%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(16.442754%2C43.504293)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(15.6119415%2C44.905305999999996)%2F16.02734775%2C44.20479949999999%2C6%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 166 kilometres (103 miles) distance from Split to Plitvice Lakes. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Plitvice Lakes as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
Distance from Split to Plitvice Lakes
Split and Plitvice Lakes are about 166 km (103 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 258 km by road. The quickest way to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes is by taking the private transport, which takes around 2h 45m.
4 ways to travel from Split to Plitvice Lakes
There are four ways to travel from Split to Plitvice Lakes. You can choose between the bus, day trip, private transport, and overnight. The journey takes 2h 45m–2d and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by overnight with tickets starting at $18 (€15).
Reach out to our Community
No questions yet — be the first to ask about Split to Plitvice Lakes.
Split to Plitvice Lakes by Bus
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Split to Plitvice Lakes. Tickets cost around $27 (€24), and the journey takes about 3h 30m - 4h 30m, depending on traffic.
Knezevic - Puntamika operates on this route.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses depart from Split Bus Station, between the port and the train station in the city centre.
You will be dropped off at Plitvice Lakes Bus Stop in front of Entrance 1. The ticket office is near the bus stop, so you can buy your tickets to the national park directly from this entrance if you haven’t bought them in advance.
Split to Plitvice Lakes
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
We highly suggest booking your bus tickets beforehand via BookAway, especially if you're travelling in the summer.
Return bus from Plitvice Lakes to Split (DIY day trip)
If you’re planning to visit the national park on your own, you can buy your return tickets through BookAway.
Take the first bus out of Split at 07:00 and the last bus from Plitvice Lakes at 16:20. This should give you about 5.5 hours at the national park. Return bus tickets cost $27 (€24) on BookAway.
Bus schedules from Plitvice Lakes to Split
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Split to Plitvice Lakes by Day Trip
A convenient option to visit Plitvice Lakes from Split is to join an organised group tour. With this, all you need to do is show up at the meeting place, and everything else will be arranged for you.
Most group tours are around 12 hours, with 7 hours of that being the round-trip transportation. This leaves you with about 5 hours at the national park, which is still a good enough time to see a good portion of Plitvice.
A full-day tour of Plitvice National Park costs around $74 (€65) per person. This tour includes a guide, transportation and a boat ride. Entry tickets are not included, but you'll get to skip the ticket line if you reserve your entrance ticket online.
Several other tours with different inclusions are also available on GetYourGuide:
Day Trip tickets are available on GetYourGuide.
Split to Plitvice Lakes by Private Transport
Given the 270 km distance between Split and Plitvice Lakes, a private transfer is the most convenient way to travel, though it is also the most expensive option.
Prices for private transfer start at $360 (€315) for a 8-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $46 (€40) each.
Alongside the extra privacy and convenience, one of the biggest advantages of private transport is that you can be picked up from the airport, ferry port, or your hotel in the city centre. You can also be dropped off at any entrance or hotel in the national park.
Travel time is just 2h 45m one-way, and you’ll be travelling comfortably, ready to explore Plitvice Lakes!
Private Transport options from Split to Plitvice Lakes
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Split to Plitvice Lakes by Overnight Stay at Plitvice Lakes
With everything that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer, a day trip might not be enough! We suggest staying at least two days to fully appreciate the park’s wonders.
There are a few hotels conveniently located within walking distance of Entrances 1 and 2. Due to their close proximity to the park, they are often fully booked, so it’s best to reserve a room in advance!
If you want a more unique experience, you can also check the campsites about 5-7 km north of Entrance 1: Campsite Korana and Camping Plitvice. You can pitch your own tent or try their mobile homes! These campsites also offer different activities and free transportation to the national park. Rates for an overnight stay start at $23 (€20) per person.
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 $2.30 (€2).
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Split to Plitvice Lakes, roughly 166 kilometres (103 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $23 (€20). The quickest trip takes 2h 45m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
The distance from Split to Plitvice Lakes is 166 kilometres (103 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
The fastest way to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes is by private transport and takes 2h 45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes?
The cheapest way to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes is by overnight with ticket costs starting from €20.
Route Update History
Updated bus prices.
- Updated bus departure times.
- Updated bus prices.
- Updated bus prices.
- Updated bus departure times.
About the Authors
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
