3 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Split you can't miss

Ready to book your Plitvice Lakes tour from Split?

You’ve landed in the right place as you’re about to discover the 3 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Split — all led by experienced tour operators so you can skip the line at the entrance and head straight for the good stuff.

Don’t have time to read about all the tours on the list? No worries — the best Plitvice tour from Split is this tour with Viator. It has 980+ stellar reviews, so you can’t go wrong.

If you’d rather explore more Plitvice visits, there are two more tours for waterfall lovers on this list, and they all have near-perfect 5 star ratings.

Without further ado, let’s get to this list of the best Plitvice tours in the heart of Croatia, so you can book your tour already.

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🇭🇷 Top 3: Best Plitvice tours from Split

#1 best Pick

Plitvice Lakes tour from Split

English speaking tour guide

Round-trip transportation (with air con)

11 hours

Panoramic boat trip

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#2 best

Budget tour from Split

Free time in the park to explore – no tour guide

Round-trip transportation (with air con)

10 hours

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#3 best

Private tour from Split

English speaking tour guide

Round-trip transportation (with air con)

8 to 12 hours

Private tour

Pass by Skradin (centre of Krka National Park)

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Need to know

Before you go, there are a few things you should know.

A trip to Plitvice National Park includes 6-7 km of walking on slightly uneven surfaces and wooden paths. It’s a good idea 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.

💧3 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Split

1. Plitvice Lakes tour from Split (best tour experience)

⭐️ RATING: 5.0 from 987 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | 💧BOOK NOW

This Plitvice Lakes tour from Split includes everything, and is the best, most complete Plitvice tour of them all — with everything included and no pesky hidden costs.

Your day starts at 7.30 am where you’ll be picked up by your driver.

Once aboard the bus, your guide will turn on the air-con to a nice temperature and explain the history of the natural wonders of the crystal blue lakes. Next, it’s time to sit back and soak up the landscape on your way to Plitvice.

At the Plitvice Lakes, your knowledgeable guide will take you through the national park and provide information about the fascinating landscape of the park, while pointing out the best waterfalls and viewpoints. They’ll show you the best parts of the park. That’s one of the best things about having a guide.

You’ll see the crystal clear water at the Lower Lakes and the Upper Lakes of Plitvice, enjoy a boat ride and also visit the newly discovered prehistoric caves.

If you’re looking for the best Plitvice Lakes tour, where you’ll get door-to-door service and be able to see the best of the lakes, look no further than this tour. It’s a unique experience.

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2. Budget Plitvice Lakes trip from Split

⭐️ RATING: 5.0 from 73 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours |💧 BOOK NOW

Looking to spot the best waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes? Look no further than to book this budget Plitvice tour from Split.

On this waterfall adventure, you’ll hit all of the major falls in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is home to no less than 16 emerald-blue lakes.

After an early morning pick-up, you’ll head north to Plitvice. You’ll be picked up by an air-con bus or minivan, and once you arrive at the lakes, you can start your adventure at your own pace.

This tour is a budget tour, which means there’s no guide with you inside the park. Before you go in, the driver will explain where you need to go, what to see and when to be back. You can ask him all the questions you need.

Now, it’s time to walk through the beautiful lake area while looking at the lakes and waterfalls. Make a stop whenever you feel like admiring the natural beauty and taking photos – that’s the best part of exploring on your own.

This is the best Plitvice tour from Split for anyone looking for a budget-friendly self-guided experience that includes round-trip transportation.

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3. Private Plitvice Lakes tour from Split

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 from 15 reviews | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8-12 hours |💧 BOOK NOW

The easiest and best way to visit Plivice Lakes from Split is on a private day trip. By booking this Private Split to Plitvice tour, you’re up for an immersive experience!

This is a complete Plitvice Lakes tour from Split, with an English-speaking guide, everything included and no hidden costs.

Your day begins early when your driver picks up at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Sit back and relax until you reach Skradin bridge where you can admire the beautiful small city in the centre of Krka National Park.

Once you get to Plitvice, your guide will take you to the best spots in this UNESCO World Heritage site, including Veliki slap (78 m), Croatia’s tallest waterfall.

And the best part? You’ll be going at your own pace so you have time to take all the photos you want!

Explore the area of Plitvice with a professional guide as they introduce you to the history as well as the breathtaking waterfalls and lush forests. They’re also quite knowledgeable about regional history, so ask away.

This is the perfect tour to experience Plitvice at your own pace. You can stay for as long as you want, and you decide when you want to go for lunch.

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FAQ about Plitvice Lakes tours from Split

Can you visit Plitvice Lakes from Split?

Yes, it is possible to visit Plitvice Lakes from Split. Plitvice Lakes National Park is located approximately 155 miles (260 kilometres) northeast of Split and can be reached by car or bus in about 2.5 to 3 hours.

There are also many guided tours available from Split that include transportation to and from the national park, so it’s an easily accessible day trip destination.

Is Plitvice Lakes closer to Split or Zagreb?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is closer to Zagreb than to Split. The distance from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes is approximately 135 km, which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes by car.

The distance from Split to Plitvice Lakes is approximately 260 km, which takes around 3 hours by car.

Plitvice Lakes tours from Split

Is entrance 1 or 2 better at Plitvice?

Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 at Plitvice Lakes National Park are both good.

Entrance 1 puts you straight in the heart of the action and is the best entrance if you want to beat the crowds, see incredible views straightaway, and potentially get the lower lake walkways to yourself if you arrive at opening time. It’s the best entrance for “wow factor.”

Entrance 2 allows you to start your day by exploring the Upper Lakes, which some people consider nicer, and then make your way to the Lower Lakes.

tour of the national park

How do you get from Plitvice Lakes to Split?

There are several ways to get from Plitvice Lakes to Split, including by bus, train, or car. Taking a bus is the most popular and convenient option, with several daily buses available.

The bus ride takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Split, which takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on the traffic.

I recommend joining a day tour from Split to Plitvice where everything will be taken care of. It’s a budget-friendly option.

How long is the drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes?

The drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes National Park takes approximately 3 hours, depending on the traffic and the route taken. The driving distance is around 240 km, and there are two main routes to choose from.

The first route goes via Sinj, Vrlika, Knin, and Korenica, and it’s the shortest and most direct route. The second route goes via the A1 highway and is a bit longer, but it’s faster and has tolls.

Do you need a tour guide for Plitvice Lakes?

No, not nesccesarily. You don’t need a tour guide to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the well-marked routes make the park easy to navigate on your own.

However, if you want a deeper insight into the park’s ecology and history, a guided tour is highly recommended.

A tour guide can provide you with valuable information about the park’s flora and fauna, geological features, and cultural heritage, as well as help you avoid the crowds and discover hidden gems.

Additionally, a guided tour can take care of transportation and logistics, so your visit is more comfortable and stress-free.

3 best Plitvice Lakes tours from Split you can’t miss