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Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes

The National Park Plitvice Lakes is an absolute must-see when visiting Croatia, the National Park is situated in the county of Lika, close to the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park is open all year round. 

Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes
Waterfall at Plitvice Lakes National Park

Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes by Bus

The most economical and environmentally friendly way of getting from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes is to take the bus, the bus travel time is from 2 to 2.5 hours.

Price and tickets Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes Bus

The cost of a bus ticket from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, ranges from 12 to 15 Euro, depending on departure time and occupancy of the buses. In the off-season period, it is possible to find cheaper tickets. Tickets can be bought online or at the bus station, if you have an online ticket you can go straight to the platform at the bus station.

Schedule and Frequency Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes bus

The number of departures from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes varies depending on the time of year; in winter, there are about a handful of daily departures, whereas in summer, there can be up to 15 daily departures. Below, you can see some of the most popular departure times. Please use the search form above for a full schedule on any date.

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Zagreb (HR)
1h 54min
Plitvice Lakes (HR)
book a transfer
  • door to door service
  • no charge for flight delay
  • no luggage hassle
  • name sign
20 Apr | 06:45 Zagreb (HR) , Bus terminal
02h 15m Direct
09:00 Plitvice Lakes (HR) , Bus terminal
11 EUR
Buy now
06:45 Zagreb (HR) , Bus terminal
09:00 Plitvice Lakes (HR) , Entrance 1 (ST) > Korenica
11 EUR
02h 15m Direct
Buy now
Prijevoz Knežević (PKN)
8.4
5948 reviews
route operational intervals
route map
20 Apr | 14:30 Zagreb (HR) , Bus terminal
01h 50m Direct
16:20 Plitvice Lakes (HR) , Bus terminal
15 EUR
Buy now
14:30 Zagreb (HR) , Bus terminal
16:20 Plitvice Lakes (HR) , Entrance 1 (ZG) > Slunj
15 EUR
01h 50m Direct
Buy now
Prijevoz Knežević (PKN)
8.4
5948 reviews
route operational intervals
route map
Other dates with available routes:
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Map travel route Zagreb (HR) to Plitvice Lakes (HR)

This information is supplied without liability

Bus Station Zagreb - Departure Location

The departure bus station in Zagreb is located at the address Avenija Marina Držića 4, 10000 Zagreb, which is about 20 minutes walk from the city center, you can find more info about the bus station here:

Bus Station Plitvice Lakes

At Plitvice Lakes, there isn't a bus station, just bus stops along the road. You can get off at either bus stop, whether it's Entrance 1 or Entrance 2.

Bus stop Plitvice National Park
Bus station shelter by Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1

Day trip Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes

If you are staying in Zagreb, and wish to visit National Park Plitvice on a day trip, you have the following options.

  • Public bus as mentioned above, is the most economical if you are only 1-2 persons, but less flexible. 
  • Rent a car in Zagreb, depending on the time of the year you can rent in Zagreb. if you drive following the fastest route, it should take you about 2.15 min to get to Plitvice from Zagreb center. Additional cost: road toll which is about 8 Euro (return), plus the cost of the gas you spent.
  • Book a car with a driver for a day.
  • Organized day trip, from Zagreb you have several travel agencies offering small group (2-8 persons) or larger group day trips.

Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes by Car

Driving to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb is easy (I have personally done it dozens of times), the fastest travel route is about 140 Km from Zagreb Center, the route goes via Highway A6 to Karlovac, from here on you follow the country road.  As mentioned above, the trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Stops on the way

I recommend you plan time also to visit Rastoke / Slunj or Little Plitvice as it is also called. Rastoke is on the route 30 Km before you reach Plitvice. 

Well, I probably shouldn't mention this, but Restaurant Degenija, located 10 km before Plitvice Lakes, has delighted my family with its amazing cheesecake several times!

Video Guide to National Park Plitvice Lakes

FAQ - Zagreb to Plitvice

How long is the bus ride from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes?

The bus driving time i between 2 and 2.5 hours, and the buses drive nonstop. Note in summer season, buses might be a bit of schedule, due to heavy traffic.

How frequent are the buses from Zagreb to Plitvice lakes?

In summer seasons there are up to 15 daily departures, the first bus leaves Zagreb around 6 a.m. and the last bus around 7 p.m. In the winter season, buses are less frequent, but you still have around 5 daily departures.

What is the cheapest way of traveling from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes?

Unless you are a large group, the cheapest way of traveling is to take the bus, the price for a one-way adult ticket is about 15 Euro. Round trip 30 Euro.

Can you do a day trip to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb?

Yes, you can in the summer season, you can do a day trip taking the bus, join an organized group trip, or drive to the park and back on your own.

How much is the bus from Zagreb to Plitvice?

The average price for a one-way bus ticket from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes is around 15 Euro. If you book ahead you might be able to get the ticket with a discount.

Is there a train from Zagreb to National Park Plitvice?

No, unfortunately, there are no trains, the best and cheapest option to travel is to take the bus.

Should I buy a ticket for the national park for Entrance 1 or 2?

When you arrive from Zagreb both Entrances are a good option, I would recommend Entrance 1 if you arrive early in the morning. If you plan to travel back from Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb, I would recommend you take the bus from Entrance 2 (As this stop comes first on the way back - hence you will get a better seat on the bus).

Where should I stay overnight at Plitvice Lakes?

If you arrive by bus, you should preferably find something within walking distance, as taxis can be expensive/hard to come by. The National Park has several hotels near the entrances as well as two camping sites Korana Camp and Borje Camp, both camping sites have free buses to and from the national park.

My personal favorite in terms of accommodation, having stayed at several hotels and apartments in the area is this place here, but you need a car to stay there.

Should I continue to Zadar or Split from Plitvice Lakes?

Both cities are worthwhile a visit, and you have a good bus connection from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar as well as Plitvice Lakes to Split.

Lakes at Plitvice National Park
Lakes at Plitvice

Summary of transportation from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes

Travel distance fastest route140 km / 87 Miles
Average ticket Price€15 / $17 / £13
Daily Bus departures in Summer15
Daily Bus departures in Winter5
Bus companiesArriva, Prijevoz Knezevic, Ines Tours, AP Varazdin
Organic Day trips availableYes
Train No

Other Popular bus routes from Zagreb

Zagreb to RijekaZagreb to ZadarZagreb to Sarajevo
Zagreb to SplitZagreb to ViennaZagreb to Belgrade
Zagreb to PulaZagreb to RovinjZagreb to Porec
Zagreb to VarazdinZagreb to OsijekZagreb to Ljubljana

Text and travel tips by Morten Smalby