Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Split: Boat, Train & Park Entry

Sixteen Lakes, Two Rides, One Day from Split

You get picked up from Split, driven to Plitvice Lakes National Park with entrance ticket included, and guided through the upper lakes on foot, then taken by electric train and boat through the lower sections. The guide handles the park logistics, the bus driver handles the route, and you handle the camera. You're back in Split by evening without having arranged transport, tickets or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Travel from Split to Plitvice Lakes
• Enter Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Explore the lakes and waterfalls
• Take photos of turquoise lakes
• Enjoy nature and forest scenery
• Return to Split

The experience

You wonder if a national park two hours away can really be worth the early start. Then the bus pulls into Plitvice Lakes and you see the first turquoise lake, and the waterfalls connecting it to the next one, and the next, and you understand why this made the UNESCO list. The park has sixteen of these lakes stacked into the Dinaric Alps, each one a different shade of blue depending on the minerals and the light, surrounded by deep-green forest that looks like it hasn't changed in a hundred years. Your guide meets you at the entrance with the park tickets already sorted, which saves the queue that forms by mid-morning.

The day splits into three parts, and the structure is what makes it work. You walk the upper lakes first on marked trails. The paths are wide and well-kept, though comfortable shoes matter because you're on your feet for a couple of hours. Then you board the electric train for a one-way ride down to the lower lakes, which sounds like a gimmick until you realize it saves your legs and gives you a different angle on the water and the forest. After that comes the panoramic boat ride through the lowest section of the park, where the lakes are wider and the waterfalls drop from cliffs above you. The whole thing moves at a pace that lets you actually look instead of just checking boxes.

Transport from Split is by air-conditioned bus with WiFi, which means you can sleep on the way there or catch up on messages on the way back without burning your phone battery. Check-in is thirty minutes before departure, and the tour runs about ten to twelve hours depending on traffic. You'll want to bring snacks. The park has a couple of cafés but they're basic and the queues get long by lunch. Wear walking shoes, bring a light layer even in summer because the forest keeps things cool, and leave the pets at the hotel. They're not allowed on the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or central pickup from Split, round-trip transport by air-conditioned bus with WiFi, entrance ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a professional English-speaking guide, a one-way electric train ride through the park, a panoramic boat ride on the lower lakes, and all park access for the day. You arrange your own lunch or snacks.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour from SplitGuide in English · 07:00Check-in at 6:40 am. Starting point: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 21, 21000, Split, Croatia

Tour from TrogirGuide in English · 07:30Check-in at 7:20 am. Starting point: Trogir Gate to Old Town, Ul. Blaža Jurjeva Trogiranina 1, 21220, Trogir, Croatia

Tour from OmišGuide in English · 06:05Meeting time at 6:00 am. 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 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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line Croatia

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Plitvice Lakes without renting a car or figuring out the park layout yourself: the guide and the fixed schedule handle both, and the entrance ticket is already paid.

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Top questions

Can children come?

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

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.

How long is the drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes?

Around two hours each way by bus, depending on traffic. The exact duration varies by time of day.

Is the entrance ticket to the park included?

Yes. You receive your park ticket when you arrive at Plitvice Lakes. It's included in the tour price.

Do I have to walk the whole time?

No. You walk the upper lakes on marked trails, then take an electric train for one section and a boat for another. The walking is moderate, not strenuous.

What time does the tour start and end?

Check-in is thirty minutes before departure. The full tour runs approximately ten to twelve hours, including transport to and from Split.

Is lunch included?

No. There are cafés inside the park, but it's recommended to bring snacks or pack a light meal.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring light layers, as the forest stays cool even in summer. Sports clothes and a light jacket are recommended.

Is WiFi available?

Yes, WiFi is available on the bus during transport to and from the park.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted on this tour.

What if I'm late or don't show up?

The tour respects a strict departure timeline. If you miss the start, no refund will be issued. Arrive at least thirty minutes early.