Zagreb to Split via Plitvice Lakes: UNESCO park entry included

Cross Croatia in one day, stopping inside a UNESCO park to ride its waters and forests

A full-day transfer from Zagreb to Split that stops at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, with entry ticket, guide, boat ride and electric train included. The 12-hour journey gives you free time to walk the park's trails and photograph the landscape before continuing to Split. An English-speaking guide accompanies you through the park. Check in 20 minutes before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Transfer from Zagreb to Split with Plitvice stop

• Depart from Zagreb
• Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Enjoy recreational walk in park
• Relax on bus to Split
• Arrive and drop off in Split

The experience

This is a transfer that turns into a park visit. You leave Zagreb in an air-conditioned bus, travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and spend your free time walking the trails and taking photos before the bus carries you on to Split. The park entrance ticket is already included, so you walk straight in when you arrive. An English-speaking guide meets you at the park to explain what you're seeing (the forested slopes, the water systems, the wildlife), then you're free to move at your own pace through the protected landscape.

Once inside, you ride a panoramic boat through the park's water system and take an electric train through the forest sections. These rides are included and let you cover ground without walking the whole route. The park itself has been protected since 1979, so the trails and viewing points are established and well-maintained. You'll want comfortable walking shoes and a camera. The operator recommends bringing snacks and water. Pets are not allowed on the tour.

The full journey takes 12 hours from pickup in Zagreb to drop-off in Split, though exact timing depends on traffic and time of day. You need to arrive 20 minutes early with a printed or digital voucher. The park entrance tickets are given to you when you arrive. This voucher is only for the bus and guide. If you're late or miss the departure, refunds are not issued, so plan to be there on time.

What’s included

• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from Zagreb to Split.
• entry ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
• English-speaking guide at the park.
• panoramic boat ride through the park's water system.
• electric train ride through the forest sections.
• free time to walk the trails and photograph the landscape.

Options for this experience

2 options

Journey from Zagreb to SplitGuide in English · 08:00Check-in at 7:40 am

Journey from Zagreb to OmišGuide in English · 08:00The tour finishes in Omiš

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 53

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line Croatia

Is this one for you?Choose the Zagreb-to-Split route if you're traveling between those cities anyway and want to see Plitvice without a separate day trip. The park stop breaks up the drive and gives you access to the UNESCO site without backtracking. Pick the Zagreb-to-Omiš option if Omiš is your final destination instead.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3).

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 time do I actually spend walking inside Plitvice Lakes?

Plitvice Lakes gives you free time to walk the trails at your own pace during the stop. The boat and electric train rides are included and cover sections of the park, but the exact amount of walking time depends on how you choose to spend your free hours there. Comfortable shoes are essential.

What's included in the ticket price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The price includes transportation from Zagreb to Split, the park entrance ticket, the English-speaking guide at the park, the boat ride, and the electric train ride. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy them at the park.

Can I break up the journey and stay overnight in Plitvice instead of going straight to Split?

This is a continuous transfer from Zagreb to Split with a stop at the park. The itinerary does not include overnight stays. You walk the park during the stop, then continue to Split the same day.

What happens if traffic is heavy? Does the 12-hour timing change?

The 12-hour duration is approximate. The exact time depends on traffic and the time of day you depart. Plan for the full 12 hours and allow extra buffer time if you have onward plans in Split.

Do I need to be a strong hiker to do this tour?

The operator recommends moderate physical fitness. You walk at your own pace during free time in the park, and the boat and train rides let you rest your legs. Walking disabilities are not recommended for this tour due to the terrain and trail layout.