Croatia's Most Famous National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's oldest and largest national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Sixteen terraced lakes, ranging from deep blue to vivid turquoise, cascade into one another through a series of waterfalls, all connected by wooden boardwalks and forest trails that wind through beech and fir woodland. It's a full day out from Split, around two and a half hours' drive each way, which is exactly why most visitors prefer a private day trip over trying to arrange it independently: an early departure beats the tour-bus crowds to the upper lakes, and a driver who knows the road means the long drive itself is comfortable rather than tiring. Because the park sits inland, well away from the coast, this is also one of the few day trips from Split that shows a completely different side of Croatia, dense forest, karst limestone, and water in every direction, a genuine change of scenery from the Dalmatian coastline.
Plitvice Lakes from Split
Private One-Way Transfer
From €475A direct private transfer from Split Airport or Split to Plitvice Lakes, with drop-off at the park entrance or your accommodation. Ideal if you're staying near the lakes or continuing to Zagreb.
Book Your TransferPrivate Full-Day Trip
From €475A round trip from Split: your driver waits while you explore the lakes and brings you back the same day. 10–12 hours, fixed price for the whole day.
Book This TripWhat's Included
- Private vehicle for your group only, no shared shuttle
- English-speaking driver for the full day
- Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off in Split
- All fuel, tolls and parking at the park
- Flexible time inside the park. Your driver waits
- Bottled water for the journey
Not included: Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance tickets, purchased on arrival or in advance directly with the park (prices vary by season), and food/drinks inside the park.
Book This Trip
Ask a Question on WhatsAppFixed price for the day · driver waits at the park · flexible pickup time.
A Typical Day at Plitvice
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07:00 – 07:30
Pickup in Split
Your driver collects you from your hotel or apartment at an early time to beat the tour-bus crowds to the park entrance.
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~09:30
Arrival at Plitvice Lakes
Your driver drops you at the park entrance and confirms a return time. Entrance tickets are purchased at the gate.
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09:30 – 14:30
Explore the Lakes
Walk the wooden boardwalks past the Lower and Upper Lakes, cross the electric boat between the two halves of the park, and stop as often as you like for photos.
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~14:30
Lunch Break
A short stop at one of the restaurants near the park entrance, or a picnic if you'd prefer, entirely up to you.
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15:00
Return Drive to Split
Your driver is waiting at the agreed time for the drive back, with a short stop en route if you'd like one.
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~17:30
Drop-off in Split
Back at your accommodation by early evening, with the rest of the day free.
This is a suggested schedule: departure time, lunch stop and time spent in the park are all flexible and arranged directly with your driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Plitvice Lakes day trip take?
The full round trip from Split takes approximately 10–12 hours, including around 4–5 hours to explore the national park itself. Exact timing depends on your pickup location and how long you'd like to spend inside the park.
What is included in the price?
Your private vehicle, English-speaking driver, all fuel and tolls, and hotel/accommodation pickup and drop-off in Split are included. Plitvice Lakes National Park entrance tickets are purchased separately at the park. We're happy to advise on current prices when you book.
Is this a private tour or a shared group tour?
This is a fully private excursion: just your group and your driver, with no other travellers sharing the vehicle. You set the pace once inside the park.
How much walking is involved at Plitvice Lakes?
The park is explored on foot via wooden boardwalks and trails, with routes ranging from around 2 to 8 kilometres depending on which route you choose. Trails are mostly flat with some gentle inclines, and electric boats and a park shuttle bus cover the longer stretches.
Can I book a return transfer separately, or is it always round trip?
Day trips are booked as a complete round trip. Your driver waits at the park and brings you back to Split the same day. If you only need a one-way transfer to Plitvice, see our regular airport transfer page instead.