Plitvice Lakes Entrance 1 vs Entrance 2: Which One Should You Choose?
Plitvice Lakes National Park has two main entrances, and your ticket locks you into one of them. That means you need to decide before you arrive — and the wrong choice can mean longer walks, bigger crowds, or missing the parts of the park you actually came to see.
The two entrances sit about 3 kilometers apart on the same road. Entrance 1 (Rastovača) drops you at the Lower Lakes near the park's tallest waterfall. Entrance 2 (Hladovina) places you at the Upper Lakes surrounded by dense forest. Same park, completely different starting experiences.
This guide breaks down everything that matters: parking, facilities, routes, crowd levels, and the specific scenarios where one entrance clearly beats the other. By the end, you'll know exactly which gate to book your ticket for.
Quick Comparison: Entrance 1 vs Entrance 2
Before diving into the details, here's the side-by-side overview:
| Feature | Entrance 1 (Rastovača) | Entrance 2 (Hladovina) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Lower Lakes (south end) | Upper Lakes (north end) |
| GPS | 44.905280, 15.611835 | 44.881796, 15.622529 |
| First thing you see | Veliki Slap (Great Waterfall) | Forest trail to Upper Lakes |
| Parking to gate | 1-2 minute walk | ~15 minute walk |
| Parking lots | P1 | P2 and P3 |
| Terrain direction | Mostly uphill toward Upper Lakes | Mostly downhill toward Lower Lakes |
| Routes available | A, B, C, K1 | E, F, H, K2 |
| Crowd level | Higher, especially mornings | Lower, more spread out |
| Restrooms | Yes | Yes |
| Restaurants/cafés | Yes | Yes |
| Gift shop | Yes | Yes |
| ATM | Yes | Yes |
| Luggage storage | Yes | Yes |
| Bus stop nearby | Yes (intercity) | Yes (intercity) |
| Winter access | Open year-round | Closed Nov-March |
| Best for | Short visits, waterfall lovers | Full-day visits, quieter start |
Both entrances include the same ticket price, which covers electric boat rides across Lake Kozjak and panoramic train transport within the park. The difference is entirely about where you start and what you experience first.
Entrance 1 (Rastovača): The Lower Lakes Gateway
Location and Access
Entrance 1 sits at the southern end of the park, beside the Lower Lakes canyon section. If you're driving from Zagreb (about 2 to 2.5 hours south on the D1 highway), this is the entrance you'll reach first. Coming from Zadar (1.5 to 2 hours), you'll also approach from this direction.
The entrance is right on the main road, clearly signposted. International buses (including FlixBus) stop directly outside, making it the more convenient entrance if you're arriving by public transport.
Parking
Entrance 1 has one parking area designated P1. It sits in a forested area directly adjacent to the entrance gate — the walk from your car to the ticket booth takes just one to two minutes if you arrive early and get a close spot.
The lot fills in a linear pattern, so earlier arrivals park closer. During peak summer months (June through September), P1 can fill by mid-morning. If it's full, you'll be directed to overflow areas or asked to try Entrance 2.
2026 Parking rates at both entrances:
| Vehicle | Mid Season (Mar-May, Oct-Nov) | High Season (Jun-Sep) |
|---|---|---|
| Car | €1.50/hour | €2/hour |
| Motorcycle | €5/day | €7/day |
| Camper/Trailer | €15/day | €18/day |
Parking is paid when you exit at the payment booths. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.
Facilities
Entrance 1 has everything you need before starting your hike:
- Ticket booth with skip-the-line options for pre-purchased tickets
- Tourist information center with maps and route advice
- Restrooms (free with park entry)
- Restaurant and café serving Croatian dishes and quick snacks
- Gift shop with souvenirs and basic supplies
- ATM for cash withdrawals
- Luggage storage if you're traveling between cities
The facilities here are compact but complete. You won't find the larger hotel complex that sits near Entrance 2, but everything a day visitor needs is within a few steps of the gate.
Route Access
Four of the park's eight official routes start from Entrance 1:
- Route A (3.5 km, 2-3 hours) — Lower Lakes only loop. The shortest and easiest route, ideal for a quick visit.
- Route B (4 km, 3-4 hours) — Lower Lakes plus an electric boat ride across Lake Kozjak.
- Route C (8 km, 4-6 hours) — The full park circuit covering both Lower and Upper Lakes. The most popular route.
- Route K1 (18+ km, 6-8 hours) — The extended full-park hike for serious walkers.
If you're planning to walk one of the park's official hiking routes, Entrance 1 gives you access to Route C — widely considered the best overall route for first-time visitors who want to see everything in one day.
What You'll See First
This is Entrance 1's biggest advantage. Within ten steps of passing through the gate, you're standing at a viewpoint overlooking Veliki Slap — the Great Waterfall, the tallest in Croatia at 78 meters. Thirty meters further, you reach the wooden boardwalks running alongside the Lower Lakes.
The immediate visual payoff is enormous. You go from parking lot to one of the most photographed waterfalls in Europe in under five minutes. For visitors with limited time or mobility, this alone can justify choosing Entrance 1.
Nearby Accommodation
Several guesthouses and apartments sit within walking distance of Entrance 1:
- Pansion Danica — approximately 600 meters from the entrance
- Various private apartments in the Rastovača area, typically 0.5 to 1.5 km away
- Budget-friendly rooms in Jezerce village, a short drive south
The accommodation near Entrance 1 tends to be smaller family-run guesthouses rather than large hotels. For a full guide to staying near the park, see our accommodation guide.
Crowd Levels
Entrance 1 is the more popular entrance by a significant margin. Most tour groups, day-trippers from Zagreb, and first-time visitors default to it because of the waterfall access and shorter parking walk.
By season:
- Summer (Jun-Sep): Very crowded from 9am onward. The boardwalks near Veliki Slap can feel congested by mid-morning. Arrive at the 7am opening to beat the rush.
- Spring (Apr-May): Moderate crowds. Weekday mornings are comfortable; weekends pick up by 10am.
- Fall (Sep-Oct): Gradually decreasing crowds. Autumn is one of the best times to visit for foliage and thinner crowds.
- Winter (Nov-Mar): Minimal crowds. Entrance 1 is your only option since Entrance 2 closes for the season.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Immediate access to Veliki Slap and Lower Lakes boardwalks
- Very short walk from parking to entrance gate (1-2 minutes)
- Best for short visits (2-3 hours)
- Open year-round
- Convenient for public transport arrivals
- Routes A, B, and C all start here
Cons:
- More crowded, especially in summer mornings
- Uphill walking if heading toward Upper Lakes
- Parking lot fills faster
- The "wow factor" happens immediately — the rest of the walk may feel less dramatic by comparison
Entrance 2 (Hladovina): The Upper Lakes Gateway
Location and Access
Entrance 2 sits approximately 3 kilometers north of Entrance 1 along the same road. It's positioned at the Upper Lakes end of the park, closer to Prošćansko Jezero — the park's highest and largest lake.
If you're driving from Split (about 4 to 5 hours north), you'll reach Entrance 2 before Entrance 1. The extra 3 kilometers of driving from Entrance 1's turnoff add only a few minutes.
Like Entrance 1, intercity bus services stop near Entrance 2, though fewer routes service this stop compared to Entrance 1.
Parking
Entrance 2 has two parking areas: P2 and P3. Combined, they offer more total capacity than P1 at Entrance 1. However, there's a catch — the parking lots sit a considerable distance from the actual entrance gate.
The walk from P2 or P3 to the Entrance 2 gate takes roughly 15 minutes. The path runs past hotel buildings and along a road without much scenery. This is the single biggest practical disadvantage of Entrance 2, and it surprises many visitors who expect a setup similar to Entrance 1.
Parking costs are identical at both entrances (see the rate table above). The same pay-on-exit system applies.
Facilities
Entrance 2 has a more developed infrastructure thanks to the cluster of park hotels nearby:
- Ticket booth with skip-the-line options
- Tourist information center
- Restrooms
- Multiple restaurants and cafés (both at the entrance area and within the hotel complex)
- Gift shop
- ATM
- Luggage storage
- Hotel Jezero, Hotel Bellevue, and Hotel Plitvice — three park-operated hotels right next to the entrance
The hotel complex means more dining options and a slightly more "resort" feel compared to Entrance 1's compact setup. If you're staying at one of these hotels, Entrance 2 is the obvious choice — you can walk straight from your room to the gate.
Route Access
Four routes start from Entrance 2:
- Route E (5 km, 2-3 hours) — Upper Lakes only. A scenic loop through the quieter forest section.
- Route F (4.5 km, 3-4 hours) — Upper Lakes plus a descent to see Veliki Slap, then return.
- Route H (8-9 km, 4-6 hours) — Full park circuit, the Entrance 2 equivalent of Route C.
- Route K2 (18+ km, 6-8 hours) — Extended full-park hike starting from the Upper Lakes.
Routes from Entrance 2 follow the natural flow of water — you walk downhill as the lakes cascade from Prošćansko Jezero down toward the Lower Lakes. Check our complete route comparison guide for detailed breakdowns of each route.
What You'll See First
The first impressions from Entrance 2 are subtler than Entrance 1. You enter through a forest path and gradually reach the Upper Lakes, where calm, wide lakes reflect the surrounding trees. There's no immediate waterfall — instead, you get a slow build as the lakes become more dramatic further along the trail.
Some visitors prefer this pacing. The Upper Lakes offer quieter, more contemplative scenery before the boardwalks intensify as you approach the Lower Lakes section. Others find the start underwhelming compared to Entrance 1's instant drama.
The view direction also matters: routes from Entrance 2 follow the water's flow, meaning you're generally looking at waterfalls from above or behind. Routes from Entrance 1 walk toward the waterfalls, giving you those classic head-on waterfall views for hundreds of meters as you approach.
Nearby Accommodation
Entrance 2 has the best accommodation options in the entire Plitvice area:
- Hotel Jezero — the largest park hotel, directly beside Entrance 2
- Hotel Bellevue — budget-friendly park hotel, steps from the gate
- Hotel Plitvice — historic park hotel in a charming building
- Mukinje village — numerous apartments and guesthouses within a 15-minute walk
- Grabovac — a village 8 km north with dozens of family-run accommodations
If minimizing your morning commute to the park is a priority, the Entrance 2 area is unmatched. You can literally roll out of bed at Hotel Jezero and be at the gate in minutes.
Crowd Levels
Entrance 2 is consistently less crowded than Entrance 1 across all seasons. The longer parking walk and less dramatic first impression naturally filter out casual visitors and tour groups, who overwhelmingly choose Entrance 1.
By season:
- Summer (Jun-Sep): Noticeably calmer than Entrance 1, especially before 10am. Boardwalks in the Upper Lakes section rarely feel congested.
- Spring (Apr-May): Pleasantly quiet. You may have sections of trail nearly to yourself on weekday mornings.
- Fall (Sep-Oct): Very manageable. The Upper Lakes foliage is stunning in October.
- Winter (Nov-Mar): Closed. The Upper Lakes section shuts down, and Entrance 2 closes entirely. You must use Entrance 1.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Less crowded at all times of year
- Downhill walking direction (easier on legs)
- Best accommodation options right at the entrance
- More dining choices near the hotel complex
- Quieter, more peaceful start to your visit
- Routes E and H start here
Cons:
- 15-minute walk from parking to entrance gate
- Less dramatic first impressions (no immediate waterfall)
- Closed November through March
- Waterfall views are from above/behind rather than head-on
- Fewer visitors means less atmosphere if you enjoy lively settings
Which Entrance Should You Choose?
The best entrance depends entirely on what you're planning to do. Here are the most common scenarios:
If You're Doing Route A or B (Lower Lakes Only)
Choose Entrance 1. Routes A and B are Lower Lakes circuits that start and end at Entrance 1. Starting from Entrance 2 would mean a long walk or train ride just to reach the starting point, wasting valuable time.
If You're Doing Route C (Full Park, Most Popular)
Choose Entrance 1. Route C is the classic full-park experience: Lower Lakes boardwalks, electric boat across Kozjak, Upper Lakes, and panoramic train back to Entrance 1. It starts and ends at Entrance 1 by design. This is the route most first-time visitors should take.
If You're Doing Route H or K (Full Park from Upper Lakes)
Choose Entrance 2. Route H covers similar ground to Route C but starts at the Upper Lakes and works downhill. If you prefer a gentler descent and don't mind saving the waterfall drama for the second half of your visit, Route H from Entrance 2 is excellent.
If You Want to Focus on the Upper Lakes
Choose Entrance 2. Routes E and F explore the Upper Lakes section specifically. The Upper Lakes are quieter, more forested, and feature a different character — wider lakes with gentler cascades rather than the dramatic canyon waterfalls of the Lower Lakes.
If You Want to Focus on the Lower Lakes and Veliki Slap
Choose Entrance 1. The Lower Lakes and Great Waterfall are directly accessible from Entrance 1. You'll be on the boardwalks within five minutes and standing at the base of Veliki Slap within twenty.
If You're Short on Time (2-3 Hours)
Choose Entrance 1. The immediate waterfall access and short parking walk mean you waste zero time on logistics. Route A covers the Lower Lakes highlights in 2-3 hours, and you'll see the park's most iconic scenery. With Entrance 2, you'd spend 15 minutes just walking from the parking lot before you even enter the park.
If You're Traveling from Zagreb or Northern Croatia
Choose Entrance 1. It's the first entrance you'll reach driving south on the D1. No need to drive past it to reach Entrance 2.
If You're Traveling from Split, Dubrovnik, or Southern Croatia
Either works, but Entrance 2 is slightly closer. The difference is only 3 kilometers, so don't stress about it — choose based on your planned route instead.
If You're Visiting with Kids or Family
Choose Entrance 1 for younger children and shorter attention spans. The immediate payoff of seeing the Great Waterfall keeps kids engaged from the start. The shorter parking walk also helps with strollers or tired legs. Read our complete family guide for more tips on visiting with children.
Choose Entrance 2 if your kids are older and you want a calmer, less crowded experience. The downhill walking direction is easier for tired legs on the way back.
If You're Visiting in Winter
You must choose Entrance 1. Entrance 2 closes from November through March when the Upper Lakes section is inaccessible. Only the Lower Lakes and Entrance 1 operate during winter months.
If You're Staying at a Park Hotel
Choose Entrance 2. Hotel Jezero, Hotel Bellevue, and Hotel Plitvice are all beside Entrance 2. Walking to Entrance 1 from these hotels would be impractical.
If You Hate Crowds
Choose Entrance 2. Fewer tour groups, quieter boardwalks, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Combine an early arrival with Entrance 2, and you'll have significant stretches of trail to yourself even in summer.
Can You Switch Between Entrances?
Yes and no. Your ticket is purchased for a specific entrance with a designated entry time slot. You must enter through the entrance printed on your ticket within the one-hour window shown. Once you're inside the park, however, you can walk freely between both sections — the routes connect through the electric boat across Lake Kozjak and the panoramic train.
Many of the longer routes (C, H, K) naturally take you from one end of the park to the other. The panoramic train runs between key stops and both entrance areas, so you can finish your hike at the opposite end from where you started and take the train back to your entrance.
You cannot exit one entrance and re-enter through the other on the same ticket. If you leave the park through Entrance 2 after entering at Entrance 1, you're done for the day. Plan your route as a loop that returns you to your starting entrance, or use the panoramic train to get back.
The practical impact: don't overthink this. Choose your entrance based on which route you want to walk, and the internal transport (boat and train) will handle the logistics of getting you back.
Practical Tips for Either Entrance
Arrive Early
The park opens at 7:00 AM from April through October and 8:00 AM from November through March. Arriving at opening gets you the closest parking spots, the shortest ticket lines, and the emptiest boardwalks. By 10am in summer, both entrances see significant crowds — but Entrance 1 fills noticeably faster.
Book Tickets Online
Tickets are sold with hourly time slots and limited capacity. During summer months, popular time slots (8am-10am) sell out days in advance. Book through the official park website (np-plitvicka-jezera.hr) to guarantee your preferred entrance and time. Pre-purchased tickets let you skip the ticket booth entirely.
Parking Strategy
For Entrance 1: arrive by 8am in summer to get a close spot at P1. If the lot is full, don't circle — head to Entrance 2 where P2 and P3 have more combined capacity.
For Entrance 2: the 15-minute walk from parking is unavoidable regardless of how early you arrive. Factor this into your schedule. The walk is flat and paved but offers little shade in summer — bring water and sun protection.
What to Bring
Regardless of entrance, you'll want sturdy walking shoes (boardwalks get wet and slippery), water, sun protection, and a light rain jacket. The park doesn't allow drones, swimming, or picnicking near the lakes. Pack snacks since restaurant options inside the park are limited and overpriced. See our full packing list for detailed recommendations.
Budget Planning
A summer visit for two adults with car parking runs roughly €90-100 total (two adult tickets at €40 each plus 4-5 hours of parking at €2/hour). Visiting in April, May, or October cuts the ticket cost nearly in half. Check our budget guide for money-saving strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are Entrance 1 and Entrance 2?
About 3 kilometers by road, which takes roughly 5 minutes to drive. They're on the same road (D1), so switching between them is quick if you change your mind before entering.
Can I visit both the Upper and Lower Lakes from either entrance?
Yes. The full-park routes (C from Entrance 1, H from Entrance 2) cover both sections. Internal transport — the electric boat across Lake Kozjak and the panoramic train — connects the Upper and Lower Lakes regardless of your starting point.
Is Entrance 2 open in winter?
No. Entrance 2 closes from November through March because the Upper Lakes section is inaccessible during winter. Only Entrance 1 and the Lower Lakes operate during this period.
Which entrance is better for photography?
Entrance 1, generally. Routes starting from Entrance 1 walk toward the waterfalls, giving you dramatic head-on compositions. Routes from Entrance 2 follow the water's flow, meaning you're often looking at waterfalls from above or behind. That said, the Upper Lakes accessible from Entrance 2 offer beautiful reflections and wider lake panoramas that photograph well in calm morning light.
How much does parking cost at Plitvice Lakes in 2026?
Car parking costs €1.50 per hour from March through May and October through November, and €2 per hour from June through September. Motorcycles are €5-7 per day, and campers or trailers are €15-18 per day. Payment is made when you exit. Both cash and cards are accepted.
Is there a shuttle between the two entrances?
There's no dedicated shuttle running between the two entrance parking lots outside the park. Inside the park, the panoramic train connects various stops between the two entrance areas. If you're inside the park and need to return to your entrance, use the train — it's included in your ticket.
Which entrance do tour groups use?
The vast majority of organized tour groups enter through Entrance 1. If avoiding large groups is important to you, Entrance 2 will provide a much quieter experience, especially between 9am and 1pm when tour buses are most active.
Can I buy tickets at the entrance gate?
Yes, both entrances have ticket booths. However, during high season (June-September), time slots can sell out. Buying online in advance is strongly recommended to guarantee your preferred entrance and time slot. Tickets purchased at the gate are subject to availability for remaining time slots that day.
