Private car transfer from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park

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; it’ll become an integral part of your Croatian adventure.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Galovački Buk, at 80 feet (25 meters) high, is the most impressive waterfall in this section. The Upper Lakes also feature Prošćansko 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.

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 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°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.