Croatia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Unfortunately, the train is not the best way to explore the country. Trains in Croatia do not reach many popular seaside towns and there are few trains on most of the routes. Train travel in Croatia is expensive and relatively slow. Some sections of the railway lines near Split, Rijeka and Pula are famous for beautiful views. The short railway section between Metković and Ploče is isolated from the rest of the Croatian railway network, although is operated by the Croatian Railways.
Last updated: 31.07.2024
The first railway in Croatia was built in 1860 in Međimurje: the railway line from Nagykanizsa in Hungary via Čakovec and Kotoriba continued to Pragersko in Slovenia (42,4 km). A short section of this line passed through present day Croatia.
The railway line Zidani Most – Zagreb – Sisak was completed in 1862. Three years later line Zagreb – Karlovac was put into operation.
In 1873 tracks from Zagreb and present day Slovenija reached Rijeka.
In 1876 two railway lines in Istria region were completed (Buzet – Pula, Kanfanar – Rovinj).
After the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1990, the Hrvatsko željezničko poduzeće company was founded. In 1992 the company changed his name to Hrvatske željeznice. In 2012 Hrvatske željeznice was divided into three separate companies: HŽ Infrastruktura, HŽ Putnički prijevoz i HŽ Cargo.
Train travel in Croatia – domestic trains
There are many passenger trains in Croatia, especially in Zagreb area. Tickets are mostly expensive, trains between the largest cities run rarely (except for the summer season). Quality of the rolling stock varies – there are modern diesel and electric multiple units manufactured in Croatia, old Yugoslavian and Swedish railcars, various passenger carriages and tilting trains. Old trains are comfortable, but often are overcrowded, especially in Zagreb area. Rehabilitation of important railway lines is underway. Usually bus is a better choice better choice if you are not railway enthusiasts.
Croatian Railways – timetable, prices, additional information
Most popular long-distance trains in Croatia:
Zagreb – Rijeka
Zagreb – Split
Zagreb – Vinkovci
Zagreb – Osijek
Tracks dont’reach Dubrovnik, nearest railway station is in Split. Due to mountain terrain the railway line from Rijeka to Pula wasn’t constructed. There are replacement buses and Pula is connected by railway with Slovenia. There are local trains from Pula to Buzet. In summer season you can travel from Ljubljana to Buzet and change train at the Buzet station.
There are no trains to Zadar. Direct trains Zagreb – Zadar and Knin – Zadar were cancelled many years ago.
During summer season Croatian railways launches additional overnight trains from Zagreb to Split and Rijeka and from Osijek to Split or Rijeka.
Types of the domestic trains in Croatia:
putnički vlak – suburban or regional train. It stops at all stations. Rolling stock varies.
brzi vlak – fast train between largest cities. It stops at designates stations only. Mostly comprised of 1st and 2nd class carriages. The seat reservation is not compulsory, but highly recommended in high season.
ICN – tilting Intercity train between Zagreb and Split. Modern air-conditioned diesel multiple unit. Seat reservation is compulsory. First and second class are very similar, no power sockets, seats alike in German regional trains.
Funicular railways in Croatia
There is only one funicular in Croatia. The funicular railway in Zagreb, called “Uspinjača” connects the Lower and Upper Town. It is one of the shortest funicular lines in the world.
The 66-meter-long line was inaugurated in 1890, and regular operations began in 1893. The height difference between the upper and lower stations is 30.5 meters. Until 1934, it was steam-powered; only after modernization was the power source changed to electric. Due to frequent breakdowns and poor technical condition, the funicular service was suspended in 1969. A major renovation took place from 1973 to 1974. Since then, Uspinjača has operated without interruptions and survived the Yugoslav civil war without any damage. In 2005, the lower and upper stations underwent renovation.
The Zagreb funicular has two carriages, each capable of holding 28 passengers (16 seats and 12 standing places). The funicular is a popular tourist attraction and receives very good reviews from visitors. It is part of the urban transportation system managed by Zagrebački električni tramvaj (ZET).
Narrow-gauge railways in Croatia
Currently, there are no operational passenger railways in Croatia. As far as I know, operational is industrial railway around fishpond in Ribnjak, near Našice and short railways in salinas on the coast.
A very popular is a cycle path from Trieste to Poreč which was built on the track bed of the former narrow gauge railway Parenzana. The narrow-gauge railway operated between 1902 and 1935. It connected cities Trieste and Poreč via Koper and Izola in present-day Slovenia.
Most important former narrow-gauge railways in Croatia:
Kanfanar – Rovinj (1876-1966)
Zagreb – Samobor, “Samoborček” (1901-1979)
Dubrovnik – Čapljina (present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina)(1901-1976)
Railway museums in Croatia
There are no railway museums in Croatia but Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb has and exhibition dedicated to history of the railways in the country. The museum showcases numerous historic aircraft, cars, machinery and equipment. Technical Museum in Zagreb is among most visited museums in Croatia but some people are disappointed.
The most interesting railway item in museum is a steam locomotive and passenger vagon which formerly ran on the Zagreb – Samobor narrow-gauge railway. The steam locomotive “Peglica” was manufactured in 1930 in Germany and served the railway between 1930 and 1960. Visitors can see also an old tram from Dubrovnik.
Nikola Tesla Technical Museum – official website
Train travel in Croatia – international trains
Passenger trains run from Croatia to Central and Western European countries. Connections allow to travel comfortably and quickly from several European capitals to Zagreb, and in the summer also to Split. In summer there are also additional overnight trains from Prague, Bratislava and Budapest.
Austria
There are direct daytime trains from Graz to Zagreb through Maribor or from Zagreb to Villach through Ljubljana. Overnight trains from Zagreb to Germany and Switzerland passes through Austrian territory. In 2024, if you want to go by train from Vienna to Croatia, you need to change a train in Graz or Villach. In summer 2024 an additional train from Bratislava and Wienna to Split through Zagreb will run in summer.
Austrian Railways – timetable and online shop
Ticket prices start from 19,90 EUR (ÖBB Sparschiene or First Minute Europa HZ).
Overnight summer train from Bratislava and Vienna to Split is expensive but popular because the transport of cars and motorbikes is possible between Split and Vienna (in summer 2024).
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The only international train from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia runs from 2022 during the summer season (June – August), only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Train from Sarajevo to Ploče in Croatia is operated by Željeznice Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine. Talgo trainset departs from Sarajevo in the morning and returns in the evening. The journey takes more than three hours in one way. Train covers the distance 194 km. Seat reservation is compulsory. Tickets are not cheap, but it’s a scenic ride with beautiful landscapes.
Tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance – when purchasing, you must provide your name, surname and passport number.
Passenger train from Zagreb to Sarajevo was cancelled. There have been information about plans to reinstate the train for many years but the train is still not running.
Trains between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina – a comprehensive guide
Czech Republic
For several years, there has been a summer night train from Prague to Split or Rijeka (depending on the timetable). The train is extremely popular among Czechs, Slovaks and Poles, but reviews vary. Some people the high quality of services, others complain about drunkards on board and noisy passengers. Train is operated by Czech company Regiojet. Train is comprised of 2nd class coaches with adjustable seats and sleeping cars. Ticket prices are moderate but ticket prices have recently increased.
In 2024 train from Prague to Croatia will not run.
Regiojet – timetable and additional information
Hungary
There are daily trains from Budapest to Zagreb. The one or two trains daily in each direction starts from Budapest Deli station. Tickets are relatively cheap, even if you do not buy them well in advance.
The cheapest tickets from Zagreb to Budapest costs 15 EUR.
There are local trains between Pecs and Beli Manastir. One-way ticket costs 2,5 EUR. From Beli Manastir you can continue your journey to Osijek by a Croatian train.
In summer there is an additional overnight train from Budapest to Split. Train is comprised of modern, air-conditioned Hungarian couchette cars and sleeping cars. Breakfast in the dining car is included. This train has very good reviews but the tickets aren’t cheap. In 2024 train Budapest – Split runs three times a week from 18 June to 30 September.
jegy.mav.hu – timetable and online shop (Hungarian Railways)
Germany
There is an overnight train between Zagreb and Stuttgart via Munich and Augsburg. Train has 2nd class seating carriages with comparments, Croatian couchette cars (I don’t recommend lower berth) and Croatian sleeping car (very comfortable).
Deutsche Bahn – timetable and online shop
Serbia
All trains between Croatia and Serbia were suspended due to pandemic and were not reinstated yet.
Trains between Croatia and Serbia – a comprehensive guide
Slovenia
There are Eurocity trains from Ljubljana to Zagreb and Rijeka. One-way ticket costs 9 EUR. It’s a cheap and comfortable way to travel between Slovenia and Croatia. There are local cross-border trains from Karlovac to Bubnjarci and from Ormož to Čakovec. On 11 December 2023 passenger trains from Čakovec to Lendava were reinstated.
Eurocity train from Zagreb to Graz passes through Slovenia and stops in Maribor.
Situation with the trains to Pula is too complicated for me. I don’t know if there are connection from Divaca to Buzet all year round. Check the Slovenian Railways’ website.
Trains between Croatia and Slovenia – a comprehensive guide
Switzerland
There is an overnight train between Zagreb and Zurich. Train has 2nd class seating carriages with comparments, Croatian couchette cars (I don’t recommend lower berth) and Croatian sleeping car (very comfortable).
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