Plitvice Lakes by Car: Everything You Need to Know

How to Get to Plitvice Lakes from the Dalmatian Coast (And Why You Need a Car)

Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s most visited national park, and rightly so. Sixteen terraced lakes, connected by cascading waterfalls so vivid they’re almost artificial-looking. Turquoise water, emerald forests, wooden boardwalks winding through it all. It’s the poster child for Croatian tourism.

There’s just one problem: it’s in the middle of the country. Not on the coast. If you’re staying in Split, Zadar, or any coastal destination, getting to Plitvice requires some planning. And here’s the honest truth — without a rental car, you’re limiting yourself massively.

Why You Need a Car

Yes, there are buses. Several per day from Split and Zadar to the park. But they leave at fixed times, drop you at the park entrance, and leave you there for exactly four or five hours before picking you up. No flexibility. No chance to stop at interesting places along the way. No chance to explore at your own pace.

With a car, you control the whole experience. You can:

• Leave at 5am and be at the park when it opens (7am) to beat the crowds
• Stop for breakfast in Karlovac or grab coffee in a random roadside village
• Combine Plitvice with other stops — more on that below
• Stay as long (or as little) as you want

The difference between a guided bus trip and a self-drive visit is night and day. Trust us on this one.

Driving Distances from the Coast

• From Zadar: 1.5 hours via the A1 motorway. This is the quickest route.
• From Split: 2.5 hours. You can take the motorway the whole way, or go via the scenic inland route through the Velebit mountains.
• From Rijeka: About 2 hours via the A1 and A6 motorways.

The Routes

From Zadar: Take the A1 motorway north toward Zagreb. Exit at Grabovac (for Plitvice) or continue to the Karlovac exit if you want to break up the journey. The motorway is toll roads (about €10-15 each way). The drive is straightforward and the roads are excellent.

From Split: You have two options. The A1 motorway via Zagreb is faster (2.5 hours) but entirely motorway. The scenic alternative is the old road through the Velebit mountains — slower and winding, but absolutely breathtaking. If you have time, take the scenic route one way and the motorway the other.

What to See at Plitvice

The park has two main areas: the Lower Lakes (starting from the entrance near the big waterfall) and the Upper Lakes (higher up, with smaller cascades). The full circuit takes 4-6 hours, but you can see the main highlights in 3 hours if you’re brisk.

The Veliki Slap — the big waterfall at the Lower Lakes — is the showstopper. At 78 metres high, it’s the tallest waterfall in Croatia. Get there early morning for photos without crowds.

The boardwalk trails are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. Wear good shoes — it can be slippery near the waterfalls.

Combine with Other Stops

One of the best things about having a car is combining Plitvice with other attractions:

• Rastoke (Slunj): About 30 minutes from Plitvice. This is sometimes called the “Plitvice of the North” — similar cascading waterfalls and mills, but far fewer crowds and no entry fee.
• Karlovac: A pleasant mid-sized town with a historic centre, good for lunch. The river flowing through the middle gives it a unique character.
• Krka National Park: If you have extra time, Krka is another waterfall park, closer to Split. But one waterfall park is usually enough for most trips.

Practical Tips

• Book tickets online: In summer (June-August), park entry is by advance booking only. Book 2-3 weeks ahead on the official Plitvice Parks website.
• Arrive early: The park opens at 7am in summer. Get there by 8am at the latest to avoid the worst crowds. By 10am, it’s packed.
• Wear good shoes: The boardwalks are wooden but can be wet and slippery near the waterfalls.
• Allow 4-6 hours: This isn’t a quick stop. Plan for a full morning or afternoon.
• Fuel up: There are petrol stations in Karlovac and near the park, but not much in between on some routes.

Renting a car from Zadar airport or Split car hire makes this trip possible. Don’t try to do Plitvice on a bus — you’ll regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions