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How to get from Plitvice Lakes to Split
Driving takes about 3 to 3 h 30 via the A1 motorway. Buses run from the national park entrances to Split in roughly 4 to 6 hours, depending on the route. There is no train.
Best option: Car. Driving is noticeably faster and more flexible than the few daily buses.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Roads from Plitvice to the A1 motorway (e.g. near Otočac or Gornja Ploča), then the A1 south to Split | about 3 to 3 h 30 (about 250 km) | fuel plus motorway tolls of roughly €15–20 | Summer weekends see heavy traffic and toll queues on the A1 near Split. | |
| bus Buses from the Plitvice park entrances to Split (several companies, mostly via Zagreb–Split routes) | about 4 to 6 h | a few a day, more in summer | about €20–35 | Buses stop on the main road by the park entrances; buy tickets online or from the driver. Check current timetables. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book Plitvice park tickets online in advance in summer; entry is by timed slot.
- Many travellers combine the drive with Krka National Park or Šibenik.
- Book bus seats ahead in peak season; buses can arrive full from Zagreb.
- Fuel up before leaving the Plitvice area.
Common questions
Is there a direct bus from Plitvice Lakes to Split?
Yes, several buses a day connect the Plitvice park entrances with Split, many as part of Zagreb–Split routes. The trip takes roughly 4 to 6 hours depending on stops. Services are more frequent in summer. Buses stop on the main road near the entrances; check exact times and stops with the operator and book in advance in peak season.
How long is the drive from Plitvice to Split?
About 3 to 3 h 30 for roughly 250 km. You take the local roads from Plitvice to the A1 motorway, then head south towards Split. Motorway tolls are roughly €15–20. On summer weekends traffic near Split and the toll stations can add significant delays, so travel early in the day if you can.
Is there a train from Plitvice Lakes to Split?
No. The national park has no railway station, and Croatia's rail line to Split runs through other towns with slow services. Bus or car are the realistic options. If you are travelling without a car, the bus is the simplest choice, as it stops right by the park entrances.
Can I visit Plitvice as a day trip from Split?
Organised tours do it, but it means about 7 hours on the road for a few hours in the park. It is more comfortable to stay a night near Plitvice, visit the park early in the morning before crowds, and then continue to Split or Zagreb. Krka National Park is a closer alternative day trip from Split.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.