Escape to Plitvice Lakes: A Day Trip from Budapest You’ll Never Forget

If you’re staying in Budapest and looking for a day trip that will take your breath away, let us introduce you to one of the most magical places in Europe — Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.

Yes, it’s a bit of a drive (around 4.5 to 5 hours), but that’s where we come in. With our private transfers, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing scenery from the comfort of a modern, air-conditioned vehicle — no buses, no crowds, just your group and a friendly driver who knows the way.

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So, What’s So Special About Plitvice Lakes?

Plitvice isn’t just a national park — it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. Picture this: 16 crystal-clear lakes, connected by over 90 cascading waterfalls, all set in a lush green forest where wooden walkways wind right over the water. It honestly looks like something out of a fairytale.

What makes it even more incredible is that the lakes change color depending on the time of day, sunlight, and minerals in the water. Sometimes turquoise, sometimes emerald, sometimes a shade of deep blue you didn’t even know existed.

A Bit of History (Because Nature Has a Past Too)

Plitvice has been a protected area since 1949, making it the oldest national park in Southeast Europe. But people have lived in the area for centuries — Illyrians, Romans, Slavs — each leaving their own little mark on the region.

And here’s a bit of recent (and sobering) history: during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s, the park was actually the site of the first armed conflict of the war, known as the “Plitvice Lakes incident.” Luckily, today it’s all about peace, beauty, and connecting with nature.

Local Legends & Wild Encounters

According to local legend, the lakes were created after a long drought, when the “Black Queen” appeared and made it rain for days, filling up the valley with water. Whether you believe in queens and legends or not, there’s definitely a magical feeling in the air.

And if you love animals — you’re in luck. Plitvice is home to bears, wolves, lynxes, and over 160 species of birds. Don’t worry though — most of the big animals keep their distance from the walking trails.

Why Visit with Us?

Here’s the thing — public transport to Plitvice from Budapest is… let’s say, complicated. Long waits, connections, language barriers. That’s why our guests love booking a private transfer. You choose the time, we pick you up at your door, and you travel in comfort all the way to the park.

Want to stop for a coffee in Zagreb on the way? We can do that. Want to stay overnight and return the next day? No problem.

We’re all about flexibility, comfort, and local tips — our drivers know the best viewpoints, secret photo spots, and where to grab the best traditional Croatian lunch.

To make things even easier, we offer different vehicle options to match your group size and budget. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, we’ve got you covered.

Take a look at our available vehicle classes and pricing for the Budapest – Plitvice Lakes trip below:

🚗 Standard Cars – €520 (up to 3 pax/3 bags)
🚙 Comfort car– €600 (up to 3 pax/3 bags)
🚐 Standard Van – €710 (up to 8 pax/8 bags)
🚖 Mercedes E-Class or Audi A6– €1200 (up to 2 pax/2 bags)
🚐 Mercedes V-Class – €1500(up to 6 pax/6 bags)
🚘 Mercedes S-Class and Mercedes EQS – €1900 (up to 2 pax/2 bags)
🚙 Maybach – €3000 (up to 2 pax/2 bags)
🚐 Mercedes Sprinter Lux 1900– € (up to 18 pax/10 bags)

All prices include a round-trip transfer from Budapest to Plitvice Lakes and back, along with 5 hours of waiting time at the park, so you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the area.
Please keep in mind that the entrance ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park is not included in the transfer price and must be purchased separately (we recommend booking it online in advance, especially during the summer season).

Final Tip: Wear Comfy Shoes!

There’s a fair bit of walking at Plitvice, but trust us — it’s worth every step. From the giant Veliki Slap (Big Waterfall) to quiet corners where you feel like you’re the only person on Earth, every part of the park is a discovery.

So, if you’re in Budapest and want to turn your stay into an adventure, let us take you to Plitvice. It’s more than a transfer — it’s a journey into nature’s most beautiful masterpiece.