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Plitvice Lakes is a national park inland from Zadar. It's famous for its cascading turquoise pools and wooden walkways strung over the water. The bus is the cheapest and quickest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes, taking 1h 30m - 2h for $15 (€13), and there are guided day trips if you'd rather not sort the logistics yourself.
Distance from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes
Zadar and Plitvice Lakes are about 87 km (54 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 135 km by road. The quickest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is by taking the bus, which takes around 1h 30m - 2h.
3 ways to travel from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes
There are three ways to travel from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes. You can choose between the bus, day trip, and overnight stay. The journey takes 1h 30m–21h and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $15 (€13).
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Zadar to Plitvice Lakes by Bus
The bus is the only form of public transport from Zadar Bus Station to Plitvice Lakes.
During the peak season (June to September), one bus company operates on this route: Knezevic - Puntamika.
Fares start from $15 (€13), and the journey takes 1h 30m - 2h.
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.
Zadar to Plitvice Lakes
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Return bus from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar (DIY day trip)
It’s totally possible to do a DIY day trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes. During the peak summer season (June to September), there are several bus departures each day. You can take the first bus out of Zadar in the morning and, on the way back, the last trip from Plitvice Lakes. The bus will drop you off at Zadar Bus Station.
Bus schedules from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
PRO TIP: Take the last bus that departs at 17:00 to make the most of your time in Plitvice Lakes!
Keep in mind that fewer buses may be available outside of summer. If you’re visiting on a day trip in spring, autumn, or winter, getting a round-trip transfer with tour operators might be best, like this highly recommended two-way shuttle ride with GetYourGuide.
Zadar to Plitvice Lakes by Day Trip
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 9-10h, with about 4 hours of travel time to and from Plitvice Lakes. Keep in mind that day-trip rates typically do not include park entrance fees, and prices vary by season.
Option 1: Group Tour
There are several group day trips available from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes.
Basic day tours include:
roundtrip bus transfers
a professional guide
boat ride
skip-the-line ticket (you’ll pay this directly to the guide with cash)
We recommend GetYourGuide’s Plitvice Lakes Full-Day Guided Tour. It offers great value, includes skip-the-line access, and is still one of the cheapest options available. Rates start from $51 (€45) per person.
Most group tours offer pickup from a designated meeting point in Zadar.
Option 2: Private Tour
Fancy a day trip with just your group? You can also get a private tour of Plitvice Lakes, which lasts around 9h. You will be picked up and dropped off directly at your hotel, so you really won’t have to worry about anything apart from showing up!
A private day trip includes the following:
roundtrip transfers
hotel pickup and drop-off
a walking tour with your own private guide
Prices for a private day tour from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes start from $705 (€620) for a group of up to seven people. This price excludes the entrance fee to Plitvice Park.
Day Trip tickets are available on GetYourGuide.
Zadar to Plitvice Lakes by Overnight Stay
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 $23 (€20) 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 Village Bus Stop, costing around $2.30 (€2).
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes, roughly 87 kilometres (54 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $15 (€13). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.
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 Zadar to Plitvice Lakes?
The distance from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is 87 kilometres (54 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes?
The fastest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is by bus and takes 1h 30m - 2h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes?
The cheapest way to get from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes is by bus with ticket costs starting from €13.
Route Update History
- Updated bus prices.
- Updated day trip prices.
- Updated bus prices.
- Updated bus departure times.
- Updated Bus by selene
- Updated Day Trip by selene
- Updated Overnight Stay by selene
About the Authors
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.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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.
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