Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Trip from Ljubljana
Duration
Day TripTour Type
Day TripPackage Details
A Fairytale Made of Water
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's oldest and most famous national park. Once you visit here, it becomes obvious why this park is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sixteen terraced lakes are connected by cascading waterfalls and linked by wooden boardwalks that seem to float directly over turquoise water. All of it with sweeping views is what makes this one of the most photographed natural landscapes in Europe. This Plitvice National Park Tour takes you straight into the heart of the park, with roughly three hours on-site to explore at a relaxed pace. Our package makes it one of the most rewarding options for a Plitvice Day Trip from the Slovenian capital. It is one of the most requested Slovenia Day Packages that we run.
Private Tour From Ljubljana
The private Slovenia day trip will begin with pickup from the capital city of Slovenia. Unlike other tour operators, we offer our clients the choice of pick-up location in the city as per their preference. The trip will begin early in the morning with a scenic drive across Slovenian highways leading to Croatia. All the toll charges for this day trip from Slovenia will be included. You do not need to pay any extra penny.
Lower Lakes: Waterfalls at Every Turn
On arrival, the exploration typically begins at the Lower Lakes which is home to Veliki Slap. It is Plitvice's tallest and most iconic waterfall. This place is exactly the postcard image that most people picture when they think of this park. From here, wooden boardwalks wind directly across the water, weaving between smaller cascades and tufa barriers formed naturally over thousands of years. It's this stretch of the Plitvice Lake Tour that most first-time visitors find the most dramatic. The trail keeps you within arm's reach of the falls the entire way.
Crossing Lake Kozjak by Boat
One of the most memorable parts of any Plitvice Day Trip is the electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak. It is the largest of the sixteen lakes in Croatia. It's a quiet, scenic crossing that also serves as a welcome rest after the walking. It's the link between the Lower and Upper Lakes sections of the park.
Upper Lakes: Fewer Crowds, Same Magic
On the far side of Kozjak, the Upper Lakes offer a slightly quieter, equally beautiful stretch of boardwalk trails. They have their own collection of waterfalls and mirror-still water reflecting the surrounding forest. Many travellers researching a Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes trip are surprised to learn the Upper Lakes exist at all. Most photos of Plitvice posted online only show the lower section. It makes this part of the walk feel like a discovery of its own. It's a highlight worth building extra time into any Plitvice National Park Tour itinerary.
Easy Walking, Big Payoff
Despite the scale of the park, the trails are well-maintained, mostly flat, and suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. There is no technical hiking experience required. Between the boardwalks, the boat crossing, and a scenic panoramic shuttle used on some routes. Our Plitvice Lakes Tour Package is designed to let you see as much of the park's beauty as possible without exhausting yourself in the process. It's a strong pick for travellers weighing a Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes day against other Croatia excursions.
Why Go On a Private Tour?
As part of our every-other-Slovenia Private Tour, and true of every Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes journey we offer, this trip includes a dedicated driver for the full round-trip. Our team of drivers is seasoned with such travel experiences. So, you can relax on the road and focus entirely on the park once you arrive. There's no group schedule to keep up with and no rushed pace. Just take time to take in one of Europe's most beautiful natural landscapes at your own speed, on a Plitvice Lake Tour built entirely around you and a Slovenia Private Tour experience designed for comfort from start to finish.
Locations | Plitvice National Park |
Departure | Ljubljana |
Departure Timings | 8 a.m. (changeable) |
Drop-Off | Ljubljana |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long is the trip from Ljubljana to Plitvice Lakes?
The drive is approximately 2.5–3 hours each way. So this Plitvice Day Trip typically runs as a full-day excursion.
How much time is needed to fully visit Plitvice Lakes?
Around three hours is enough to comfortably cover both the Lower and Upper Lakes on a well-paced Plitvice Lake Tour.
Is the walking in Plitvice difficult?
No. The trails are mostly flat, well-maintained boardwalks suitable for most fitness levels, with no technical hiking involved.
Do we need to book park entry tickets in advance?
Yes, Plitvice requires tickets to be purchased ahead of time with a set entrance time.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. As with every Slovenia Private Tour, timing and pacing can be adjusted in advance to suit your group.
How much does it cost to enter Plitvice National Park?
Standard adult entry is priced at €10 – €40 depending on the season.
Included
Private Car transfer
Pick-up and drop-off in Ljubljana
Meet and greet service
Water Bottle
All parking fees and toll charges
Excluded
Meals and beverages
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Entry ticket to Plitvice National Park
Itinerary details
Day-by-day plan for your journey — expand each day for full details.
8:00 AM – Departure from Ljubljana
The day will begin with pickup from Ljubljana. It will begin with this Slovenia Private Tour to Croatia.
Private vehicle transfer
Dedicated driver for entire trip
11:30 PM – Arrival at Plitvice National Park
Timed entry marks the start of your Plitvice Lake Tour.
Tickets pre-arranged
Brief orientation before entry
11:45 PM – Lower Lakes & Veliki Slap
Take boardwalks that lead toward Veliki Slap. It is one of the most visited places on this Plitvice National Park tour.
12:45 PM – Boat Crossing on Lake Kozjak
Take an electric boat that links the Lower and Upper Lakes. Spend some time and soak in the panoramic views of Lake Kozjak
Scenic rest from walking
Views across the largest lake
1:15 PM – Upper Lakes
Spend an hour around the quieter stretch of this Plitvice private tour, including the boardwalks and waterfalls, with fewer crowds.
Additional waterfall viewpoints
2:15 PM – Free Time
This will be a short window to relax before heading back.
Optional café stop
2:30 PM – Return Drive to Ljubljana
We will continue our journey back to Ljubljana from Plitvice Lakes.
Continued private transfer
6:00 PM – Drop-off in Ljubljana
Arrival back marks the end of this Plitvice Lakes Tour Package.
Drop-off at requested location