Croatia’s dazzling Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-see, and many travelers set out from Split to reach it. This guide breaks down the exact distance, typical drive time, the best routes, and practical tips so you can hit the road with confidence.
Plitvice Lakes – Split Distance & Drive Time
Plitvice Lakes lies about 240-241 km (≈150 mi) north of Split—roughly a 2 ½–3-hour drive in normal traffic.
Best Driving Routes from Split
| Route | Length / Time* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Motorway (Fastest) | ~240 km / 2 ½–3 h | Follow A1/E65 north to Exit 15 (Maslenica), merge onto E71, then DC 522 & DC 1 straight to the park. Tolls apply. |
| Scenic “Old Road” (Free) | ~235-240 km / 3 ½ h | Leaves Split via Sinj → Knin → Korenica. No motorway tolls, slower but picturesque. |
*Times exclude holiday gridlock; add extra buffer in peak July–August weekends.
Road-Trip Tips from Split to Plitvice Lakes
- Tolls & ENC tag – The A1 is a tolled motorway. Renting or buying an ENC electronic tag speeds you through dedicated lanes and costs a bit less per kilometer.
- Fuel & Rest Stops – Full-service rest areas with cafés and clean facilities dot the A1 roughly every 40 km; the Maslenica and Zir service areas are popular midway stops.
- Weather Awareness – Mountain stretches near Lika can get foggy or snowy outside summer—check Plitvice Lakes weather conditions before departure.
- Parking at Plitvice – Large paid lots sit at Entrances 1 & 2; keep your ticket to validate on exit.
Whether you speed up the A1 or meander along the scenic old road, the Split-to-Plitvice drive is straightforward—and the turquoise lakes, travertine terraces, and roaring waterfalls awaiting you are worth every kilometer.
