Plitvice Lakes Day Trip from Zagreb: 16 Lakes & Rastoke

Sixteen lakes connected by waterfalls, all in one day from Zagreb.

A guided day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of 16 lakes linked by streams and waterfalls, with an English-speaking guide, park entry, boat and train rides, and a stop in Rastoke village. The tour runs 10 hours and includes pickup and drop-off in Zagreb. From November through March, only the Lower Lakes are accessible and some rides may not operate depending on weather. Small group tours are capped at eight people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes

• Explore Rastoke village and take photos
• Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Walk along paths and boardwalks
• Enjoy guided tour of the park

The experience

The day starts with pickup in Zagreb and a drive through the countryside to Rastoke, a small village built around 17th-century watermills and riverside waterfalls. You'll have time to walk around, photograph the mills and the water, then head back to the van toward the national park itself. The village sits on the route and gives a first look at the kind of water and stone you're about to see on a larger scale.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the main event: 16 lakes connected by streams and waterfalls across a landscape of forest and limestone. Your guide leads you along wooden boardwalks and pathways through the park, covering roughly 5 miles of walking. The route is graded and has no steep inclines, so it's steady rather than strenuous. You'll also ride an electric boat across one of the emerald lakes and take a panoramic train through the forested sections, both included in the ticket. The park operates in all weather, though from November through March only the Lower Lakes are open and the boat and train rides may not run depending on conditions.

An air-conditioned van or bus transports the group throughout the day, and your guide stays with you to point out details and answer questions. Pickup and drop-off happen at selected locations in Zagreb, so you don't arrange your own transport to the park. The whole day is 10 hours, though off-season trips run shorter. Bring comfortable closed shoes or hiking boots, sportswear, and your passport or ID card.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• park entry ticket.
• boat and train rides within the park.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• pickup and drop-off at selected Zagreb locations.
• stop in Rastoke village.

Options for this experience

3 options

Group bus tour, entrance includedGuide in English · 08:00Lasts 10 hours by bus. The entrance ticket for Plitvice Lakes is included.

Bus tour afternoonGuide in English · Available from 1 Jul 2027

Small group of up to 8, entrance includedGuide in English · 08:00Lasts 10 hours by van. Small groups mean more attention from your guide. The entrance ticket for Plitvice Lakes and pickup from selected hotels are included. Pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (under 7)

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by pathfinder TOURS

Is this one for you?Choose the small group van if you're traveling with young children or want a quieter experience. Pick the standard bus if you prefer a full day with more people at lower cost per person.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (under 7).

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 much walking is involved in the Plitvice Lakes part of the day?

The walking tour in the park covers approximately 5 miles and follows wooden boardwalks and pathways with no steep inclines, so it's an even pace through the forest and along the lakes.

What happens if I visit Plitvice in winter?

From November 1st through March 31st, only the Lower Lakes section of the park is open, and the electric boat and train rides may not operate depending on weather conditions: the park itself stays open in all conditions, but your route and transport options within it may change.

Is the boat ride across the lakes included in the ticket?

Yes, the boat and train rides are both included in the park entry ticket that comes with the tour.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to and from the park?

No, pickup and drop-off at selected locations in Zagreb are included, and you travel by air-conditioned van or bus with the group the entire day.

What is Rastoke and how long do we spend there?

Rastoke is a small village known for its 17th-century watermills, charming waterfalls, and riverside setting. You'll have enough time to walk around and take photos before the group heads to Plitvice.