Perfect Split to Krka National Park Day Trip Itinerary
Planning a day trip to Krka National Park from Split? If so, this article’s for you.
Krka National Park is a stunning park, with turquoise blue waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, less than an hour’s drive from Split. The city of Skradin, where you’ll find the main ticketing office, is well connected to Split by public buses.
This article will cover exactly how to get to Krka National Park, where to buy tickets, what to do in the park, and more.
Here is everything you need to plan an epic day trip to the Krka waterfalls.
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How To Get To Krka National Park From Split
Krka National Park is only an hour’s drive, or a 1.5 hour bus ride from Split. You can book your tickets online for the “Split to Skradin” route, which will take you to the small town where the park’s ticketing office is located.
I booked tickets through Flixbus, and there are other buses that operate the same route if you’re looking for more availability. The bus departs from Split’s bus terminal in the marina, and will drop you off at Skradin’s bus station.
From Skradin’s bus station, it’s a short 5 minute walk to reach Krka National Park’s ticket office. It’s located in this small glass building right by the marina. Here you can buy tickets to the park, and hop on a short 10-15 minute boat ride to reach the park.
You can also purchase your entrance tickets online.
Other than public transportation, you can join a group tour from Split to the most convenience. These group tours cover roundtrip transportation, and a guided hike in the park, and time to see the attractions in Skradin.
Here are the top-rated options.
- Krka Waterfalls Sightseeing Tour: Guided tour of the park and Skradin from Split
- Krka Waterfalls & Wine-Tasting Tour: Guided tour of the park and Skradin from Split, including a wine-tasting tour in the nearby village of Plastovo
Entrance to the park is €40/adult during peak season (June-Sep), €20/adult (Apr-May & Oct), and €7/adult in off-season (Jan-March, Nov-Dec).
Tickets are reduced 25% if you visit after 3pm (15:00), and the park is open till 6-8pm during peak season. Additionally, there’s a discount for active university students if you bring your student ID.
The boat ride to the park takes around 15 minutes each way, and is included in the entrance tickets. I recommend eating in Skradin before visiting the park, as restaurants and vendors in the park can be expensive.
Skradin has small grocery stores, restaurants, and a street lined with food vendors leading up to the marina.
Krka National Park Itinerary
Once you arrive by boat in the park, it’s a short walk to see Skradinski Buk, the largest waterfall in the park. This is a spectacular tiered waterfall that flows into the Krka river, and you’ll have amazing photo opportunities walking across the wooden bridge.
As you continue walking down the main path, you’ll see another gorgeous cascading waterfall that flows into multiple pools. There’s charming stone houses by the waterfall, and a traditional watermill that you can tour inside of.
You can continue hiking down the path to enjoy more viewpoints of the waterfalls, and Krka river. I ended my hike after touring the water mill, and it only took me around an hour to see everything.
There are souvenir shops and food vendors near the first waterfall (Skradinski Buk), and many benches and tables to relax at. I highly recommend packing your own snacks and drinks so you can avoid the park’s prices!
Tips for visiting Krka National Park
- Eat in Skradin beforehand to avoid the park’s expensive food prices
- Visit later in the day (after 15:00/3pm) to receive a 25% off discount
- Pack snacks and drinks to enjoy a picnic by the waterfalls
- Join a group tour from Split to go wine-tasting in the nearby village of Plastovo
- Pack a swimsuit to swim in Skradin’s City Beach
- Hike up the fortress of Turina for an amazing view of Skradin and the Krka river
- Check out Skradin’s Vintage car museum
Best Time To Visit Krka National Park
The best time to visit Krka National Park is later in the day (after 3pm), so you can receive a 25% off discount! The park is open relatively late (6-8pm) in peak season, and you’ll have plenty of time to see the waterfalls within a few hours.
Split to Krka Waterfalls Itinerary Map
Krka National Park FAQs
Can you swim in the Krka waterfalls?
No, you unfortunately cannot swim in the Krka waterfalls. However, you can swim in the river at Skradin’s City Beach, which is just a 10 minute walk from the ticketing office.
Where do you eat at Krka National Park?
The best place to eat at Krka national park is in Skradin, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and food vendors. Restaurant options are limited in the park and can be very overpriced.
How much time do you need at Krka National Park?
You only need 2-3 hours to visit Krka National Park, including the boat ride. The popular waterfalls are easily accessible by a short 10-15 minute walk, and you can continue hiking around the park if you want to explore more viewpoints.
Should I visit Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park?
Krka National Park is less than an hour’s drive from Split (1.5 hour bus ride), whereas Plitvice Lakes is a 3 hour drive (3.5 hour bus ride), so it’s a better option if you have limited time.
Plitvice Lakes is much larger than Krka National Park, and has a variety of longer hikes. Both parks are very beautiful, but Plitvice Lakes is the place to go if you want to spend a full day out in nature.
Is Krka National Park worth visiting?
Yes, Krka National Park is well worth visiting in my experience. It has stunning turquoise blue travertine waterfalls, and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Split.
That being said, food is known for being expensive in the park, so it’s best to eat in Skradin, and pack your own snacks and drinks.
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