Plitvice Lakes: Entry Ticket with Shuttle & Ferry Access

Summary

Wander lakeside paths at Plitvice and cross by ferry through forest mist

You’ll follow winding wooden paths past unreal blue lakes, ride ferries across silent water, and stand close enough to Plitvice’s waterfalls to feel their spray on your face. Shuttle buses help you explore more without rushing. It’s less about seeing everything than letting yourself get lost in it for a while.

What’s the experience like?

I almost turned back at Entrance 1. There was this thick morning chill, and a line of people shuffling forward, clutching their tickets. But then someone behind me—maybe a local, her accent was strong—said, “The real magic is after the first bend.” She wasn’t wrong. The path dropped away to these blue-green pools that didn’t even look real. I could smell wet leaves and something sharp in the air, like stone after rain. Every few steps, another waterfall crashed out of nowhere—some loud enough to drown out my own thoughts for a second.

The shuttle bus inside Plitvice Lakes is honestly a lifesaver if you’re not up for hiking every inch (my legs thanked me later). I hopped off near Kozjak Lake because a kid pointed out a snake sunning itself on the rocks—his dad laughed and told me it’s harmless, just part of the show here. The ferry boat across the lake was quiet except for this group of German hikers sharing sandwiches and stories about getting lost last year. The water below looked painted on; I kept trying to catch the color with my phone but gave up. You just have to see it.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under Veliki Slap—the big waterfall everyone talks about—but there’s something about all that noise and spray that makes you forget whatever else you were worrying about. My shoes got soaked (should’ve worn better ones), but I didn’t care much. There are signs everywhere in Croatian and English; still managed to get turned around once or twice, but people were happy to point me back toward Gradinsko Lake or whichever way I was supposed to go. By late afternoon the crowds thinned out and it felt like walking through someone’s dream—not mine exactly, but close enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Visit Sastavci area
• See Veliki Slap waterfall
• Walk around The Lower Lakes
• Explore Mali Buk waterfall
• Visit Gradinsko Lake
• Stop at Josipa Jovica 19
• Enjoy Kozjak Lake
• See Galovac Lake
• Walk The Upper Lakes
• Visit Veliki Prstavac
• See Slapovi Milke Trnine waterfalls
• Explore Burgeti Lakes
• Visit Lake Milino
• See Ciginovac Lake
• Visit Okrugljak Lake
• Explore Proscansko Lake
• See Milanovac Lake
• Visit Batinovac Lake
• See Malo Lake
• Visit Lake Vir
• Explore Gavanovac Lake
• See Kaluderovac Lake
• Visit Novakovica Brod Lake
• See Milanovacki Slap waterfall
• Visit Veliko Lake
• See Batinovac Waterfall
• Explore Great Cascades
• Visit Memorial plaque to Gustav Janecek
• Stop again at Josipa Jovica 19
• See Memorial plaque to Ivo Pevalek
• Visit Ciganovac Waterfall
• See Labudovacki slap waterfall
• Visit Pevalekovi Slapovi waterfalls
• See Kozjacki Slapovi waterfalls

Top questions

How do I use my Plitvice Lakes entry ticket?

You need to present your voucher at your booked entrance (Entrance 1 or 2) within 55 minutes of your chosen start time to receive your official ticket.

Does my ticket include shuttle buses and ferry rides?

Yes, your entry ticket includes access to shuttle buses and ferry boats operating within Plitvice Lakes.

Are dogs allowed in Plitvice Lakes?

Yes, dogs are allowed if kept on a lead; they can also ride the shuttle bus and ferry boat with you.

Is parking free at Plitvice Lakes?

No, parking at the main car parks is paid; there are some free lots farther away but require extra walking.

Can infants use strollers in Plitvice Lakes?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers throughout most areas of the park.

Is Plitvice Lakes open all year round?

Yes, the park is open year-round but some trails or routes may be closed due to weather, especially from November to April.

Where are the entrances located?

Entrance 1 (Rastovača) and Entrance 2 (Hladovina) are both on the same road near the lakes; check coordinates before arrival.

Are student discounts available with this ticket?

No, student discounts do not apply when purchasing this specific entry ticket online.

What’s included

Your day includes entry ticket access for all marked trails at Plitvice Lakes plus unlimited rides on shuttle buses and electric ferries within the park boundaries—just bring your voucher to either main entrance at your booked time slot before heading in.