Dreaming of turquoise lakes and thundering waterfalls while you’re staying on the Makarska Riviera? Plitvice Lakes National Park is within easy reach—this guide covers exactly how far it is, how long the drive takes, which roads to follow, plus a few on-the-road pointers.
Plitvice Lakes – Makarska Distance & Drive Time
Makarska sits about 300–305 km (≈190 mi) south of Plitvice Lakes. By car, the journey usually takes around 3 hours 15 minutes in normal traffic.
Recommended Driving Routes
A1 Motorway (Quickest & Easiest)
From Makarska, use the Sveti Ilija Tunnel to reach the Zagvozd interchange, join the A1/E65 northbound, and stay on it to Exit 15 (Maslenica). From there, follow roads D 522 → D 1 straight to the park entrances. Expect tolls along the A1.
Coastal & Inland Scenic Route (Toll-Free)
Leave Makarska on the local D8 coastal road toward Split, cut inland at Sinj, continue through Knin and Korenica, then hook onto D 1 for the final stretch. More villages and viewpoints, but plan on at least 3 ½ hours behind the wheel.
Road-Trip Tips
- Tolls & ENC pass – The A1 is pay-to-use; an ENC electronic tag lets you zip through dedicated lanes and shaves a few euros off each trip.
- Service Areas – Well-equipped rest stops such as Mosor, Zir, and Krka line the motorway every 30–40 km—ideal for coffee, fuel, and restroom breaks.
- Weather Caution – Sections near Lika lie at higher elevation; they can get foggy or snowy outside summer—check Plitvice Lakes weather conditions before departure.
- Parking at Plitvice – Large paid lots at Entrances 1 & 2 almost always have space; keep the ticket handy to pay at machines when you leave.
Whether you blaze up the fast A1 or meander along Croatia’s old inland highway, the Makarska-to-Plitvice drive is straightforward—and the emerald pools and cascading falls awaiting you make every kilometer worthwhile.
