How long does it take to get from Plitvice Lakes to Split?
The drive from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split is 2.5 hours. This is the fastest way to travel. Traveling via bus takes twice as long, with trips averaging 4.5 hours (however, they do not require a transfer). Leave early in the morning to get ahead of road traffic.
Can you do a day trip from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
Yes! The drive is only 2.5 hours, so it is just far enough to make a day trip from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split. Leave early in the morning so you can make the most of the daylight during Croatiaâs long days.
Is Plitvice closer to Zagreb or Split?
Plitvice Lakes National Park is closer to Zagreb! It is located about 80 miles (130 km) from Zagreb and 150 miles (240 km) from Split. However, it is possible to visit the national park from either city as a day trip.
Is there a train from Plitvice to Split?
No, there is no train station near Plitvice. The train networks in Croatia are quite limited due to its terrain and lack of funding. You will need to make the trip from Plitvice Lakes to Split by bus or by private vehicle.
How far is Plitvice National Park to Split?
The distance between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Split is 150 miles (or 240 km). The fastest way to travel is with a private vehicle, which will take you about 2.5 hours. For comparison, the bus trip takes about 4.5 hours.
How do you get from Plitvice Lakes to Split?
You can travel from Plitvice Lakes to Split by private car or on a bus. A car is almost twice as fast as a bus, so you will definitely want to have a driver for this trip. Each way will take 2.5 hours by car, so a day trip is entirely possible.
Croatia is a diverse country with a variety of landscapes, like mountains, shorelines, waterfalls, and forests. It has a distinct boomerang shape with a long, thin coastline of 1,100 miles (1,777 km) and a mainland expansion that stretches inland about 250 miles (390 km). It is full of natural wonders and historic cities, the best of which you will see as you travel from Plitvice to Split.
The road trip back to Split will take you through the Croatian countryside, which is dotted with vineyards, farmhouses, and villages with homes made of local stone. As you journey south and back towards the coast, the landscape becomes more Mediterranean, with rocky soil and olive groves overlooking the sea.
You will recognize Split as it comes into view for its Brac stone buildings and coastal architectural style. Your driver will get you right to your front door, and even help with any bags you brought along for the trip. Let Daytrip handle the driving details so you can enjoy your Croatian vacation!
About Split
After your trip from Plitvice Lakes to Split, you will have arrived in one of the Mediterranean's oldest settlements. Split is Croatiaâs second-largest city and the largest city on Croatiaâs coastline. Splitâs ideal location on the coast made it an important center for the trading of goods and cultural influence. It has been a part of many empires throughout its past, including the Roman, Byzantine, Dalmatian, Venetian, and Ottoman empires.
### Splitâs origins
Split is an incredibly old city, first mentioned in written records over 1,700 years ago. It was founded as the Greek colony of Aspalathos between the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. In the 4th century BC, it became the location for the Roman Emperor Diocletianâs retirement palace. Diocletianâs Palace is considered the beginning of urban development in Split and is a major part of Splitâs historic downtown.
### Split today
Croatia has made a comeback since the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s and is now back to being the popular coastal destination it has been for centuries. Almost one million people visit Split annually for its Mediterranean atmosphere and warm, sunny shores.
Split is a major launching-off point for ferries traveling to the Croatian islands of Hvar, Brac, and Vis, as well as Italy. Its ancient buildings and gorgeous views of the sea make it an obvious choice for Hollywood location scouts, so Split has been the backdrop for movies and television shows like the Game of Thrones, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, and Winnetou. Come visit Split and see what all of the hype is about!
From Plitvice Lakes to Split: travel tips
Getting back from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split requires a little bit of preparation, so keep these travel tips in mind!
### Have cash on you- and the right kind of cash!
You may have visited Croatia before, but things have changed! Croatia recently accepted the euro as its official currency, so donât expect to receive kunas at the ATM. Croatia has a very cash-based economy, especially in the small towns between Plitvice and Split, so have enough cash on hand for meals, tickets, and any souvenirs.
### Keep your phone charged
Having your phone die halfway through a trip is the worst! Keep a fully charged battery pack and charging cable in your bag so you can stay connected and access your tickets and camera. Turn off Bluetooth and mobile data when not in use for added battery life.
How to get from Plitvice Lakes to Split
Croatia has limited train infrastructure, so this trip will have to be made by bus or private car. Good thing Daytrip has you covered!
### Plitvice Lakes to Split with Daytripâs private car service
After youâve trekked all over Croatiaâs largest national park, let someone else handle the driving! Getting from Plitvice back to Split is a breeze with a private driver from Daytrip.
Your driver, who speaks both English and Croatian, will pick you up from Plitvice Lakes and bring you safely and quickly back to Split. This trip takes just 2.5 by car, compared to 4,5 hours by bus. The best part? You wonât have to worry about parking or returning a rental car once youâre back in Split. Book your seat for âŹ301.
### Plitvice Lakes to Split by bus
Flixbus has three daily departures from the Plitvice Lakes National Park back to Split. The earliest departure is at 9:30 AM, and the latest departure is at 4:20 PM. All of the bus options take at least 4.5 hours, so bring snacks and water along for the ride. On the plus side, you can expect A/C and a bathroom on board. You also wonât need to transfer buses, since it is a direct route. Tickets start at around âŹ22.
Things to do when you get to Split
Youâve seen the natural beauty of Croatiaâs forests, waterfalls, and lakes on your drive from Plitvice to Split, but now itâs time to see what the coast brings. During your time in Split, make sure these activities are on your itinerary!
### Explore the âsetâ of Game of Thrones at Diocletianâs Palace
If youâre a Game of Thrones fan, this is a must-see! The Diocletianâs Palace was the backdrop for several scenes of the popular HBO show and was also featured on the back of Croatiaâs 500 Kuna banknote. For diehard Game of Thrones fans, have your Daytrip driver take you to Klis Fortress, another filming location, on your way back from Plitvice Lakes.
The 8th-century Cathedral of St. Domnius is also part of this UNESCO-listed historical complex. It is the oldest continually operating Catholic cathedral in the world.
### Climb Marjan Hill
Getting the perfect family vacation photo is easy when the views are so beautiful! Hike or bike through the forests and parks in Marjan Hill to find hidden chapels and peaceful picnicking spots just a short distance from the crowded streets below. Marjan Hill is at the end of the Split Peninsula and juts out into the Adriatic Sea, so the panoramic views cannot be beat.
### Take a ferry to the islands
Split is a major port for ferries that reach far and wide across the Adriatic Sea. Take a ferry for the day to see the nearby Croatian islands of Vis, Brac, and Hvar. These islands have their own rich history as major empires grappled for control of them, so tour their historic sites and walk their charming old towns.
Bring your snorkel, mask, and sturdy water shoes for this day trip. Croatiaâs clear water is perfect for snorkeling, and the rocky shores have plenty of caves and holes for crabs, fish, and coral to live. You will want water shoes with straps so you can enter and exit the water on the islandâs rocky and pebbled beaches without much difficulty.
### Sip your coffee on the Riva Promenade
Splitâs waterfront promenade is lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants overlooking the Adriatic. Croatia has a strong coffee culture, so pull up a chair, order a kava s mlijekom (coffee with milk), and watch the waves hit the shore.
When is the best time to visit Split
Split is a sunny city with a Mediterranean climate year-round, which means summers can be downright brutal. Expect highs of 90° F (32° C) during July and August without much shade. Many buildings and walkways in Split are made of glistening white limestone, and there are very few trees, so the urban heat island effect makes the city feel warmer than on the shore or on Plitvice Lakes.
Visit during March-June or September-November to avoid the worst of the summer heat and have some smaller crowds. Outdoor walking tours will also be easier to manage with cooler temperatures.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Church of Croatian Martyrs at Udbina
Situated overlooking one of Croatiaâs most scenic and historically-significant landscapes, this modern church offers a unique experience. Dedicated to HistoryÂ
Zadar
Inhabited for over two thousand years, Croatia's oldest city is one of the Mediterraneanâs most historically interesting towns. Port of PlentyÂ
Krka National Park
Overflowing with natural beauty, Croatia's seventh national park is also the only one where you can swim! Seven Stunning ScenesÂ
Sibenik
Unlike cities like Trogir and Hvar, which were founded by outside conquerors, the UNESCO-listed town of Sibenik is the oldest Croatian-founded settlement. The Oldest Adriatic GemÂ
Trogir
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little island is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Â The Stone BeautyÂ
Klis Fortress
Although its television debut has made it well known, this ancient fortress is still a gem with plenty of space to wander. The City of Meereen from Game of ThronesÂ
