Afternoon tour Plitvice Lakes from Zadar: Boat and train included

Terraced lakes, a boat crossing, and a train ride back through the park

An afternoon guided bus tour from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park with reserved park entry, boat ride on Lake Kozjak, and panoramic train included. The tour runs June through September and departs at 12:20pm from central Zadar. You pay the park entrance fee in cash on the day (adult 25€, student 15€, child 7–18 9€, under 7 free). A live English-speaking guide leads the group through the park's terraced lakes and waterfalls, and you return to Zadar by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Afternoon tour to Plitvice Lakes

• Meet at office in Old Town Zadar
• Start bus tour from Marka Marulića 7
• Take 15-minute break at Macola restaurant
• Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Boat ride across Lake Kozjak
• Panoramic train back to Kozjak bridge
• Return to Zadar with guide

The experience

The tour picks you up in an air-conditioned coach from Marka Marulića 7 (in front of Tommy Market) at 12:20pm, or from your Old Town hotel at noon if you arrange it. A 15-minute stop at Macola restaurant lets you use the bathroom and buy food before the park. Once you arrive at Plitvice Lakes, you skip the ticket line (your entry is already reserved), and follow the guide on route B through the park's network of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden boardwalks.

Route B includes two moments that define the afternoon: a boat ride across Lake Kozjak, the largest and deepest of the lakes, and a panoramic train that carries you back to the Kozjak bridge so you don't repeat the same path on foot. The guide leads the group, but you're free to explore at your own pace if you prefer. Bring lunch and drinks with you, though two spots inside the park sell food if you need more. The return to Zadar happens at an agreed time with your guide, landing you back in the late afternoon.

Free luggage storage is available, so you don't carry bags through the park. The 8-hour round trip is structured to fit an afternoon departure, making it a realistic option if your morning is booked or you're arriving in Zadar by midday.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned coach transport from Zadar.
• reserved park entrance ticket (paid in cash on the day).
• boat ride across Lake Kozjak.
• panoramic train ride through the park.
• live English-speaking guide.
• free luggage storage.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (under 7)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jadera Transfers & Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary without translation. The afternoon departure works if your morning is committed or you're arriving in Zadar by midday and want to see the lakes the same day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (under 7).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I book this tour if I'm staying outside the Old Town?

The standard meeting point is at the office on Street Rafaela Levakovica 1 (next to Caffe bar Zlatni Kutić) at 12:00pm. If you're staying in the Old Town, you can arrange hotel pickup at noon instead. Confirm this when you book.

What's included in the tour price and what do I pay separately?

The tour price covers the air-conditioned coach, guide, boat ride on Lake Kozjak, panoramic train, and reserved park entry. You pay the park entrance fee in cash on the day of the tour (adult 25€, student 15€, child 7–18 9€, under 7 free). Students need a valid ID and children must be under 18 to qualify for discounts.

How much time do I actually spend walking in the park?

Route B combines walking on the terraced boardwalks with a boat ride and train ride, so you're not on foot the entire time. The guide leads the group through the park's main attractions, and you can follow at your own pace or stay with the group.

When does this tour run and how early do I need to arrive?

The afternoon tour runs from June 1st through September 30th only. Arrive at your meeting point by 12:00pm (Old Town hotels) or 12:20pm (Marka Marulića 7 office location) to depart on time.

What should I bring for an 8-hour afternoon tour?

Bring lunch, drinks, and comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalks. Two spots in the park sell food if you need more, and free luggage storage is available so you don't carry bags through the park.