How to Get From Split to Plitvice Lakes

Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Split to Plitvice Lakes. Tickets cost around $27 (€23), and the journey takes about 3h 30m - 4h 30m, depending on traffic.

Knezevic - Puntamika operates on this route.

Departure and arrival stations

Buses depart from Split Bus Station, between the port and the train station in the city centre.

You will be dropped off at Plitvice Lakes Bus Stop in front of Entrance 1. The ticket office is near the bus stop, so you can buy your tickets to the national park directly from this entrance if you haven’t bought them in advance.

A convenient option to visit Plitvice Lakes from Split is to join an organised group tour. With this, all you need to do is show up at the meeting place, and everything else will be arranged for you.

Most group tours are around 12 hours, with 7 hours of that being the round-trip transportation. This leaves you with about 5 hours at the national park, which is still a good enough time to see a good portion of Plitvice.

A full-day tour of Plitvice National Park costs around $75 (€65) per person. This tour includes a guide, transportation and a boat ride. Entry tickets are not included, but you'll get to skip the ticket line if you reserve your entrance ticket online.

Several other tours with different inclusions are also available on GetYourGuide:

Given the 270 km distance between Split and Plitvice Lakes, a private transfer is the most convenient way to travel, though it is also the most expensive option.

Prices for private transfer start at $360 (€315) for a 8-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $46 (€39) each.

Alongside the extra privacy and convenience, one of the biggest advantages of private transport is that you can be picked up from the airport, ferry port, or your hotel in the city centre. You can also be dropped off at any entrance or hotel in the national park.

Travel time is just 2h 45m one-way, and you’ll be travelling comfortably, ready to explore Plitvice Lakes!

With everything that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer, a day trip might not be enough! We suggest staying at least two days to fully appreciate the park’s wonders.

There are a few hotels conveniently located within walking distance of Entrances 1 and 2. Due to their close proximity to the park, they are often fully booked, so it’s best to reserve a room in advance!

If you want a more unique experience, you can also check the campsites about 5-7 km north of Entrance 1: Campsite Korana and Camping Plitvice. You can pitch your own tent or try their mobile homes! These campsites also offer different activities and free transportation to the national park. Rates for an overnight stay start at $23 (€20) per person.

Many hostels are located in Jezerce Village, about 2 km away from Entrance 2. To get to the park from Jezerce, you can board a 2-minute bus from Mukinje Bus Stop costing around $2.30 (€2).