Croatia is adored for its medieval cities and pristine beaches but one attraction stands out from the rest. Krka National Park is one of the most visited places in the country and its unreal setting offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Emerald green foliage grows thick around turquoise lakes, with waterfalls creating a soothing soundtrack all around. Once you visit this magical enclave on a day trip from Zadar to Krka National Park you might never want to leave.

Here's all you need to know about Krka National Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Zadar.

How to get to Krka from Zadar?

Krka National Park is in southern Croatia, halfway between Zadar and Split. Here are the different ways you can reach the park:

From Zadar to Krka National Park by car

Krka National park is southeast of Zadar. The route from Zadar takes around 1 hour to drive and is 79km in total. Parking at the park is free and the Lozovac entrance has the most parking spots.

From Zadar to Krka National Park by bus

There are direct buses from Zadar to Krka during peak season. Book your tickets online in advance as spaces fill up quickly. In the off-season, you will have to travel from Zadar to Sibenik and then change busses to the Skradin or Lozovac route.

Guided tour to Krka National Park from Zadar

The most hassle-free way to visit Krka National Park is with a planned day tour from Zadar. These tours last between 5 and 8 hours and you can be part of a fun group tour, get a private guided tour or simply book a driver to make the journey effortless.

How much does the entrance ticket to Krka National Park cost?

The entrance fee to Krka National Park differs from the peak season to the off-season and there are discounted tickets for people only accessing certain parts of the park.

Jan/Feb/Mar/Nov/Dec

Adult: 52,74 kn (€7)
Children 7-18, Students, HPD Members: 30,14 kn (€4)
Children under 7: Free

April/May/Oct

Adult: 150,69 kn (€20)
Children 7-18, Students, HPD Members: 113,02 kn (€7)
Children under 7: Free

June/July/August/September

Adult: 301,38 kn (€40)
Children 7-18, Students, HPD Members: 210,97 kn (€28)
Children under 7: Free

What is the typical itinerary?

The typical day trip to Krka National Park starts with hotel pickup or meeting your driver at a central location in Zadar and your tour operator will take you to the park in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Departure is around 8 AM.

At the park, you will skip the lines as your ticket has been pre-booked. Your driver will collect the ticket on your behalf and store your luggage for you if needed. You are free to enjoy the day at your own leisure, sunbathing, birdwatching and exploring the park.

Around 3 PM you will head back to Zadar and if you booked a package with hotel drop-off you will be returned to your accommodation. Alternatively, you will be dropped off back at the meeting location.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Krka National Park?

There are a few options for a day trip to Krka National Park, offering options for all budget and travel needs.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Krka National Park from Zadar

This is the most popular way to get to and from Krka National Park from Zadar. Meet your driver at the pickup location or request a hotel transfer and enjoy a comfortable drive to Krka. Pickup is around 8 AM and the drive is an hour long.

With a shuttle transfer, you get to skip the long lines as your ticket will be pre-booked and your driver simply picks it up on your behalf. You can also leave any extra luggage in the shuttle for safekeeping.

Enjoy plenty of free time at the national park before departing back to Zadar at 3 PM.

Private tour to Krka National Park from Zadar

Enjoy a private tour to Krka National Park for the ultimate luxury experience.

Your knowledgeable guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Krka National Park where you can skip the line and fast-track to the beautiful waterfalls and ponds inside.

A private tour allows you to enjoy a customizable itinerary with stops along the way if you desire.

Day trip to Krka National Park plus Split from Zadar

This two-in-one tour is the best way to combine a transfer and a sightseeing tour. A driver will pick you up at your hotel in the morning and take you on a scenic drive to Krka National Park.

You can enjoy the magnificent park for a few hours before stopping for lunch in Konjevrate. The final destination for the day is Split where you are dropped off at your hotel.

This is the most convenient way to transfer between cities and maximize your time with some sightseeing along the way.

How much does it cost?

The most basic day tour to Krka National Park is a budget transfer for €40 per person. You are still responsible for paying for your entrance tickets in this case.

A private tour to Krka National Park costs around €515 for a group of up to three people, including entrance tickets.

What will you see and do?

Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s biggest natural treasures with more than 800 species of plants and 200 bird species decorating the countryside. Swimming is no longer allowed at the park but there is still more than enough to do during your visit.

Skradinski Buk is the main attraction and most people’s reason to visit the park. The waterfall is made up of a series of 17 waterfalls of various heights, creating a grand showcase of over 45 meters tall in total.

But this isn’t the only magnificent water feature in the park and Roski Slap is another curtain of 12 waterfalls worth seeing. The wooden footpaths hugging the edge of the water wind lazily through the forest and past viewpoints, and is an easy 2 km loop.

There are also boat trips you can take to explore the waterways of this stunning park and even stop at the unbelievable Visovac Island and monastery.

When is Krka National Park open over the year?

Krka National Park is open all year round but during the off-peak season, you cannot visit the Stinice section of the park. This section is closed in January, February, March, November and December.

The park is closed on 25 and 26 December.

What are the opening times?

The opening times of Krka National Park differ all through the year depending on the season. In the peak season during the summer it is open from 8 AM to 8 PM while it changes from 9 AM to 5 PM during the winter months. On 24 December and 31 December, the park closes at noon.

When is the best time to visit Krka National Park?

Summer is the most popular time to visit Krka National Park and July and August are the busiest months. Visitors love cooling down in the refreshing water of the park and it is a great day trip to beat the heat.

To escape the crowds but still enjoy pleasant weather, it is best to visit during the shoulder season in April and May and September and October.

Are there any tours to Krka from other cities in Croatia?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Croatia:

Travel tips

There is a lot of walking involved at Krka National Park so wear appropriate shoes.
You can buy food at the park but you are also allowed to bring your own packed lunch and have a picnic.
Bring a lot of sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching Mediterranean sun.
Some tours require you to bring cash for the driver to collect your ticket. Double-check if your tour operator stipulates this.

Krka National Park: Day Trips and Tours from Zadar