Zagreb to Split: Plitvice Lakes Stop, Guided Walk & Boat Ride

Summary

Travel Zagreb to Split with a lakeside walk, forest air and boat ride

You’ll travel from Zagreb to Split with a real pause at Plitvice Lakes—walking forest trails, feeling spray from waterfalls, riding an electric train and panoramic boat with a local guide who knows every turn. Expect moments of quiet awe (and maybe wet shoes), plus included transport and park entry so you can just focus on being there.

What’s the experience like?

"Don’t rush the waterfalls — they’ve been here longer than us," our guide Luka grinned as we shuffled off the bus near Plitvice. He had this way of making even a quick safety briefing feel like you were about to hear an old family story. We’d left Zagreb that morning with coffee still warming our hands, half-awake but already swapping guesses about what color the lakes would be. It’s funny how you can drive for hours and then suddenly just step out into a place that smells like wet moss and woodsmoke, all at once.

The path through Plitvice Lakes was slick from last night’s rain — not muddy, just soft underfoot. Luka pointed out wildflowers I’d never seen before (I forgot the names instantly), and there was this moment by one of the lower lakes where everything went quiet except for water slapping against the dock. The air tasted green, if that makes sense. We took the electric train up to the upper lakes — honestly, it felt a bit like being in some old postcard, except my shoes were definitely not dry. There were families with little kids chasing each other around puddles, and I remember a woman on our tour sharing her sandwich with a guy who’d forgotten his lunch. Small things stick with you.

The panoramic boat ride was slower than I expected — in a good way. Mist hung over the water and people kept pointing out fish darting below us (I only saw ripples). Luka told us how UNESCO protected these lakes since 1979 — he seemed proud in this quiet way, not showing off, just happy we cared enough to listen. Afterward we wandered back toward the bus, everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts or scrolling through photos. I caught myself thinking about how different Split would feel after all this green and silence.

If you’re heading from Zagreb to Split anyway, this day trip with a stop at Plitvice Lakes is something I’d actually do again — maybe next time I’ll bring better socks. The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who really loves these woods.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfer from Zagreb to Split with Plitvice stop

• Depart from Zagreb
• Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Arrive in Split

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Zagreb to Split transfer?

No, hotel pickup is not included; departure is from a set meeting point in Zagreb.

How long is the stop at Plitvice Lakes on this transfer?

The stop at Plitvice Lakes lasts several hours as part of your full-day journey between Zagreb and Split.

Is entry to Plitvice Lakes included?

Yes, entrance tickets for Plitvice are provided when you arrive at the park.

What’s included in the price of this day trip?

The price covers transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide in Plitvice, boat ride, electric train ride, and entry tickets.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed.

Is food or lunch included during the tour?

No meals are included; bringing snacks or food is recommended.

Are pets allowed on this transfer tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour.

How much walking is involved at Plitvice Lakes?

A moderate level of physical fitness is required due to walking trails within the park.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation between Zagreb and Split in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided walk through Plitvice Lakes with an English-speaking local expert, entrance tickets provided upon arrival at the park, plus both an electric train ride and panoramic boat cruise inside Plitvice so you don’t miss any views along the way.