Croatia by train

Scenic view of the port of Dubrovnik

A stunningly beautiful coastal city

The magnificent coastal city Dubrovnik is surrounded by fortification walls and boasts lovely marble streets and an endless array of cafés and shops. Step outside the city, and you’re in a beautiful beach paradise. For a nearby paradise retreat head to Mljet Island – the national park, salt water lakes, vineyards, lush forests and a 12th century Benedictine Monastery should keep you busy.

Diocletian palace in Split

Ancient palaces and modern indulgence

In Split (Spalato), start with Diocletian's Palace, in the heart of the city. It’s the biggest tourist attraction in Split. Step inside the palace walls and you’ll find cobblestone alleyways, shops, cafes, ancient Roman relics and a stunning cathedral. Next, visit the oldest museum in Croatia, the Archaeological Museum.

National Theatre, Zagreb

Croatia's cultural mecca

Before heading to the tempting Croatian coastline, visit Zagreb, the capital city. The center of culture and cuisine, Zagreb will delight and surprise you. Among the medieval architecture, you’ll find a cultural, religious and commercial hub. Don’t miss the Cathedral and 16th century fortification walls, and sample the cuisine, heavily influenced by Croatia’s Mediterranean neighbors.

Dalmatian coast

Seaside serenity

A coastal area not to miss is Dalmatia (Dalmacija), rich in ancient ruins, sandy beaches, old fishing ports and stunning architecture. Plus, there are countless ferries to take you to the islands off of Dalmatia’s brilliant coast. Hvar Island especially is well worth a visit. Spend the day discovering the Romanesque and Renaissance architecture nestled in this Mediterranean paradise. Be sure to taste the famous wines produced in the towns of Vrboska and Jelsa.

Rail Network

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 and Slovenia.

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).

Some Croatian cities (like Zadar) aren't mentioned in our timetable. Use the timetable on the HZ website.

Reservations

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

• the Intercity (IC) Zagreb – Rijeka/Osijek/Cakovec

• the fast ICN train Zagreb – Split

Reservation fees are about € 1 when made locally.

Itineraries

Scenic routes

• Split – Ogulin

• Split – Knin – Zadar

Extra info

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.