7 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Zagreb
Ready to book one of the best Plitvice Lakes tours from Zagreb?
You’re in the right place because I’ve handpicked the 7 best Plitvice tours here.
As someone who has done a Plitvice tour and traveled Croatia extensively throughout the years, I’ve made sure to only highlight the best tours to Plitvice from Zagreb in this post — so know all these have been vetted!
Plitvice National Park is the most famous national park in Croatia. It’s known for its gorgeous waterfalls, lush jungle, scenic water, and its UNESCO status. It’s an incredible place to spend a day trip.
No matter your preferences or budget, this list has something for you! Ready to learn about the best tours to Plitvice?
Let’s dig in!
Read next: Ultimate guide to the beautiful Plitvice Lakes
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🇭🇷 Top 3: Best Plitvice tours from Zagreb
Private eclectic experience of Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes National Park
From Zagreb: Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Day Tour with Ticket
From Zagreb: Transfer to Split & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
Tour of Plitvice Lakes
Need to know
Before you go, there are a few things you should know.
- A trip to the beautiful waterfalls in the national park of Plitvice includes 6-7 km of walking on slightly uneven surfaces and wooden paths. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- If you visit during summer, wear mosquito repellant and sunscreen.
- Check the weather forecast and bring a rain poncho, especially if you’re visiting during rainy season. I went there in the high-season (June) and it rained a bit.
- Bring water. You can buy water at the entrances and the ferry stop by the big lake.
💧7 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Zagreb
1. Private eclectic experience of Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes National Park
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 from 67 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10-12 hours | 💧BOOK NOW
This Plitvice Lakes tour from Zadar is the best option on this list. You’ll visit 3 beautiful stops besides Plitvice Lakes. And the best part? It’s a private tour so YOU decide the pace.
In the morning, you’ll be picked up by your professional guide and driver in Zagreb. They’ll tell you about the area you drive through, including the nearby city of Karlovac.
Your first destination is the charming and tranquil village Rastoke, known for its watermills. Once you’ve taken the photos you want, it’s off to Rakovica to taste some of the finest local cheese and learn how it’s produced!
Now to the best part: Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Before you enter, your expert guide will give you an overview of the park, and the different trails you’ll follow. They’ll show you all the highlights, including the Upper and Lower Lakes as well as the boat across Kozjak lake and the bus ride inside the park. You decide the pace, so you can take breaks and all the photos you’d like.
⭢ Bottled water, snacks and walking poles are included in this exclusive natural wonder tour.
2. From Zagreb: Rastoke and Plitvice Lakes Day Trip with Ticket
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 from 470 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |💧 BOOK NOW
Adventure and exploration await on this small-group tour to Plitvice from Zagreb.
Enjoy a comfortable ride before you make a short stop in the picturesque watermill village of Rastoke, called “Little Plitvice”. Take a stroll through the town and admire the unique rural architecture before continuing to Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia’s oldest and most visited national park.
You’ll explore the 16 emerald-blue lakes and the best waterfalls as you move through the Lower and Upper lakes.
Your guide will be by your side all day, telling you cool stories about the places you’ll see and answering any questions you have. This is one of the best group tours that ensures a unique experience.
3. From Zagreb: Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Trip
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 from 350 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9.5 hours |💧 BOOK NOW
This Zagreb to Plitvice tour is a great skip-the-line group tour.
Begin your day by hopping on a van that’ll take you to the unique natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes. Your first stop is the charming Rastoke village, where you can snap some pics of its 17th-century watermills straight out of a fairy tale.
Once you’re at the amazing Plitvice Lakes, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking scenery of 16 crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by thundering waterfalls, as you stroll through an 8.5 km hiking trail and take a 20-minute boat ride.
Your guide will give you the inside scoop on the Croatian national park, and you’ll get to enjoy scenic views of the Croatian countryside during the ride to and from the park.
4. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Rastoke – small group
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 from 63 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |💧 BOOK NOW
There’s something magical about water falling down jungly cliffs. It’s a quintessential way to enjoy the best of nature. And what better way to experience this natural phenomenon than on this Plitvice park tour from Zagreb?
Your adventure starts in the quaint village of Rastoke, where the Slunjčica river meets the Korana river, creating a natural wonder that’s similar to Plitvice Lakes. They even call Rastoke “the Small Lakes of Plitvice”.
After spending 30 minutes in Rastoke (admission ticket not included), you’ll get to explore one of the oldest and biggest national parks in Croatia – Plitvice Lakes National Park.
This place is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers an epic hiking experience through stunning landscapes that’ll leave you speechless. Get ready to be wowed!
5. From Zagreb: Plitvice Lakes Full-Day Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 from 23 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |💧 BOOK NOW
Are you ready for an epic adventure? Plitvice tours don’t get much better than this Plitvice Lakes Full-Day Private Tour.
You’ll start by leaving Zagreb and heading to the charming village of Rastoke. Take in the beauty of the waterfalls and river while sipping on a cup of coffee.
Next up, get ready to explore the lakes inside the Plitvice National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the incredible rock formations in the Dinara karst region. You’ll be blown away by the panoramic views, the waterfalls and lakes in this area, trust me!
Once you’re done exploring Plitvice, it’s time to recharge at a local dairy farm, where you can taste a variety of delicious domestic cheeses.
After that, you’ll head to the Museum of Croatian War of Independence, which is located in the former backyard of a ruined Austro-Hungarian military base in Karlovac. Here, you’ll learn more about the history of the war and gain fascinating insights into Croatia’s past.
6. Plitvice Lakes National Park – private day-trip from Zagreb
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 from 17 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-12 hours |💧 BOOK NOW
Escape to a serene tropical paradise on this unforgettable Private Plitvice tour from Zagreb where crystal-clear water and lush forests await.
Start your day in Rastoke, where you have 30 minutes to explore (no admission ticket needed) before heading to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This is one of the oldest and biggest national parks in Croatia, and it’s seriously stunning!
You’ll be exploring Plitvice with a local licensed guide who knows all the best spots to check out. Plus, it’s a private day trip, which means you’re in control of the time.
7. From Zagreb: Transfer to Split & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8 from 121 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours |💧 BOOK NOW
Are you headed to Split? Then why not include Plitvice on your trip from Zagreb!
Get ready for an epic 12-hour group transfer from Zagreb to Split or Trogir that includes a tour of the most beautiful place in Croatia along the way. Your tour guide will pick you up at a time that works for you, and then you’ll be off on a comfy drive to the national park.
As you make your way to Plitvice Lakes, you’ll stop at several viewpoints to take in the beautiful scenery. Once you’re there, you’ll get to explore the whole park area, which features 16 lakes connected by waterfalls and cascades. It’s seriously breathtaking!
After the tour, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch (totally optional), where you can try some traditional dishes and delicacies. Your guide will be happy to give you some recommendations for the best food and drinks to try. Then, it’s time to head to your final destination in Split or Trogir.
FAQ about Plitvice Lakes tours from Zagreb
Can you visit Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb?
Yes, you can visit Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb. The best way to get to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb is by taking a bus from the bus station in Zagreb or joining a tour.
Many tour companies offer day trips from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, which include transportation and a guided tour of the park.
This is a great option if you prefer to have everything taken care of for you, and want to learn more about the park from an experienced guide. The tours typically last around 8-12 hours and can be booked here.
How to get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes by car
You can get to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb by renting a car and drive yourself. The journey takes around 2 hours and there are several car rental companies to choose from.
From Zagreb, follow the E65 to Karlovac. Once in Karlovac, follow Route 1 all the way to Plitvice. It’s very straight-forward.
How to get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes by bus
There are 3-10 bus departures every day (depending on the season) and the one-way ticket costs between 75 ($11) and 90 kunas ($13).
You can buy the tickets online or at the station, up to one hour before departure. The journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
tour of the national park
How long is the drive from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes?
The drive from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. The distance between Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes is approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles), and the route takes you through some beautiful Croatian countryside.
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