Plitvice Lakes tour from Zagreb: Boat ride and train included

Three to four hours of walking trails, waterfalls and a boat ride through the lakes

A full-day guided tour from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park with reserved entry tickets, covering a 4–5 km route that mixes walking, a shuttle train ride and a scenic boat crossing. The guide leads you over canyon viewpoints, down zigzag trails past waterfalls, then onto a 15-minute ferry across the upper lakes. Park tickets are paid in cash on arrival (23–40 EUR).

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Village

• Walk to park map for introduction
• Ride shuttle bus near Entrance 1
• Walk over canyon viewpoints
• Descend towards lakes via zigzag trails
• Walk 3-4 hours exploring and photo-taking
• Take 15-minute scenic boat ride
• Visit Rastoke Village in Slunj

The experience

The day starts with a short walk to the park map for an introduction to the region, then a shuttle train ride near Entrance 1. From there you walk over the canyon to reach the park's best viewpoints before descending slowly on zigzag trails toward the lakes. The route covers 4–5 km total and takes at least 3 to 4 hours of walking, exploring and picture-taking. You pass waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes full of fish as you make your way to the port.

Once you reach the port, you board a 15-minute boat ride across the upper lakes. During peak season there can be a wait for the boat, which may extend the overall tour time. After the crossing, you can either continue exploring the park on your own or wrap up the tour. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from Zagreb and returns you at the end of the day, and your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or German depending on which option you book.

The tour reserves your park entry tickets in advance to ensure group access, but you pay for them in cash when you arrive (23–40 EUR per person). Rastoke Village, often called the "Small Plitvice," sits roughly midway between Zagreb and the park and features its own network of waterfalls where the Slunjčica river meets the Korana river, though the focus of this tour is the main park itself.

What’s included

• Guided tour through Plitvice Lakes National Park with a live guide in your choice of language.
• round-trip air-conditioned vehicle transport from Zagreb.
• shuttle train ride near Entrance 1.
• 15-minute scenic boat ride across the upper lakes.
• reserved park entry tickets (paid separately in cash on arrival, 23–40 EUR).

Options for this experience

5 options

Guided tour with transfer in German08:00

Guided tour with transfer in French08:00

Guided tour with transfer in English08:00

See 2 more options

Guided tour with transfer in Spanish08:00

Guided tour with transfer in Italian08:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (26 to 90 years) · Youth (19 to 25 years) · Child (8 to 18 years) · Infant (under 8): free

GroupUp to 30 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 45

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Allegra Adventures Travel Company

Is this one for you?Book the language option that matches your group so the guide can explain the park's geology and wildlife as you walk. The 3 to 4 hours of walking and elevation changes mean you need moderate fitness. If steep trails or long days on foot aren't comfortable, consider whether a shorter park visit suits you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (19 to 25 years); Child (8 to 18 years); Infant (under 8): free.

How much walking is involved in the Plitvice Lakes tour from Zagreb?

Expect at least 3 to 4 hours of walking on marked zigzag trails as you descend toward the lakes and navigate past waterfalls. The total route covers 4–5 km, and you'll be exploring and taking pictures throughout.

What happens during the boat ride at Plitvice Lakes?

After walking down to the port, you board a 15-minute ferry that crosses the upper lakes. During peak season there may be a wait for the boat before departure.

Do I need to pay for the park entry tickets separately?

Yes. Your guide reserves the tickets in advance to guarantee group entry, but you pay for them in cash on arrival. The cost is 23–40 EUR per person, depending on the season.

What's included in the tour from Zagreb?

The tour includes the guided walk through the park, a shuttle train ride near the entrance, a 15-minute boat ride, and round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Zagreb. Your guide speaks one of five languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French or German.

Is this tour suitable if I have limited fitness or mobility?

The tour involves 3 to 4 hours of walking on uneven trails with elevation changes, so you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.