Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zadar
Two hours each way instead of three and a half — about five hours inside Plitvice for four hours on the road.
Quick facts
~140 km · ~2h each way · around 10 hours total · ~4.5 hours inside the park · boat + train included · Old Town walk often thrown in.
Why Zadar is the smart gateway
If Plitvice is on your list and you can choose where to sleep, Zadar wins on arithmetic: a two-hour transfer each way against Split’s three and a half. The day runs about 10 hours instead of 12 and you still get roughly four and a half hours inside the park.
Several Zadar departures also add a short guided walk of Zadar’s Old Town, usually in the early evening and valid on any day of your stay — a genuine bonus rather than a filler.
Tour options
| Option | Time | Cost (pp, est.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided day tour | ~10h | €50–75 + entry | Shortest transfer, no driving |
| Small-group tour | ~10h | €90–130 | Pickup, smaller bus |
| Rental car | 2h each way | €45–70/day + entry | Earliest start, beat the crowds |
| Private transfer | 2h each way | €250+ | Groups, cruise-port timing |
One thing to watch: on a number of Zadar departures the park entry fee is not bundled and is collected in cash on the day. It ranges from roughly €10 per adult in the off-season to about €40 in June–September. Read the inclusions before comparing headline prices.
What the day includes
- Transfer: air-conditioned bus, about two hours each way with a café stop.
- In the park: a guided route through both the Upper and Lower Lakes on wooden boardwalks.
- Boat and train: the electric boat across Kozjak Lake and the forest train.
- Veliki Slap: Croatia’s tallest waterfall, usually the last viewpoint before heading back.
- Walking: plan on around 10 km over uneven surfaces — comfortable shoes are not optional.
Book the trip
Live prices via GetYourGuide
FAQ
How far is Plitvice Lakes from Zadar?
About 140 km and roughly two hours each way — the shortest transfer of any Adriatic gateway city.
Is the entry ticket included?
Not always. Several Zadar departures collect the park fee in cash on the day, so check the inclusions rather than comparing headline prices alone.
Is Plitvice open in winter from Zadar?
Yes, but from roughly November to March only the Lower Lakes are open, and the boats and panoramic train may not operate. Check before booking an off-season date.
Mostar Day Trip may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you. Entry fees and seasonal restrictions change — confirm on the operator’s page before travelling.