Your driver will meet you at your address in Split.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
Youβll travel in comfort for 2 h 50 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
261 km2 h 50 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park
How do I get from Split to Plitvice Lake?
The best way to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park is with a Daytrip private transfer. You'll reach this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site in under 3 hours without the hassle of car rental or public transport. Plus, you can sightsee en route!
How do I get from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split Airport (SPU)?
The best way to get to Split Airport from Plitvice Lakes National Park is with a Daytrip private transfer. By avoiding public transport, you can eliminate travel-day stress and schedule a departure time that best suits you and your flight schedule.
Is Split or Zagreb closer to Plitvice Lakes?
Zagreb is somewhat closer to Plitvice Lakes (by about 70 miles, or 30 minutes to an hour in the car.) Travelers who want to see it all should consider a private transfer service because public transport routes tend to take a bit longer.
Is there a train from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
There is no direct train on this route. Travelers can take a train from Split to Zagreb and then take a bus to the lower lakes. For a faster route, choose a Daytrip private transfer and schedule the journey in advance with flexible online booking.
Can you visit Plitvice Lakes from Split without a car?
With Daytrip, it's easy to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park without a car. Your professional driver will transport you comfortably from door to door in a luxurious car. You can also be your own tour guide on the way with optional sightseeing.
Can you do a day trip from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
This is a great option for a day trip. With Daytrip's private car service, you'll receive comfortable and convenient round-trip transport with a friendly, professional driver. You can customize your meeting point for pickup and drop off and visit beautiful sights during the road trip to the lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyβre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
The Split to Plitvice Lakes transfer covers approximately 160 miles (260 km) and takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes by car. This journey offers the perfect opportunity to transform a simple transfer into an unforgettable day trip through Croatia's stunning landscapes. With a Daytrip private transfer, you can experience the convenience of door-to-door service while adding exciting sightseeing stops along the way.
As you travel from Split's coastal charm toward the natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll pass through Croatia's diverse terrain. The route takes you from the Adriatic coastline through rolling hills and eventually to the lush forests surrounding the lakes. Why rush directly to your destination when you can enhance your travel time with memorable stops at fascinating locations?
Consider adding Krka National Park to your itinerary, where you can marvel at magnificent waterfalls cascading over natural limestone barriers. Or perhaps explore the historic Klis Fortress. Your journey from Split to Plitvice Lakes becomes more than just a transfer; itβll become an integral part of your Croatian adventure.
About Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's oldest and largest national park, is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws visitors from across the globe. Established in 1949 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, this remarkable destination showcases nature's artistry through a series of 16 interconnected lakes that cascade into one another through travertine barriers.
The park's formation is a fascinating geological story that began thousands of years ago. Water flowing over limestone and chalk deposits created natural dams, resulting in the terraced lakes we see today. This continuous process means the landscape is ever-changing, with new travertine barriers forming while others grow or dissolve over time.
The lakes themselves are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, gray, and blue. These color variations occur due to different mineral compositions and organisms in the water, along with changing light conditions throughout the day. The best time to visit depends on what you hope to experience. Spring brings abundant waterfalls with melting snow, summer offers lush greenery, autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a canvas of golden and red hues, while winter creates a magical frozen wonderland.
The park's biodiversity is equally impressive, with over 1,200 plant species, 161 bird species, and numerous mammals, including bears, wolves, and rare European lynx. While these animals typically avoid human contact, their presence highlights the park's ecological importance. Visitors can explore Plitvice Lakes via a network of wooden walkways that meander across the water, allowing for close-up views of waterfalls without disturbing the sensitive ecosystem.
Unlike many national parks worldwide, swimming is prohibited in Plitvice Lakes to preserve the delicate ecological balance and protect the travertine formations. However, the visual feast of cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests more than compensates for this restriction. The park's elevation ranges from 1250 to 4200 feet (380 to 1,280 meters) above sea level, creating diverse microclimates and habitats throughout the area.
From Split to Plitvice Lakes: travel tips
Planning your journey from Split to Plitvice Lakes? Here are some essential travel tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
Add sightseeing stops to your journey
The drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes offers numerous fascinating attractions along the way. With Daytrip, you can customize your transfer by adding stops at places like Krka National Park or the fortress town of Knin. This transforms your travel day into an enriching experience rather than just time spent getting from point A to point B. Plus, your driver will wait while you explore, eliminating the stress of finding parking or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Plan for a full-day visit
Plitvice Lakes National Park is vast, covering 296.85 square kilometers. To fully appreciate its beauty, allocate at least 6-8 hours for exploration. The park offers several hiking routes of varying lengths and difficulties, with the longest taking up to 8 hours to complete. Check the official Plitvice Lakes website for the most up-to-date information on trails and visiting conditions.
Pack the appropriate gear
Even in summer, the wooden walkways around the lakes can be slippery, so comfortable walking shoes with a good grip are essential. The weather in the park can differ significantly from coastal Split due to the elevation change, so bring layers regardless of the season. Don't forget your camera! The landscape offers countless photo opportunities as you travel through this natural wonderland!
How to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes
There are several options for your Split to Plitvice Lakes transfer, each with its own advantages. Let's explore them from most to least convenient:
Private transfer from Split to Plitvice Lakes
The most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Split to Plitvice Lakes is with a Daytrip private car service. This door-to-door transfer takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes direct, though you can extend this pleasantly by adding sightseeing stops. Your journey begins at your accommodation in Split and ends directly at your chosen location in Plitvice Lakes, eliminating the hassle of navigating public transportation.
With Daytrip, you'll travel with a professional English-speaking local driver in a clean, comfortable vehicle. Unlike public transportation, you can customize your trip with stops at attractions like Krka National Park, Trogir, or Sibenik.
Bus from Split to Plitvice Lakes
Buses are the most common public transportation option for traveling from Split to Plitvice Lakes. The journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the route and time of day. During peak tourist season (April to October), multiple buses operate daily, but departures become less frequent in the off-season.
Tickets typically cost between $15-$30 one way, making this an economical choice for budget travelers. However, be aware that buses will drop you at the park entrance, and you'll need to walk to your accommodation if staying nearby. You'll also need to plan your return trip carefully, as the last bus from Plitvice to Split usually departs in the early afternoon. Check the current timetables and book tickets in advance, especially during high season.
Car rental from Split to Plitvice Lakes
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility for your trip and the freedom to explore at your own pace. The direct drive takes about 2.5-3 hours, but you'll need to factor in time for parking at Plitvice Lakes, which can be challenging during peak season.
Rental cars in Split typically start around $40-70 per day, plus fuel costs. The route is well-maintained and mostly follows the A1 highway, making it an easy drive. However, keep in mind that you'll be responsible for navigation, parking fees, and potential one-way drop-off charges if you're not returning to Split. Also, you'll miss out on the local knowledge a private driver can provide about the best spots to visit along the way.
Train from Split to Plitvice Lakes
Unfortunately, there is no direct train connection from Split to Plitvice Lakes. The Croatian railway network doesn't extend to the national park area. While you could take a train part of the way, you would then need to arrange additional transportation to reach Plitvice Lakes, making this an impractical option for most travelers.
Things to do when you get to Plitvice Lakes
Once you arrive at Plitvice Lakes after your journey from Split, here are some must-do activities to make the most of your visit:
Explore the park's walking trails
Plitvice Lakes National Park features a network of well-maintained trails that cater to all fitness levels. The park offers seven different routes, ranging from 2 to 8 hours in duration. These trails are marked with letters (A through K) and color-coded signs for easy navigation.
Route C is often recommended for first-time visitors as it provides a comprehensive 4-6 hour tour of both the Upper and Lower Lakes. For those with limited time, Route A offers a 2-3 hour walk focusing on the Lower Lakes, where some of the most impressive waterfalls are located. Check the visitor information center for up-to-date trail maps and advice on the best route for your interests and available time.
Ride the panoramic train and electric boat
To cover more ground and rest your legs, take advantage of the park's transportation system. A scenic panoramic train (actually an electric tram) connects the Upper and Lower Lakes, offering beautiful views as it traverses the park. Your entrance ticket includes unlimited rides on this train, which is especially useful for reaching distant sections of the park.
Similarly, an electric boat carries visitors across Lake Kozjak, the park's largest lake. This 20-minute boat ride is not only practical but also provides unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape that aren't visible from the walking paths. Both the train and boat operate from April through October, with reduced service in the shoulder seasons and no service during winter.
Visit Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall)
At 255 feet (78 meters) high, Veliki Slap is the tallest waterfall in the park and one of Croatia's most impressive natural features. Located in the Lower Lakes section, this thundering cascade creates a constant mist that supports unique microhabitats for plants and animals.
The best viewpoints for photographing Veliki Slap are from the trails above it, where you can capture both the waterfall and the valley beyond. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday lighting. During spring and after heavy rainfall, the waterfall is at its most powerful, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
Experience the Upper Lakes section
While the Lower Lakes get more attention due to Veliki Slap, the Upper Lakes section offers a quieter, equally beautiful experience. Here, you'll find a series of smaller lakes and waterfalls surrounded by dense forests. The elevated wooden walkways take you directly over crystal-clear water, where you can observe fish swimming below and unique aquatic plants.
GalovaΔki Buk, at 80 feet (25 meters) high, is the most impressive waterfall in this section. The Upper Lakes also feature ProΕ‘Δansko Lake, the highest and second-largest lake in the system. This area tends to be less crowded, especially in the early morning, offering a more serene communion with nature during your day trip to this remarkable destination.
When is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes largely depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip from Split to this natural wonder.
Summer (June to August) brings warm temperatures ranging from 68Β°F to 86Β°F (20Β°C to 30Β°C), making it the most popular time to visit. The park's lush vegetation is in full bloom, and the longer daylight hours give you more time to explore. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices near the park. If you visit in summer, arrive early in the morning to enjoy some tranquility before the day trippers arrive.
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer excellent alternatives with fewer visitors. Spring brings powerful waterfalls as snow melts, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a spectacular display of red, orange, and gold colors. Temperatures during these seasons range from 50Β°F to 68Β°F (10Β°C to 20Β°C), perfect for hiking the trails without overheating.
Winter (November to March) presents a completely different but equally magical experience. The frozen waterfalls and snow-covered landscapes create a winter wonderland, though some paths may be closed due to ice. Winter visits also offer the advantage of significantly reduced entrance fees and almost no crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature during your travel from Split.
Visit these sights on the way
Klis Fortress
Although its television debut has made it well known, this ancient fortress is still a gem with plenty of space to wander.Β The City of Meereen from Game of ThronesΒ
Trogir
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little island is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Β The Stone BeautyΒ
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.Β The Oldest Adriatic GemΒ
Krka National Park
Overflowing with natural beauty, Croatia's seventh national park is also the only one where you can swim!Β Seven Stunning ScenesΒ
Zadar
Inhabited for over two thousand years, Croatia's oldest city is one of the Mediterraneanβs most historically interesting towns.Β Port of PlentyΒ
Church of Croatian Martyrs at Udbina
Situated overlooking one of Croatiaβs most scenic and historically-significant landscapes, this modern church offers a unique experience.Β Dedicated to HistoryΒ
βI used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.β
βWe were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, weβd especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.β
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
βWe absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. Itβs worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. Itβs 5 star rating is well deserved.β
βWe traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortableβ
βGonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.β
βWe were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.β
βWe recently booked four trips with Daytrip, utilizing 3 different drivers and a variety of vehicles. Our trips were in Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina as follows: Split to Lake Plitvice (stop in Krka), Plitvice to Split, Split to Mostar (stop in Pocitelj ) and Mostar to Dubrovnik (stops in Blagaj tekija Monastery and Tvrdos Monastery for a wine tour). The drivers were all very good: on time, friendly, spoke english, gave us interesting information and were easy to communicate with via text and email for coordination. The vehicles were clean and in good condition. We investigated renting a car and found that we would not use it while in each town / island (Hvar, Split, Plitvice, Mostar, Dubrovnik). Parking was a challenge and expensive. There were less ferry options if we took the car (and more expensive).β
βThis is the second time we've used Daytrip and I'm sure it won't be the last. We enjoyed our trip very much. Scheduling was easy and as we got closer to our date it was also easy to make small changes to our itinerary. Our driver Milivoj T., picked us up on time, and was very friendly and knowledgeable about the areas we were going to. Thanks Daytrip!β
βWe were a party of 6 used Daytrip for six point to point trips ((Zagreb to Ljubljana, Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park to Split, Split to Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik to Sarajevo, Sarajevo to Zagreb) in the Balkans over 2 weeks. All six drivers (Dario, Ziga, Damir, Mateo, Marko, and Tomislav) and vehicles were excellent in service and quality. A couple of the drivers went beyond their standard services and offered much guidance and knowledge on the local history, geography, culture, and places of interest during the road trips. Tomislav (Bugy) was rated the best driver. Highly recommend Daytrip where such service is available in other parts of the world.β
βA few weeks ago we travelled from Plitvice to Split in a private car with Slaven Dugec.
It was a memorable trip through lovely scenery. He ensured that we were very comfortable in his Mercedes, which was immaculate. He drove well and answered all our questions about Croatia and its history. We stopped for coffee and photos at Skradin, and had lunch in Trogir. Would highly recommend this alternative to the bus.β
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Wendy K
Good to know
Children
If youβre traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isnβt included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If youβre traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Donβt worry if you donβt know your exact address at the time of booking - youβll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select βReturnβ when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select βOne Wayβ or βReturnβ to change the type of trip you need. Itβs a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you donβt see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
