Let’s talk about train travel to Croatia from Poland. Outside the holiday season, it’s not exactly a piece of cake. Trains in Croatia may not take you to the hottest cities, but don’t worry. There’s a pretty impressive network of buses that have got you covered. Being there, you need to know that whether you land in Zagreb or Rijeka, you’ll easily reach the coastal towns.
Traveling To Croatia From Poland – No Direct Train
In 2023, you won’t find a direct train from Poland to Croatia. The Kraków-Split train, sadly, won’t be running. If you’re planning a summer trip, I think, the best bet would be the Prague-Rijeka train by Regiojet, but it won’t extend to Split in 2023. Outside holiday season, you’re better off taking a train to Croatia via Vienna or Budapest. I know, there were times when a night train would whisk you away from Budapest straight to Split, but those days are gone.
Now, in this article, I’m aiming to show you the best train options to get to Croatia. Interestingly, the PKP Intercity fare to Vienna has gotten a whole lot better over the years, but I can tell you the Czech railways offer isn’t quite as tempting as it used to be. If you’re eyeing a ticket to Vienna, I wouldn’t recommend getting one from the first station across the Czech border.
But, there’s a catch. I am sure that the lengthy train journey to Croatia can be a bit off-putting. It’s going to eat up at least two days of your time. For students and folks without a job, this might not be a big deal. But, if you’re someone who values time, you might need a different game plan.
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A Little Note on Reservations
Despite my best efforts to give you the most current info, sometimes things change. For specifics like discounts or potential travel hiccups, it is worth to say you should reach out to the carrier or look up travel groups online.
The Krakow – Split Journey
Come 2023, we’ll all be on the edge of our seats, wondering if the much-hyped Regiojet Kraków-Split train will actually make its debut. We’ll only get the full scoop right before the summer season kicks in, and I promise to update this entry when it does. I believe in providing you with accurate info and not just feeding you the sugar-coated news about this train.
The Regiojet’s Prague-Split and Rijeka trains have had mixed reviews. Some folks online aren’t too thrilled about the party animals on board, the cleanlines, or the inexperienced and underpaid staff. Are these claims legit? I think you might want to hop on board and find out for yourself.
But here's a bombshell: Regiojet has officially stated that the Krakow-Split train, the Poland to Croatia connector, won't be operational in 2023.
Connection From Vienna or Budapest
If you’re considering a train journey to Croatia, your first stop will likely be either Vienna or Budapest. If you’re eyeing the Regiojet Prague – Rijeka train, you might want to start at Prague or Břeclav station. There’s no shortage of options, trust me.
Vienna is a breeze to reach, both by day and night trains. But, if you’re on the night train from Krakow or Warsaw, I think it’s worth mentioning that theft can be a problem in the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, local law enforcement hasn’t been successful in curbing this longstanding issue.
Bargain hunters, take note: the cheapest promotional tickets from Warsaw to Vienna can go as low as EUR 19.90, and from Kraków and Katowice, only EUR 9.90. These are for second-clas seats on specific routes, and be aware they’re non-refundable. If you’re booking last minute, I can tell you, you’re likely to shell out around 40.90 euros.
Feel free to check out the ticket prices at shop.oebbtickets.at. You used to be able to snag some tickets at www.intercity.pl, too.
Now, if Budapest is on your itinerary, you’ll need to keep an eye out for PKP Intercity promotional tickets. The Visit Budapest offer, which was a steal, was quietly discontinued in 2021.
- Do not forget reading this article: A Guide to Poland’s Rail Network – Map, Routes and Train Tickets
Bratislava – Split – Night Train
Here’s some great news: in 2023, the Bratislava-Split train will be back on track! It’s a night train run by Austrian Railways in partnership with Slovak Railways. Starting in Bratislava, the train picks up more wagons, including car transporters, in Vienna before making its way through Graz, Maribor, and Zagreb.
The train operates every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday between 03/05 and 06/10/2023 from Bratislava to Split, and every Thursday, Saturday, and Monday from 04/05 to 07/10/2023 for the reverse journey.
Ticket prices start at a super affordable €29.90 in seated carriages. But remember, these are promotional rates and regular fare tickets, and prices outside this promotional quota can be significantly higher.
As of the last update, you could expect to pay a €50 surcharge for a couchette car and a €100 for a sleeper car. You can book your tickets from 25/01/2023 at shop.oebbtickets.at
The Prague-Rijeka Express by Regiojet
In 2023, the Czech carrier Regiojet is set to launch the Prague-Rijeka train. Unfortunately, there won’t be carriages to Split due to frequent delays. The train will consist of seated carriages without compartments, compartment carriages, and sleeping carriages.
The Prague-Rijeka train will operate three times a week from June 16 to September 30. Tickets go on sale on March 14 on the Regiojet website. The train has a change of route, passing through Celje and stopping at the western station in Zagreb, which is just a kilometer from the main station.
Once you reach Rijeka station, you’ll find a range of partner bus services ready to whisk you away to popular holiday destinations on the Adriatic.
Ticket prices start at CZK 590 (approx. . PLN 100) for a seat in a seated car, and CZK 790 (approx. PLN 135) for a spot in a sleeping car. Realistically, however, expect higher prices. As an example, a ticket for a train departing on July 4th, as of mid-April, was priced at PLN 215 for a seat in a seated car and PLN 420 for a berth in a couchette car. Prices fluctuate depending on how full a particular connection is.
You can start booking tickets from March at www.regiojet.cz
The Vienna-Croatia Train – My Experience
You can hitch a ride directly from Vienna to Croatia and experience the adventure first-hand. On any day, the Vienna-Zagreb train will take you on an exquisite journey through the heart of Slovenia. But if you want to shake things up a bit, there are options. You could change trains in Villach or take another ride in Ljubljana.
Now, this is worth mentioning: the Spar Schiene offer has the most pocket-friendly tickets from Vienna to Croatia. With only 29 euros, you get yourself a ticket! Hop onto the Austrian Railways website to grab your tickets online. Don’t fret if you’re planning a last-minute trip. I’ve noticed tickets are usually available even a few days before the journey.
And guess what? These budget-friendly promotional tickets are up for grabs for both routes – the Graz and Villach ones. Check out the Austrian Railways online shop at shop.oebbtickets.at to keep tabs on the Vienna-Croatia train timetable.
For your budget, if you’re curious:
- A ticket from Warsaw to Vienna: EUR 19.90
- A ticket from Vienna to Zagreb: EUR 29.90
With this, a train ride to Croatia will only cost you EUR 49.80 one way. From Katowice and Krakow, you save 10 euros, although I have to warn you, tickets at this price are rare finds.
Budapest-Croatia Train Route
From Budapest, you can ride directly to Zagreb every day. Hungarian Railways, being there, you need to know, offers promotional tickets for single trips, return trips, and even return journeys through Ljubljana on the Budapest-Zagreb route. However, as of the time of writing, it’s uncertain whether the Budapest-Split night holiday train will be operating.
Here's a fantastic deal - for only 15 euros, you can get a SparDay Budapest-Zagreb promotional ticket. Now, remember, these are specific non-exchangeable and non-refundable tickets, but they include a seat reservation in a second-class seated carriage.
A special agreement between the Hungarian and Croatian railways has made it possible to sell an unlimited pool of tickets at normal tariff according to this price list:
- Budapest – Zagreb: €25 one way
- Budapest – Rijeka: €39 one way; €49 for a return trip
Children between 6-14 years pay half the price, and the same goes for dog transport. Your return trip from Rijeka must be within 14 days, and bear in mind, the ticket price doesn’t include a seat reservation.
Tickets for the Budapest-Zagreb section can be purchased at jegy.mav.hu. Previously, promotional tariff tickets were even cheaper than the official website price (9.90 euros).
As a heads-up, here’s the expected cost:
- Ticket from Warsaw to Budapest: from EUR 19.90
- Budapest-Zagreb ticket: €25, €50 for a return trip, or alternatively, €30 promotional
Seasonal Train – Budapest-Split
Every year, the Hungarian Railways unfurls its seasonal train service, connecting Budapest to the gorgeous coastal city of Split. IC Adria, the train assigned for this route, runs thrice a week until the end of September. However, it’s not as attractive for Poles due to the silent phase-out of the Visit Budapest offer by PKP Intercity as it used to be three years ago.
In 2023, this seasonal Budapest-Split service will be running thrice weekly from June 9 through to September 29. Departures from Budapest are set for Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while trains from Split depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
One of the highlights of this route is the train itself. It’s equipped with new, air-conditioned sleeping cars, couchette cars, and a dining car, providing a high level of comfort for your Croatian journey.
Promotional prices for the StartNight offer look like this:
- 6-seater couchette car: EUR 49
- 3-seater sleeping car: EUR 64
Ticket prices include breakfast served in the compartment or the restaurant car. Note, this is a non-refundable offer. Regular-priced tickets begin from €79 for a seat in a couchette car and €109 in a sleeper car. Good news for families: children aged 6-15 enjoy discounted rates.
Tickets are available at jegy.mav.hu.
For detailed train compositions, check these links:
Train composition Budapest – Split
Train composition Split – Budapest
The Regiojet Trains – Upsides and Downsides
The Regiojet train to Croatia often appears in the media as a luxurious and exclusive means of transport. It’s a pioneering service, offering direct train access to Croatia from the Czech Republic and Poland. However, my readers’ feedback sometimes contrasts with the media’s portrayals, especially those with sensational titles or sponsored by tourist organizations or carriers. Below, I’ve listed some pros and cons of the Prague-Split trains, as shared by my readers:
Pros:
- Convenient service
- Snacks available at reasonable prices
- Inexpensive beer
- The possibility of booking an entire compartment with lying-down places, excellent for families and groups
Cons:
- Frequent long delays
- Noisy travel companions
- Overworked stewards
- Issues with toilets, which can be dirty and out of order towards the end of the journey
- Replacement bus transport on part of the route
- Problems with cleanliness
- Less-than-comfortable wagons
Prolonged border controls used to be a significant issue, but it has been solved since Croatia joined the Schengen area.
- You may also read: Discover Bulgaria By Rail From Poland – Train Expedition
The Train to Croatia – Via Osijek
If you’re a railway enthusiast or a young traveler, you might consider this option. You can travel to Osijek by train using the cross-border connection with Pécs (with a transfer).
In 2023, there are four pairs of trains daily for this connection. However, these are old railbuses operated by Hungarian and Croatian railways and are not recommended for hot weather or if you’re traveling with heavy luggage
Trip Plan
Let’s dive right into our travel plan, detailing our train ride from the charming streets of Poland all the way to the alluring landscapes of Croatia.
1. A Quick Stop in Hungary – Poland to Budapest
So, let’s begin, shall we? We’ll be hopping on a train from Poland and making our way to Budapest. If you want to get the best bang for your buck, I recommend hunting for promotional tickets at www.intercity.pl. Let me say, this site is a treasure trove for affordable travel deals.
2. A Side Trip to Pécs – Budapest to Pécs
Then, we’re traveling from Budapest to Pécs. I can tell you that you have a couple of options here. You can either purchase a ticket for the entire route from Budapest to Osijek, which will set you back around 24-26 euros. Alternatively, if you plan to visit and stay overnight in Pécs, you can buy tickets for individual sections. I believe it is worth to say that Pécs to Osijek is just a short 82 km trip.
3. A Little Croatian Detour – Pécs to Beli Manastir
Next up is a transfer by rail bus from Pécs to the Croatian station in Beli Manastir. Here, you’ll switch to the Croatian railroad bus heading from Beli Manastir to Osijek. If you’re wondering where to grab these tickets, don’t worry! I know just the place. You can purchase them at the Hungarian Railways shop at jegy.mav.hu. Being there, you need to know where to look to avoid any hassle.
Setting Our Sights on Pula
Now, here comes a bit of a challenge. Traveling by train to Pula is a bit tricky. In 2023, there’s going to be a seasonal connection with Slovenia, specifically with the Divaca station. I am convinced that this is a strategic spot, as trains from Ljubljana stop here. Plus, another change at the Buzet station will be necessary. Oh, and don’t forget about the track works on the Slovenian side, which might mean you’ll be on a substitute bus for part of the journey.
Generally, I think you’ll need to make your way to Ljubljana first. This can be done by changing trains in Vienna or Budapest, with direct trains from both locations to Ljubljana. I would recommend traveling by train through Vienna, though prices can be a bit steep. But remember, this journey is a treat for railway lovers and adventure seekers.
For additional information:
- Train tickets Vienna – Ljubljana: shop.oebbtickets.at
- Train tickets Budapest – Ljubljana: jegy.mav.hu
- Information about the Ljubljana – Pula connection: Slovenian Railways website
Journeying to Croatia by Train via Italy
Let me say, folks, there’s this cool option to get to Croatia via Italy. I know, it might sound unconventional, but trust me, it’s a perfect choice for those of you who want to check out some exciting cities along the way, or don’t mind the extra time and cost.
Let’s break down how your adventure would look:
- Start your trip in Vienna.
- Hop on a night train from Vienna to Venice, and get off at Udine station.
- Next morning, continue your journey by train from Udine to Trieste (just a 1-hour ride).
- In Trieste, you have around four hours to explore the city.
- Board the train from Trieste to Vienna through Slovenia, which will bring you to Ljubljana.
- In Ljubljana, you can either choose to stay overnight or catch a train to Zagreb. If you decide to head to Zagreb, you can still use 3 hours to tour Ljubljana. I think it is worth to say that staying in Ljubljana could be cheaper than Zagreb.
If you want to return from Zagreb during the high season, the Regiojet night train would be an excellent option. In the off-season, an afternoon train to Budapest, followed by an overnight train or a day of exploring Budapest, would work well. I am convinced, if you plan it right, you can visit Vienna, Trieste, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, and even Bratislava all in one trip.
How and Where to Get Your Tickets
For the Vienna – Udine train, you can purchase tickets at shop.oebbtickets.at. You can also buy tickets for the EC Trieste – Ljubljana train on this page, but be aware that the price shown might be higher than what Slovenian Railways offer.
Unfortunately, I can’t provide specific information on the Trieste – Ljubljana ticket from Italian railways. If anyone has insights on this, your help would be much appreciated.
To get tickets from Ljubljana to Zagreb, you can easily buy them in Ljubljana. The promotional one-way price is as low as 9 euros.
Of course, this is just one of many possible routes. You can choose to skip exploring Trieste and, after an hour in this city, head straight to Ljubljana by regional train with a change for just 8 euros. I believe this journey may not be for everyone, but I included it to provide you with as many options as possible.
Hopping from One Croatian City to Another by Train
So, let’s say you’ve arrived in Croatia and you’re wondering how to get to the other fascinating cities scattered across the country. Well, if you can’t directly reach them by train, there’s a solution: you can catch a bus from Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, or Pula. Check out tickets at https://busticket4.me. For Croatian Railways tickets, visit www.hzpp.hr. Now, let’s dive into the specifics.
The Trip to Dubrovnik
I know, I know, you’d love to go to Dubrovnik by train. But, sorry folks, no trains are heading there. The best bet is to catch a train to Split and then continue your journey by bus.
Getting to Split by Train
Well, you can get to Split by train from Zagreb. But at the time I am writing this, it was not clear whether the Budapest-Split holiday train would be running.
Train to Zadar? Not Really
Sadly, no trains are going to Zadar either. Yes, there’s a railway line leading to the city, but for years, it’s been replaced by a bus service.
The Route to Šibenik
Now, getting to Šibenik by train is possible, but tricky. You’d go by train from Zagreb to either Perković or Knin and then you have to wait a few hours for a change to the train to Šibenik. But, let me tell you, it’s much faster to just hop on a bus from Zagreb.
Getting to Rovinj?
Nope, no trains are heading to Rovinj either. The nearest train station is Pula, but I’d suggest taking a bus from Rijeka, Zagreb, or even the capital of Slovenia – Ljubljana.
Traveling to Makarska
Unfortunately, Makarska isn’t accessible by train either. From Split, your best option is to continue your journey by bus.
So, there you have it. Sure, Croatia may not have an extensive train network, but with a combination of trains and buses, you can still get to see this beautiful country. And I think it’s worth the ride!
Choosing the Right Train to Croatia
Let me say, there are tons of ways to get to Croatia by train, particularly during the high season. However, the choice can be tricky. If I were planning a trip to Croatia, here’s what I’d pick:
Off-Season Travel
During the off-season, the best route, I believe, is to head there with a stopover in Vienna. It’s a speedy connection, the trains are comfy, but you’ll need to do some digging to score cheap tickets.
High Season Travel to Zagreb
If Zagreb or its surroundings were my target, I’d pick the Regiojet night train. This train rolls into Zagreb in the morning, giving you loads of time to explore the city and possibly even other cities. I’d take the same train on the way back.
High Season Travel to Split
Even if there was a train from Krakow to Split, I would choose the seasonal train of Hungarian Railways from Budapest to Split. The perks of this train include super comfy sleeping and couchette cars, breakfast included in the ticket price, and a dining car. But hey, the final call is yours!
Planning a Night Train Trip to Zagreb, Plus Ljubljana and Trieste
Many folks opting for a train trip to Croatia don’t go all the way to Split, but get off at Zagreb for a variety of reasons. In this case, I would pick a Regiojet train.
If you’re wondering how I’d plan this trip, it would depend on how much time I had and whether I could find budget-friendly accommodation. You can easily spend a whole day in Zagreb, but I’d pair this trip with a stay in Ljubljana, where you can find cheap accommodation in boarding houses and dormitories during high season.
Being there, you need to know, Ljubljana is a terrific base for you to organize your trip like this:
- Day 1: Arrival in Zagreb by night, sightseeing in the Croatian capital, transfer to Ljubljana
- Day 2: Sightseeing in Ljubljana, perhaps an excursion around the area (like the Postojna Cave)
- Day 3: Day trip to Trieste. Currently, there are trains with a stopover, but a direct connection with a regional train might be reinstated (IC trains run). From Trieste, you can head to Udine and from there return by night train to Vienna and then to Poland. Alternatively, you can return to Ljubljana, spend another night, and spend the next day exploring Zagreb or return to Poland via Vienna.
Of course, there can be many tweaks to this trip. From Ljubljana, you could take a train to Rijeka or even head to Koper, from where it’s worth taking a bus to the stunning Piran and picturesque Izola. You can also embark on one of the most scenic railway lines, Jesenice – Nowa Gorycja.
The Ideal Rail Tour Itinerary for Train Enthusiasts
If you’re an enthusiast of train travel and planning a train trip to Croatia, it’s a great idea to incorporate a few international trains, visit some intriguing small cities in Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia, then return via Vienna. This proposed trip is flexible and can be adjusted as per your requirements. I’ve opted to stay in Győr and Ptuj as these cities are fascinating, the accommodation offers a good selection, and it’s relatively cheaper compared to other cities in both countries.
Day 1: Journey to Győr
You have a couple of options to reach Győr:
- a) Buy a night train ticket to Budapest, visit Budapest, and then head to Győr. It’s a tad expensive but gives you the chance to explore Budapest.
- b) Take a train from Poland to Vienna, and then from Vienna to Győr.
Ticket purchase can be done on these websites:
- www.intercity.pl – For train tickets from Poland to Vienna.
- shop.oebbtickets.at and jegy.mav.hu – For train tickets from Vienna to Győr. The latter is often cheaper.
Győr can also be reached by day trains from Terespol and Przemyśl to Budapest. You can then change at the Břeclav station for a Regiojet train from Prague to Budapest via Győr. In this case, tickets for the Břeclav – Győr section can be bought at www.regiojet.cz.
Stay overnight in Győr, a delightful city, and perhaps stay an extra day for excursions to Sopron or Pannonhalma Abbey (optional). Train photography opportunities are also plenty.
Day 2 or 3 – Journey to Ptuj
Travel from Győr to the Slovenian city of Ptuj. Transfer journey. It’s best to take a train from Győr to Veszprem and change there to the Budapest – Ljubljana train, which stops at the Slovenian Ptuj station. Explore the charming city or head to Maribor to photograph trains if you like.
Purchase your tickets at jegy.mav.hu.
Day 3 or 4 – Journey to Čakovec
Now, this part is uncertain as it’s unclear whether local trains between Slovenia and Croatia run. But if they do, take the morning train from Ptuj to Ormož station and then to Croatian station Čakovec. Make sure not to oversleep because there are only two trains a day.
Čakovec isn’t overly exciting, so you could take a train to Varaždin, a more appealing city. Seven hours should be enough to explore Varaždin.
Check the connection Ptuj – Ormož – Čakovec on reiseauskunft.bahn.de and the Varaždin – Zagreb section on the online store of the Croatian Railways.
Day 4 or 5 – Trip to Ljubljana
From Zagreb, take the night train to Ljubljana and find accommodation. Spend a day exploring the Slovenian capital or make a day trip to Lake Bled, among other possibilities.
I’m sorry for the abrupt ending there. Let’s continue with the itinerary.
Day 5 or 6 – Return to Poland
It’s time to head back to Poland. The most straightforward way is to take the morning ICS train from Ljubljana with a change in Maribor. If you stayed in Zagreb, you could go directly. From Ptuj, you’ll need to travel to Maribor. In Vienna, you can either change trains to Poland or spend a few hours visiting Vienna and then take a night train to Poland.
Visit shop.oebbtickets.at for train tickets to Vienna and Poland.
This proposed journey is ideal for train lovers. As we journey to Croatia, we pass through numerous fascinating locations. If you’re interested in visiting several countries, this proposal is worth considering, with modifications according to individual preferences.
Remember, the joy of travel isn’t just about reaching the destination, but also about enjoying the journey itself. A train trip to Croatia offers a unique chance to do just that, affording travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and fascinating cities of Central Europe at a relaxed pace.
References:
- https://www.traincroatia.com/en/poland-to-croatia-train/
- https://rail.cc/train/warsaw-to-zagreb
- https://3seaseurope.com/all-aboard-a-new-poland-croatia-train-route-set-to-launch/
