Zadar to Krka National Park
Croatia is well known for amazing nature and a number of national parks, especially if we consider the fact that it is a relatively small country when compared to other European countries. Krka National Park is the second most visited national park in the country, with Plitvice Lakes being the first, offering breathtaking views to emerald green lakes, waterfalls and cascades.
Prepare yourself for the trip and check the detailed plan of traveling between Zadar and Krka Waterfalls.
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Zadar to Krka by bus
Bus connections between Zadar and Krka National Park are well developed as there are up to 13 daily departures from Zadar Bus Station to Krka and vice versa. Note that the number of departures is more frequent during the summer season, whereas the number splits in half, or even less, during the winter season. Travel time is usually between 50 and 75 minutes, depending on the traffic and hour of the departure.
- The prices for a one-way adult ticket usually range between €8 and €12; however, buying a ticket in advance increases chances of getting a cheaper ticket.
- NOTE: Prices are expressed in euros but the official currency in Croatia is Croatian kuna (€1 ≈ 7.4kn)
- Buses from Zadar depart from Zadar Bus Station, while buses from Krka National Park depart from Skradin, a small town located approximately 250 meters from the Krka National Park ticket office and information center.
- Buses to and from Krka stop only at the bus stops specified in the boarding info and on your bus ticket. Make sure to be at the bus stop/station at least 15 minutes before the departure time, especially during peak season.
Check more details about the route and purchase your bus ticket below:
Zadar – Skradin (Krka National Park) | Skradin (Krka National Park) – Zadar |
Zadar to Krka by car
There are 5 official entrances to Krka National Park, but the two most popular among the visitors would be Skradin and Lozovac entrances. Other entrances are located at Roški slap, Burnum/Puljane, and Kistanje/Krka Monastery.
To reach Skradin entrance from Zadar, you will first need to take the road D424, join the A1 highway at highway toll Zadar-east and continue following A1 / E65 / E71 road for about 40 minutes. Toll fee is around 23HRK for a regular car (check price list for other types of vehicles). We also suggest to double check the list when travelling in July or August because the prices can be a bit higher during the peak-season.
Exit the highway at 21-Skradin and continue via D56 for less than 10 minutes to Skradin entrance.
If you want to take the Lozovac entrance, continue riding for about 10 minutes via D56.
The map below shows detailed instructions on how to get from Zadar to all five entrances by car.
Zadar to Krka by train
Unfortunately, there are no train connections between Zadar and Krka National Park. This also means that you have no option of using a Eurorail or Interrail pass for travelling between Zadar and Krka.
Renting a car to Krka
Visiting Krka Waterfalls by car is a great option if you prefer exploring the area on your own or if you don’t want to depend on fixed bus departures. In case you don’t possess your car while staying in Croatia, there are several car rental offices available in Zadar centre such as Avax, Enterprise, Uni Rent, etc. However, we recommend booking a car online so you can skip possible queues in rental offices.
Private transfers to Krka
For a carefree experience, an ideal option would be hiring a private transfer from Zadar to Krka National Park. The advantage of a private transfer is avoiding extra costs such as highway fee, fuel, etc. and it is ideal for families or group of friends. Prices for a transfer from Zadar to Krka start from €70 per vehicle (standard for 1-3 passengers).
Day tours to Krka
Travel agencies in Zadar offer different tours to Krka National Park; the most popular one is a full-day tour, including transport, guide, insurance and breakfast or lunch box from €60. Note that most offers don’t include a ticket to the Park.
What to see on your way from Zadar to Krka
Vrana Lake Nature Park – On your way to Krka, you could pay a visit to Vrana Lake Nature Park, rare intact natural habitats of water birds with many fresh water springs and immense biodiversity.
FAQs – Zadar to Krka
Q: Where can I park my car at Krka National Park?
There are parking lots available at Lozovac and Skradin entrance. The parking lot at Lozovac is free for visitors whereas the parking lot in Skradin there are several parking lots the closest one to the entrance costs around 10kn/hour.
Q: What would be the best time to visit Krka National Park?
Krka Waterfalls are amazing and worth of visit at any time of year but shoulder-season could be the best time to visit the National Park because it is still not that crowded and the weather is perfect to enjoy the nature.
Q: Is there some place where I could safely store my luggage?
Although there is no official luggage storage to be found in Krka National Park, visitors can buy luggage storage by different travel agencies in Skradin.
Q: I am in a wheelchair can I visit Krka?
Visiting the main part of national park Krka with a wheelchair is not possible, also people who are not fit enough to do a 2 – 3 hours walk with inclines and declines, can only visited a limited part of the national park. We recommend you contact the national park and ask for individual advice
Q: I am going to Krka by bus, can I bring my bike?
Bike transport on buses depends exclusively on the bus carrier. During summer season most bus companies will not accept bikes because there simply won’t be enough space for it in the luggage compartment. However, off-season it is possible to bring a bike if there’s enough space.
Q: Can I get around the park using any form of transportation?
Visitors can do a boat trip from Skradin to Skradinski Buk waterfall and the transportation by boat is included in the price of the entrance tickets. Here you can check the schedule of boat departures.
Q: Can you swim in Krka National Park?
At certain times of the year it is swimming is allowed at Skradinski buk and Roški slap waterfalls.
Q: Is bike riding allowed at Krka?
Yes, riding bikes is allowed in Krka National Park, however, cycling is permitted only on marked bicycle trails, and on local paved roads. Cycling is not permitted on the walking trails.