Split to Zagreb Private Transfer & Plitvice Lakes Tour

Summary

Guided Day Trip: Plitvice Lakes & Croatia’s Waterfalls

You’ll travel from Split to Zagreb without missing Croatia’s most famous national park—Plitvice Lakes—with a friendly local guide handling everything along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Early morning in Split, the city’s still waking up—bakeries open, the scent of fresh bread mixing with sea air. Our driver met us right at our hotel door, easy and on time. We loaded up and set off north, leaving behind Diocletian’s Palace and those ancient stone streets. The drive out of town is smooth; you’ll spot locals heading to work, scooters weaving through traffic. Our guide chatted about Split’s Roman past and pointed out spots we’d missed the day before.

We crossed a long bridge near Skradin—tiny boats bobbing below, mist rising off the river. That little town is the gateway to Krka National Park, but today we were headed for something even bigger. A couple hours later, we rolled into Plitvice Lakes National Park. The air here feels different—cooler, pine-scented. Our guide handed out tickets and led us down wooden walkways right over turquoise water. You can hear the waterfalls before you see them—low rumble turning into a roar as we reached Veliki slap, Croatia’s tallest waterfall at 78 meters. I got a bit damp from the spray (worth it). We stopped for photos and snacks—there’s a stand selling local cheese if you’re hungry.

The last stretch took us through rolling hills toward Zagreb. By late afternoon, city life picked up again: trams clanging, people hurrying along Ilica street. Our driver dropped us right at our hotel door in the capital—no fussing with luggage or taxis. It was a long day but honestly didn’t feel rushed; having someone local made all the difference.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Split to Zagreb via Plitvice Lakes

• Pass Diocletian's Palace in Split
• Pass Krka National Park center
• Guided tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Visit Croatia's biggest waterfall
• Pass Zagreb, capital of Croatia

Top questions

How much walking is involved at Plitvice Lakes?

You should expect about 2–3 hours of walking on mostly flat wooden paths and some stairs. Good shoes are helpful.

Can we bring luggage on this transfer?

Yes, there’s plenty of space for your bags in the vehicle—it’s designed for travelers moving between cities.

Is food included during the tour?

No meals are included but there are snack stands inside Plitvice Lakes where you can buy food or drinks.

Are infant seats available?

Yes, just let us know in advance so we can prepare specialized seats for infants or small children.

What’s included

This trip covers door-to-door transport from your Split hotel to your place in Zagreb, an English-speaking driver-guide who knows all the best stops, comfy air-conditioned vehicle, and help with tickets at Plitvice Lakes. Service animals are welcome too!