shwets

Hello,

Basis on many many posts on this forum, we have got our broad itinerary ready for a 2 week holiday in Croatia in early June. Just fine-tuning some details now.
We are starting our trip in Zagreb, exploring it for a day and then moving on to Plitvice National Park. We want to take a morning bus or train from Zagreb, if possible, settle in our hotel and then explore the park for few hours. Again, explore it for few hours the next day morning, before going to Split. So my questions are -
1. What is a comfortable public transport option to use from Zagreb to Plitvice (we are spending the night at Plitvice Miric Inn)
2. Comfortable public transport to use from Plitvice to Split
We generally prefer trains to buses, where possible.

Many thanks,
Shweta

neckervd

There is no train line to Plitvice.
Morning buses leave Zagreb actually at 7.30 and 11.30 (2 1/4 hrs journey).
Plitvice - Split:
Plitvice dp 9.45 and 13.50 (6 hrs journey).
May be you will stop over at Sibenik/Krka Falls Park
http://www.autobusni-kolodvor.com/en/timetable.aspx

kja

Although you should be able to easily take a bus from Zagreb to the Plitvice Lakes, I have read that it is much harder to get a bus when leaving the Plitvice Lakes: Buses will only stop if they have empty seats, and maybe not even then. I don't know how common the problem is, but I have read of people who have stood at the side of the road for hours and hours and hours, trying -- unsuccessfully - to flag down a bus.

Good luck!

shwets

With a 5.5 yr old child, the idea of waiting for a bus doesnt sound appealing at all
Maybe I will look into renting a car in Zagreb and dropping it off in Split, as we definitely dont want the hassle of a car later on in Hvar, Vis and Dubrovnik.

kja

As long as you have time to recover from jet lag before picking up your car, that would seem to be an option worth considering. And you are right, no need for a car in Hvar, Vis, or Dubrovnik.

Enjoy!

shwets

Hi Kja, we would have 2.5 days in Zagreb before moving on. So jet lag wouldn't be a problem. In fact, I just posted another thread on what to do with an extra day. I think 1.5 days in Zagreb is enough to explore the capital.

Renting a car perhaps requires getting an IDP (although our Indian driving licenses are in English). Never done that, always a first time, so need to look into it.

kja

In the US, getting an IDP is an easy matter. Sorry, but I can't speak to what it would be like for you.

I just posted some ideas on your new thread....

dreamon

Is it not possible to book seats in advance on a bus from Plitvice to Split? Surely they would stop then? I've never done this so it's a question rather than a statement but that would seem reasonable to me. Otherwise few people would visit Plitvice if they couldn't get away to their next destination.

shwets

I am checking that possibility dreamon. But definitely, wouldnt take a chance with public transport from Plitvice to Split) unless i can book tickets in advance.

dreamon

shwets, check getbybus and buscroatia as a starting point for buying tickets. I haven't used them personally but their websites are very useful and well organised. Do come back and let us know how you got on because I know others would be interested.

shwets

Hi dreamon,
buscroatia site is quite easy to navigate, and there are several options from Plitvice to Split -
http://www.buscroatia.com/routes-sea...dS=998&aS=1217

One can buy bus tickets online in advance, clicking on 'Buy Now' takes you to getbybus website.
Seems like a doable alternate to renting a car and driving down.
Still thinking about what to do.