Plitvice Lakes from Bihać: FAQ
Distance, entrances and a day plan.
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Distance, entrances and a day plan. 40 questions and answers for visitors to Bihać and the Una river.
How far is Bihać from the Plitvice Lakes?
Bihać is about 35 km from the Plitvice Lakes, a drive of around 35 to 40 minutes via the Izačić border crossing. After the border, the road joins the D1 state road at Ličko Petrovo Selo, and both main park entrances are on the D1. Queues at the border in summer can make the journey longer.
What is the route from Bihać to Plitvice Lakes?
From Bihać, drive to the Izačić border crossing, which on the Croatian side is called Ličko Petrovo Selo. From there the short D217 road leads to the D1 state road, which you follow to the entrances of Plitvice Lakes National Park. The whole route is about 35 km.
How long is the drive from Bihać to Plitvice?
The drive from Bihać to Plitvice takes about 35 to 40 minutes, not counting waiting at the border. In summer, especially at weekends and in the morning, there can be queues at the Izačić crossing, so allow extra time. Because park tickets have timed entry slots, it is best to set off early.
Which border crossing do you use between Bihać and Plitvice?
Between Bihać and Plitvice you cross at Izačić, which is called Ličko Petrovo Selo on the Croatian side. It is the shortest link between Bihać and the Plitvice Lakes. Croatia is in the Schengen Area, so this is an external EU border with border checks.
What documents do I need to cross the border from Bihać to Plitvice?
EU citizens can cross with a valid national ID card or passport. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other non-EU travellers need a valid passport, and entry requirements depend on nationality. Schengen entry rules change, so check the current requirements on official websites before you travel.
How long is the wait at the Izačić border crossing?
Waiting times at Izačić vary a lot, from a few minutes outside the season to considerably longer in summer, at weekends and during holidays. The longest queues are usually in the morning towards Croatia and in the afternoon towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you have a ticket for a set time slot, leave with time to spare.
What are the entrances to Plitvice Lakes National Park?
The main entrances are Entrance 1 and Entrance 2, both on the D1 state road, and there is also the smaller Flora entrance. Entrance 1 is on the northern side, closer to the Lower Lakes and the Great Waterfall (Veliki slap). Entrance 2 is the central entrance by the hotels and better for touring both the Upper and Lower Lakes.
Which Plitvice entrance should I use coming from Bihać?
From Bihać both main entrances are equally easy to reach, as both are on the same D1 road, a few kilometres apart. Entrance 1 is better for a shorter visit to the Lower Lakes and the Great Waterfall, and Entrance 2 for a longer tour of the Upper and Lower Lakes. You choose your entrance when buying your ticket.
What is the difference between Entrance 1 and Entrance 2 at Plitvice?
Entrance 1 leads straight to the Lower Lakes and the Great Waterfall, with the well-known viewpoints, so it suits a shorter visit. Entrance 2 is by the hotels in the central part of the park and is better for touring both the Upper and Lower Lakes. From Entrance 2 you reach the Upper Lakes on foot or by panoramic train.
Where can I buy tickets for the Plitvice Lakes?
It is best to buy Plitvice Lakes tickets in advance on the official website, np-plitvicka-jezera.hr. Tickets are valid for a specific entry slot, and entering before that time is not allowed. You can buy at the ticket office, but in high season that may mean queuing or sold-out slots. When buying, you choose the date, entrance and entry time.
How much does a ticket to Plitvice Lakes cost?
The ticket price for the Plitvice Lakes depends on the season, the visitor's age and the type of ticket, and it changes from year to year. Check current prices on the official website, np-plitvicka-jezera.hr. Prices are usually higher in summer than in spring, autumn and winter. Children and students usually get reduced prices, and tickets are bought for a specific entrance and time slot.
Do I need to book Plitvice tickets in advance?
Yes, the park explicitly recommends buying online in advance, especially in summer, as entry is by timed slot. The ticket must be used in the slot chosen at purchase, and you may arrive at most one hour late. Entry before your slot is not allowed. From Bihać, leave enough time for the Izačić border crossing.
What happens if I am late for my Plitvice entry time?
Under park rules, you may arrive at the entrance up to one hour after the time on your ticket. If you are coming from Bihać, allow for possible waiting at the Izačić border. For summer morning slots, set off at least an hour earlier than your sat nav suggests.
How long do you need to visit the Plitvice Lakes?
To see the main sights, the Upper and Lower Lakes, allow about 4 to 6 hours. A shorter visit to just the Lower Lakes and the Great Waterfall takes 2 to 3 hours. If you prefer a slower pace or longer hiking trails, plan a full day. According to the park's price list, the ticket includes the electric boat and panoramic train within your chosen route.
When is the best time to visit the Plitvice Lakes?
The best times to visit Plitvice are late spring, May to June, and early autumn, September and October. The waterfalls are then full or the scenery is in autumn colours, and crowds are smaller than in July and August. Summer is the busiest time.
When is Plitvice most crowded?
Plitvice is busiest in July and August, especially from about 10 am to 3 pm. The car parks fill up quickly then and progress on the boardwalks is slow. You can avoid the crowds by arriving early, before 8 am, or visiting later in the afternoon.
How can I avoid the crowds at Plitvice?
It is best to arrive early in the morning with the first entry slots, or later in the afternoon when tour groups leave. Outside July and August the crowds are much smaller. From Bihać you are at Plitvice in about 40 minutes, so an early arrival is easier than from places further away.
Why stay in Bihać instead of at Plitvice?
Accommodation in Bihać is usually cheaper than right next to the Plitvice Lakes, and the park is only about 35 km away. With us, a whole apartment, up to 100 m², costs from €25 or 50 KM per night, about what a single room usually costs in Bihać. You also have the Una for swimming, rafting and Una National Park on your doorstep.
Is accommodation in Bihać cheaper than near Plitvice?
Accommodation in Bihać is generally cheaper than in the immediate vicinity of the Plitvice Lakes, especially in summer. On apartmanibihac.com prices are €25 to €100 per night for the whole property, not per person, so a whole apartment from 50 KM costs the same as a single room in Bihać. You book directly with the owner, with no booking fee.
Can you combine Plitvice and the Una river in one trip?
Yes, it is a common plan: a day at the Plitvice Lakes and a day or two on the Una, with Štrbački buk, rafting and swimming. Bihać is a good base, as it is about 35 km from Plitvice and about 15 minutes from the Una National Park entrance. You can book accommodation on apartmanibihac.com.
What does a day trip from Bihać to Plitvice look like?
Set off around 7 am, cross the border at Izačić and be at the entrance by 8 am. Tour the Upper and Lower Lakes in 4 to 6 hours, have lunch near the park and drive back to Bihać in the afternoon. In the evening you can swim in the Una or stroll around central Bihać.
Can you get from Bihać to Plitvice by public transport?
Direct bus services from Bihać to Plitvice are not regular and depend on the season, so driving is the easiest option. Some agencies in Bihać run excursions with transport in summer. If you are staying with us, ask us about current transport options. A taxi is possible, but agree the price in advance.
Is there parking at the Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, there are official paid car parks at Entrance 1 and Entrance 2. In summer they fill up roughly between 10 am and 3 pm, and if one is full, the other often still has space. Check current parking prices on the park's official website.
Can you swim in the Plitvice Lakes?
No, swimming in the lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park is strictly prohibited. If you want to cool off after your visit, the Una in Bihać is about 40 minutes' drive away, and in summer you can swim at the town bathing spots. At the houses on the Una, the river is practically on your doorstep.
Are dogs allowed at the Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, pets are allowed in the park, but they must be kept on a lead and may not roam freely. The boardwalks can get crowded in summer, so plan your visit outside the busiest times. If you are travelling with a dog, our Apartman M. Mahala (Midžić Mahala) in Bihać accepts dogs, and for our other properties please ask when you enquire.
Are the Plitvice Lakes open in winter?
Yes, the park is open all year, but in winter usually only the Lower Lakes are open and the Upper Lakes are closed. The Upper Lakes generally reopen in early April, depending on the weather. Check opening times for your date on the official website, np-plitvicka-jezera.hr. A winter visit is shorter, but the lakes under snow and ice have a special look.
Is Bihać close to the Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, Bihać is one of the closest towns to the Plitvice Lakes, about 35 km or 35 to 40 minutes' drive away. Many people do not realise that Bihać is closer to Plitvice than most Croatian towns. That makes it a good base for visiting the park and the Una on the same trip.
How many days to stay in Bihać to see Plitvice?
To see Plitvice and the main sights of the Una, we recommend at least two to three days. Day one for Plitvice, day two for Štrbački buk and swimming in the Una, and day three for rafting or Martin Brod. For a longer stay by the Una, we have houses in Lohovo, Pritoka and Grmuša.
What is the best day of the week to visit Plitvice?
Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends, especially Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. At weekends there are also more day visitors from Croatia and neighbouring countries. The month and time of day still have the biggest effect on crowds. Coming from Bihać, it is easy to pick a weekday because you are so close.
Do you need a guide for the Plitvice Lakes?
No, the trails in the park are well signposted and you can follow your chosen route on your own. For groups who want expert guidance, the park offers guided tours, which are arranged directly with the park. You can get a trail map at the entrance or on the official website.
What should I wear to visit Plitvice?
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the paths are wooden boardwalks and slippery in places. Bring water, light layers and a rain jacket, as the weather in Lika can change quickly. In summer a cap and sun cream are useful. On rainy days, a spare pair of shoes in the car comes in handy.
Is Plitvice suitable for children?
Yes, the shorter routes are suitable for children, but the trails have steps and sections without railings. Keep children close, especially on the boardwalks by the water. Pushchairs are not practical everywhere, so a baby carrier is often the better choice.
Can you cycle from Bihać to Plitvice?
Yes, the route is about 35 km, but it has climbs and part of it runs along the D1 state road, which is busy in summer. Experienced cyclists can do it as a day trip. Bikes are not allowed on the walking trails in the park, so plan where you will leave your bike.
Are there restaurants at the Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, there are restaurants and snack bars at the entrances and inside the park, and private restaurants in the surrounding villages. Prices near the park are generally higher than in Bihać. That is why many guests have lunch back in Bihać, by the Una.
How far are the Plitvice Lakes from Una National Park?
According to Una National Park, the two parks are about thirty kilometres apart as the crow flies, and by road it is about 45 km from the Plitvice entrance to the Una National Park entrance near Bihać, crossing the border at Izačić. Bihać lies between them, so it is easy to use as a base for both parks. The Una National Park entrance is about 15 minutes' drive from Bihać.
Can you visit Plitvice in the morning and the Una in the afternoon?
Yes, if you set off early and take a shorter route at Plitvice, you can be swimming in the Una or at Štrbački buk in the afternoon. For rafting it is better to plan a separate day, as it takes half a day. If you like, we can arrange rafting with Una Olympic Rafting for another day of your stay.
Is the road from Bihać to Plitvice in good condition?
The road is tarmac and in good condition, but it is mostly a two-lane road through hilly terrain. In winter there can be snow and ice, so winter equipment is needed. In summer, the main cause of delays is waiting at the Izačić border. In Croatia, winter equipment is compulsory on signed winter sections from 15 November to 15 April, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1 November to 1 April.
Do I need a vignette to drive from Bihać to Plitvice?
No, there are no motorways or tolls on the route from Bihać to Plitvice, and Croatia does not use vignettes for cars. You drive on state roads via the Izačić crossing. For vehicles from Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is advisable to check your green card insurance. Foreign drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia must carry a driving licence and vehicle registration document.
How do I book accommodation in Bihać for a visit to Plitvice?
Send an enquiry on apartmanibihac.com with your dates and number of guests, and the owner confirms availability within 12 hours. You pay in cash on arrival; whether a deposit is needed depends on the property and is stated in your confirmation. Check-in is from 12:00 and check-out by 11:00, or 12:00 if the property is free. You can also message us on WhatsApp/Viber +387 61 591 320.
Which accommodation in Bihać is closest to Plitvice?
All our properties in and around Bihać are about 35 to 45 minutes' drive from Plitvice. The apartments in central Bihać and the houses in Pritoka are closest to the Izačić border crossing. The houses in Lohovo are a better fit if you also want Una National Park nearby.
All FAQ topics · A whole apartment in Bihać or a house on the Una from €25 per night: send an enquiry on the website or message us on WhatsApp. We speak English.