Plitvice Lakes tour from Zagreb: Boat, train and Rastoke
Rastoke's watermills come before the main lakes, not after.
A guided day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park with entrance ticket, English-speaking guide, air-conditioned van and small-group pickup. The itinerary starts in Rastoke village, where you walk past centuries-old watermills on the Korana River, then moves to the park for an 8.5 km walking tour of the Upper and Lower Lakes with included boat and train rides. Maximum 8 travelers per group. The tour runs year-round, though winter months (November–March) restrict access to the Lower Lakes only.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes tour
- Pick up in Zagreb city center
- Drive to Rastoke village
- Explore Rastoke village and waterfalls
- Coffee break at riverside café
- Walk Plitvice Lakes National Park trails
- Boat ride on Kozjak lake
- Panoramic train ride to viewpoints
- Return drive to Zagreb
What’s included
- English-speaking guide throughout the day.
- entrance ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- air-conditioned van with private transportation.
- pickup and drop-off at your chosen location in Zagreb city center.
- visit to Rastoke village with time for photos and a coffee break.
- boat ride across Kozjak lake.
- panoramic train ride through the park.
- all fees and taxes.
Times
- Every day except Friday and Sunday 07:45
- Friday and Sunday 07:45 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Pegasus travel
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The experience
Your guide picks you up in Zagreb's city center between 7:45 and 8:15 AM and drives you through the Croatian countryside toward Rastoke, a journey of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Along the way, the guide shares stories about Croatia's history and the region's heritage, so the drive itself becomes part of the day rather than dead time. You'll pass through charming villages and rolling hills before arriving at Rastoke.
Rastoke is often called the "Little Plitvice" because of its own waterfalls and rivers. You spend about 40 minutes wandering the village's cobblestone paths, photographing the cascading water and the old watermills that once powered the community. There's time for a coffee break at a riverside café before heading to the main park. This stop matters because it gives you a quieter, smaller-scale version of what Plitvice offers before you encounter the full landscape, and it breaks up the drive without adding a separate excursion.
At Plitvice Lakes National Park, you walk the marked wooden paths for 8.5 km through the Upper and Lower Lakes, with your guide pointing out the geological formations, rare birds and deer. The park's sixteen lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls and mineral-rich waters that carve the distinctive tufa structures the site is known for. Partway through, you board a boat across Kozjak, the largest lake, then ride a panoramic train to some of the park's highest viewpoints. The boat and train rides are included, so you're not walking the entire distance on foot. From November through March, only the Lower Lakes are accessible, and depending on weather, the train and electric boats may not run.
The return journey to Zagreb leaves at 3 PM. You ride back in the same air-conditioned van, giving you time to rest and reflect on the day. Drop-off happens at your original pickup location in the city center, and the full return journey is part of the tour duration. Bring your passport or ID card, wear comfortable walking shoes, and note that the walk has no steep inclines. It's graded for all fitness levels.
Is this one for you?Book the small-group option if you're staying in Zagreb's city center and want a guide who speaks English and can answer questions throughout the day. The bus-group option with a meeting point works if you prefer a larger group and a fixed departure location. Either way, the tour operates in all weather, though winter access is limited to the Lower Lakes and some rides may not run depending on conditions.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (under 7).
What is the walking distance at Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The walking tour covers approximately 8.5 km (5.3 miles) through the Upper and Lower Lakes on well-marked wooden paths. The walk has no big inclines, so it's manageable for all fitness levels.
Does the tour include entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Yes, the entrance ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park is included in the tour price, along with the boat ride across Kozjak lake and the panoramic train ride.
What happens during the Rastoke stop?
Rastoke is a traditional village with centuries-old watermills and the Korana River flowing through cobblestone streets. You spend about 40 minutes exploring the village, photographing the waterfalls and watermills, and can take a coffee break at a riverside café before continuing to the main park.
What time does the tour start and end?
Pickup in Zagreb begins between 7:45 and 8:15 AM, and you return to your original location in the city center around 6 PM. The full day is approximately 9 to 10 hours including travel time and breaks.
Can I visit Plitvice Lakes in winter?
Yes, the tour operates year-round. From November 1st through March 31st, only the Lower Lakes are accessible. Depending on weather conditions, the train and electric boats may not operate during winter months.
How many people travel on this tour?
The small-group option has a maximum of 8 travelers. A separate bus-group option with a meeting point is also available. You'll receive your exact start time the day before departure.
Plitvice Lakes tour from Zagreb: Boat, train and Rastoke
9h–10h · EN
from US$ 86 per person
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