow chains may be required in the mountains.

Car Hire Considerations

Collecting and Returning

Most visitors collect their hire car from the airport – Zagreb Airport is closest to Plitvice, about 2.5 hours away. Split Airport is 3 hours away.

If you’re doing a one-way rental (e.g., Zagreb to Split), a day trip to Plitvice fits perfectly – you can take a detour on your way between cities.

Booking in Advance

Book your car hire in advance, especially for summer. Prices are better, and you’ll have more vehicle choices. Consider whether you need a smaller car for easier parking – but any standard vehicle handles the roads fine.

Beyond Plitvice

If you have more time, the area has other attractions:

Korenica – The nearest town to the park, with basic services and accommodation.
Barac Lakes – A smaller lake area near Plitvice, less visited but beautiful.
Plitvice Lakes – The village near the park entrance with restaurants and shops.
National Parks – Plitvice – Croatia’s premier national park, famous for its cascading lakes and waterfalls.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Plitvice Lakes by car is the most flexible option – you can arrive early, stay as long as you like, and leave when you’re ready. The park is spectacular year-round, but the experience is best in early morning or late afternoon when the light is magical and the crowds thin. Pack comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and prepare to be amazed by one of Europe’s most beautiful natural wonders.