Parks Manager

Getting to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park sits in Lika-Senj, Croatia, with Korenica the nearest town of any size — about 16.9 km (10.5 mi) out, or roughly 28 min of driving.

Drive times from Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park sits close enough to Northern Velebit National Park, Paklenica National Park, Risnjak National Park, and Krka National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.

Parks you can pair with Plitvice Lakes National Park
ParkApartEstimated drive
Northern Velebit National Park49.5 km (30.7 mi)1 hr 5 min
Paklenica National Park61.3 km (38.1 mi)1 hr 18 min
Risnjak National Park96.9 km (60.2 mi)1 hr 53 min
Krka National Park116 km (72.1 mi)2 hr 9 min

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Plitvice Lakes National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Korenica16.9 km (10.5 mi)28 min
Otočac27.2 km (16.9 mi)41 min
Gospić39.1 km (24.3 mi)54 min
Udbina40 km (24.8 mi)55 min
Donji Lapac45.9 km (28.5 mi)1 hr 1 min
Senj55 km (34.2 mi)1 hr 11 min
Novalja64.7 km (40.2 mi)1 hr 21 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Korenica, about 16.9 km (10.5 mi) away — roughly 28 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The practical bases are Korenica, Otočac, and Gospić — all within a reasonable drive of the park.