Split to Zagreb transfer with Plitvice Lakes tour: 8–12 hours

Drive from Split to Zagreb while seeing Croatia's most visited national park

A private transfer from Split to Zagreb that includes a guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park, with hotel pickup and drop-off at both ends. The journey takes 8 to 12 hours depending on how long you spend at the park. Your driver is a local guide who speaks English and handles all the logistics. You arrive in Zagreb without arranging the transport separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Split to Zagreb via Plitvice Lakes

• Pick up from hotel in Split
• Pass by Diocletian's Palace in Split
• Drive towards Krka National Park area
• Pass on bridge near Krka National Park
• Arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Guided tour of Plitvice Lakes
• See the biggest waterfall, 78 m tall
• Drive to Zagreb
• Pass by Zagreb city
• Drop off at hotel in Zagreb

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Split and drop-off at your hotel in Zagreb.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey.
• English-speaking driver-guide who is a local and handles all driving and park navigation.

Times

• Every day 07:30

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Before you book

Group Private

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included.

Book up to 2d before

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Infant seats available Pets welcome Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems

Operated by Labora Tours

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 5 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The drive from Split to Zagreb covers roughly 370 kilometers, and instead of sitting through it in silence, you stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-protected site with 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls. The largest waterfall in the park, and in all of Croatia, drops 78 meters and is the centerpiece of the guided walk. You'll see the lakes from wooden boardwalks that wind through the landscape, and the guide explains what you're looking at as you move through it. The park itself takes a few hours to walk. The timing depends on which trails you choose and how long you linger at each viewpoint.

Your driver picks you up from your hotel in Split in the morning and you travel north through Dalmatia. On the way, you pass through Sibenik, a small city that sits at the center of Krka National Park, though the main stop is Plitvice. Once you reach the park, the guide leads the walk and answers questions about the geology, the wildlife and the history of the site. After the tour, you get back in the air-conditioned vehicle and continue to Zagreb, where the driver drops you at your hotel. The whole day is arranged: no separate bookings for the park, no figuring out which bus to catch, no waiting for a connection.

Split itself is Croatia's second-largest city and home to Diocletian's Palace, a 1,700-year-old structure that still forms the core of the old town. If you have time before departure, the driver can point out landmarks, but the main journey focuses on getting you to Zagreb while making the drive itself worthwhile by stopping at one of the country's most visited attractions.

Top questions

How long does the guided walk at Plitvice Lakes take?

The park itself takes a few hours to explore on foot, depending on which trails you choose and how long you spend at each waterfall and viewpoint. The total tour duration (including the drive from Split, the park walk, and the drive to Zagreb) is 8 to 12 hours.

Is the entrance fee to Plitvice Lakes National Park included?

The entrance ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park is an option you choose at checkout. It is not included in the base transfer price. You can add it when you book.

What is the biggest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes?

The largest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes is 78 meters tall and is the tallest waterfall in Croatia. It is the main feature of the park and the centerpiece of the guided tour.

Does the driver speak English?

Yes, your driver-guide speaks English and is a local who knows the route, the park and the region. The guide is personable and accommodating, and will answer questions during both the park walk and the drive.

What happens if I arrive in Split late or need to leave Zagreb early?

The 8 to 12-hour duration is flexible depending on how long you spend at Plitvice Lakes and traffic conditions. Contact the operator directly to discuss your arrival and departure times, and they can adjust the itinerary to fit your schedule.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. You can eat at a restaurant or café near Plitvice Lakes during the park visit, or bring your own food. The driver can recommend places to stop.