Plitvice Lakes: Day Trips and Tours from Zagreb

If you're ready to be stunned by celestial waterfalls and vibrant lakes, take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb.

The national park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. It features not one, not two, but 16 cascading waterfalls that plunge into seemingly endless pools below.

Plitvice Lakes is easy to reach in just a couple of hours from the capital city and is a magnificent place to return to nature.

Below you will find everything you need to know about a trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes.

How to get to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb?

Plitvice Lake National Park is located in central Croatia, between the two cities of Zagreb and Zadar. It is under 7 kilometers from the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes by car

The jaunt to Plitvice Lakes by car takes around 2.5 hours and leaves Zagreb heading south onto the E65. You'll come to a fork in the road, where you'll choose the left lane for the E71. You'll take exit 7 after Ogulin for the D42 which leads you to the national park. The journey covers 150 kilometers.

From Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes by bus

There is a direct bus service between the city of Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The drive takes between 1.5 and three hours, depending on the service provider. You'll pay €11 to €13 for a ticket and your journey will begin at the Zagreb bus terminal.

Guided tour to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb

Plitvice Lakes day tours last between 10 and 12 hours. Often, you'll be picked up from your accommodation in the city. If not, you'll meet at a central, easy-to-reach location in Zagreb. The tours begin any time from 8 AM to 11 AM, although 9 AM is the most common start time.

How much does the entrance ticket to Plitvice Lakes cost?

Plitvice Lakes ticket prices for January, February, March, November and December

• Adults: €11
• Students: €7
• Children (aged 7-18): €5
• Children under 7: Free
• Persons with disabilities: Free

Plitvice Lakes ticket prices for April, May and October

• Adults: €24
• Students: €15
• Children (aged 7-18): €7
• Children under 7: Free
• Persons with disabilities: Free

Entrance fees during the summer months differ depending on which gate you enter the park through.

Entrance A Plitvice Lakes ticket prices for June, July, August and September

• Adults: €40
• Students: €27
• Children (aged 7-18): €16
• Children under 7: Free
• Persons with disabilities: Free

Entrance B Plitvice Lakes ticket prices for June, July, August and September

• Adults: €27
• Students: €17
• Children (aged 7-18): €9
• Children under 7: Free
• Persons with disabilities: Free

You'll receive an additional discount on your Plitvice Lakes tickets if you travel in a group of 15 or more. You can also purchase a 2-day pass which is discounted.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb?

Day trips to Plitvice Lakes usually begin with a pickup from your hotel. You'll travel to Rastoke where you'll have time to explore the fondly named "City of Cats." You'll then hop aboard your bus to journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park, nearby.

Here, you'll enjoy a guided walk through the greenery and discover the iconic lakes and waterfalls that the park is known for. You'll learn about the history of Croatia's most visited destination and marvel at the sheer beauty of the site, before heading back to Zagreb.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Plitvice Lakes?

Plitvice Lakes day tours vary depending on whether you'd like to travel as part of a group or privately.

Day trip to Plitvice Lakes plus Rastoke from Zagreb

You'll travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site by coach after meeting your tour guide at your hotel. You'll participate in an invigorating walk through the forested national park to see the natural phenomenon of Gornja Jezera.

You'll learn how the waterfalls formed and why the 12 lakes are separated. You'll also discover the neighboring village of Rastoke which is famous for its watermill.

Small group tour to Plitvice Lakes plus Rastoke from Zagreb

This tour also visits both Plitvice Lakes and the village of Rastoke. You'll take a guided walk through the park, admiring its other-worldly scenery. You'll also gain a new perspective of the site through a cruise on Kozjak Lake, followed by a scenic train journey. The tour is limited to eight guests for a more personal experience.

Private day trip to Plitvice Lakes plus Rastoke from Zagreb

This day trip to Plitvice Lakes is reserved for your group only. You'll visit all 16 lakes within the national park and explore the historic village of Rastoke. You'll also take a trip to a local dairy farm where you can try Croatian cheeses.

Lastly, you'll learn more about the country's history at the Museum of the Croatian War of Independence. The location of this site is fascinating in itself as it's situated within an old military base.

How much does a tour to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb cost?

Plitvice Lakes day trips include hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide and round-trip transportation to the park. Prices start from €79.

Small group tours are limited to eight participants which allows you to interact with your guide better. Along with a licensed guide, the tour also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel and admission fees. You can expect to pay approximately €110.

Private Plitvice Lakes day tours cost €184 per person, and you'll receive a discount for each extra person that books. If you travel in a group of eight, you'll be charged around €70 each.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off and a local guide. You'll cover the cost of entrance fees to the national park and museum, as well as cheese tasting at a dairy farm.

What will you see and do in Plitvice Lakes?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most visited destination in Croatia because of its incredible series of 16 interconnected lakes. These are split into the upper and lower lakes. The upper lakes comprise of 12 of the flowing streams and they all form a cascade of waterfalls that is a spectacle to behold.

The lower lakes include the final four lakes and are just as captivating to see, with limestone gorges and vivid blue waters.

The park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and visitors can explore on foot, taking in the scenery as they stroll along one of the many outstanding hiking trails.

Alternatively, you can cycle through the lush green forests to access the lakes. There are also boat tours available, which offer a different perspective on the lakes.

What are the opening times?

Last Sunday in March- May 31: 8 AM- 7 PM

• June 1 - Aug. 20: 7 AM - 8 PM
• Aug. 21 - Sept. 30: 7 AM- 7 PM
• Oct. 1 - last Saturday in October: 8 AM- 6 PM
• Last Sunday in October - last Saturday in March: 8 AM- 4 PM

The last time for admission is two hours before the park closes, so plan your Plitvice Lakes excursion accordingly.

When is the best time to visit Plitvice Lakes?

The best time to take a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park is during the shoulder months of May, June and September. During this time, you'll experience mild temperatures ranging between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius.

There will also be fewer visitors in the park, meaning you'll be able to get the perfect photo of the waterfalls.

Are there any tours to Plitvice Lakes from other cities in Croatia?

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

• Day trips to the Plitvice Lakes from Split
• Plitvice Lakes day trips from Dubrovnik
• Day tours to the Plitvice Lakes from Zadar
• Plitvice Lakes day tours from Omiš

Travel tips

• Day tours to Plitvice Lakes include a moderate amount of walking. Ensure you're wearing comfortable shoes for your excursion.
• Swimming is prohibited in the park. If you wish to take a dip, head to the village of Korana to see its namesake river, a few miles north of Plitvice Lakes.
• If you visit during the summer months, ensure you bring a sunhat, plenty of sunscreen and water with you.