Split to Krka National Park: DIY Guide to Krka Waterfalls

Want to travel from Split to Krka National Park on your own? Krka National Park is famous for a series of breathtaking waterfalls, including the iconic Skradiniski Buk, a spectacle of terraced falls surrounded by lush greenery. So in this guide, I’ll share your transport options from Split to Krka National Park and what there is to see and the various walking trails once you get to Krka National Park.

This is Part 3 of my Split Cruise Port Series. Here’s the links to the other parts:

• Part 1: Split Cruise Port Guide: Roman Ruins to Beach Bliss
• Part 2: Split Cruise Port to Trogir: UNESCO Journey Through Time

This blog post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no cost to you.

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Split to Krka National Park: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎 Needs Hustle

Planning to see the Krka Waterfalls when your ship is docked at Split? The day trip from Split to Krka National Park is a very popular day trip option for cruisers arriving at Split Cruise Port. Krka National Park is about 65 miles (~105 km) from Split and almost all cruise lines will be selling an excursion to Krka from Split.

While the drive from Split to Krka National Park is less than 1.5 hours each way, I would still rate the DIY excursion as 😎😎😎 Needs Hustle. (Obviously some of the transport options I list below are easier than others.) But all requires a bit of pre-planning! Here’s why you need some hustle:

• Need to Disembark Early: Cruise ships will dock as early as 6am in Split, with most docking at 7am, because the cruise lines also want to sell full-day tours from Split Cruise Port! Now, I don’t know anyone who gets up at 6am during their vacation but if you’d like to get to Krka National Park before the crowds descend, then you’ll need to set that alarm clock!
• Pre-Book Bus Tickets: While the Split Bus Station is about 5 minutes walk from Split Cruise Port and you can catch a non-stop coach transfer from Split to Krka National Park from there, you’ll need to pre-book bus tickets, especially during the summer.
• Pre-Planning Trails in Krka: Krka National Park itself is 109 square km (~42 square miles) but it is long and narrow. Krka stretches along the Krka River for roughly 75 km (~45 miles), so once you enter Krka National Park, you need to have a rough idea on where to go to maximise your experience during a day trip, because you simply don’t have much time. I’ll give you maps and tips on what to see below.

Split to Krka National Park Essentials: All You Need To Know

• Currency: Euro
• Language: Croatian. The Croatians who work in tourism will definitely speak English with you. When I visited Krka National Park, all the park guides I encountered spoke English with me.
• Official website: Krka National Park’s official website is www.npkrka.hr – do check latest park updates before your trip!
• Recommended Transport App:
  • Split: Use Google Maps for general navigation to Split Bus Station – 5 minutes walk from Split Cruise Port
  • Krka National Park: I would recommend using a good old fashioned map, although Google Maps does have the trails marked:
    • Skradinski Buk waterfall map (PDF) – this map shows you how to access the main waterfalls from Skradin entrances
    • Krka National Park map (PDF) – this map gives you a good overview of the entire Krka National Park

How to Get from Split to Krka National Park: Your Transport Options

There’s a number of options to get from Split to Krka National Park: by regular scheduled direct non-stop coach services from Split Bus Station, by a group transfer shuttle or by a third party operated tour.

You’ll read plenty of travel blogs which lists getting a rental car for an option for a day-trip. By default, I always think that renting a car for a day at port is a little too much trouble, so I won’t cover the rental car option here. Also, every cruise line will sell an excursion to Krka National Park, so if that’s what you’ve booked, then you can skip this section and just look at my “What to See & Do in Krka National Park” below.

1. Split Cruise Port to Krka National Park by Bus

Split Bus Station is conveniently located about 5 minutes walk from Split Cruise Port. The direct non-stop coaches to Krka National Park start at Split Bus Station. Use my Split Cruise Port map to help navigate – the walk is straightforward.

Once you disembark from the ship, follow sign towards port gates. Once outside the port gates, you’ll see the ferry terminals straight away, along with the queues of cars waiting to drive onto the next car ferry! Split Bus Station is opposite the Split Ferry Terminal, and adjacent to Split Train Station. It’s very hard to miss the coach station, as you’ll see all the coaches parked outside👆!

• Bus Companies: There are two bus companies operating scheduled direct buses from Split to Krka National Park:
  • Flixbus: For the uninitiated, Flixbus runs both international and regional bus routes in Europe and UK. Flixbus doesn’t have the greatest reputation in the UK but I have personally found Flixbus services within Croatia to be quite good!
  • Prijevoz Knežević: This is the local Croatian coach company. I used this company when traveling from Zagreb. The coach was clean and the ride comfortable. It seems to be affiliated with Flixbus but the two companies’ coaches are branded differently & the bus tickets are not interchangeable between the two companies.
• Timetables: I used GetByBus (not an affiliate link) to check timetables because Prijevoz Knežević doesn’t seem to have an English website. Enter your destination as “Skradin (Krka NP)“. Skradin is the name of the town where one of the main entrances to Krka National Park is located.
• Tickets: Both companies’ ticket prices vary based on demand, similar to plane tickets.
• Journey Time: Takes about 90 minutes.
• Bus Stop in Krka: The final stop in Skradin is just outside the park gates at Skradin.
• Return Trip: There’s usually a return coach service around 2pm (back in Split by around 3:30pm) or around 5pm (back in Split by around 6:30pm). Read my section below “Krka National Park: How Much Time Do I Need”, to work out your preferred coach return time.

If you’re choosing to travel to Krka National Park on these coach services, then your best bet is to head disembark as early as your ship’s port schedule allows. For example, if your ship is at port by 6am, then take the 7am coach service. If your ship is at port by 7am, then take the 8am coach service. This will allow you to maximise your time in Krka National Park, as well as arriving before the bulk of visitors!

2. Split to Krka National Park by Group Tour

Most group tours will depart somewhere in Split Old Town, so will be slightly further walk from Split Cruise Port. (Note that most group tours tend to depart around 8:30am or earlier, so you’ll have the most choice of third party operated tours if your ship docks early!)

Depending on what you’d like to see, a group tour may give you an edge over a DIY coach return transfer – here’s why:

• Swimming within Krka National Park: Swimming is banned near the main waterfall, Skradinski Buk, but it is possible to swim within Krka National Park further north near Roški slap (a smaller waterfall).
  • If you’d like to swim inside Krka, then a tour may be easier, as Roški slap is easy to get to by car, but takes longer via ferry. (I swam near Roški slap by taking a ferry operated by Krka National Park, which has an additional fee.)
  • Otherwise, I saw many tours being taken to the beaches around Skradin, equally lovely swimming spots, just not inside Krka!
• Add on activities: Many tours will take you to more than just Krka National Park on a full day excursion. Popular variations include:
  • Krka National Park with Trogir: As UNESCO Heritage town of Trogir is on the way there to Krka (and back), Trogir is often tagged on.
  • Wine Tasting: Some tours will bundle Krka with a wine and cheese tasting tour on top as there’s a few wineries along the route where the tour can stop at.

My Best Tips: How to Select a Group Tour

There’s loads of third party tour operators running group tours from Split to Krka National Park. So how do you select the right one for you? Here’s a few tips on what to look out for.

• Are Park tickets included? Be sure to check whether the price of the tour includes Krka National Park tickets! Many third party operators do not include Park tickets in the cost of the tour, and that’s why the cost of the tour looks cheap. If you’re purchasing a transport inclusive excursion from your cruise line, then typically, tickets are usually included.
• Size of Group Tour: I always check the maximum size of the group tour, as I generally don’t like large group tours (40+ people). Note that if there’s more than 20 people on the group tour, the group will qualify for group discounts for the Krka National Park tickets (see below).
• How much time in Krka? I decided not to join a full day cruise line excursion because the tour only spent 2 hours in Krka, with the rest of the time doing other activities such as wine tasting. (2 hours is do-able via the other entrance in Lozovac). So be sure to set your expectations once you’ve picked the tour.

Krka National Park: How Much Time Do I Need?

If you intend to visit Krka National Park on your own, then I’d say you’ll need to budget for at least 3 hours from arrival at Skradin entrance to your coach return time back to Split. (You can of course stay longer if your port schedule and coach bus times allow you to do so.) Here’s why you need minimum 3 hours:

• Ferry to Skradinski Buk takes 30 minutes: The easiest way to enter Krka National Park from the Skradin entrance is to take the included ferry ride. But the ferry ride alone takes 30 minutes each-way. And that’s if you time it well, as the ferry only leaves every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of the day. The alternative is to walk from Skradin entrance to Skradinski Buk but it’s a 3.4 km (~2.1 miles) walk. I didn’t do the walk but from what I can see, from the comfort of my seat on the ferry, most of the trail is not shaded.
• Sightseeing at Skradinski Buk: The star attraction in Krka National Park is Skradinski Buk, the main waterfall, less than 5 minutes walk once you disembark from the ferry. While visitors can certainly just see Skradinski Buk, I think it’s a shame not do the 2 km circular walk to see the cascading waterfalls that Krka National Park is famous for. The official park guide says this trail takes 2 hours to complete. I did it in around 1 hour 45 minutes with lots of photo stops along the way, so I think this is a good time estimate.

Note: If you’re on a tour, note that there’s 10 entrances into Krka National Park and the tour may not take you into Krka National Park, via the Skradin entrance.

Krka National Park: Your Ticket Options (2024 & 2025 Prices)

Krka National Park Entrance fees varies depending on when you visit, Disney Park style. I found out the reason why summer prices are so much higher than shoulder and winter months is because of the additional services provided inside Krka National Park during summer months.

For example, included shuttle bus rides from Lozovac entrance and the included boat trips from Skradin entrance to Skradinski Buk only run between April and October. If you’re visiting outside of these months, then you’ll need to either drive in, or walk in. The walk from Skradin entrance to Skradinski Buk is around 3.4 km (~ 2 miles).

Also, cheaper tickets are available for individuals not visiting the main waterfall at Skradinski Buk (eg. visiting northern parts of Krka.) To visit Skradinski Buk, you’ll need the “All accessible land sites” tickets with prices below 👇

2024/2025 Prices	June to September	April / May / October	November to March
Adults	€40	€20	€7
Kids (7-18)	€15	€12	€7
Kids under 7	Free	Free	Free

Krka National Park: Should You Buy Tickets Online in Advance?

If you visit Krka National Park’s official website, it will tell you to pre-book tickets online in advance. I’m not a big fan of booking tickets in advance, unless the attraction is very busy and it will definitely save me time. (I’ve had my share of missed ports due to bad weather!)

Unlike Plitvice Lakes National Park (the other famous Croatian National Park featuring waterfalls), Krka does not impose a strict timed quota on a number of visitors which can enter Krka National Park every hour. (Plitvice does and often sells out completely for specific time slots way in advance!)

I visited Krka National Park in August 2024, supposedly in one of the busiest summer months and tickets did not sell out. However, you can save time by pre-purchasing tickets, so you don’t have to queue and you can jump onto the first ferry at the Skradin entrance.

Same day purchase of tickets are possible on the official Krka National Park website (not an affiliate link), so you can purchase tickets when you’re on the coach service. If you’re visiting Krka National Park on a tour without inclusive tickets, don’t buy them online yourself. The tour guide will typically ask for cash and buy tickets for everyone, so as to qualify for the group discount.

Krka National Park: What’s at Skradin Entrance?

The Skradin entrance is one of the two main entrances into Krka National Park, with the other being the Lozovac entrance, which is closer to Sibenik. Once through the park gates and someone has scanned your ticket, the first thing you’ll notice is the marina or the ferry pier, and possibly the queue for the ferry!

The ferry will take you all the way into Skradinski Buk, the main waterfall. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes each way.

Outside the park gates at Skradin, you’ll find many small cafes and stalls, selling food and drink. There’s also a supermarket on the main road, if you need to stock up on food and water before entering the Park.

Top Tip: Be sure to take a photo of the ferry times for your return trip back to the Skradin entrance! The ferry times are “slotted” onto a wooden plaque and seem to change depending on the day. Since my trip, I’ve read many online reviews about ongoing waits at Skradin for the ferries. Fortunately, I didn’t have an issue with the ferry when I travelled.

Krka National Park: DIY Excursion Map

• On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
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• If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps

Krka National Park: Top Unmissable Highlights

1. Skradinski Buk

Skradinski Buk is the most famous and visited waterfall in Krka National Park. It’s a series of cascading waterfalls that range in height from 10 to 45 metres (~33 – ~148 feet), all formed from travertine, a type of limestone. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery.

To see all the cascading waterfalls, follow the one-way circular trail (~2 km or ~1.2 miles). The first section of the trail from Skradinski Buk leading to the upper waterfalls is uphill (with stairs). But that’s the most difficult section of the trail. Once up the hill, the rest of the trail is flat before returning back downhill (with stairs) to where you started.

2. Krka Hydropower Plant

Built in 1895, it’s the first commercial polyphase AC hydroelectric power plant in Europe and the second in the world, opening just two days after the famous Adams Power Plant at Niagara Falls!

The hydropower plant at Krka was cutting edge technology at the time, demonstrating the potential of alternating current for power generation and transmission. The original turbine has been preserved, as well as the building that housed the generators and other electrical equipment.

3. Historic Water Mills

The historic watermills are pre-industrial technology! Harnessing the power of the Krka River long before electricity, they were used for grinding grain, washing clothes and even powering tools.

The mills date back to the Middle Ages and played a crucial role in the economy of the region, grinding wheat for towns all along the Adriatic coast. The mills we see have been rebuilt but demonstrates how it would have worked for grain milling and cloth washing.

Krka National Park: What to Bring

• Filled Water Bottle or a refillable water bottle: Bottled drinks (including bottled water) are available inside Krka National Park, near the ferry pier at Skradinski Buk. Although in hugely inflated prices, you’ll find plenty of food & drink options.
  • Alternatively, bring your own water bottle. You can refill your water bottle at a designated water fountain, about half way through the circular trail, near where the WCs are. It’s well sign-posted.
  • You can also stock up in the supermarket just outside the Skradin entrance before you enter Krka and hop onto the ferry! (There’s no issue with bringing your own food & drink into the park.)
• Swimwear & Towels: Bring your swimming gear if you’re intending to swim near Skradin before returning to Split.
• Walking Poles (but only if you normally use them when hiking): If you normally hike with walking poles, then bring at least one. The first stretch in the circular trail, as you walk away from the main waterfall, is uphill. What goes up must come down, so the last stretch of the walk also has steep steps leading back down to main waterfall. I usually only need hiking poles during steep descents – while I could have done without poles on this circular walk, I was a lot more confident on the downhill stretch with one.

Note: If you read cruise line excursion descriptions, most will describe a trip to Krka National Park as extremely strenuous. It’s by no means a difficult walk, especially if one goes slowly and enjoy the view. The combination of short but steep ascents & descents on stairs, as well as potentially slippery conditions as you’re near waterfalls, mean that sensible footwear is required 👇. If you have limited mobility and don’t want to walk the circular trail, then you can still see the main waterfall, with less than a 5 minute walk from the ferry pier.

Krka National Park: What to Wear

• Dress for heat during summer: Krka National Park is consistently hotter than Split and won’t have as much of a sea breeze as Split. There IS sufficient shade throughout the park, such that it will feel cooler in the shade than surface temperature. But I visited during a heatwave when it was 32°C (~90°F) by 9am and 36°C (~97°F) but 10:30am through till ~7pm.
• Sunscreen & Hat: Even though there’s plenty of shade, sunscreen is needed and a hat will help to keep you cool.
• Sensible Footwear: If you intend to do the circular walk to see all the cascading waterfalls, then do wear sensible footwear for the trip. The trail is in good condition but the paved footpaths are sufficiently uneven that I felt better walking in sneakers than in flip flops. As there’s also steep steps up and down on the trail, comfortable shoes will provide better ankle support than flip flops. (Alternatively, just wear sandals with good soles!)

Featured Photo by Christian Thöni on Unsplash

This has been a very long guide, so if you’re reading this, thanks for sticking with me! I was rather apprehensive in visiting Krka National Park on my own but it turned out to be really straightforward. I wanted to share answers to all the questions I had when I was planning the excursion and somehow the guide morphed into something much much longer and detailed than I originally planned. But hopefully you’ve found the information useful in planning your own DIY excursion to Krka National Park.

Please do drop me a line below if you have any questions!

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