The network of the Croatian Railways (HZ) is centred around the capital Zagreb.
Croatia acts as an intersection of routes from Europe's west to east and from north to south, being the shortest connection of central Europe with the Adriatic and the Mediterranean.
Domestic connections
Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except Dubrovnik. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to Split, and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik.
International connections
There are direct lines from Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and Greece.
Rail developments
Since 2004, the new 160kph "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and Osijek have been progressively introduced. This results in higher levels of comfort and significantly faster journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is now 5.5 hours instead of 9, Osijek is now 3 when other trains take around 4.5 hours).
Most domestic trains in Croatia do not require seat reservation. Exceptions:
- the Intercity (IC) from Zagreb to Rijeka/Osijek/Cakovec
- the fast ICN train from Zagreb to Split
Reservation fees are about € 1 when made locally.
Scenic route
- Split - Ogulinv
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 Glavi kolodvor (main railway station). It is open 24 hours daily. See the page Eurail Aid Offices for more aid offices in Europe.
