Question 1

How long does it take to drive from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes?

Accepted Answer

The drive from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via the A1 motorway (125 km). From Zadar Airport (ZAD), it is also about 1 hour 30 minutes (130 km).

Question 2

Is Plitvice closer to Zadar or Zagreb?

Accepted Answer

Plitvice Lakes is closer to Zadar — 125 km / 1h 30 min — than to Zagreb, which is 140 km / 1h 45 min away. Zadar is the most time-efficient coastal base for a Plitvice day trip.

Question 3

What is the toll from Zadar to Plitvice?

Accepted Answer

For a Category 1 car, the toll on the A1 from Zadar to the Otočac exit is approximately €7. Pay at the booth by credit/debit card or cash (EUR). Keep the ticket you receive at entry — you pay on exit.

Question 4

What time should I leave Zadar to beat the crowds at Plitvice?

Accepted Answer

Leave Zadar no later than 07:30 to arrive at Entrance 1 by 09:00. Coach tours from Zagreb and Split typically flood the park between 10:30 and 14:00. Early arrivals get clearer photos at the Veliki Slap waterfall and a less crowded boardwalk experience.

Question 5

Which Plitvice entrance should I use from Zadar?

Accepted Answer

Entrance 1 (Ulaz 1) is better for seeing Veliki Slap (the largest waterfall) and the Lower Lakes. Entrance 2 (Ulaz 2) is closer to the Upper Lakes, the park boat rides, and has slightly larger parking. From the A1, Entrance 2 is reached via exit Otočac and is the most common choice for Zadar-based day-trippers.

Question 6

Can I visit Plitvice Lakes from Zadar Airport directly after arrival?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Zadar Airport (ZAD) is 130 km from Plitvice (1h 30 min). If your flight lands before 10:00, you can pick up your rental car, drive directly, and be inside the park before the main coach-tour wave arrives. Many travellers overnight in Rakovica or Mukinje (5 km from the park) to start hiking at 07:00 the next morning.

Question 7

Is parking free at Plitvice Lakes?

Accepted Answer

Parking at both Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 is paid — approximately €7 per day in high season. It is signed and cannot be pre-booked. Arriving before 09:00 guarantees a space in the closest section; later arrivals are directed to overflow lots.

Question 8

Do I need winter tyres to drive from Zadar to Plitvice in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Between 15 November and 15 April, the A1 between Zadar and the Plitvice exits requires compliant winter equipment when signs are posted — snow and ice are common inland even when the coast is dry. All Avax Zadar rentals are fitted with winter tyres during this period at no extra cost.

	Rendiauto	Päevareis
Aeg pargis	6–8 h	3–4 h
Väljumine	Teie valik (07:00 ideaalne)	07:30–08:30 fixed
Põike Rastokesse või Smiljanisse
Maksumus (2 inimest)	€36–55 car + €30 entry pp + fuel	€140–190 total
Maksumus (4 inimest)	Sama auto + piletid → ~180 € kokku	€280–380 total
Tagastamisaeg	Paindlik — õhtusöök Zadaris	Fikseeritud, tavaliselt 19:00

Zadarist Plitvice järvedele:
Isejuhtimisega päevareisi juhend (125 km, 1h 30 min)

Miks Zadar on parim rannikubaas Plitvice jaoks

Marsruut: Zadar → Maslenica → Sveti Rok → Plitvice

Maslenica sild (15 min Zadarist)

Sveti Roki tunnel (45 min Zadarist)

Gospić / Lika tasandik (1 h Zadarist)

Plitvice järvede sissepääs 2 (1 h 30 min Zadarist)

Milline sissepääs? Parkimisnõuanded Plitvice jaoks

Sissepääs 1 (alumised järved)

Sissepääs 2 (ülemised järved)

Rendiauto vs organiseeritud päevareis Zadarist

Miks rentida Avaxiga Zadaris?

Mine oma tempos

Lihtsad kõrvalepõiked

Valmis talverehvideks

Odavam kui kaks ekskursioonipiletit

Järeletulemiskohad Zadaris

Parimad autod sellele marsruudile

Economy / Compact

Compact SUV

Minivan / 7-Seater

Valmis Adriaa rannikule sõitma?

Zadarist Plitvice järvedele: Isejuhtimisega päevareisi juhend (125 km, 1h 30 min)