Welcome to Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's oldest and largest national park and one of Europe's most extraordinary natural wonders. Sixteen terraced lakes, joined by hundreds of waterfalls and cascades, shift in colour from emerald to turquoise as they spill through a forested karst canyon inhabited by bears, wolves and countless bird species.
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, the park is explored on foot along wooden boardwalks that wind directly over the water, combined with electric boats and panoramic shuttle trains. It is a full-day experience that ranks among the most memorable in all of Croatia.
Getting there is the easy part: our private door-to-door transfer from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes (≈ 130 km, ≈ 2 hours) picks you up at your address and delivers you directly to your accommodation — and we drive to Plitvice Lakes from any address in Croatia or the EU.
Highlights
What to See in Plitvice Lakes
Veliki Slap
The Great Waterfall is the tallest in Croatia at 78 metres, thundering into the canyon at the end of the Lower Lakes. The viewpoint at its base is the park's signature photo stop.
Lower Lakes Canyon
Wooden footbridges thread between cliffs and cascades in the park's most dramatic section, where the lakes glow in impossible shades of blue and green.
Upper Lakes
A gentler landscape of forest-fringed lakes linked by countless smaller waterfalls; quieter than the canyon and beloved by photographers.
Panoramic Viewpoints
Trails above the Lower Lakes offer sweeping views over the entire lake system — the classic postcard image of Plitvice.
Electric Boat Ride
A silent boat crossing of Lake Kozjak, the park's largest lake, connects the Upper and Lower Lakes and gives your legs a welcome rest.
Walking Routes A–K
Marked programmes from two to eight hours let you match the visit to your fitness and schedule; routes C and H are the most popular full-park options.
Plan Your Visit
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The park is beautiful year-round: lush and full of water in spring, warm in summer, golden in autumn and frozen into ice sculptures in winter. May–June and September–October offer the best balance of conditions and crowds. Book entrance tickets online in advance for July and August.
How Long to Stay
Plan four to six hours of walking to see both the Upper and Lower Lakes. As a day trip from Zagreb with a private transfer, an early start lets you beat the tour-bus crowds.
Good to Know
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes — boardwalks can be wet. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park. There are restaurants at the entrances but only small kiosks inside, so carry water and snacks.
Getting There
How to Reach Plitvice Lakes
The most comfortable way to reach Plitvice Lakes is a private door-to-door transfer: no bus stations, no luggage hauling, no timetables. From Zagreb, the journey covers ≈ 130 km and takes ≈ 2 hours, with sightseeing stops available along the way. We also provide transfers to Plitvice Lakes from any other city, airport or address in Croatia and throughout the EU — see the full route details on our Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes transfer page, or browse all our transfer routes.
F.A.Q
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How far are Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb?
The park is approximately 130 km from Zagreb, around a 2-hour drive. A private transfer picks you up at your address and drops you directly at the park entrance of your choice.
-
Can the driver wait while we visit the park?
Yes. A very popular option is a return day trip from Zagreb where the driver waits during your visit and drives you home the same evening. It can also be combined with onward travel to Zadar or Split.
-
Which park entrance should we use?
Entrance 1 is closest to the Great Waterfall and the Lower Lakes canyon; Entrance 2 suits those starting with the Upper Lakes. Your driver can drop you at one entrance and collect you at the other.
Have another question? See our full F.A.Q page or contact us directly.