Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's oldest and largest national park, and its sixteen terraced lakes connected by waterfalls are the reason most visitors add it to a Split itinerary despite the distance. At around 260 kilometres and three hours each way, it's a genuine day trip rather than a quick detour.
Planning the day
Because the round trip involves six hours of driving, an early start matters. Leaving Split by 7:00–7:30am gives a full day inside the park before the return drive, and avoids the worst of the midday coach-tour crowds at the main entrances.
Which entrance to use
The park has two entrances, St1 and St2. St2 is generally quieter and puts you closer to the upper lakes first, which is a reasonable route for a first visit. A private transfer can drop you directly at whichever entrance suits your planned route through the park rather than a fixed tour-bus stop.
What to bring
Good walking shoes are essential — the wooden boardwalks can be slippery, especially after rain, and there's no shortcut around the walking. Bring water and sun protection in summer, since much of the walk between the lakes offers little shade.
Private transfer vs. organised tour
A group tour bus fixes your arrival and departure time regardless of how you want to spend the day. A private transfer means you set the schedule — more time at the upper lakes, or a shorter visit with a swim on the coast afterwards — while the driver waits or a return time is agreed in advance.