Zagreb to Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour & Door-to-Door Transfer

Summary

From Zagreb through Plitvice’s lakes and waterfalls to Split by minivan

You’ll travel from Zagreb to Split (or Trogir) with your bags handled, spend hours exploring Plitvice Lakes with a local guide who actually knows where to find frogs and secret viewpoints, ride boats and trains inside the park, then finish off with an optional meal before rolling into Split as evening sets in.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I mostly booked this Zagreb to Split transfer for convenience — I didn’t want to drag my suitcase on buses all day. But somewhere between the piney air at Plitvice Lakes and the sound of water rushing under those old wooden walkways, I forgot about my luggage completely. Our guide, Marko, had this way of pausing mid-story so you’d notice things — like how the lakes change color if you squint, or how the mist smells different near Veliki Slap. He pointed out a frog sunbathing on a rock; I nearly stepped on it because I was busy staring at the waterfalls. Typical me.

The walk through Plitvice isn’t exactly easy (bring good shoes — trust me), but it’s not just about hiking. There’s this little train that rattles through the trees and a boat ride where everyone gets quiet for a minute, just listening to birds and water. Marko joked that Croatians believe every lake has its own spirit, which made me look at the reflections twice. Lunch was optional but honestly after 5km of walking, sitting down with local cheese and bread felt like a reward. Li from our group tried to order in Croatian — Marko laughed so hard he almost dropped his coffee.

Afterwards we all piled back into the minivan (air conditioning never felt so good) and watched the countryside slip by until Split. The transfer itself was smooth — luggage stowed away safely, no fuss — but what sticks with me is that moment on the lower lakes when everything went quiet except for water and wind. Didn’t expect to feel that kind of calm on a day trip from Zagreb to Split via Plitvice Lakes… but there it was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zagreb to Split via Plitvice Lakes

• Pick up in Zagreb
• Guided tour of Plitvice Lakes
• Train and boat ride inside park
• Visit Upper and Lower Lakes
• See Veliki Slap waterfall
• Optional lunch at local restaurant
• Continue to Split
• Drop off in Split

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Zagreb to Split transfer?

Yes, door-to-door pickup in Zagreb is included.

How much walking is involved at Plitvice Lakes?

About 5km of walking on uneven surfaces is part of the guided tour.

Can I bring large luggage on this transfer?

You can bring one suitcase and one hand luggage per person; it will be stored safely during the tour.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No, lunch is optional at a local restaurant near Plitvice Lakes.

Are pets allowed on this tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes, but bring rain gear as some areas may be restricted depending on weather conditions.

Are there boat and train rides inside Plitvice Lakes?

Yes, both boat and train rides within the park are included in your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minivan or bus with door-to-door pickup in Zagreb and drop-off in Split (or Trogir), guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout Plitvice Lakes (including both Upper and Lower Lakes), plus all road tolls and parking fees covered. Optional lunch at a local restaurant is available after exploring the park before heading onward to your final destination.