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Your Croatian rail adventure will open up a whole new world. Use your Eurail Croatia Pass to see all the sights, and travel with a convenient and frequent train service. Some spectacular cities and great views await you, including the views from the train windows as you travel.

Train types in Croatia

Croatia's national rail network is run by Hrvatske željeznice (HZ). To look up train times, you can use the Eurail timetable . Some Croatian cities (like Zadar) aren't mentioned in our timetable. Use the  HZ timetable  instead.

• Domestic trains
• International trains

Domestic trains in Croatia

• HZ connects most major towns in Croatia.
• Both regional trains and express trains run within the country.
• Bikes are allowed on certain trains. You'll need to buy a bike ticket in advance.
• Zagreb – Rijeka
• Zagreb – Split
• Zagreb – Vinkovci
• Zagreb – Osijek
• Split – Zagreb – Osijek (Mo-Sa. July 1st till September 1st)
• Split – Zagreb – Sisak -  Vinkovci – Vukovar (July 1st till September 1st)

International trains in Croatia

• Croatia has direct international connections with Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
• Zagreb – Ljubljana – Salzburg – Munich – Frankfurt
• Vinkovci – Zagreb – Ljubljana – Villach
• Zagreb – Maribor – Graz – Vienna
• Zagreb – Siófok – Budapest Delí
• Zagreb – Salzburg – Munich – Stuttgart
• Zagreb – Zurich
• Rijeka – Munich – Stuttgart
• Split – Zagreb – Vienna – Bratislava (June 22nd till September 2nd)
• Split – Budapest Keleti (Not daily. June 20th till September 22nd)
• Split – Prague (Regiojet) not valid for passholders

Popular connections

• Domestic connections
• International connections

What are the train travel times between Croatia's major cities? You won't need to make reservations if you use regional trains for the following routes:

Zagreb to Split  takes 6.5 hours by InterCity train, and 8 hours by Night Train. Reservations are required for both journeys.

To visit  Dubrovnik , you can travel by train to Split and then take a bus.

Reservations

Eurail reservation self-service system

• International only: IC, EC, Nightjet, EuroNight

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• ÖBB (Austrian railways) : Domestic and international trains

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here:   How do I book my reservations

Locally at the train station in Croatia

Good to know

Reservations are required for the following Intercity train route:

• (IC) Zagreb - Split

View reservation fees in Croatia

Get your Pass for Croatia

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Use your whole vacation to discover Croatia by rail.

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Tips and tricks for Croatia

Quick facts.

Capital: Zagreb

Population: 4.2 million

Language: Croatian

Currency: Euro

Dialing code: +385

Accommodation

Eurail pass holders get a 10% discount at the Chill Out Hostel in Zagreb.   See all pass benefits for Croatia

Airport - station link

From  Zagreb airport  there are 1 or 2 buses per hour to the city bus terminal. Here you can take a tram to the central train station. Eurail passes are not valid on the bus or tram.

Eurail aid office in Croatia

For questions about Croatia, visit the international ticket office at Zagreb Glavni kolodvor (main railway station). It is open 24 hours daily. See the page  Eurail aid offices  for more aid offices in Europe.

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Guide on train travel in Croatia (including loads of discounts)

UPDATED: 11/11/2022

Traveling by train is not as popular in Croatia as bus travel. However, depending on your destination, it can be an easy and cheap method of traversing the country.

Many recent infrastructure and equipment updates have substantially improved the experience on many routes.

Train travel in Croatia is led by Croatian Railways called HŽ  (Hrvatske željeznice). They maintain the railway infrastructure and manage the public, passenger, and freight train transport in Croatia.

In this post, we’ve cover:

• Insider tips
• Discounts on travel
• Travel reservations
• Other services
• Car transport
• Travel routes
• Train timetable
• Where to buy tickets

The facts are these…

How to travel by train in Croatia including discounts

Insider tips on train travel in croatia.

Train travel is mostly an inconvenient means of getting around within Croatia. In most cases, it takes significantly longer than buses and cars.

[Read: Traveling by bus in Croatia ]

However, trains provide more space and comfort while traveling. On the train, you can stretch, take a walk through the cars, or meet new people. I met some of the dearest people in my life while traveling by train. Long-haul trains usually have a restaurant wagon where you can get refreshments.

Smaller Croatian villages and municipalities usually lack train lines during the night and sometimes even during the day. If you are traveling to a smaller place, be sure to check the timetable in advance. Otherwise, you might get trapped in the village for some time. This can be inconvenient if it happens at night and you don’t have anywhere to sleep over.

On some routes, only old trains without air conditioning are used. During hot summer days, it can be unbearable if there are too many people on the train. Be sure to bring water and wear light clothing.

Some older trains are pretty noisy, so don’t be surprised if you barely hear the person you’re speaking to on the phone. On the other hand, during the winter, you could freeze because sometimes the heating doesn’t work.

“New” modern trains run on all main routes within the country. They are equipped with air conditioning, and are much quieter, faster, and more comfortable. There are also faster tilting trains called nagibni vlak that ride on some routes (for example, Zagreb-Split).

Most people in Croatia travel by bus for long-distance trips. Trains are a good option for shorter trips and intercity transport. If you prefer to travel by train, we provide a detailed guide below on how to do so within Croatia.

What to do if the train is late in Croatia?

Unfortunately, trains in Croatia are often late. This can be very frustrating, especially if traveling to work, an important meeting, or taking an exam. Sometimes trains are late only several minutes, but sometimes they can be late more than an hour.

If you have to switch to another line during your travel, keep this in mind and always leave some extra time between your connections. You don’t want to be late for another carrier (bus, plane, or boat). Otherwise, your might need to completely reorganize your travel plans.

[Read: Boat travel in Croatia ]

If you need to switch to another train line and your train is only a few minutes late, the second train you have to switch to will usually wait for it. However, this is more common for routes within smaller villages since they often depend on each other, and local residents must switch trains often.

If you have to switch to a route going a different direction, they won’t wait for you. If you are already late, ask the staff on the train for advice. They will tell you what to do and which option is best for you. Croatians call the train staff kondukter , which means conductor .

Discounts on train travel in Croatia

Discounts for a round-trip

HŽ provides a 20% discount for round-trip train tickets on long-haul trips. A one-way trip must be longer than 50 kilometers. This discount is available to all passengers.

Student discount

Many Croatian counties, cities, and municipalities give student subsidies for HŽ train tickets. You can check the list here .

Travels between Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Austria

Groups of at least 6 persons up to 20 years of age who travel between Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Austria can get a 70% discount on train tickets.

Discounts for traveling to the sea

HŽ often offers discounts for traveling from Zagreb to Rijeka, Pula, Split, Šibenik, and Zadar. For more details, track their pages.

Discount for visiting Spa centers

Daruvarske toplice

Travelers who travel to Daruvarske toplice can get a 40% discount for second-class train tickets.

Travelers can also get a 15% discount for spa tickets and accommodation with breakfast upon presentation of train tickets at the spa entrance.

View more information on this discount here .

Stubičke toplice

Travelers who travel to the spa center Stubičke toplice within the hotel Matija Gubec in Stubičke Toplice can get a 40% discount for first and second-class train tickets.

Travelers can also get a 20% discount for spa tickets upon presentation of train tickets at the spa entrance.

View more information on this discount  here .

[Read: How to visit thermal spas in Croatia (with a complete list of toplice) ]

Cammeo discount

You can get a 10% discount via the Cammeo mobile application for trips that start or end at railway stations in Zagreb, Osijek, Varaždin, Rijeka, Split, and Vinkovci.

Cammeo mobile application is available for:

• Android – Download it here
• iOS – Download it here

You must use the code HZPP20.

Hotel discount

HŽ offers a 10-20% discount for staying in certain hotels in:

• Osijek – View more here
• Split – View more here
• Zagreb – View more here
• Varaždin – View more here
• Vinkovci – View more here

Discounts for HAK members

Members of HAK (Croatian Car Club) can get a 30% discount on return trips on trips longer than 25 kilometers.

View more information on discounts for HAK members here .

Discounts with an unlimited number of tickets

Below are discounts available for an unlimited number of tickets:

• Children up to the age of 6 accompanied by adults can travel free of charge – View more here
• 50% for children between the ages of 6 and 12 accompanied by adults – View more here
• 20% for two-way travel – For trips longer than 50 kilometers
• 30% for Croatian nationals between the ages of 12 and 26 (K-33J card) – View more here
• 50% for students – View more here
• 25% for high school students, college students, young Croatian nationals, and young foreign nationals (EYCA, hi.euro, ISIC-SCHOLAR, and ISIC-STUDENT cards) – View more here
• 50% for Croatian nationals above the age of 60 with permanent residence in Croatia
• 75 – 100% for people with disabilities and their companions – View more here
• 30 – 50% for announced and organized groups on trips longer than 25 kilometers – View more here
• 40 – 50% for family travels for at least 3 and a maximum of 10 persons – View more here
• 30% for journalists on trips longer than 25 kilometers – View more here
• 60% for two-way travel – for travelers traveling to Hungary (the child pays half the price of the adult traveler) – View more here
• 70% for youth groups – for transit between Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, and Serbia youth groups (at least six people) have a discount of 70% for one-way and return journeys up to 20 years of age – View more here

What does it mean to be discounted with an unlimited number of tickets?

That simply means you can come for a few minutes before the train starts and buy a ticket for that train, even though the train is completely sold out (in which case you will have to stand inside the train).

Do you need a travel reservation for train travel in Croatia?

Trains in Croatia do not require a reservation. During certain times of the year, reservations will not even be needed.

However, it often happens that the train is too full, so some people have no place to sit. This usually happens on shorter trips. If this occurs, give your seat to an elderly person or pregnant woman.

If you want to secure a place near the window from the train, you can book a place in advance. It is also recommended to make a reservation when traveling longer distances. Long-distance trips are often booked as well, especially during summer.

For example, if you travel from Zagreb to Split, the journey may take between 6 and 8 hours. Make a reservation to ensure you won’t be left without a seat, especially if traveling at night. We also recommend making a reservation for travel outside of Croatia.

Other train travel services in Croatia

Bicycle transport.

You can carry your bicycle in:

• All trains as luggage
• Certain trains with a section for storing bicycles

The one-way ticket price for bicycle transport is 1,99 euros.

View more information on the transportation of bicycles here .

Pet transport

HŽ offers transportation of smaller pets, service dogs, and guide/help dogs. You must possess a pet passport.

Transportation is free of charge for:

• Animals in transport boxes transported as hand luggage
• Small dogs outside transport boxes

The ticket price for larger dogs is billed at 50% of the second-class regular ticket price.

View more information here .

[Read:  How to bring your pet to Croatia (and care for them once you arrive) ]

Excursion and party trains

HŽ has annual excursion trains that drive to different events and places in Croatia. They usually leave Zagreb early in the morning and return at the end of the day.

There are also so-called “party” trains that drive to:

• Beograd in March
• Split in July
• Sarajevo in October

Other available special offers include:

• Easter train for kids
• Christmas train for kids
• Field trips
• Graduation trips
• Shorter journeys and tours of the railway station for children
• Train lease for business events (conferences, seminars, team-building trips)

View more details on destinations of excursions and party trains, and other special offers here .

Car transport by train in Croatia

Transport tickets for passengers and vehicles with the presentation of traffic permits are purchased at the ticket offices in Zagreb, Split, Varaždin, Osijek, Vinkovci, and Slavonski Brod.

Because of the limited number of vehicles that are accepted for the carriage, it is necessary to buy tickets in advance. Only valid and registered vehicles whose height does not exceed 155 cm are accepted. The car can be loaded an hour and a half before the train departs.

In Zagreb, the vehicles embark at the entrance east of the building of the Croatian Post at the Branimir Branka bb, and in Split at the entrance to the parking lot between the railway and bus station.

[Read:  Guide on driving in Croatia including highways, tolls, gas stations, car washes, and parking ]

International and domestic routes of Croatian railways

Croatian Railways has improved its international ties by train.

There are currently rail links between Zagreb and Budapest, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Zurich, Ljubljana, Belgrade, and Sarajevo. There are also two international trains from Rijeka to Ljubljana. From Ljubljana, you may connect further to Munich (connecting to Zagreb train) and Vienna.

Several border trains have been introduced, such as Đurmanec – Celje, Čakovec – Ormož, and Beli Manastir – Magyarboja.

During the summer season, there are also lines between Zagreb, Split and Prague, Bratislava, and even Moscow, as well as trains between Pula and Ljubljana. There is also a tourist train traveling only on Saturdays on the Čakovec – Lendava route.

Train timetable of Croatian railways

The railway timetables regularly change and are updated on the first Monday in December each year. Changes are usually negligible. However, it is good to track changes because this is Croatia, after all, and anything can happen.

View the map of all train stations in Croatia here .

View the map of all train routes in Croatia here .

You can check the train timetable online here .

The timetable for all train lines in Croatia is available to download here .

Timetable for city train lines for the relation Harmica – Savski Marof – Zagreb GK – Dugo Selo is available to download here .

Timetables for Zabok, Zlatar Bistrica, Gornja Stubica, Krapina, Ludina, Križevci, Karlovac, Velika Gorica, and Sisak are available to download here .

Where to buy a train ticket in Croatia?

Train tickets can be bought:

• At HŽ railway stations
• Online with a 5% discount on all online purchases
• Download app for Android here
• Download app for iOS here
• Download app for Windows here

View our other transport guides

• Bus travel in Croatia
• Boats and ferries in Croatia
• Full list of airports in Croatia
• Guide on driving in Croatia including highways, tolls, gas stations, car washes, and parking
• How to get to and from Dubrovnik Airport
• How to get to and from Pula Airport
• How to get to and from Rijeka-Krk Airport
• How to get to and from Split Airport
• How to get to and from the Zadar-Zemunik Airport
• How to get to and from Zagreb Airport
• Public transport by bus in Dubrovnik
• Public transport in Osijek
• Public transport in Pula
• Public transport in Rijeka
• Split’s bus system (Promet)
• Šibenik’s public bus system (ATP)
• Zadar’s public bus system (Liburnija)
• Zagreb’s public transportation system (ZET)

Please note:  Information provided by Expat in Croatia is only for the purposes of guidance. It does not constitute legal or financial advice in any form. Croatian laws and bureaucratic rules often change, and each personal case is individual, so different rules may apply. For legal advice,  contact us  to consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. For financial advice,  contact us  to consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant.

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Marija Tkalec

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The Man in Seat 61

How to travel by train from

London to zagreb & croatia.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, uk to croatia by train in 24 hours.

Take a morning Eurostar to Paris, a 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV train to Stuttgart, then the excellent Croatian sleeper train overnight to Zagreb, arriving next morning.  Or take Eurostar & TGV Duplex to Munich, stay overnight, then take a scenic ride through the Austrian mountains to Slovenia and along the pretty River Sava to Zagreb.  It's safe, civilised, comfortable & affordable and unlike a flight, a memorable travel experience.  This page explains how to travel to Croatia by train, with times, fares & how to buy tickets.

Train travel information

Useful country information, london to zagreb by train.

Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is a wonderful city and the hub for trains to Split, the starting point for buses to Dubrovnik & ferries to Hvar and other Adriatic islands.  It's straightforward, safe & comfortable to reach Zagreb by train from the UK.  Here are several good options, using Eurostar or the Harwich-Hoek ferry:

Option 1 , morning Eurostar to Paris, TGV to Stuttgart, sleeper to Zagreb :  The fastest and most time-effective option.  Take a morning Eurostar to Paris, an afternoon high-speed train to Stuttgart, then the comfortable Croatian sleeper train Lisinski overnight to Zagreb arriving late morning after a scenic run along the river Sava.  In summer there's also a direct sleeping-car from Stuttgart to Rijeka.

Option 2 , morning Eurostar to Paris, TGV to Zurich, sleeper to Zagreb :   Similar to option 1, but via Zurich instead of Stuttgart.  Take a morning Eurostar to Paris, an afternoon high-speed train to Zurich, then a comfortable Croatian sleeper train from Zurich to Zagreb arriving late morning after a scenic run along the river Sava.

Option 3 , afternoon Eurostar, Nightjet sleeper train to Vienna, day train to Zagreb, 5 times a week :  Take a mid-afternoon Eurostar from London to Paris or Brussels and an excellent Nightjet sleeper train to Vienna.  The Nightjet runs Paris-Vienna 3 times a week and Brussels-Vienna 3 times a week, both due to become daily in late 2024.  Spend the morning in Vienna, then take an afternoon EuroCity train to Zagreb with great scenery along the UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway south of Vienna.

Option 4 , morning Eurostar to Paris, TGV to Munich, overnight stop, daytime train to Zagreb :  If you prefer daytime trains and a hotel to sleepers, this is the option for you.  Take a morning Eurostar to Paris and the afternoon high-speed train to Munich.  Stay overnight in Munich and continue next day through the mountains of Austria into Slovenia and along the pretty river Sava to Zagreb.

Option 5 , London or Cambridge to Amsterdam overnight by ferry. high-speed ICE trains to Munich & sleeper train to Zagreb .  This is the ferry alternative!   Travel overnight from London or Cambridge to Amsterdam with a cosy private cabin on the overnight Harwich-Hoek ferry, take superb ICE trains across Germany to Munich, have dinner in Munich then take the overnight sleeper to Zagreb.

Option 1 :  Eurostar to Paris, TGV to Stuttgart, sleeper to Zagreb

This is the fastest & most time-effective option, London to Zagreb in comfort in less than 24 hours.  You'll experience two of Europe's best high-speed trains, Eurostar and France's famous TGV, then an excellent Croatian sleeper train either in an economical couchette or a private sleeper.

London ► Zagreb

Zagreb ► london, how much does it cost.

Each train is ticketed separately, so add up the price for each leg of the journey.

Berths are sold individually, so one ticket means one bed.  The other beds in your compartment will be sold to other passengers.  For sole occupancy, simply book 1 ticket in a 1-berth sleeper or 2 tickets in a 2-berth sleeper or 4 tickets in a 4-berth couchette & so on.

How to buy tickets

Step 1, book from London to Stuttgart at www.thetrainline.com .  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Using www.thetrainline.com allows you to book all your tickets in one place, in €, £ or $, international cards no problem, small booking fee.

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead for Eurostar, up to 4 months ahead for Paris-Stuttgart, but usually 90 days ahead for Stuttgart-Zagreb, see more about when train bookings open .  I recommend waiting until onward trains have opened for booking and times are confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket, unless you're prepared to take a calculated risk.

Tip:   Click via/avoid and enter Paris as a via station to limit the search to routes via Paris. 

Tip:   You can book from London to Stuttgart all in one go if you like, but for more control over the connection in Paris, I'd book London-Paris first, add to basket, then book Paris-Stuttgart and add to basket, ensuring at least an hour between trains.  That way you can allow a more robust connection than the system would give you, and you can see if earlier Eurostars have cheaper prices.

Tip:   If you are making a round trip, London-Paris return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways so it's cheaper to book this as a return.  All other trains are one-way ticketed so it makes no difference how you book, and it can be easier to book one way at a time!

Tip:   After booking you can use the Manage booking facility at www.eurostar.com to choose an exact seat from a seating plan, see tips on choosing a seat on Eurostar .

Alternatively, you can book London to Paris at www.eurostar.com , then Paris to Stuttgart at the German Railways website int.bahn.de , then Stuttgart to Zagreb by sleeper at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  This is more work on multiple websites, the prices should be the same, but no booking fees.

How to buy tickets by phone

• Click here for a list of agencies & more information on how to buy tickets by phone.

Or use an Interrail pass

Pass or point to point?

Let's be clear, a pass will not save money over the cheapest point-to-point advance-purchase fares you might see if you book a few months ahead.  But when point-to-point fares are expensive (for example, at short notice) OR you want flexibility, for example the ability to change your mind, re-route or reschedule as necessary, a pass might be what you need.

If flexibility is what you want, buy the pass.  If it's about saving money, you'll have to check point-to-point prices and do the maths.

It's worth doing the maths if you are under 28, if you have kids (kids get a free pass when accompanying an adult but still need to pay reservation fees) or if you live a long way from London (as a pass covers you from your home station to London).  Passes are available in 1st & 2nd class.

How to use a pass for a trip to Croatia

Step 1, buy a 4-days in 1-month Interrail pass from www.myinterrail.co.uk (if you live in the UK) or www.interrail.eu (any country) for €283 adult, €212 youth or €255 senior.  You load the pass into the Railplanner app on your phone.  See pass prices on the Interrail page .

A 4-day pass is enough to get from the UK to Zagreb or even Split & back again.  You might need a longer pass if going from Inverness to Split!

A 4-day pass gives you unlimited train travel on any 4 dates you choose in an overall 1 month period.  The first travel day can be any date you select in the 11 months after buying the pass, the overall 1 month period starts from that date.  Learn about how Interrail passes work here .

Step 2, make a Eurostar passholder reservation from London to Paris & back, €30 each way.  See prices & how to make Eurostar passholder reservations online .  Tip:  Eurostar passholder availability is limited, so check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3, make a passholder reservation on the Paris-Stuttgart TGV for around €18 each way using the official Interrail reservation service .

Step 4, make a couchette or sleeper reservation on the Croatian sleeper at www.oebb.at following the instructions here, method 1 .  Prices can be found on the Interrail reservations page .

By all means go out one way, back another, with an Interrail pass you can use almost any of the trains & routes to/from Croatia shown on this page, find out how to reserve the relevant trains using the Interrail reservations guide .

Have your trip arranged as a package

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a UK-Croatia trip for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  You'll find a range of suggested tours & holidays on their website which can be varied or customised to your requirements.  As you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, book a one-way or return UK-Croatia train trip through Byway as a package, including hotels and starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption and re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.  They can build a trip to your requirements if you email them or use this contact form .  When you book, please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Gare du Nord station guide .

2. Paris to Stuttgart by TGV Duplex   See the video guide

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide .

3. Stuttgart to Zagreb on the sleeper train Lisinski    Watch the video

This modern Croatian sleeper train is a pleasure to travel on, whether in the privacy of your own sleeper or in economical couchettes.  The air-conditioned sleeping-car has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as 1, 2 or 3 berth, with toilets at the end of the corridor.  Compartments convert to a private sitting room for evening or morning use.  A light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the sleeper fare.  The couchette car is also modern & air-conditioned with 4 & 6 bunk compartments, ideal for families.  Couchettes convert from bunks to seats for evening or morning use.  A similar sleeping-car operates from Stuttgart to Rijeka in April, May, June, July & August.  Zagreb station guide .

Watch the video: By sleeper to Zagreb

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Option 2 :  Eurostar to Paris, TGV-Lyria to Zurich, sleeper to Zagreb

This is very similar to option 1, but instead of TGV Paris-Stuttgart and Croatian sleeper train Stuttgart-Zagreb, you taka a TGV-Lyria to Zurich and Croatian sleeper train from Zurich to Zagreb.  There are two minor disadvantages compared to option 1:  First, departure from London is a little earlier in the morning with an identical arrival time in Zagreb.  Second, you need to cross Paris by taxi or metro from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon, whereas in option 1 it's just a 7 minute walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est next door.  As with option 1, there's lovely scenery in the morning on the way to Zagreb along the Sava river.

This train will revert to its traditional departure time, 20:40, from 25 October 2024.

Saver fare = Advance-purchase fare, price varies, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.

Step 1, book from London to Zurich at www.thetrainline.com .  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead for Eurostar, up to 4 months ahead for Paris-Zurich, and usually 90 days ahead for Zurich-Zagreb, see more about when bookings open .  I recommend waiting until onward trains have opened for booking and times are confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket, unless you're prepared to take a calculated risk.

Tip:   Click via/avoid and enter Paris as a via station to limit the search to routes via Paris.

Tip:   You can book from London to Zurich all in one go if you like, but for more control over the connection in Paris, I'd book London-Paris first, add to basket, then book Paris-Zurich and add to basket, ensuring at least an hour between trains.  That way you can allow a more robust connection than the system would give you, and you can see if earlier Eurostars have cheaper prices.

Alternatively, you can book London to Paris at www.eurostar.com , then Paris to Zurich at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , then Zurich to Zagreb at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  This is more work on multiple websites and sometimes more fiddly, prices should be the same, but no booking fees.

• See the Interrail section above , this route is arranged in a similar way.

What are the trains like?

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi .

2. Paris to Zurich by TGV-Lyria

All TGV-Lyria trains are now 320km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex like the one shown below.  TGV-Lyria trains have 3 classes:  Standard class (2nd), standard premiere (1st class) and business premiere (1st class with hot meal & drinks included in the fare).  There's a cafe-bar car selling drinks & snacks.  There are power points for mobiles & laptops at all seats in all classes.  Lyria is a consortium of the French and Swiss national railways.  More about TGV-Lyria .  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide .  Zurich HB station guide .

3. Zurich to Zagreb by sleeper train    Watch the video

This modern sleeper train is a pleasure to travel on, whether in the privacy of your own sleeper or in economical couchettes.  There's time for dinner in Zurich before boarding at a local restaurant, try the Brasserie Federal inside Zurich HB.  Zagreb station guide .

Watch the video: Zurich to Zagreb by sleeper

Option 3 , afternoon eurostar, nightjet sleeper to vienna, eurocity train to zagreb.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

The train travels along the famous Rhine Valley between Koblenz (23:46) and Mainz (00:39), so if you're still awake and your compartment happens to be on the left-hand side of the train, switch off the lights and watch the Rhine pass by, mountains, vineyards, castles & the legendary Lorelei Rock lit by moonlight.  Wonderful!

In Vienna, you've the best part of a day to enjoy the city.  Left luggage lockers are available .

Tip:   If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf for an hour after arrival, with complimentary tea, coffee, snacks & free WiFi.  If you have a 1st class ticket for the onward train, you can use it for an hour or two before departure, too.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

There's no restaurant car, but in sleepers or couchettes you can order drinks, snacks and hot dishes from a room service menu, served in your compartment.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee, served in your compartment.

In Vienna, you've time to enjoy the city.  Left luggage lockers are available .

Tip:   If you have a ticket for a sleeper, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

There's no restaurant car, but in sleepers or couchettes you can order drinks, snacks and hot dishes from a room service menu, served in your compartment.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee.

Tip:   If you have a ticket for a sleeper, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf with complimentary tea, coffee, snacks & WiFi.

On the sleeper train, berths are sold individually, so one ticket means one bed, the other beds in your compartment will be sold to other passengers.  For sole occupancy, simply book 1 ticket in a 1-berth sleeper, 2 tickets in a 2-berth sleeper, 4 tickets in a 4-berth couchette & so on.

Using www.thetrainline.com allows you to book all your tickets together in one place, in €, £ or $, international cards no problem, small booking fee.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, see more about when bookings open .

Tip:   If you are making a round trip, London-Brussels return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways so it's cheaper to book this as a return.  All the other trains are one-way ticketed so it makes no difference how you book, and it can be easier to book one way at a time!

Step 3, now use www.thetrainline.com again to book from Vienna to Zagreb, add to basket & check out.

Booking for this train may open only 90 days ahead, see more about when bookings open .

1. London to Paris or Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .   Paris Gare du Nord station guide .  Brussels Midi station guide .  In Brussels, I recommend using the Pullman Hotel bar as your VIP waiting room .

2. Paris or Brussels to Vienna by Nightjet   See the Nightjet guide

3. Vienna to Zagreb by EuroCity train

The EuroCity train Croatia has comfortable air-conditioned Austrian cars, some with classic 6-seat compartments, some with open-plan saloons, and an Austrian restaurant car serving snacks, meals, beer and wine.  Zagreb station guide .  U pdate:   From September 2023 until further notice, you'll need to make a quick cross-platform change in Graz.  The restaurant car only runs in the Austrian portion.

Option 4 :  By daytime trains, with overnight stop in Munich

This option takes longer than the others, but if you prefer daytime trains and a hotel to sleeper trains, this is the option for you.  You get to see rather than sleep through all that wonderful scenery through the mountains across Austria and along the pretty River Sava from Slovenia to Zagreb.

London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £168 return standard premier (1st class).

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead , sometimes longer, but I recommend waiting until onward trains are open for booking so their times can be confirmed, before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  More about when bookings open .

If you're returning, London to Paris should be booked as a round trip because Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways.  All onward trains beyond Paris are one-way ticketed so a return is simply two one ways and you might find it easier to book one way at a time. 

It's better to book online, as you avoid phone booking fees and can see for yourself which departures have the cheapest fares.  But if you want to book by phone, call Deutsche Bahn's English-speaking telesales line on 00 49 (0)30 311 68 29 04 (lines open 08:30-20:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturday & Sunday UK time, 1.5% fee for phone bookings).  Other agencies selling European tickets by phone .

• See the Interrail section above .  On this route, you'll need the pass, a Eurostar passholder reservation from London to Paris and a Paris-Munich TGV reservation both of which can be made using the official Interrail reservations service .  A seat reservation from Munich to Zagreb is usually optional, but can be made for around €4.90 at int.bahn.de , run the enquiry by clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

Let Railbookers arrange it as a package

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour or holiday as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  Their website shows a range of suggested tours & holidays which can be varied or customised to your requirements.  As you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.

2. Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex   See the video guide

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart & Munich.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide .  Munich Hbf station guide .

3. Munich to Zagreb by train

Option 5 :  Via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry

This is the ferry alternative!  It's a great option if you live in East Anglia, if Eurostar is too expensive or if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, for example if you suffer from claustrophobia.  I don't recommend the Dover-Calais route because of poor train/ferry connections, the Stena Line rail & sail service via Harwich & Hoek van Holland is the one to use as it has co-ordinated timetables and integrated ticketing, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page & watch the video .

London, Cambridge & Harwich ► Zagreb

At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal and you walk off the train into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk straight onto Stena Line's luxurious overnight superferry Stena Hollandica to Hoek van Holland.

All passengers travel in cosy private cabins with en suite toilet & shower & satellite TV.  Deluxe Comfort class & Captains class cabins are also available, and there's free WiFi in the lounges, restaurants & bars on 9 deck.  You can get on board the ferry around 9pm, have a late dinner in the restaurant and settle into your cabin.

The ferry sails at 23:00 and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 Dutch time next morning. 

Zagreb  ► Harwich, Cambridge & London

Day 2, travel from Stuttgart to Amsterdam on ICE trains , leaving Stuttgart Hbf at 09:23, changing at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 15:29.  Times may vary.  The ICE trains have a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Day 2, travel from Amsterdam to London overnight by Stena Line Rail & Sail .

Leave Amsterdam Centraal at 18:35 by Dutch intercity train to Schiedam Centrum and change onto the frequent metro to Hoek van Holland Haven.  At Hoek, the metro station is next to the ferry terminal.  Check in at the Stena Line desk at least 45 minutes before sailing time, then walk up the gangway onto the luxurious Stena Line superferry Stena Britannica and sail overnight to Harwich in a cosy private cabin with shower, toilet & satellite TV.

The ferry sails from Hoek van Holland at 22:00 and arrives at Harwich International at 06:30 next morning (day 3), UK time.  Day 3, Take a train from Harwich to London Liverpool Street arriving around 08:56 or from Harwich to Cambridge, arriving 09:42 (10:39 Sundays).

See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details .

Step 1, buy a Stena Line Rail & Sail ticket from London to Hoek van Holland online as shown on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .

Buy the onward metro & train ticket to Amsterdam as shown on that page.

Alternatively, stay in Munich & take a daytime train next day

1. London to Amsterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich.  You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Britannica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  All passengers travel in private cabins with shower, toilet & satellite TV.  There's free WiFi in the public areas on 9 deck.  The journey from London to Holland is explained in detail on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .  See the video .

The Stena Britannica at boarding at Harwich, a floating hotel with private cabins, restaurant, bar, lounges, shop & kennels.

Above left, a standard outside cabin.  Larger photo .   360º photo .  Above right, the Stena Plus lounge with complimentary red & white wine, tea, coffee & snacks.

Above left, the bar on 9 deck. Above right, a Captain's Class cabin with complimentary minibar, toilet & shower.

2. Amsterdam to Stuttgart by ICE

ICEs are German Railways' premier trains, with 1st & 2nd class, a bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

3. Stuttgart to Zagreb by sleeper train Lisinski   Watch the video

This modern sleeper train is a pleasure to travel on, whether in the privacy of your own sleeper or in economical couchettes.  The sleeper used to run Munich-Zagreb, but is extended to run Stuttgart-Munich-Zagreb from 11 December 2022.  Zagreb station guide .

London to Split & Dubrovnik

Option 1 , london to split & dubrovnik by train, london ► split, dubrovnik.

Step 1, travel from London to Zagreb as shown in the London to Zagreb section , using whichever option suits you best.

Step 2, travel from Zagreb to Split by train, either ICN daytime train through great scenery or (on some days) by sleeper.

Leave Zagreb 07:03, arriving Split 13:45.  Runs 27-30 March, 1 April, 7 June to 29 September, 28-31October 2024.

Leave Zagreb 15:18, arriving Split 21:53.  Runs daily all year round.

Leave Zagreb 22:30 by sleeper, arriving Split 07:01.  Runs on Friday nights all year round, daily 29 June to 30 August 2024.

The ICN trains are comfortable and air-conditioned with 1st & 2nd class seats.  The sleeper train has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments and two couchette cars with 6 berth compartments.  You can check train times using www.hzpp.hr .

Zagreb to Split is a scenic train ride, with mountains, lakes, rivers, and even vineyards.  The trains are modern and air-conditioned, see the photos below.  ICN trains tilt round the bends on this mountainous route, cutting the journey time to 5½-6 hours from a previous best of around 8 hours.  There's no catering so bring your own food & drink.  Seat reservation is compulsory on ICN trains.

Dubrovnik, Split ► London

Step 2, travel from Split to Zagreb by train, either ICN daytime train through great scenery or (on some days) by sleeper.

Leave Split 08:23, arriving Zagreb 15:09.  Runs Monday-Saturday all year round, daily 3 June to 29 September 2024.

Leave Split 14:09, arriving Zagreb 20:57.  Runs Sundays all year round, daily 7 June to 29 September plus a few other dates.

Leave Split at 21:11 by sleeper train, arrive Zagreb 05:49.  Runs Sunday nights all year round, daily 30 June to 31 August 2024.

Use www.hzpp.hr to check train times.  Seat reservation is compulsory on ICN trains.  It's a lovely scenic ride, bring your own food & drink as there's no catering.  The sleeper train has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments and two couchette cars with 6 berth compartments.

Step 3, travel from Zagreb to London by train using any of the options shown in the London to Zagreb section above .  The afternoon ICN from Split connects nicely with the Lisinski sleeper train to Munich for onward TGV to Paris and London, see above .

For fares from London to Zagreb, see the London-Zagreb section above .

Zagreb to Split costs from at €15.10 in 2nd class or €22.65 in 1st class, each way, bought online at www.hzpp.hr .

Step 1, buy tickets from London to Zagreb online as shown above .

Step 2, buy a ticket from Zagreb to Split & back at Croatian Railways website www.hzpp.hr and print your own ticket.

Zagreb to Split by ICN train

Traveller Francis Meylan reports:  "The journey to Split was fascinating and very scenic.  It was a modern diesel train with a free cup of coffee (though no food).  Single track but recently re-engineered and was very smooth despite climbing and very many bends, tunnels, and so forth.  The track went across high embankments and on ledges on valley sides.  It wasn't particularly fast and I can see why.  Every country station had a uniformed station master standing to attention as the train went past!  Many of the country stations were in ruins and there were obvious signs of war damage, walls pock marked with bullet holes.  We could see several minefields marked off.  In Knin the front of the large Austro-Hungarian-style town hall was riddled with bullet holes. Towards Split the landscape is very dry, limestone I think, and very rocky.  If you took the Sleeper would miss all this!

Option 2 , using the Vienna - Split sleeper (May to October)

This is an excellent option if you're travelling between May & October.  The Brussels-Vienna & Paris-Vienna sleeper trains currently run 3 days per week and their days of running don't match up well with the 3-days-a-week Vienna-Split sleeper.  However, the Brussels-Vienna & Paris-Vienna sleepers should become daily in early 2024, so by summer 2024 you'll be able to leave London in the afternoon on day 1, spend day 2 at leisure in Vienna, and arrive in Split on the morning of day 3.  No flight necessary!

Step 1, travel from London to Vienna using any of the options shown on the UK to Austria page .

For example, you could take the 13:01 Eurostar from London to Brussels then the Nightjet sleeper train from Brussels to Vienna.

This sleeper train runs 3 times a week, but should be increased to run every day in autumn 2024.  Or take an afternoon Eurostar to Paris and the similar Paris-Vienna sleeper, see the UK to Austria page .

You'd then have a day at leisure in Vienna.  Left luggage is available at Vienna Hbf .

Step 2, travel from Vienna to Split by direct sleeper train, 3 times a week May-October.

It runs on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays from 3 May to 2 October 2024.

It leaves Vienna Hbf at 18:05 and arrives in Split at 08:10 next morning.

The train starts its journey in Bratislava.  It has three comfortable air-conditioned Slovakian sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a Slovakian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth couchettes and ordinary seats.  You can see details of train formation & carriages if you go to www.vagonweb.cz switch it to English, click train formations and search for train number EN 1153.

Step 3, take a bus from Split to Dubrovnik.  There are buses every hour or even every half hour, run by several companies.  Journey time between 3h45 and 4h35, fare around €13-€17.  Buy a ticket at the bus station in Split.

Step 2, travel from Split to Vienna by EuroNight sleeper train, 3 times a week May-October.

The sleeper train runs on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays from 4 May to 3 October 2024.

It leaves Split at 17:20 and arrives Vienna Hbf at 08:54.

The train has three comfortable air-conditioned Slovakian sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a Slovakian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments and ordinary seats.  The train continues to Bratislava.  You can see details of train formation & carriages if you go to www.vagonweb.cz switch it to English, click train formations and search for train number EN 1152.

Step 1, travel from Vienna to London using any of the options shown on the UK to Austria page .

For example, you can take the 3-times-a-week Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Brussels, then a Eurostar to London.

This sleeper train should be increased to daily by the summer of 2024, so you can leave Split in late afternoon on day 1, spend day 2 at leisure in Vienna, and arrive in London at 14:00 on day 3. 

Or take the Vienna-Paris sleeper then a lunchtime Eurostar to London, see the UK to Austria page .

For fares from London to Vienna see the London-Vienna section on the Austria page .

Fares from Vienna to Split start at €29.90 in a seat, €49 in a couchette, €79.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €99.90 in a 2-bed sleeper, €149.90 in a single-bed sleeper.

A bus from Split to Dubrovnik costs €13-€17.

Step 1, buy tickets from London to Vienna as shown on the London-Vienna section on the Austria page .

Step 2, buy a ticket from Vienna to Split at either www.thetrainline.com (easy, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, international credit cards no problem) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead , you print your own ticket.

Step 3, buy a bus ticket at the bus station when you get to Split, there are lots of buses.

Option 3 , London to Italy by train, ferry to Dubrovnik, Split or Zadar

Step 1, travel from London to Ancona or Bari by train.

You take a morning Eurostar to Paris, the afternoon TGV or Frecciarossa from Paris to Milan, stay overnight then take a fast train from Milan to Ancona or Bari.  For train times, fares & how to buy tickets between London and Ancona, see the London to Italy page .

In Ancona, take a taxi to the port, or it's a 30-minute 2.3km walk.

In Bari, take a taxi to the ferry terminal or it's a 25 minute walk.

Step 2, sail from Italy to Croatia by ferry.  Allow plenty of time for the connection & check-in at Ancona or Bari.

Several ferry operators sail from Ancona to Split overnight on various days of the week including www.jadrolinija.hr .  Book the Jadrolinija ferry at the Direct Ferries website or call Jadrolinija's UK agents, Viamare Travel on 020 8343 5810. 

Between June & September, there's also a daily fast ferry, taking 4 hours, leaving Ancona at around 11:00 and returning from Split at 17:00, see www.snav.it .  There are also some sailings to Zadar.

www.jadrolinija.hr also sail from Bari to Dubrovnik several times a week in summer (no service in winter), typically sailing at 21:00 and arriving 08:00.  Book the Jadrolinija ferry at the Direct Ferries website or call Jadrolinija's UK agents, Viamare Travel on 020 8343 5810.

If you can't find a ferry to Dubrovnik, then take a ferry to Split then bus to Dubrovnik.  Buses run from Split to Dubrovnik every hour or two, taking about 4-5 hours.  Bus information can be found at www.ak-split.hr (Split bus station arrivals & departures), www.dubrovnik-online.net or www.libertasdubrovnik.hr (Dubrovnik bus station departures). 

London to Hvar, Korčula, Vis , Brač

Take a train from the UK to Split, then a ferry.  Departures are daily, all year round.

London to Rijeka

Option 1, by direct stuttgart-rijeka sleeper.

Take Eurostar to Paris and a TGV to Stuttgart to connect with it, see the London-Zagreb section for details .

Option 2, changing at Ljubljana, all year

London ► rijeka.

Step 1, travel from London to Ljubljana as shown on the Slovenia page , using any of the options shown.

Step 2, travel from Ljubljana to Rijeka by train, leaving Ljubljana at 08:30 (arriving Rijeka 11:12) or at 15:20 (arriving 18:11).

Trains run from Ljubljana to Rijeka twice a day at these times, you can check train times at int.bahn.de .  The morning train should connect out of the sleeper from Stuttgart/Munich & Zurich.  The afternoon train should connect out of the morning train from Munich & Salzburg.

Rijeka ► London

Trains leave Rijeka at 11:50 (arriving Ljubljana 14:38) and at 18:57 (arriving Ljubljana 21:42).

Allow plenty of time (an hour or two) to make connections in Ljubljana, and/or stay overnight if necessary.  You can check train times at int.bahn.de .

Travel from Ljubljana to London as shown on the Slovenia page , using any of the options shown.

Fares & how to buy tickets

See the fares in the London-Ljubljana section , and buy tickets from London to Ljubljana as shown there.

Bought at the station in Ljubljana, the Ljubljana-Rijeka fare is around €17 one-way, €27 return.  Advance reservation isn't necessary for Ljubljana-Rijeka trains, so you can buy a ticket at Ljubljana on the day & hop on, this will be much cheaper than buying a ticket from outside Slovenia.  The ticket office at Ljubljana is easy to find and English is widely spoken.

London to Porec, Rovinj, Pula & Istria

Istria, land of olive oil, wineries and truffles, was once part of the Venetian empire, and after a spell with the Austro-Hungarians it was again part of Italy between the wars.  Even today, the dual-language place names and road signs reveal it's Italian heritage.  For Istrian tourist information, see www.istra.hr .  Now part of Croatia, Istria can be reached overland from the UK in a couple of ways.

Option 1:  By train from London to Ljubljana, then train to Pula

Take any option you like from London to Ljubljana, as shown on the London to Slovenia page .  Stay overnight in Ljubljana if necessary.

Ljubljana to Pula

In summer, a direct train runs at weekends early April to late August, leaving Ljubljana around 06:12 and arriving Pula at 10:43.

All year, a local train service leaves Ljubljana at 08:15 every day, there's an easy change of train at Divaca & at the Croatian border at Buzet, arriving  change at Pula at 13:03.

All year, a local train service leaves Ljubljana at 13:35 every day, there's an easy change of train at Divaca & at the Croatian border at Buzet, arriving  change at Pula at 19:10.

A Pula Special ticket costs €19 one-way or €29 return.  All these trains are 2nd class only, no online booking, just buy at the station.

See potniski.sz.si/en/pula

Pula to Ljubljana

In summer, a direct train runs at weekends early April to late August, leaving Pula 17:57 and arriving Ljubljana at 22:34.

All year, a local train leaves Pula at 09:05 every day, with an easy change at the border at Buzet and at Divaca, arriving Ljubljana at 17:05.

All year, a local train leaves Pula at 14:36 every day, with an easy change at the border at Buzet and at Divaca, arriving Ljubljana at 19:42.

No reservation is necessary, just buy a Ljubljana to Pula ticket at the station, fare €25 one-way or €30 return.

Option 2:  By train from London to Rijeka, then bus to Porec, Rovinj, Buje, Motovun, Pula

This is another reliable all-year-round way to reach Istria, as mainline trains run to Rijeka which is a hub for buses serving destinations all over Istria.  First, travel from London to Rijeka as shown above .  On arrival in Rijeka, walk out of the station and turn right.  The bus station is 2 minutes walk straight down this main road, you can't miss it.  Every couple of hours, buses link Rijeka with the historic coastal town of Porec, delightful picturesque Rovinj, and the wonderful roman remains in Pula.  The main bus company is www.autotrans.hr , you can easily buy bus tickets when you get to Rijeka.

Option 3:  By train to Venice, then fast ferry to Porec, Rovinj or Pula

This option operates from April to October, and is a great option as it combines Venice with Istria. 

First, travel from London to Venice as shown on the London to Italy page .  For example, travel by Eurostar & TGV to Switzerland, stay the night there, then travel through the Alps to Milan and Venice next day.  The choice is yours. 

Venezia Lines ( www.venezialines.com ) operate ferries from Venice April-October on various days of the week to Porec, Rovinj (Rovigno in Italian) Umag and Pula (Pola in Italian).  The Venice-Porec ferry crossing takes 2½ hours.  Start by checking the days the ferries operate at www.venezialines.com .  On days when a 17:00 ferry sails from Venice you can leave London in the afternoon on day 1, spend most of day 2 in Venice, and arrive in Porec or Rovinj in the evening of day 2!

Holidays to Croatia by train

Railbookers can custom-make a flight-free holiday to Croatia with train travel, transfers & hotels all arranged for you, for however long you like, leaving on any date you like.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They get a lot of repeat business and a lot of recommendation by word of mouth!

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Click the images to buy at Amazon

My own book, an essential handbook for train travel to Europe based on this website called " The Man in Seat 61 ", was published in June 2008, and is available from Amazon.co.uk with shipping worldwide.

Hotels in Zagreb & Croatia

In zagreb: the esplanade hotel.

Book a room at the venerable & historic Esplanade Hotel If you can possibly afford it - it's not even expensive by western standards.  Built in 1925 for Orient Express passengers stopping at Zagreb.  It's perfectly located, next to the station and an easy walk from Zagreb old town.  With art deco features, it's the top choice!

For something slightly cheaper, but still close to Zagreb's main station with good or great reviews, try the Palace Hotel , also a historic building with art nouveau features.  I can also recommend the more modern Central Hotel .

Suggested hotels in Split

For something special if your budget will stretch, try the Murum Heritage Hotel , set in part of Roman emperor Diocletian's palace, right in the centre near the port & city museum.  For something cheaper, but still in that same central historic area, try the Sleep Split Hotel or the ID Regal Residence , both with great reviews.

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Trains in Croatia

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The Croatian railway network (HZ Putnički Prijevoz) is centred around the capital Zagreb. Attractively situated, Croatia acts as an intersection of routes from Europe's west to east and from north to south.

Train types in Croatia

Croatia's national rail network is run by  Hrvatske željeznice  (HZ). To look up train times, you can use the  Interrail timetable . Some Croatian cities (like Zadar) aren't mentioned in our timetable. Use the  HZ timetable  instead.

• DOMESTIC TRAINS
• International Trains

Domestic trains in Croatia

• HZ connects most major towns in Croatia.
• Both regional trains and express trains run within the country.
• Bikes are allowed on certain trains. You'll need to buy a bike ticket in advance.
• Zagreb – Rijeka
• Zagreb – Split
• Zagreb – Vinkovci
• Zagreb – Osijek
• Split – Zagreb – Osijek (Mo-Sa. July 1st till September 1st)
• Split – Zagreb – Sisak -  Vinkovci – Vukovar (July 1st till September 1st)

International trains in Croatia

• Croatia has direct international connections with Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia and Switzerland.
• Zagreb – Ljubljana – Salzburg – Munich – Frankfurt
• Vinkovci – Zagreb – Ljubljana – Villach
• Zagreb – Maribor – Graz – Vienna
• Zagreb – Siófok – Budapest Delí
• Zagreb – Salzburg – Munich – Stuttgart
• Zagreb – Zurich
• Rijeka – Munich – Stuttgart
• Split – Zagreb – Vienna – Bratislava (June 22nd till September 2nd)
• Split – Budapest Keleti (Not daily. June 20th till September 22nd)
• Split – Prague (Regiojet) not valid for passholders

Popular connections

• Domestic routes
• International routes

What are the train travel times between Croatia's major cities? You won't need to make reservations if you use regional trains for the following routes:  

Zagreb to Split  takes 6.5 hours by InterCity train, and 8 hours by Night Train. Reservations are required for both journeys.

To visit  Dubrovnik , you can travel by train to Split and then take a bus.

Reservations

Interrail reservation self-service system

• International only: IC, EC, Nightjet, EuroNight

Administration costs when booking through Interrail self-service

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• ÖBB (Austrian railways) : Domestic and international trains

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here: How do I book my reservations

Locally at the train station in Croatia

Good to know

Reservations are required for the following Intercity train route:

• (IC) Zagreb - Split

View reservation fees in Croatia

Get your Pass for Croatia

Interrail croatia pass.

Get extensive train travel across  Croatia

Youth, senior and family discounts available

Additional benefits including a 20% discount on ferry crossings between Split and Ancona, Italy.

Prices from € 58

View Croatia Passes  →

Interrail Global Pass

Travel by train in up to  33 countries in Europe  including  Croatia

Prices from € 212

View Global Passes   →

Tips and tricks for Croatia

Croatia's main train station.

Zagreb central station:  Zagrebački Glavni kolodvor .

To reach the station from Zagreb airport, take a bus to the city terminal, then a tram to the central train station.

Interrail Passes are not valid on the bus or tram.

Go the Last Mile

Found yourself at the end of the line, but not at your destination? When public transportation ends, it's time to take matters into your own hands: rent a car for the last kilometers!

Interrailers get up to a  15% discount  on all Avis retail prices. 

You can find more information in the  Terms & Conditions . 

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Festivals & Parties :

Zrće Spring Break – 13th June / 15th June 2024

Papaya spring break – 24th may june / 26th may 2024, austria goes zrce – 20th / 27th july 2024, sonus festival – 18th / 22th august 2024, bavaria goes zrce – 3rd august – 10th august 2024, hideout festival – 23th june / 27th june 2024.

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• Train Travel in Croatia (Yes, there’s a Croatian Rail Network!)
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Train travel in Croatia is NOT the most popular means of transportation . Bus, car, air , and, ferries offer more travel opportunities. 

The railway network in this country is limited with many important cities and towns not even having a train station. 

Train travel in Croatia also loses ground to bus and coach services in terms of journey time, and many trains are old and fairly uncomfortable which makes train trips not as exciting as you might expect them to be. 

This article covers everything you need to know about traveling by train in Croatia.

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Croatian Train System

The railway network in Croatia is more developed inland than on the coast. 

Northern Dalmatia and Central Dalmatia have quite a decent train network with train stations in Split, Zadar , and Sibenik.

Southern Dalmatia, though, is almost completely deprived of a railway service with just one line connecting the seaside town of Ploce with the Bosnian border.

Ploce is actually the closest train station to the popular city of Dubrovnik, which has no railway network in its vicinity. 

If you are planning to reach Dubrovnik by train, please think twice as you will find it much easier to travel to the coastal city either by bus, car, or by plane.

The main train hub in Croatia is the capital Zagreb. 

It offers connections with multiple cities and towns around the country, except for the ones located in Southern Dalmatia and along the coast. 

It's worth noting that with the growing popularity of bus and coach services in Croatia, the number of train services has been reduced. 

It led to some routes to popular destinations being canceled or having just two trains traveling at long intervals from each other.

With a limited number of trains traveling throughout the country, you really do want to plan your trip accordingly.

Make sure you check out the schedule well in advance so you don't have to wait for hours in the train station. 

Also, ensure you check out the train tables and buy tickets on the official website of Croatian Railways .

Read this next: Hideout Festival – The Daddy of Zrće Festivals

Types of Trains in Croatia

The local trains in Croatia have been upgraded over the past years with train rides being more comfortable and faster. 

Unless you are looking for luxury conditions, you will probably be satisfied with a journey by train in Croatia. 

However, Croatian trains are still far from the passenger train standards you will find in many Western European countries.

You have been warned!

Many trains provide passengers with only standard-class seats. 

However, the main routes connecting Zagreb with Split and Zagreb with Zadar offer first-class seats. 

These upgraded trains are also faster. 

First-class compartments are more spacious and comfortable, offering the opportunity to stretch your tired legs out and lean back for a nap. 

Some trains (usually those on long-distance routes) have sleeping cars. 

The first-class ticket prices are around the same as the second-class prices in Germany or France. 

So you will pay a pretty decent fare for your premium journey on a Croatian train. 

There are two types of trains you have to choose from:

Putnicki are slow trains

Intercity is the fast and modernized ones.

Usually, Intercity is more comfortable, offers more travel perks, including first-class seats, and has fewer stops. 

Putnicki is slower, has more frequent stops, and offers only standard-class seats. 

It's a budget option you can choose if you want to save some kunas and are ok with adding on an additional 1-3 hours of travel time. 

Some routes offer great views so those 1-3 hours are not always wasted. 

Moreover, on a slow train, you have more time to admire the landscapes you pass by.

To see the train schedules, and routes available, and buy tickets, go to the official Croatian Railways website which has an English version as well and is easy to navigate.

Train tickets can be reserved and bought in Croatia at any train station using kunas. 

In major train stations, you will be able to pay for the ticket with your credit card, but it may not be the case with small stations so always keep some kunas in your pocket. 

You may have trouble understanding the signs and announcements of the trains since they all are in Croatian. 

If you are confused by a sign, feel free to ask locals to translate it for you, since most Croatians speak English, especially young ones. 

Also, you can ask for help in an information office. Here are some basic words you want to know if you plan a train trip to Croatia:

polazak - departure

dolazak - arrival

presjedanje - change of trains

Putnički - slow train

brzi - fast train

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Croatia Train: Prices

The prices vary depending on the class you are traveling, the time of year ,  the day of the week, and whether it's an indirect or direct route. 

For example, a standard-class ticket from Zagreb to Split will cost you 99 kunas (13 Euro), while a first-class ticket will have you pay 149 kunas (20 Euro). 

During the peak season, the prices usually increase. 

There are also days of the week when you can catch cheaper tickets. 

So if you are on a budget, consider traveling during off-peak hours (09:30-15:30) and during weekdays. 

Booking in advance will help you save some money as well. The earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket. 

Direct routes are faster but cost more. So if you look for something less pricey, use an indirect route.

Read this next: Popular Beer in Croatia (Croatian Beer Guide)

Croatian Train Network: Main Routes

Aside from the line connecting Zagreb and Split, here are other popular train routes in Croatia:

Zagreb to Karlovac - the route has more than a dozen trains a day. As you reach Karlovac, you can change the train to Knin where you can take a bus to Zadar. Of course, a faster way to get from Zagreb to Zadar is to take a direct train or bus journey.

Zagreb to Rjieka - the fastest and easiest way is to take a direct train connecting the two cities. But there is also the slower and cheaper option where you take the train from Zagreb to Karlovac, then change train to Rjieka.

Zagreb to Osijek - there are 5 trains traveling on this route every day. Despite the Brzi being used on the route, it's still faster to take a bus since the train stops at other stations along the way which makes the journey longer-lasting.

Zagreb to Varazdin - the route is served by a dozen of trains daily and it's pretty popular among locals and tourists, although many opt for buses. Fast trains with first-class seats are used for this route so comfort is guaranteed during the 2,5-hour journey.

Train vs Bus. Which one to choose in Croatia?

As much as you may love traveling by train, in Croatia, you will be better off taking the bus. 

Buses are faster since they have fewer and shorter stops, and they are cheaper or similarly priced.

Probably the main disadvantage of buses is limited space, which inherently forces you to sit in the same position during the whole journey and can get pretty uncomfortable.

By train, there is more space to stretch your muscles and bones and lean back to sleep. 

You can even use a train with a sleeping car to take a nap on a cozy bed until you reach your destination. 

Moreover, if you are carrying a bike, the train is your best option as there is a special space on the train dedicated to bikes. 

On the Croatian Railways website, you can find the list of routes where bike storage is available.

While trains offer stunning views of the Croatian landscapes, the same views can be enjoyed through the bus window. 

Unfortunately, not all trains are super clean and comfortable.

You will have to purchase a first-class ticket to experience a high standard of comfort. These tickets are more expensive than bus ones. 

Another drawback of trains is that their scheduling is very limited and they don't offer many connections. 

If you plan on a Croatia tour, the train is a bad choice because sooner or later you will have to take a bus to your next destination due to no train travelling there.

While the bus beats the train in most aspects, it doesn't mean that train is outright bad. It's just a little slower, a little pricier, and offers fewer routes. 

If there is a direct railway route to your destination, the train is definitely an option.

As long as you are ready to pay the price for a comfortable train journey and are ok with reaching the destination a bit later than you would by bus, the train is your go-to means of transportation in Croatia.

Read this next: About Pag Island

About the author

Jelena is a Novalja Local. She is an expert in local tourism as she worked for a tourist agency for over a decade, received her tourist guide license, and also organized tours all over Croatia. Local cuisine is her forte as both of her parents are renowned chefs who specialize in Dalmatian food.

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Getting around Croatia

Getting around Croatia isn’t difficult, but it requires some planning. In this post, we share information and tips on traveling around Croatia to help you better plan your Croatian trip.

Public transport in Croatia is reliable and easy to use. Croatia’s public transport consists, first of all, of an extensive bus and ferry network. You can also get around Croatia by plane. Train travel within Croatia is, unfortunately, very limited. If you rent a car in Croatia ,  you’ll find that the roads are in great condition, and driving in Croatia is pretty easy.

Table of Contents

Is it easy to travel around Croatia?

Generally speaking, traveling around Croatia is easy. Infrastructure is good, the public transport system, especially bus and ferry networks, is efficient and reliable, roads are in great condition, and the extensive network of multilane motorways connects the north with the south and east with the west.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Seasonality

Daily ferry and bus lines decrease significantly from November through April. And, even worse, some lines completely cease to operate (for example, a catamaran between Dubrovnik and Split, via Korcula, Mljet, and Hvar, runs only from June to September).

Traffic jams on main motorway junctions and at the entrance to the popular resort towns are common in July and August. And even more so on rainy days when most tourists head to the town instead to stay at the beach . Split suffers from some of the worst traffic jams in all of Croatia. This can delay your trip whether you travel on intercity buses or by car.

If there are too many people and cars, sometimes you won’t get on your desired bus or ferry. This is particularly true for ferries, as they operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, and if a ferry is full, you’ll need to wait for the next one. If you plan to travel on foot to the islands and leave the car on the mainland, you should normally be fine even at the last minute of arrival.

The same can happen for people traveling on buses. Make sure you buy your ticket in advance, either online or at the counter, and make sure you arrive at least half an hour before departure to be sure to embark on the bus.

Some regions of Croatia can have strong winds. This sometimes causes closures of the motorways. This is particularly true for the tunnel Sv. Roko on highway A1 (motorway sequence from Zadar to Gospic), Kikovica-Ostrovica sequence on the motorway A6 between Zagreb and Rijeka, and coastal road E65 between Senj and Karlobag.

Destinations

Using public transport in Croatia is easier in some destinations than in others. Zagreb, for example, is well-connected with the rest of Croatia. The same is true for Dalmatia and Dubrovnik regions. You can easily move from Zadar, Split , or Dubrovnik by bus and even plan visits to smaller towns like Trogir, Omis, or Makarska.

However, moving around using buses in Istria or the Croatian Islands is more challenging and, in many instances, not convenient at all, and sometimes it is simply impossible.

What is the best way to travel in Croatia?

Driving is the best way to travel around Croatia. Driving in Croatia is easy and convenient, giving you lots of flexibility. Roads in Croatia are second to none: modern, wide, and easy to navigate.

Public transport is best suited for solo travelers and budget-conscious travelers. However, traveling on inter-city buses takes too much time and is not always the most convenient way to travel. Moreover, some destinations have limited bus networks, especially in Istria and Croatian islands.

Private transfers are expensive but work best when you aren’t comfortable driving yourself but would still like to enjoy the convenience and flexibility of traveling by car.

Shared transfers are rare in Croatia. You can find them sometimes between major destinations and the airport, like this shared transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Cavtat, and Dubrovnik and Slano .

Carpooling can be an option for people on a tight budget who do not have too much time in Croatia but would like to visit more than one place. In this case, carpooling gives you the speed of a car at the price of the bus. BlaBla Car is the most popular carpooling service in Croatia and is widely used.

How much is transportation in Croatia?

Besides time and convenience, the budget plays a big role when deciding the transport method you will use in Croatia. Here is what you can expect in terms of transportation costs in Croatia.

A one-way bus ticket from Zagreb to Split costs anywhere between 18 € and 25 €, from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is between 23 € and 30 €, while the bus ticket from Split to Dubrovnik will set you back around 20 € (although sometimes you can find ticket as cheap as 10 €, this is more a good luck than the rule).

Depending on the season, car rental in Croatia will cost you anywhere between 20 € and 90 € a day for a mini-sized car. Add to that the fuel cost of about 1,46 € per liter of diesel, or 1.34 € for Eurosuper 95. You must pay road tolls if you decide to use multilane highways in Croatia. The road tolls amount to 16 € from Zagreb to Zadar, 24 € from Zagreb to Split, and 30.60 € from Zagreb to Ploce (last junction direction Dubrovnik).

Ferries are cheap for passengers but very expensive for vehicles. A ferry from Split to Stari Grad on the island of Hvar costs 7.3 € per person and 43.30 € for a car. A passenger catamaran from Split to Hvar Town will set you back 8.4 € per person. The ferry from Split to Supetar on the island of Brac costs 5.5 € per person and 22.6 € for a car. If you visit Korcula from Orebic, the ferry will cost you 3.2 € per person and 12.2 € per car.

If you decide to fly from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, it can set you back 100 € on average. However, sometimes you can get cheaper tickets if you purchase them early enough if you fly during the low season, and if you use less popular flights (like a morning flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb or a late-night flight from Zagreb to Dubrovnik). When we checked in January for flights in July, the rates were as low as 58 €. It pays to book early!

The cost of a private transfer depends on a vehicle (usually, you will have a choice of a 3- or 7-person vehicle) and the distance. Expect to pay around 450 € for a 3-person transfer from Zagreb to Split, 350 € from Zagreb to Zadar, and 300 € from Split to Dubrovnik. The 8-person vehicles cost about the same, or just a little bit more, so if you are a bigger group, private transfers can be an interesting option to travel around Croatia.

Flying is the fastest way to get around Croatia. But, with only one domestic carrier,  Croatia Airlines ,  flying is not always the cheapest traveling option within Croatia.

The main airports are Zagreb, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. However, only Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik airports serve international flights all year round. Although, just a limited number of them fly from November to April. Other airports are seasonal.

When to get around Croatia by plane?

• If you plan on visiting Dubrovnik from Zagreb, flying there is perhaps your best travel option. First, Dubrovnik is the southernmost town in Croatia. Second, the multi-lane highway goes only as south as Ploce. From Ploce to Dubrovnik, you’ll need to drive on a single-carriageway coastal road. Expect to pay around 100 € for a return ticket from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, or even less if you book early enough.
• If you would like to visit as many places as possible in whatever little time you have in Croatia, then you might consider flying one way and driving another. For example, if you fly into and out of Zagreb, you might rent a car, drive down south, stop along the way, and once you reach the southernmost point of your trip (Dubrovnik perhaps), you can drop off the car, and fly back to Zagreb.

Note: As only one carrier operates on national routes, your only chance to get an affordable ticket is to book early. We suggest you book directly with Croatia Airlines to secure the best deal. Alternatively, shop for the best deals on a CheapOAir website!

Getting around Croatia by bus

Regarding public transportation in Croatia, buses are your best option. The bus network in Croatia is extensive. Buses are frequent, fairly reliable, and affordable (though not cheap).

Bus stations are usually in the center of town or within walking distance from the center. The ticket price includes your luggage too, although if you have a bicycle or additional bags, you will pay extra for the luggage.

Croatia has many bus-operating companies, and not a single one runs on all lines. The largest bus operators with extensive bus networks all over Croatia are Arriva (ex. Autotrans), Flixbus , Croatia Bus , and  Cazmatrans .

There are many local operators like  Libertas in the Dubrovnik region,  Promet Split in the Split region, Liburnija in the Zadar region, and Crnja Tours or Fils in Istria.

The Bookaway and Getbybus do a fairly good job aggregating different bus lines and schedules within Croatia. You can also book your tickets online through their website.

If you travel to or from Zagreb, the Zagreb bus station has a good overview of timetables for all buses, and you can buy tickets online. You can also visit the website of larger bus operators for additional information. Arriva and Flixbus also have user-friendly websites.

When to travel around Croatia by bus?

• You plan to spend enough time in Croatia, like two weeks or more, and you won’t mind spending additional time traveling by bus.
• You only need to go from point A to point B and stay put.
• If you are a solo traveler or a couple on a budget, a bus is perhaps your cheapest option to travel around Croatia. For larger groups and families, it can get as expensive as renting a car.
• You don’t feel comfortable driving on Croatian roads.
• If you don’t plan on traveling on the bus around islands or in Istria. These are the only places in Croatia where local buses are infrequent and not your best travel option.

Whether you travel by car or plan on renting a car, driving is the best way to get around Croatia .

Croatia is small, and getting around by car is the most comfortable and often the fastest way to get around. It takes less than 4-hours drive to reach Split from Zagreb, just over two hours to reach Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes, and Porec, and less than three hours to reach Zadar. Dubrovnik is the only faraway place to travel in Croatia by car ( but that road trip offers the best scenery ever, and it’s totally worth the effort ).

When to move around Croatia by car?

Decide on moving around Croatia by car in the following situations:

• If you like making impromptu stops, explore the less-visited places and the countryside.
• If you like road trips.
• Those who travel in a group or a bigger family often find that traveling in Croatia by car is the cheapest option.
• Those planning to visit Istria and explore the region.
• If you plan to travel around any of the Croatian islands.
• If you have little time but would like to visit a few places.

Note: Many people making a round trip in Croatia often combine flying and driving. They either fly from north to south (e.g. from Zagreb to Dubrovnik) and then rent a car and make their way up north, or vice versa.

RENTING A CAR IN CROATIA: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DRIVING IN CROATIA

Ferries are often the only way to reach islands. So, you will use a ferry to get around Croatia sooner or later.

The largest ferry company is Jadrolinija , operating most routes with its extensive fleet of ferries and catamarans. Besides Jadrolinija, you’ll also find other operators on some routes, like Kapetan Luka, TP Line, Rapska Plovidba, and Mia Tours .

Kapetan Luka has four lines: three sailing between Split, Hvar, Brac, Korcula, Mljet, and Dubrovnik and one line sailing between Pula, Unije, Susak, Mali Lošinj, Ilovik, Silba, and Zadar.

TP Line offers connection on four lines. Two lines sail between Dubrovnik, Korcula, Lastovo, Elafiti Islands, and Mljet, while the other lines operate between Split, Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Mljet, and Dubrovnik.

You can book a ferry ticket online for Jadrolinija, TP Line, and Kapetan Luka ferries. Other companies sell tickets only at the counter. A Bookaway website is also a good place to shop for ferry tickets online.

tips on traveling around Croatia by ferries

In summer, ferries are crowded, and you should arrive at least two hours before departure to board a ferry.

When you arrive at the ferry terminal, line your car for boarding immediately, then go to the counter to buy a ticket. Ferries operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you don’t get to the first ferry, you must wait for another one.

Ferries are cheap if you don’t travel by car. Should you take a car on a ferry depends heavily on how you plan to spend your time on an island. You won’t need a car if you plan to visit only a ferry port village. But you’ll need a car if you plan to explore an island.

You can also get around an island by bus, but buses are infrequent and often don’t leave enough time for a visit. You can also consider renting a car on the island to save on a ferry. But if you plan to do so, make sure you book your car rental well in advance. In high season, finding an available car on the spot is hard.

You can also visit some islands on a private or group boat tour. These tours are available in all coastal towns. An island tour is usually to the nearest islands, including lunch on board. The most popular island tours are The 5 Islands Tour from Split , The Elafiti Island Trip from Dubrovnik , and this Full Day Sailing Trip to Kornati from Zadar .

Some islands, like Lopud, Kolocep , or Silba, are car-free.

Taxis are still expensive in Croatia, except in Zagreb and Rijeka. Taxi service is heavily regulated, and fares are fixed. Taxi-meter is a norm, so make sure your driver turns it on.

UberX is available in Zagreb and Split all year round and in coastal towns like Dubrovnik, Zadar, or Rovinj only in the high season (June to October). Uber in Croatia only works with licensed drivers.

In short, don’t plan much on using taxis unless you don’t mind spending lots of money. You can book a taxi in advance using the Kiwitaxi website .

BlaBlaCar , a carpooling platform, is very popular in Croatia, and many people use it. In fact, my sister-in-law, who works in Vienna but has family in Zagreb, travels every weekend from Vienna to Zagreb and back to Vienna using BlaBlaCar.

The rides aren’t really cheap. Usually, they cost as much as a bus ride. However, the main advantage of carpooling is the time, as you will arrive quicker than traveling by bus.

Hitchhiking

Although Croatia is a very safe country, I wouldn’t recommend hitchhiking. Vera claims she hitchhiked around Croatia a lot when she was in high school. But these days, you don’t see many hitchhikers on the road, and you see even fewer cars picking these few up.

Recommended travel guides

• Fodor’s Croatia Travel Guide (we are co-authors!)
• Lonely Planet Croatia Travel Guide  
• Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia

Further reading

We’ve got lots of good stuff here at our Croatia Travel Guide and Blog. Stick around, read further, and let us know if we can help with anything regarding your travel to Croatia .

• A Complete Travel Guide To Croatia: 34 Things To Know Before Travelling To Croatia
• Tips For First-Time Travel To Croatia
• Car Rental In Croatia
• Ultimate Packing List For Vacation In Croatia
• Things To Do In Croatia
• Croatia Travel Budget: How Much Money You’ll Need In Croatia
• Money-saving Tips For Croatia
• Where To Have Local, Cheap And Delicious Meals In Croatia
• How To Choose Your Destination In Croatia
• Where To Go In Croatia: Best Places To Visit In Croatia
• A Complete Guide To Accommodation In Croatia
• Driving in Croatia
• Must-try Croatian Food
• How To Get From Split To Dubrovnik And From Dubrovnik To Split

Do you still have a question? Please leave them in the comments below. 

Frankaboutcroatia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post might also contain affiliate links to other sites, like accommodation or activities. And if you purchase anything using these links, we earn a little commission with no extra costs for you. Thank you for supporting our blog! Read full disclaimer here.

Home / Croatia Travel Tips / Getting around Croatia

22 thoughts on “Getting around Croatia”

Separate tickets!

Hi Frank, If I’m staying in Dubrovnik and would like to visit Hvar and Bol, do I just need to book a roundtrip ferry to Bol and then I’m able to hop off and on at Hvar on the way to Bol? Or do I need to purchase separate ferry tickets from Dubrovnik to Hvar and then Hvar to Bol?

Hi Tracy, it is doable, much shorter and I believe easier than Camino in many ways, although here you will also have some steeps to climb. Also, some parts are less interested than others, there are also less hikers’ facilities along the route (no dormitories or alike, not many other hikers, but you can still plan your meals and stays along the way – they just won’t be as cheap or basic as on Camino). You send us an email info(at)frankaboutcroatia.com and we’ll hook you with a local guide who can help plan your trip.

Hello! We are 4 women interested in walking through Istria. I have read about the Parenzana trail and wonder if it is suitable to walk from Pula to the other end? We have walked the Camino and would like to have a similar experience of walking in Croatia sampling good food and wine along the way! Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Olga, starting from 1000 Kn (approx. 150 €) a day for a small boat.

Hello, can you please tell, what is the usual price for renting a motor boat in high season?

Hi frank, We are a family of 5, 2 adults 3 children 14,13,11. Looking for accommodation in Porec in the town with a shared pool for use when we get back from daily excursions, can you advise please. We really do not want to drive in the evening!

Looking forward to hearing your advice

What’s the easiest way to get from Split to Makarska

Sound ok to me. Busy, but doable. Yes, online tickets for buses and ferries should be reliable. For ferries 100%, for buses just make sure to be there a bit ahead of time (just in case)

it depends what you like? are you flying in, or driving? Anyways, Hvar, Brac, and Korcula are the most popular

Hello Frank,

I request your help. We are 5 ladies who plan to visit Croatia and would like to visit Plitvice National Park. We plan on landing in Zagreb first, spend a few days here and then go to Plitvice. We would like to spend a couple of days in Plitvice. Could you please advise on the following.

(1) The best way to travel from Zagreb to Plitvice

(2) Options of stay within Plitvice

(3) The best way to travel from Plitvice to Zagreb. Since Dubrovnik is way down south, we were not thinking of visiting this place, but go back to Zagreb and then fly to Budapest or back to our country

I have checked out details on the net and find that travelling within Croatia is not as simple as it seems. At this point I find it complicated so would appreciate any help you can give us.

Is it possible to see Dubrovnik and some of the islands in a 4 day period (I’d ideally like to do some sailing around the Dalmatian coast)…I’d also need to get to Istria after that and was wondering if there was a way or order you’d recommend doing this.. also if you recommend any particular sailing companies.. I’d be flying in from NYC…

Hello Frank, Two people need to travel from Split city centre to Zagreb International Airport on a Sunday morning in July to arrive no later than 12pm. Could you recommend a private transfer/ car company that would be able to accommodate?

Many thanks in advance

if we are traveling to croatia in August with children for 8 days , which Islands should we visit?

Hi Frank, can you provide details on the ferry from Dubrovnik to Bari/Puglia Italy. We are planning 8 days in Croatia (feel free to sugges an Itinerary and or Must See Highlights for our time in Croatia.) WE will be going in early May 2018. is the overnight Ferry a reliable, comfortable and safe option…..traveling overnight should save a day for sightseeing. I read some reviews and they werent too favorable. also there isn’t a timetable, and i would like to book tickets, / dates to ensure securing our tickets.

appreciate any help and suggestions you have.

Hi there- I love all the amazing information and suggestions on frankaboutcroatia- thank you! We are in Australia and trying to book Jadrolinija Catamarans throughout Croatia for our 5 week holiday. The website says we cant pre book these. I know we pre booked 2 years ago on our last trip. Do you know if this is correct or have they not published the 2018 timetable yet? We appreciate any advice, thank you again

How about getting from Vrsar to Split on Oct 1st? There are no direct flights out of Pula on that day and we don’t want to drive. Any ideas on shortest/quickest bus or train routes? Thanks again!

Great website – very helpful!

We are flying into Split next week (4 days there) then taking the Catamaran down to Dubrovnik (4 days there too) then taking the bus to Kotor (3 days on the bay) then bus back to Dubronik – taking boat over to Mjlet Island (2 days) and then onto Brac by boat (2 days) and then back to Split by boat to fly out.

Does that all sound viable? I have booked most of the boats and and bus. We were going to get a car but it seemed like a lot of money and hassle in high season and would be expensive if we wanted to do islands too. Did a lot of research but want to make sure online tickets are safe and viable for boats and buses.

Thanks for any help.

Check Croatia Airlines flights from Pula to Dubrovnik, and taxi between Vrsar, and Pula airport – or bus to Porec, and then shuttle to Pula.

What’s the best way to get from Vrsar to Dubrovnik without renting a car? I don’t want to drive as I’ll be traveling alone. Oct 1st for 1 week. Will either fly out of Dubrovnik or Split back to Seattle.

I will be traveling with friends in July. We want to go by train from Zagreb to Split by train. Question: As seniors, would we be eligible for a reduced senior rate, even though we are not Croatian citizens?

My experiences getting around Croatia in the last 10 years or so.

1. 2/3 of the bus companies we used recently charged us for luggage 2. Downtown Zagreb to downtown Zadar is faster on the bus than flying (unless you live in the airports) 3. Downtown Zagreb to downtown Split is barely faster flying than a bus 4. Downtown Zagreb to downtown Dubrovnik IS faster flying 5. Just about every other combination is faster driving or by bus 6. The train from Zagreb to Ljubljana is much better than a bus 7. The train from Zagreb to Split is a decent alternative to bus but there’s not as many departures 8. If you’re renting a car to get around Croatia it may be fastest and most flexible but also probably one of the most expensive ways even if you pack the car. The price of gas alone between Zagreb and Zadar is equal to bus tickets for five people. Add in car rental and it’s much more expensive than buses. 9. What’s wrong with buscroatia.com for one website to compare bus tickets?

I didn’t mention ferries as I’ve only used them to cross back and forth to Italy. When I go from Zagreb to Ljubljana I always take the train. When I go from Zagreb to Dubrovnik I always fly. Everywhere else I use buses.

Leave a Comment

Getting to Croatia by Train

It is certainly possible to reach Croatia by train from elsewhere in Europe. The main destinations in Croatia you can reach by rail are Zagreb , Pula , Rijeka and Split ; in the case of the latter, however, you will definitely have to travel via Zagreb.

Despite being relatively close to Croatia, travelling by train from northeast Italy isn’t the best option. Again, most journeys involve travelling via Zagreb. For this reason, it’s better to travel by bus or ferry from here rather than train.  Check out guides from travelling from Venice and Trieste .

A great website for researching train travel in Europe is  Die Bahn . You can search for timetables for practically any journey in Europe, including journeys internal to Croatia. If you’re searching for journeys to Zagreb, make sure you search for “Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor” (“Zagreb Main Terminal”, the main train station in the city).

International routes to Croatia by train

Here’s a list of some of the direct train routes from European cities to places in Croatia – and approximate journey times – to give you an idea of what routes are possible. Of course, there are more options if you choose a non-direct option!

• Ljubljana – Zagreb (7 trains per day) – 2 hours 20 minutes
• Ljubljana – Opatija (2 trains) – 2 hours 30 minutes
• Ljubljana – Rijeka (2 trains) – 2 hours 45 minutes
• Budapest – Zagreb (2 trains) – 6 hours 30 minutes
• Belgrade – Zagreb (4 trains) 7 hours 20 minutes
• Sarajevo – Zagreb (1 train) – 9 hours
• Graz – Zagreb (1 train) – 4 hours
• Vienna – Zagreb (2 trains) – 6 hours 35 minutes
• Salzburg – Zagreb (3 trains) – 7 hours
• Innsbruck – Zagreb (1 train) – 10 hours 35 minutes
• Venice Mestre – Zagreb (1 train) – 6 hours 50 minutes
• Munich – Zagreb (3 trains) – 9 hours
• Frankfurt – Zagreb (1 train) – 12 hours 35 minutes
• Stuttgart – Zagreb (1 train) – 11 hours
• Zurich – Zagreb (1 train) – 14 hours
• Budapest – Split (3 trains per week) – 15 hours (operates mid-June to end of August only)

Please do check train timetables carefully (on the Die Bahn website) as not all trains may run every day of the week.

Once in Zagreb, of course, you can then change for trains to a number of other destinations in Croatia. Alternatively, you could transfer to the main bus station in the city for even more options! See our Bus Travel in Croatia page.

Useful Train Websites

Check out the following websites for timetable details:

• Croatian Railways
• Trains in Croatia Our guide to travelling around by train once in the country

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Home » Split » Traveling to Split by Train

Traveling to Split by Train

Traveling to Split by train has more cons than pros reasons. On rare occasions when I decided to opt for train, not even once I arrived on time, always with delay.

I like traveling but before you decide to get a train you should first consider some other alternatives, as trains in Croatia are slow and less frequent than buses.

Trains in Croatia are managed by Croatian Railways ( HZ – Hrvatske zeljeznice ). There are three types of trains: local trains usually have only unreserved 2nd class seats, but reservations may be required on express trains. ‘Executive trains’ only have 1st class seats.

Reservations: Most domestic trains in Croatia do not require seat reservation. Exceptions are:

• The Intercity (IC) Zagreb – Rijeka/Osijek/Cakovec
• The fast ICN train Zagreb – Split

Facts you should consider when traveling by train to Croatia

Only major cities are reachable by train like Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, Osjek, Zadar and Split. If you are traveling by train from Italy inevitably you have to pass through Zagreb to get to Split. The only major destination not connected by train is Dubrovnik.

If you traveling from Italy to Croatia by train, some roughly calculations of how long it will take you from some Italian cities to Croatian cities like Zagreb or Split, can be helpful to reconsider using alternative means of transportation ( by plane or by ferry )

• Route Venice to Zagreb takes from 7 to 10 hours with 1-2 train switches.
• Route Venice to Split by train takes 15 to 20 hours with at least 3 train switches.
• Rome to Zagreb  from 12 to 15 hours with 1-2 train changes.
• Milan to Zagreb  from 10 to 12 hours with 1-2 train changes.

How to use Croatian railway network

You can find a timetable online but not in English. Just follow this indications

• In ‘polazni kolodvor’ (starting station) insert for es. Zagreb
• In ‘odredisni kolodvor’ (arriving station), insert for es.Split.
• Ignore ‘vrijeme polaska and dolaska’ (departure and arrival time).
• Ignore ‘VIA’
• Insert ‘Datum’ (Date) – only for a month in advance.
• Leave as it is ‘samo izravni vlakovi’ (only direct trains).
• Click on – ‘Prikazi vlakove koje voze na relaciji’ (show all trains on this route).

Split By Train From Zagreb

In fact Zagreb’s main railway station ( Glavni (Main)  Kolodvor (Station) is the only starting point to get to Split railway station. Many visitors do not know that there is no train connections along the coast and Zagreb connects only a few Croatia towns.

The main railway lines run from Zagreb to Rijeka and Pula, Zagreb to Zadar, Sibenik and Split and Zagreb to Osijek. As you can see, there is no train to Dubrovnik. This unique city can be reached by car, by bus and by ferry.

There is not a high-speed train between Zagreb and Split. New trains are introduced but the tracks do not support high-speed travel. Trains are either ‘express’ or ‘passenger’ (local trains). They have the first and second-class seats and booking in advance is advisable.

New look and feel train

In 2007 Croatia has introduced a new carriages, that look more like a modern tram or subway car. They are very comfortable and clean with enormous side windows and double seats faced each other with a larger table in between them.

All trains are completely self controlled without additional towing engine in front. They have hostess service and large and clean toilets.

The only problem is, they are slow and never punctual but if you don’t care too much to be late half an hour or more, I am sure you will be overwhelmed by landscape.

On certain points it looks like passing Swiss mountains ridge with curves which slows down the train making this train trip, one of the most unusual and exciting.  It’s a good reason to get to Split by train.

Don’t know where is Split Railway Station? See the Split city map !

Train alternatives

• While trains run from Zagreb to Split only twice a day (in high season more frequently), getting by bus is cheaper and more frequent. Almost 40 departures by bus is convincing reason to opt for this solution. Read more here !
• Arriving by own car is a perfect option if you feel like driving.
• Renting a low budget car rental sounds an interesting offer.
• Traveling by ferry to Split is the most inviting preposition, if you are coming from Italy.
• Flying is the fastest but unless you find a low-cost flight, the most expensive. Read more!
• Travel by Train
• Travel to Split
• Traveling around Croatia
• Traveling to Croatia

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Compare deals from multiple websites to find your hotel, hostel, or private apartment for the best price! You can also check for flights and ferries to Croatia, book airport transfers in advance, or find most popular tours and cruises, all thanks to my partners!

• Accommodation

If the form above is not loading you can search directly on DirectFerries .

Below are my recommended sailing trips in Croatia from trusted companies and tour operators. Feel free to check the offers and links to find additional information and more related cruises!

From Split:

• Southern Explorer - explore top places between Split and Dubrovnik!
• Luxury at Sea - relaxing luxury cruise of best destinations near Split
• Southern Pearls - one-way cruise from Split to Dubrovnik
• Split to Dubrovnik One-Way Luxury Cruise - travel in style from Split to Dubrovnik
• Split to Dubrovnik Private Sailing Holiday - your own private yacht and crew

Top rated: Southern Explorer

Starting and ending in Split, this cruise will take you to Makarska, Mljet, Dubrovnik, Trstenik, Korcula, Hvar and Brac!

Dates & pricing »

From Dubrovnik:

• Dubrovnik Discovery - discover top destinations near Dubrovnik
• Southern Pearls - one-way cruise from Dubrovnik to Split
• Luxury at Sea - one-way luxury cruise from Dubrovnik to Split
• Dubrovnik to Trogir - charming 8-day sailing trip from Dubrovnik to Trogir
• Adventure Sailing - kayaking, snorkeling, cycling and more in this active sailing adventure

Top rated: Dubrovnik Discovery

Depart from Dubrovnik on a week long cruise and explore Mljet, Hvar, Korcula, Trstenik, and Sipan.

More departure ports:

One-day sailing trips:.

• From Dubrovnik
• View all Croatia 1-day sailing trips

Organized tours are excellent ways to explore my beautiful country, and I highly recommend taking at least one trip during your visit. There are limitless fascinating places to see, and you can easily book a tour or day trip from my trusted partners below.

Below are five top rated tours from Split!

Discover more trip ideas:

• Top day trips from Split (my article)
• More tours from Split (100+)
• Tours from Dubrovnik (70+)
• See all tours in Croatia »
• Browse more tours on Viator (200+)

Find transfers and compare prices on:

• SoloTransfers (best prices from Split)
• HappyToVisit
• From Split airport
• From Split city
• From Dubrovnik airport
• From Dubrovnik city

From Any Location:

• Select any pickup and dropoff - from and to 200+ destinations in Croatia.
• From Split to Dubrovnik
• From Dubrovnik to Split
• From Split to Dubrovnik (shared transfer, special offer for only €55)
• From Dubrovnik to Split (shared transfer, special offer for only €55)

More options:

• Hire a private chauffeur (from €166/day)
• Rent a car on AutoEurope (from €40/day)
• Rent a car on RentalCars.com (price comparisons)

Cruises are fantastic and inexpensive way to discover multiple destinations in Croatia.

Dalmatian Islands Experience Cruise

8 days, 9 destinations

From Split to Omis or Pucisca (Brac island), Korcula, Lastovo, Green cave (Ravnik), Komiza, Blue cave (Bisevo), Stari Grad (Hvar), Bol (Brac island)

€ 615 - 890

(€ 76 - 111 per day)

Dubrovnik Discovery Cruise

8 days, 6 destinations

From Dubrovnik to Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, Trstenik, and Sipan

€ 423 - 700

(€ 52 - 87 per day)

Split to Dubrovnik Cruise

From Dubrovnik to Sipan or Slano, Mljet, Korcula, Bisevo, Vis, Hvar, Bol (Brac island), Makarska, Pucisca (Brac), Omis, and Split

€ 425 - 890

(€ 53 - 111 per day)

• ← Getting to Split by Car
• Cheap Hostels in Split →

Pero is Splitgg's founder who was born and lived in Split most of his life. His passion for traveling and immense experience from working in tourism industry encouraged him to write many of our expert Split travel guides. More about our authors »

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Travel by train

Croatia.hr Travel info Getting to Croatia Travel by train

Travelling by train is always romantic, relaxed and unforgettable.

Croatia abounds in unique and highly diverse landscapes with scenery completely changing in just a few hours of travelling, which makes travelling by train a special adventure.

Trains aren’t as popular in Croatia as in certain European countries with a more developed railway infrastructure, but larger city centres, especially Zagreb, are well connected to all parts of the country where there are railways.

Information:

Tel: + 385 (0)60 333 444

(price from a landline is 1.74 kuna/ minute +VAT, price from mobile phone 2.96 kuna/ minute + VAT, Croatian Telecom),

Tel: + 385 (0)1 3782 583

E-mail:  [email protected]  

Web:  www.hzpp.hr

• Zagreb – Dubrovnik
• Zagreb – Osijek
• Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes
• Zagreb – Rijeka
• Zagreb – Split
• Zagreb – Zadar
• Split – Dubrovnik
• Split – Rijeka
• Split – Sibenik
• Split – Zadar
• Split – Zagreb
• Dubrovnik – Plitvice Lakes
• Dubrovnik – Pula
• Dubrovnik – Split
• Dubrovnik – Zadar
• Dubrovnik – Zagreb
• Rijeka – Split
• Rijeka – Zagreb
• Austria – Croatia
• Germany – Croatia
• Hungary – Croatia
• Italy – Croatia
• Serbia – Croatia
• Slovenia – Croatia
• UK – Croatia

Find your train

Zagreb – split.

Train from Zagreb to Split is one of the most popular train routes as it connects the two biggest cities in Croatia . The route is operated by Hrvatske Željeznice with 2 daily departures and 1 night departure.

The train departs from Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (main train station) which is located in central Zagreb. The train arrives at the main train station in Split located right next to the ferry port and the main bus station, about 5 minutes from the city centre. The train stops at 16 more railway stations in between.

Types of trains

There are 2 types of trains operating the route Zagreb – Split, a day train and a night train .

There are 2 departures of the day train and the journey takes approximately 6 hours.

Zagreb – Split route is served by InterCity (IC) train with 1st and 2nd class. The 1st class wagons provide more space and comfort for the passengers compared to the 2nd class. On these trains, reservation is required.

Night trains are 2nd class fast trains . These trains are equipped with sleeping and couchette cars . They also have the option of transporting cars and bicycles . The approximate journey of a night train is 7 hours. On these trains, reservations are possible, but not required.

The regular one-way ticket costs around 300 HRK (~€40) for the 1st class and around 200 HRK (~€27) for the 2nd class and the night train. The return ticket for the 1st class is around 480 HRK (~€64) and for the 2nd class is around 330 HRK (~€44).

Children between the age of 6 and 12, students and seniors have a 50% discount while youth between the age of 12 and 26 have a 30% discount.

For all other discounts and benefits check Train Croatia Discounts .

If looking for the fastest and easiest way to travel this route, then consider taking a bus from Zagreb to Split . Tickets start from €15 and there are over 30 departures per day, including several night buses. The journey takes about 5-6 hours with a 20-30 minute break.

NOTE: In some cases, passengers who bought a train ticket might be transferred by bus instead, either some part or the entire route. This happens when a certain part of the railway on the route is under construction, which is highly influenced by the air temperature. Summer heats can cause the railway to extend which leads to malfunctions, while extremely low temperatures in winter shrink the railway which can lead to breakage.

Popular routes from Zagreb

Popular routes from split , good to know.

• I have a heavy suitcase, can a taxi drop me to the train station in Zagreb? Yes, Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (main train station) is located in Zagreb centre, so it is easily accessible by taxi and other means of transport such as trams and buses.
• Where do I board the train in Zagreb? There are three train stations in Zagreb where you can board the train, find out more information here .
• Where do I get off the train in Split? There are two train stations in Split where you can get off the train, find out more information here .
• Is there a car train from Zagreb to Split? The night train has an option of car transport, while day trains don’t. Read more about car transportation on trains.
• Is there a luggage service at Zagreb/Split train station? Yes, both train stations have luggage storage service. At Zagreb main train station, you can leave your luggage in the lockers in the hallway for the price of 15-20 HRK (~€2.5-3) per day (depending on the size of the locker). At the Split main train station, the lockers are located in the waiting area and the price is also 15-20 HRK (~€2.5-3) per day.

For more information regarding trains in Croatia read our Train Croatia FAQ .

Croatia by Bus and and Train for Getting Around Without a Car

What’s the best way to travel in Croatia? Well, that depends a good bit on your budget and also what kind of trip you want to have. The good news is, you can do it without your own car or fancy yacht fairly easily. Seeing Croatia without a car may mean you give up a few stop-offs or you need to book a tour to reach some remote areas, but for the most part, you can get to where you want to go without the expense or hassle of your own wheels. It’s easy to see Croatia by bus and in parts of it anyway, by train.

This gorgeous nation on the Adriatic Sea has a similar climate to Italy but unlike Italy, has actually been open to visitors in much of 2021. So it’s a good place to get your Europe fix in now or a place to start and then branch outward. Part of the former Yugoslavia, it’s south of Slovenia , north of Montenegro, and to the west of bordering Bosnia. By train or overnight bus, you can leave Croatia in the evening and be in central Europe the next morning.

For the most part, the distances and times to travel are long enough to present a scenic adventure, but not long enough to feel like an ordeal. If you’re going from Dubrovnik to Split , for instance, the bus ride is around 4 hours 15 minutes and it’ll be worth looking out the window part of that time to take in the Croatian countryside. The cost is around $22.

For some routes, you can travel on the water instead, including that one. You will spend more than twice as much–around $50–but you’ll be able to watch the Croatian coast go by, see some islands, and get pictures of both cities from the water. There will be a nice breeze on deck, but you can go inside where it’s air-conditioned and get some refreshments too. This option is only 10 minutes longer than the bus: 4 hours, 25 minutes. There’s only one departure a day though in each direction.

Traveling Croatia by Bus

The easiest way to get around this country is on the Croatia bus system. That won’t get you out to the islands unless they’re connected by a bridge, but from top to bottom, you can get nearly anywhere on the mainland on a bus. On busy routes between major population centers, these will be modern, air-conditioned (or heated) buses with a bathroom and a WiFi connection. Some have outlets where you can keep your gadgets charged.

Croatia by bus won’t hit your budget very hard unless you’re going really long distances. Despite having nice seats and decent legroom, the best buses will generally only cost around $3.50 to $5 per hour of travel. So a Zagreb to Rijeka trip of two hours is around $7, a Zagreb to Split trip of four hours is around $20. Zagreb to Plitvice is $13 for 2.5 hours.

With most of the routes, you can buy your ticket in advance online with a credit card and not have to scramble or risk not getting a seat the day of departure. Unfortunately, the ticket fee does not include checked luggage going underneath, so you’ll have to cough up some coins for that.

You can also catch buses heading out of the country too. When I was in Croatia and heading to Montenegro, I got a bus to Ulsinj there that was stopping in several other places along the way. By the time it did the last stretch to my destination, I was the only passenger! I also caught a bus from Mostar, in Bosnia, to Dubrovnik and that was no sweat. Just a stop to show passports at the border.

Croatia Train Travel

Seeing Croatia by train can enhance your vacation in the country and be a pleasant way to get around. The main problem is, the train system only covers part of the geography, mostly in the northern part except for a line extending down to the port city of Split. You can’t find info online about a Zagreb to Dubrovnik train, for example, because there’s no rail line going to Dubrovnik.

You can go between Zagreb and Split by train, however, and that leaves two or three times per day depending on the season. There’s a first and second-class option on air-conditioned trains. Figure on $34 to $50 at full price, but there are discounts for different kinds of passengers (like retirees and children) and for buying in advance. If you take advantage of those, the prices can get close to traveling Croatia by bus, with the option to walk around and hit the dining car.

Zagreb has the most connections to other places by train and you can actually go all the way to the eastern towns of Dalj and Vukovar, or north to Varazdin.

From the northern cities of Croatia, you can travel by train to the rest of Europe (and they are part of the Eurail system if you have a pass). From Zagreb you can travel all year round by train to Budapest, Vienna, or Prague. In the summer months, there’s an overnight train three times per week from Split on RegioJet that will take you to Budapest, Bratislava, or Prague.

Traveling Around Croatia by Boat

If you really want to see the coast and islands of this country in style, then spend the big bucks and charter a yacht that goes sailing or motoring from place to place. There are some 1,000 islands to explore, so you could go for weeks and only see a fraction of them.

For travelers who aren’t in that league financially, however, you travel around Croatia by boat by utilizing the public ferries. Jadrolinija is the main public company service, running all the car ferries, but there are plenty of others that do passenger-only trips to the islands and between them.

As mentioned earlier, there’s a daily ferry trip (unless the seas are too rough) between the country’s two most popular tourist stops: Dubrovnik and Split. It takes less than five hours and is around 50 bucks. One of the other popular routes is from Zadar to Italian-feeling Pula , which is closer to Venice than it is to much of Croatia. The trip takes around 6.5 hours. If you’re coming from Italy or Slovenia overland and stop at Pula first, know that there’s no Pula to Dubrovnik ferry. That’s a long route of close to 700 kilometers by road, so you’ll have to break it up by heading to Zadar first.

Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country and it’s also the busiest ferry port at times. With its location halfway down the coast, it’s able to service a lot of different islands in the Dalmatian region. If you look at a map of Croatia and find Zadar, you’ll see that the country’s highest concentration of islands is off this coast. (Oddly though, you won’t find a Zadar to Split ferry or Zadar to Dubrovnik one. You’ll have to go by road or island hop.)

From Split you can travel by ferry to the country’s most popular island, Hvar. There are also trips to Brac, Ciovo, Korcula, and others.

Dubrovnik doesn’t have as many ferry options since it’s close to the bottom of the country, but you can get to Brac and Korcula from there, as well as several other islands.

These are just the start, however. You could easily spend a two- or three-week vacation on just Croatia island hopping, using the ferries to go from place to place.

You can also travel to ports in Italy from Croatia, including Venice. If you want to connect with the Italian train system, sail from Dubrovnik to Bari or Split to Ancona.

And hey, one last option. You can also travel around Croatia by bike. There are some great stretches without much traffic and if you want to do what I did, you can do a multi-country trip that involves biking across the Balkans to three countries. Or just take a bike on the ferries and ride around the islands.

There aren’t as many tourists in Dubrovnik these days (but still lots of cats ). How long that will last will probably depend on two things: 1) When all Europeans can travel freely across borders again and 2) when cruise ships start sailing again. One way this city finally fought back against overtourism was by limiting the number of ships that could dock on any given day, so hopefully they’ll keep that policy in place and the historic center won’t get as packed with people as it did before the restrictions went into place.

We hope you found this post on how to travel around Croatia to be useful. In some respects, this is the best Balkan country to visit if you’re not on a shoestring budget: it’s got historic cities, islands, nice beaches, and adventures. Plus they make the best wine in the region. I plan to get back there sometime in the next year to see more of the country and drink some good wine. If you’ve been there recently, how did it go getting from Point A to Point B?

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About the author.

Tim Leffel is author of five travel books, including Travel Writing 2.0 (now in its 2nd edition), and A Better Life for Half the Price , on living abroad. He is editor of Perceptive Travel online magazine and this blog. He splits his time between Guanajuato, Mexico and Tampa Bay. See his writing portfolio, awards, and links to his books at TimLeffel.com .

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