Getting from Split to Plitvice Lakes includes a couple of options only – you can get there by bus, taxi, Uber, or private transfer. There are no direct flights or train connections between these two places. The nearest airport to this amazing national park is Zadar Airport, however, Split Airport is also convenient to fly to.
How far is Split from Plitvice Lakes National Park? The distance between Split city center and the entrance to Plitvice Lakes is about 240 km. From Split Airport, the shortest distance is 213 km.
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Ways to get from Split to Plitvice Lakes
| Transport option | Duration of travel | Cost (Ticket Price) |
| Bus (30.04-30.10) | 3 hr 30 min | 22 Euro (per person) |
| Driving | 2 hr 30 min | |
| Private Transfer (Taxi) or UBER | 2 hr 40 min | 300 Euro (up to 4 persons) |
| Private Transfer (Taxi) or UBER from the airport | 2 hr 20 minutes | 327 Euro (up to 4 persons) |
Bus from Split to Plitvice Lakes
If you are traveling solo, getting there by bus is the cheapest option. Driving, taxi, Uber, or private transfer are the faster and more comfortable, but also the more expensive options, and they work fine if your party is of at least several people.
Buses from Split main bus station to Plitvice Lakes (Entrance 1) frequency depend on the season. Currently, there are no direct buses in the period from November to March. All bus ride offers in this period are via Zagreb.
In the April to October period, at least 4 bus rides a day. A one-way bus ticket costs 22 to 23 Euros and you can book it in advance here. Note that an additional charge applies for each bag stored in bus storage which is about 1.5 euros per bag. The location of the main bus terminal in Split is here. Its local name is Autobusni Kolodvor Split (https://www.ak-split.hr/).
Driving from Split to Plitvice Lakes
Driving from Split to Plitvice Lakes: With the shortest and fastest driving route, you can reach Plitvice Lakes from Split in 2.5 hours. The driving distance is 240 km via E71 (or E65), and D1 roads (check details on the map below).
Driving tips
- Summer: If you are driving from Split to Plitvice in the warmer parts of the year, as you are driving towards the North, you can choose either a morning or an afternoon drive. To avoid sunshine from getting straight into your eyes, on your way back (Plitvice to Split drive), as you will be heading towards the South, choose the afternoon to drive.
- Winter: If you are driving in autumn/fall/winter the temperatures may get very low (below zero), and the roads can get slippery and often foggy, so under these weather conditions count that your journey will be much slower.
Private Transfer, Taxi, or Uber
A taxi or Uber ride between Split and Plitvice will take you to your destination in about 2.5 hours. The current price quoted by Uber is about 300 euros. This is a good option if 3 or more people travel together, but for a single traveler, the cheapest option is a bus. Pre-boked private transfers between Split and Plitvice are also available. See here for current offers.
Above image: Uber quote for a ride
Split Airport to Plitvice Lakes
By Public Transport
If you are arriving at Split Airport and would like to proceed to Plitvice, here is what to do – first, get from the airport to the city center (read this article) and from there proceed to Plitvice.
Driving from Split Airport (SPU) to Plitvice
If you are renting a car and driving from Split airport, just get out of the airport parking towards the E71 road and from there A1, E65 to D1. Follow the signs to Plitvice Lakes. The road directions are well-marked and you should have no difficulty reaching the main entrance to Park (once you arrive, check where to park your car) – here is a map below:
Train from Split to Plitvice Lakes
It used to be a train that connected Split via Knin to Zagreb which was stopping on its way to Plitvice train station. However, it was discontinued, so at present, the only option for train travel by train to Zagreb and then from there to Plitvice (see Split-Zagreb options)
Map
The above map shows Split’s main bus terminal and entrance to the National Park.
More details – detailed Google map
