How to Get From Split to Krka National Park in 2023
Last updated on March 13th, 2023 at 06:48 pm
Wondering what is the best way to get from Split to Krka National Park? You’re in the right place!
A picturesque paradise, Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most celebrated attractions and the only waterfalls near Split. With seven breathtaking falls that plunge into emerald-hued lakes surrounded by dense and vibrant forests, it is truly an idyllic retreat.
Krka is the second most popular park in the country, just after Plitvice Lakes, which isn’t surprising when you consider its pristine beauty, wildlife, and close proximity to the Adriatic coast.
If you’re asking yourself how to get to Krka National Park easily, you should know that it is simpler than you think! If you are spending a few days in Split, you won’t need to travel far as the park is only an hour away by car. The drive is also quite enjoyable and scenic, with gorgeous coastal views and quaint villages dotting the road to the park.
However, a car is not the only way to reach Krka National Park from Spilt. There are 5 ways to get to get from Split to Krka: rental car, private transfer, taxi, public transportation, or day tours. We’ll take a look at each option below so that you can decide on the best route for your Croatia itinerary.
Trying to decide between Krka National Park or Plitvice Lakes? Be sure to read this article.
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How to Get From Split to Krka National Park
Map of Krka National Park
Where is Krka National Park? Krka park is situated along the middle course of the Krka River in Šibenik-Knin County. The closest major town in the area is Šibenik, located just 13.4 kilometers (8.3 miles) west of the park.
Below is a map of the location of Krka National Park in Croatia so that you can get a better idea of where the park is in Croatia.
You can view the official Krka National Park map of trails and routes here.
Distance Split to Krka National Park
The distance from Split to Krka National Park is 85.3 kilometers (53 miles). The journey can take anywhere from 53 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of transportation. If you’re spending a majority of your holiday on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, then the Krka Lakes are an exceptional choice for a day trip.
Rental Car
Renting a car to visit Krka National Park from Split is, in my opinion, the best option, as it gives you much more flexibility. You can plan your visit according to your schedule from arriving early to avoid the crowds, to staying as long as you like instead of having to rush back and catch up with your tour guide or bus.
If you want to make the most out of your time, then a self drive tour to Krka National Park from Split is a must. The drive from Split to the Lozovac entrance to Krka National Park takes just 1 hour on the highway and costs around 4€ one way. Alternatively, you can opt to take the old coastal road from Split to Šibenik, which will take 30 minutes longer, but boasts amazing scenery and is toll-free.
When renting a car in Croatia, I always recommend using Discover Cars as they check both local and international companies to ensure you get the best rate.
Krka National Park Parking
If you are doing a self drive trip to Krka National Park parking can be found at the two most popular entrances:
Lozovac Entrance Parking
Lozovac is the main entrance to Krka National Park and is also where you can park your car for free during your visit. To get here, take the Šibenik exit off the highway, and follow the signs for Krka National Park.
Skradin Entrance Parking
The second most common entrance is the Krka National Park Skradin Entrance. Located in the town of Skradin, this entrance can be reached from the highway by taking the E65 exit for Skradin. From there, turn right onto Road 56 and you will reach the Skradin parking lot in under 5 minutes. It is important to note that the parking lot in Skradin is privately owned and you will need to pay to leave your vehicle there while visiting Krka waterfalls.
From this entrance, it is only possible to reach Krka National Park by ferry. After parking your car, make your way to the park’s branch office to purchase your tickets for the ferry that will take you from Skradin to Krka National Park. The ferry departs from the town’s waterfront promenade.
Private Transfer
Booking a private transfer is ideal for families or small groups who want the flexibility of visiting Krka National Park on their own terms but do not wish to drive. Door-to-door service where your driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you straight to the park entrance you want to enter from. They will then wait for you and take you back to Split whenever you are ready to leave.
Although private transfers can often be more costly, when you are traveling in a group and can split the price among group members, it can actually end up being a more economical way to travel. Plus, you can communicate your wants and needs with your driver when it comes to pick up and drop off times, as well as stopping at any additional locations along the way.
Depending on the size of your group, you may be interested in taking a private minivan from Split to Krka, which is also available. Minivans can usually hold up to 8 passengers, have air conditioning, and sometimes even wifi. The journey with a minivan takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the park.
Private transfer to Krka is available starting at €100 one-way for a standard vehicle transfer, and can go up to €200 for a round trip journey from Split. The final price ultimately depends on the company, the time of year you are visiting, and how many drivers are available.
Taxi from Split to Krka National Park
Taking a taxi from Split to National Park Krka is possible, however traveling back to Split from the park can be trickier as there are not many taxis in the area. You could probably Uber there, which I would not necessarily recommend, or perhaps summon a local taxi in Split and make an agreement with the driver that they will wait for you until you are finished visiting the park to take you back to Split.
Split to Krka National Park Bus
How to get to Krka National Park from Split by bus
If you are looking for a more affordable way to reach the park, then taking a coach bus from Split to Krka National Park could be a good option for you.
There are several companies that travel to Krka waterfalls from Split, all of which operate out of the main Split Bus Station and offer service to the Skradin entrance multiple times a day. Croatia Bus, Flixbus, and Knežević are the most common companies that operate buses from Split to Krka National Park.
When searching for the timetables online or booking your ticket, make sure to choose Split as your departure point, and Skradin as your final destination. This is important as it is the closest point you can get to Krka National Park by bus. Once in Skradin, you will need to purchase ferry tickets from the park’s branch office and walk to the waterfront promenade to catch the ferry that will then take you into the park.
The fastest bus has a travel time of just 1 hour and 10 minutes, with slower options taking 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach National Park Krka. Most routes are direct, so there likely won’t be any stopping along the way.
How much is the bus from Split to Krka National Park?
Prices for the bus from Split to Krka National Park range from €10 to €13 for a one-way ticket.
I usually recommend Flixbus as I have personally had great experiences with them not just in Croatia, but all over Europe. Their buses are usually newer, clean, and have air conditioning. Plus, they are super affordable! Check prices for tickets to Krka from Split on the Flixbus website.
Krka National Park Tours From Split
Joining an organized tour from Split is a great option if you want to visit the Krka National Park waterfalls without having to worry about the logistics. Many tour companies will pick you up from your accommodation, come with private guides, and some even offer additional stops like visiting a local Croatian winery.
Here are some of the of the best Krka National Park tours from Split :
Split to Krka Waterfalls – Full Day Private Tour
Tour Krka National Park and see the best of what Split has to offer (nature and food) on this full day private tour. You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and travel comfortably from Split to Krka in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgable guide and driver. This tour can be completely customized to your liking, giving you the flexibility to choose which route to take to the park, how much time you wish to spend there, and any additional stops along the way. Customers that have taken this tour rave about the guides and particularly loved stopping at a family run winery to sample the local vino.
Krka Waterfalls Day Tour with Boat Ride
Escape the city on one of the most popular day trips from Split to Krka waterfalls national park. You’ll meet your guide the morning of the tour at a central meeting point just outside Diocletian’s Cellars in the Split Old Town. From there, you’ll board an air-conditioned coach which will take you to the Skradinski Buk area of the park. This tour gives you 2.5 hours to explore Krka National Park on your own, which is plenty of time to see all of the major waterfalls. Afterwards, you will visit the nearby town of Skradin where you can enjoy swimming in the Krka River or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The tour also includes a panoramic boat cruise through the Krka River canyon.
Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour
This Krka day trip from Split is an awesome option if you want a hassle-free visit to the park with round-trip transport topped off with wine! Skip the car rental and be transported straight to the park in an air-conditioned vehicle with a host to give you background information in the park along with some local insights. This tour also includes a visit to the picturesque town of Skradin where you’ll have free time for swimming and lunch. After visiting the park, your guide will take you to a local winery for a tour and tasting that includes several different kinds of wine, an aperitif, and local cheese.
Krka Waterfalls and Sibenik Small Group Tour with Wine
This Split Krka tour takes you beyond the waterfalls with a visit to the striking town of Šibenik – the city of stone. As you stroll through Šibenik’s winding alleys, ancient stone homes, and cobblestone staircases, you will feel as if you’ve been transported to another era! Following your visit to Šibenik, you will continue on to your Krka National Park tour accompanied by a guide. Afterwards, you’ll have free time for lunch and enjoy a boat ride to the charming village of Skradin where you can enjoy the scenery and swim in the Krka River (where you won’t have to worry about sharks in Croatia).
Krka Waterfalls Tour, Boat Cruise & Swimming
Enjoy a Krka tour from Split in a modern, air-conditioned coach, accompanied by a local guide eager to share the history about the area. This Split to Krka tour allows plenty of time to explore the park, admire the most impressive waterfall, Skradinski Buk, and admire the views of the park on a boat ride through the striking canyon. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit on this tour as you’ll have time to refresh in the Krka River before heading back to Split!
How to Get From Krka to Split
After visiting Krka National Park, you’ll need to get back to Split. Depending on the mode of transportation you took to reach Krka National Park, the journey back should be pretty straightforward.
If you rented a car, you can drive back from Krka National Park to Split on the highway or take the coastal road back to witness extra beautiful sunset views of the Adriatic Sea. You may also want to stop in Šibenik or visit Trogir on your way back!
Of course, if you hired a private driver, they will be waiting for you to take you back to Split when you are finished exploring the park. If you came by bus to Krka National Park, make sure you are back at the station in Skradin in time to board the bus back.
About Krka National Park
Named after the Krka River, Krka National Park is a stunning natural oasis in Croatia and the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is the second most popular park in Croatia just after Plitvice Lakes and boasts 7 travertine waterfalls including Veliki Slap, Roški Slap, and Skradinski Buk, countless walking trails and wildlife sightings.
The park is home to some of the purest water in Croatia, but also 1,197 species of plants and a plethora of animals – if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the national animal of Croatia! Summertime is the best time of year to visit when the waterfalls are in their full glory and you can take a boat ride through the park canyon to fully experience the unique karst landscape.
While the main draw to Krka National Park is its undeniably beautiful falls, the park is also home to a series of historic village sand old watermills, offering a glimpse into how people lived in yesteryear. History buffs will also appreciate the park’s ancient monastery dating back to 1455. The monastery is located on Visovac Island, upstream from Skradinski Buk in the middle of Visovac Lake, and houses a small collection of 17th-century paintings inside.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a visit to Krka National Park from Split is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories. From its stunning waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes to its rich history and wildlife sightings, this unique paradise is truly one of Croatia’s many gems. Whether you opt for a private tour or prefer to explore on your own, be sure to take advantage of everything this incredible park has to offer!
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FAQs
How long should you spend at Krka National Park?
One day is enough to visit Krka and see the park’s main highlights including Veliki Slap, Roški Slap, and Skradinski Buk.
Is Krka National Park worth it?
Yes! Krka National Park is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are staying in Split. If you love nature and want to escape the business of Split, you should plan a day trip to Krka.
Do you have to pay to go to Krka waterfalls?
Yes. The Krka National Park entrance fee is €40 per adult from June to Septmeber, after which tickets are slightly discounted depending on the month you visit.
Which is better Krka or Plitvice?
The parks are very different, so it depends on what type of activity you are looking for as well as how much time you have. Plitvice is bigger and offers many more hiking opportunities, while Krka is smaller, closer to the coast, and can be seen in one day.
Can you swim in the waterfalls at Krka National Park?
No, swimming in Krka National Park is strictly forbidden.
