How to Get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes

The bus is the only form of public transport from Zadar Bus Station to Plitvice Lakes. During the peak season (June to September), there are three bus companies operating this route: Polet Vinkovci, Autobusni Prijevoz Varazdin and Knezevic - Puntamika. We recommend travelling with Knezevic - Puntamika. It has the shortest travel time at only 1 hour and 45 minutes, and offers multiple departures throughout the day. Other bus companies take longer because they make more stops along the way. Travel time is over 2 hours, but they usually offer cheaper fares starting from $16. If you only have a day to visit Plitvice Lakes, it's best to take the earliest bus to make the most of your time in the park.

Not keen on arranging the transport yourself? Join an organised day trip from Zadar. An organised day trip saves you the hassle of worrying about your transfers to and from the park. Most day trips also include a skip-the-line ticket, which will save you a lot of time if you’re visiting Plitvice Lakes in summer! Day trips normally take 9 hours, with about 3 hours of travel time to and from Plitvice Lakes. Keep in mind that the rates for day trips normally do not include the entrance fees to the park, and prices vary depending on the season.

With everything Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer, one day might not be enough! To really take it all in, we recommend staying at least two days. There are a few hotels conveniently located within walking distance of Entrances 1 and 2. Due to their proximity to the park, they are often fully booked. It’s best to reserve a room well in advance, especially during summer! For a more unique stay, check out the campsites 5–7 km north of Entrance 1, like Campsite Korana and Borje. You can pitch your own tent or stay in a mobile home. These campsites also offer on-site activities and free shuttle transfers to the park. Rates start at per person for an overnight stay. Looking for a more budget-friendly accommodation? Many hostels are located in Jezerce Village, about 2 km away from Entrance 2. To get to the park from Jezerce, you can board a 2-minute bus from Mukinje Bus Stop, costing around [price 2 EUR].