Croatia

Rail Travel in Croatia

Croatia is a relatively small country where folks mostly travel by bus or by train. Major routes connect the capital city, Zagreb, with the Adriatic coast, where Split, in particular, is a very popular destination.

As in many countries, local trains offer second-class service only. First class is available on the main lines, and there is a sleeping car service between Zagreb and Zadar and Split. Unless you’re trying to conserve your Kuna (that’s your cash), first class is a must-do for its overall quiet, roominess, and comfy seats. New, high-speed tilting trains have been added to the Zagreb to Split line, cutting travel time by almost four hours! If you’re traveling with a pass, don’t forget to book a seat. (Purchased your ticket from Rail Europe? Then, your seat reservation is already included.)

Good to know: Dubrovnic is the only major Croatian city not connected to Croatia’s rail network. Your options? Take a bus (they run frequently) from Split and be there in a little over four hours. (And, once there, the city is well connected to Zagreb by train.) Or, if you have more time, take the ferry from Split. It’s a full day’s journey, but an experience all by itself. Spending some time in Italy? Then take the (much faster) ferry service from Bari to Dubrovnic, and add a bit of Croatia to your Italian adventure.

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