Day tripsCountriesCroatiaZadarZadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park: Private day trip

Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park: Private day trip

Scenic view of Zadar - private day trip from Zadar - photo 1
Scenic view of Zadar - private day trip from Zadar - photo 2
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Private ride with a local driver

8h 15m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 2+ million happy travelers across 130 countries
4.9
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026
4.9
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Reviews

About your trip

Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park at your own pace. Your smooth ride to Plitvice brings you to a wonderland of 16 turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls. Explore wooden pathways over crystal-clear waters, discover the mighty Veliki Slap waterfall, and spot diverse wildlife in surrounding forests. After a day of natural majesty and pristine beauty, you'll enjoy a comfortable journey back, carrying the pristine spirit of Plitvice with you.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From $101
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal$304

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Zadar whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Enjoy a stress-free route with total flexibility at your destination. Your driver provides suggestions based on your interests, helping you spend the day exactly how you want for an experience that's uniquely yours. Please note: tickets MUST be booked at least 2 days in advance. The tickets are for a set entrance time. For more information, please visit here.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Plitvice Lakes National Park should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From $101
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal$304

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Zadar
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 4 h 30 min - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park on private day trip from Zadar
Itinerary stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park on private day trip from Zadar
Itinerary stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park on private day trip from Zadar
Itinerary stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park on private day trip from Zadar

Explore this UNESCO-recognized park brimming with crystalline lakes, fascinating caves, and tranquil waterfalls.

What to see

  • Veliki Slap (Great Falls), the largest waterfall in the country, is a stunning natural wonder
  • The Lower Lakes, encircled by walking trails that offer incredible views across the water and the surrounding limestone canyon
  • The Upper Lakes, where hikers can enjoy denser forests and unique lake views

What to bring

  • Prepare for outdoor adventures with sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and sun protection

Take note

  • HOURS: 8:00-16:00 (Nov-Mar), 7:00-19:00 (Apr-May, Sep-Oct), and 7:00-20:00 (June-Aug)
  • Tickets MUST be booked at least 2 days in advance. The tickets are for a set entrance time. For more information, please visit: https://np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/
Back to Zadar
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5281 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
1069 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Yes, Plitvice Lakes has several restaurants and cafes near Entrances 1 and 2, plus picnic-style options near key trail points. Menus feature Croatian classics like grilled trout, lamb under the bell, and local cheese. Prices are higher than in nearby villages, so some visitors bring a packed lunch to enjoy at designated picnic areas inside the park.
Swimming is strictly forbidden everywhere in Plitvice Lakes National Park to protect the rare travertine formations that create the cascades. The lakes' chemistry is delicate, and human contact can damage the unique geological process. Visitors enjoy the views from wooden walkways, scenic boat rides across Kozjak Lake, and panoramic photo stops without entering the water.
Yes, Plitvice Lakes tickets must be booked at least 2 days in advance through the official park website, and they are tied to a specific entry time. Daily visitor numbers are capped to protect the fragile ecosystem, and same-day tickets are rarely available in summer. Plan ahead to secure your preferred entrance slot and avoid disappointment.
Plitvice Lakes National Park sits about 81 miles (130 km) northeast of Zadar, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. The route climbs from the Adriatic coast through limestone hills into the forested highlands of Lika. The full round trip including 4.5 hours at the park totals about 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Yes, Plitvice has shorter routes (A and B) with mostly flat wooden walkways that work well for kids and older travelers. The park's electric boat and shuttle bus connect different sections, reducing total walking time. Strollers and wheelchairs face challenges on stairs and uneven sections, so plan around the park's accessibility map available at the entrance.
Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) offer the best conditions for visiting Plitvice Lakes, with full waterfalls, mild weather, and fewer visitors than peak summer. Summer brings warm days but large crowds, while winter transforms the park into a frozen wonderland with reduced trail access and shorter daylight hours.
Wear sturdy, waterproof walking shoes with good grip, since wooden boardwalks can be wet and slippery year-round. Dress in layers, as the park is cooler than the coast even in summer. Bring a rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Photographers will appreciate a polarizing filter for capturing the famous turquoise water.
With around 4.5 hours at the park, Route C through the Lower and Upper Lakes is ideal, covering the major waterfalls including Veliki Slap and the famous wooden walkways across turquoise pools. Shorter routes like A or B suit families with kids, while longer routes like H reward serious hikers with quieter sections of the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesCroatiaZadarZadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park: Private day trip