Routes and stations
In Croatia the most useful route for visitors is Zagreb to Split. A daily afternoon InterCity runs all year and takes about 8 hours. In summer an extra morning train takes about 7 hours. A night train with couchettes runs on some days all year and daily in high summer.
There is no railway to Dubrovnik. From Split, buses take about 4 hours. New air-conditioned trains were due to enter service from September 2026, with more Zagreb–Split trains planned for 2027.
In Slovenia, trains link Ljubljana with Zagreb (about 2 to 3 hours), Lake Bled, Vienna via Graz, and Venice via Villach. For Bled, the main station is Lesce-Bled, a short bus ride from the lake. Bled Jezero, by the lake, is on a slower line with a change at Jesenice.
Tickets and fares
Zagreb to Split costs about €28 in 2nd class, or from about €15 when booked early, plus a €1.06 seat reservation. A couchette on the night train adds about €7.
Ljubljana to Zagreb can cost as little as €9 with a special fare bought at the station. Ljubljana to Lesce-Bled costs about €5.
In Slovenia, children aged 6 to 15 pay half fare and children under 6 travel free. Fares change, so check before you go.
How to book
For Croatia, book on hzpp.hr in English. Sales open two months ahead, but seats are usually available on the day. Choose Zagreb Glavni kol. as the Zagreb station. Online booking covers seats and couchettes, not sleeper cabins.
For Slovenia, buy domestic tickets on eshop.sz.si or in the Grem z vlakom (Go by train) app. Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Diners are accepted. Show the code on your phone to the conductor.
Tickets bought online or in the SŽ app are generally non-refundable.
Tips for travellers
The Zagreb–Split line crosses mountains slowly. Bring food and water, especially on the older trains.
In summer, book the night train and seats early, as coast-bound trains fill with holidaymakers.
Check the SŽ app for delays and replacement buses before you travel.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
