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Spanning approximately 400 km, this is Croatia\'s most popular north-to-south drive — from the capital through the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park to the Dalmatian coast.
Two ways to drive — the national park route or the fast motorway.
The route every Croatia visitor should drive at least once. Head south from Zagreb through Karlovac and the lush Kordun region to Plitvice Lakes — Croatia\'s most visited national park.
Pick up your car in Zagreb and drop it off in Split — no need to drive back. Avax offers competitive one-way fees with free cancellation on all bookings.
Rent for 3+ days and get a free cross-border permit — continue to Montenegro or Bosnia at no extra cost.
Five stops that transform a transfer into an unforgettable road trip.
Where the Korana, Kupa, Mrežnica and Dobra rivers meet. A great first coffee stop with a charming old town center and the star-shaped Renaissance fortress.
Often called "Mini Plitvice," this tiny village in Slunj is built right on top of travertine waterfalls. Walk the wooden boardwalks and watch the watermills in action — a perfect warm-up before the real thing.
Croatia\'s crown jewel — 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, surrounded by ancient beech and fir forests. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
The largest fortress in Croatia perched high above the Krka River source. A quick 30-minute detour off the main road with panoramic views over the Dalmatian hinterland.
Your destination: the 1,700-year-old Roman palace that became a living city. Drop off your car and step straight into one of the Mediterranean\'s most vibrant old towns.
Pick up your car at Zagreb Airport, stop at Plitvice for 4 hours, and drop it off at Split Airport in the evening.
Allow 3–4 hours minimum. The Upper Lakes circuit (Route H) takes ~2h, the Lower Lakes (Route A) takes ~2h. Combine both for the full experience. Arrive before 10 AM in summer to avoid crowds.
A 30-minute walk through this open-air museum of watermills is enough to appreciate the unique setting. Small entry fee. Several cafes serve local trout right over the waterfalls.
Croatia\'s largest fortress with panoramic views of the Dalmatian hinterland.
A rental car gives you maximum freedom — here\'s how the options compare.
| Rental Car | Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5–6 h | 5–6 h | 6–7 h |
| Plitvice stop | |||
| Door-to-door | |||
| Flexibility | Full freedom | Fixed schedule | Fixed schedule |
| Luggage | Limited | ||
| Approx. cost | From €146/day One-way fee included | €15–25 pp | €15–25 pp |
Only a rental car lets you stop at Plitvice Lakes on the way. Buses and trains run direct with no scenic stops.
Everything you need for a stress-free Zagreb to Split drive.
Unlike a bus or train, a rental car lets you stop at Plitvice Lakes for as long as you want. Our one-way option means no backtracking.
Pick up at Zagreb Airport or Zagreb Center. Drop off at Split Airport or Split Downtown — whichever fits your itinerary.
Planning to continue to Bosnia or Montenegro from Split? Rent for 3+ days and your cross-border permit is free.
Our cars come equipped with the latest GPS and air conditioning — essential for comfortable driving through the Lika highlands.
Start your journey at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) or Zagreb Downtown. Return your car at Split Airport (SPU) or Split Downtown — whichever suits your travel plans.
Need to continue on to the islands or further south? Rent for 3 days or more and your free cross-border permit is included automatically.
Our recommendation based on the route terrain, distance, and what our customers love most.
Comfort
400 km drive deserves a comfortable car — spacious seats for long hauls
SUV
Visit Plitvice Lakes gravel paths and forest roads with ease
Economy
Solo or couple? Save big on the A1 motorway with a fuel-efficient compact
Check availability and lock in your one-way rate. Free cancellation included.