My husband and I are traveling in Croatia in October. We'll start in Zagreb, then travel by bus to Plitvice Lakes on Tues. Oct. 8...already booked our room at Hotel Plitvice. Will hike in the park that afternoon and the next morning, then take bus to Split on Oct. 9. Would love advice from anyone who has done this (travel to and from by bus). How was this timing? Do you recommend doing Entrance 2 in afternoon / Entrance 1 the next morning, or visa versa? I believe our hotel is very close to Entrance 2 -- how close to this is the bus stop? Thanks for your thoughts!
Posted by
1006 posts
I did this going the opposite direction. Are you using Flixbus? Flixbus gives you a nice GPS map with the exact bus stop locations when you buy the ticket, not that you super need it but the bus stops are just roadside stops. The stop by your hotel is a quick walk of about 100 yards. Remember which side of the road you’ll need to be on.
I suggest doing the lower lakes (Entrance 1) the afternoon you arrive. It’s furthest from the hotel. Keep track of how late the tram runs. The hike only takes a couple hours. Then the next morning you can hit the upper lakes trail 1st thing. Since it’s a short walk to your hotel then the bus, you aren’t relying on the tram and should be able to enjoy the time relatively stress free. I was the 1st and only person on this trail in peak season and it was well worth getting up early for. Absolutely amazing.
Relying on the bus to cover these distances can feel nervy, but it was fine. You’ll find you’re not the only people traveling this way. When you’re not the only one nervously checking your watch on the roadside, it does feel reassuring. I do suggest buying your ticket ahead online, our bus was 100% full.
Posted by
47 posts
I am planning on doing a day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice via bus in mid September. How crowded is Plitvice around that time on a weekday? Is a day trip doable from Zagreb to enjoy Plitvice? Basing in Zagreb as I will be flying to Dubrovnik from Zagreb airport.
Thanks,
Pam
Posted by
OP
Seattle, Washington
9 posts
Big thanks, awrzensinski, for telling about your experience with the bus to and from PL! Hugely helpful.