Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Split with Boat & Train Ride

Summary

Waterfalls, forest trails, and a slow boat ride at Plitvice Lakes

You’ll follow wooden walkways above turquoise lakes, feel spray from Croatia’s tallest waterfall on your skin, take a gentle boat ride across glassy water, and ride an old train through shady forests. This day trip from Split lets you move at your own pace — with transport included — so you can soak up every sound and color without worrying about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s the one everyone takes photos of,” our driver said, pointing as we pulled off the highway somewhere between Split and Plitvice Lakes. I was still half-asleep from the early start, but the Croatian countryside outside the window was waking up — green fields, a few sleepy cows, and that soft morning light you only get on road trips. The drive took about three hours but didn’t drag; our guide (I think her name was Ana?) threw in bits of local history and some jokes that didn’t quite land but made us all smile anyway.

The moment we stepped out at Plitvice, there was this cool dampness in the air — like you’d walked into someone’s garden after rain. You could hear water everywhere before you even saw it. We skipped the long ticket line (felt like cheating) and wandered off along wooden paths that twist over these crazy blue-green lakes. Every now and then, I’d stop just to listen to the falls or watch dragonflies hover. There were families picnicking under trees, a couple of older hikers with serious boots, and kids trying to spot fish in the clear water.

I didn’t expect how much I’d love the little boat ride across one of the bigger lakes — it’s slow, almost silent except for people whispering or laughing quietly. The water looks unreal up close. Afterward we hopped onto this electric train thing that rattles through the woods; it’s not fancy but kind of charming in its own way. By then my shoes were muddy and my phone nearly dead from too many photos. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Split, just know it’s not about rushing around — it’s more like letting yourself drift for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Depart from Split in morning
• Drive 3 hours through countryside
• Hear interesting facts and views
• Explore upper and lower lakes
• See highest waterfall in Croatia
• Ride train through woodland
• Enjoy panoramic boat ride
• Return to Split

Top questions

How long is the drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes?

It takes about three hours by bus or van from Split to Plitvice Lakes.

Is entry to Plitvice Lakes included in this tour?

The description doesn’t specify entry fees; check when booking if tickets are included.

What activities are included on this day trip?

You’ll get a panoramic boat ride across one of the lakes and an electric train ride through woodland paths.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; you may want to bring snacks or buy food inside the park.

Are there guides at Plitvice Lakes or is it self-guided?

This is a self-guided experience at Plitvice Lakes after transportation from Split.

Is pickup included for this tour?

The tour includes transportation by bus or van from Split; check details for exact pickup points.

How physically demanding is walking around Plitvice Lakes?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; paths are mostly flat with some steps and wooden walkways.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation by bus or van from Split straight to Plitvice Lakes, skipping entrance lines in busy months. Once inside, you’ll have a panoramic boat ride across one of those unreal blue lakes plus an electric train ride through shady woodland trails before heading back home in the evening.