Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Trogir & Split with Entry

What if you could skip the entry-line chaos at Plitvice and actually see the lakes?

You get hotel pickup, entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a guided walk through both the upper and lower lake systems, a boat ride across Donja Jezera, and return transport: all starting at 7am so you beat the afternoon crowds. The early departure is what makes the difference: you see the park when it's still quiet, and you're back in your hotel by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Plitvice Lakes National Park tour

• Pick up at meeting point
• Travel through countryside to Plitvice Lakes
• Walk through Gornja Jezera lakes
• Boat ride to Donja Jezera area
• Stop for lunch (not included)
• Return to starting point

The experience

That's the whole point of booking this tour from Trogir or Split. You leave at 7am: early enough that the park still feels like a place rather than a crowd. Your entrance ticket is already sorted, which sounds small until you're standing at the gate watching other travelers scramble to find availability. The minivan picks you up from your hotel, and then it's about two hours through the Croatian countryside before you arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO site that somehow lives up to the hype without feeling manufactured.

Once you're in, your guide walks you through the Gornja Jezera first. That's the upper system of 12 lakes, separated by these natural travertine barriers that look like someone stacked them on purpose. The path is uneven, about 5 kilometers total across both lake systems, so the shoes you wear actually matter. After the upper lakes, there's a boat ride down to the Donja Jezera, the lower lakes tucked into a limestone canyon. It's quieter down there, and the water is so clear you can see straight through it. The whole thing takes the morning and early afternoon, and you'll want to bring a camera, not because you're chasing Instagram moments, but because the light on the water changes every few minutes and you won't want to forget it.

Lunch isn't included, so you'll stop somewhere near the park entrance on the way back. The drive back to Trogir or Split takes another couple of hours, and you'll probably sleep through some of it. The tour works because it removes the logistics: no figuring out how to get there without a car, no arriving at the gate only to find tickets sold out, no guessing which trails matter. You just show up at pickup time with comfortable shoes and let the day unfold.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup from Trogir or Split, entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a guided walk through the upper lakes (Gornja Jezera) and lower lakes (Donja Jezera), a boat ride across the lower lake system, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, road tolls, and parking.
• Lunch is not included, but there's a stop near the park where you can buy food.
• All taxes and VAT are covered in the price.

Options for this experience

3 options

Day trip to Plitvice Lakes departing from SplitGuide in English · 07:00Split, at Obala Lazareta 4

Plitvice Lakes excursion starting in TrogirGuide in English · 07:30Meeting point: the Gray Line office

Trip to Plitvice Lakes leaving from OmišGuide in English · 06:05Meet at 06:00. Starting point: Hotel Plaža, Trg kralja Tomislava 6, 21310, Omiš, Croatia

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:05, 07:00 and 07:30Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 53

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tours in Croatia

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Plitvice Lakes without arranging transport, buying entry tickets separately, or arriving to find the park overcrowded. The 7am start is what keeps all three of those problems off your hands.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3).

How long is the walking at Plitvice Lakes?

About 5 kilometers total across uneven surfaces, split between the upper lakes (Gornja Jezera) and lower lakes (Donja Jezera). Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is the entrance ticket really included?

Yes. The park entry fee is included in the tour price, which is one of the main reasons to book this instead of driving yourself.

What time does the tour start and how long is the full day?

Pickup starts at 7am. The full tour, including drive time, is roughly 10–11 hours depending on your hotel location in Trogir or Split.

Is lunch included?

No. You'll have a lunch break near the park, but you'll need to pay for food yourself.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?

The tour isn't recommended for people with walking disabilities. The 5km path is on uneven terrain with no flat alternatives.

What should I bring?

Closed, comfortable walking shoes (sneakers), sportswear, and a light jacket or sweater. Bring a raincoat or umbrella if rain is forecast. A camera is optional but most people use one.

Is this tour available year-round?

Yes, but weather can restrict access to some parts of the park in winter. The tour runs regardless, but your guide will adjust the route if needed.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted on the tour.

Do I need a certain fitness level?

You should have at least a moderate level of fitness. The 5km walk is steady but not strenuous, though the terrain is uneven.