Day trip to the Plitvice Lakes: all the info, prices & tips
The Plitvice Lakes are undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking national parks in Europe and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. A trip from the island of Krk to this natural paradise is an experience that should not be missing from any holiday in Croatia. Sixteen emerald-green and azure lakes, connected by spectacular waterfalls and cascades, form a magical landscape. Walk along kilometres of wooden boardwalks through dense forests and experience unspoilt nature up close.
Getting there and route: from the island of Krk to the national park
The distance from the island of Krk to the Plitvice Lakes is about 160 to 180 kilometres, depending on your exact starting point on the island. The pure driving time by car is approx. 2.5 to 3 hours. The route first takes you over the Krk Bridge to the mainland. From there you drive along the picturesque coastal road to the town of Senj, where you turn inland over the Vratnik Pass. This scenic drive takes you straight through the Velebit mountains into the interior region of Lika.
The national park has two main entrances:
- Entrance 1 (Rastovača): The north entrance is at the lower lakes. From here you have the quickest access to “Veliki Slap”, the largest waterfall in Croatia. This entrance is ideal for most day-trippers.
- Entrance 2 (Hladovina): The south entrance is at the upper lakes. It is particularly suitable if you want to start straight away with a boat trip across the large Kozjak lake.
Parking and parking fees
Spacious, officially signposted woodland car parks are available at both main entrances. Parking is subject to a charge. Prices vary slightly depending on the season but are usually between €1.00 and €1.50 per hour for cars. Please take a ticket when you drive in and pay at the machines near the entrances before leaving.
Admission prices and tickets
The national park limits the daily number of visitors to protect nature and avoid crowds. It is therefore essential to buy tickets online in advance via the official website, especially in high season. Choose your preferred entrance and a specific admission time.
- High season (June to September): approx. €40.00 for adults. Children aged 7 to 18 pay reduced prices; children under 7 go free.
- Shoulder season (April, May, October): approx. €23.00 for adults.
- Winter (November to March): approx. €10.00 for adults (note: in winter the upper lakes are often closed).
The ticket price already includes the electric boat trips on Kozjak lake and the use of the panorama trains within the park.
Practical info on site: food, drink and toilets
The infrastructure in the national park is excellently geared to visitors:
- Food and drink: There are large restaurants at both entrances (such as the well-known Restoran Lička kuća at entrance 1) serving traditional Croatian dishes. In the park itself, especially at the large boat stations and rest areas, there are bistros and kiosks for snacks, sandwiches and drinks. It is still advisable to bring enough water for the hikes.
- Toilets: You’ll find free, well-kept toilet facilities at the entrances, the main boat landings and the panorama train stations.
- Important rules: Dogs are allowed on a lead. Leaving the marked paths is strictly forbidden. Unlike in some other parks, swimming and bathing in the Plitvice Lakes is prohibited without exception in order to preserve the sensitive water quality. If you want to cool off, visit one of the many beautiful beaches on the island of Krk.
Hiking routes: exploring the park properly
The park offers various signposted routes (A, B, C, K, etc.) lasting between two and eight hours. For a comprehensive day trip we recommend route C (starting at entrance 1). It takes about 4 to 5 hours and offers the perfect combination: you hike through the lower lakes to the great waterfall, cross the large Kozjak lake in a relaxed way by electric boat, walk along the upper lakes and at the end ride comfortably back to the starting point on the panorama train.






