Split, Croatia, is a key rail hub on the Adriatic coast, connecting travelers to domestic and international destinations. Here’s what you need to know:
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Main Stations:
- Split Main Station: Central location near the bus station and ferry port, with basic services like ticket counters, luggage storage ($2/day), and food options.
- Split Predgrađe Station: Smaller, located in the northern part of the city, connected to the main station via metro and buses.
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Routes:
- Domestic: Split to Zagreb (6–7 hours) via InterCity or night trains. Tickets start at $16 online.
- International: Seasonal trains to Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava, with fares starting at $43.
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Ticketing:
- Purchase online (discounts available) or at station offices. E-tickets are non-refundable.
- Local Transit: City buses and metro connect both stations, with affordable ticket options starting at $2.15.
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Travel Tips:
- Book early during summer (June–September).
- Accessibility services are available with 24-hour notice.
- Luggage storage is convenient for exploring nearby attractions like Diocletian’s Palace.
Split’s rail system makes it easy to explore Croatia and beyond, whether you’re heading to the capital, nearby beaches, or international cities.
Split to Zagreb – Everything you need to know
Train Stations in Split
Split has two rail stations, each catering to different areas and types of travelers.
Split Main Station
Located at Domagojeva obala 9, Split Main Station is the city’s central rail hub. Its hours of operation are: weekdays 7:30 AM–8:00 PM, Saturdays 8:30 AM–8:00 PM, and Sundays/holidays 7:30 AM–8:00 PM [2]. Positioned in the heart of the city, it offers convenient access to local attractions. While the station provides several amenities, it lacks elevators or escalators. Signs in both Croatian and English make navigation straightforward.
Key Features:
- Transportation Links: Right next to the main bus station and ferry port.
- Basic Services: Ticket counter, information center, restrooms, and luggage storage ($2 per 24 hours).
- Convenience: Includes an ATM, currency exchange, kiosk, bakery, and fast-food options.
- Public Transit: Served by bus lines 2, 2A, 3, 5, 5A, 8, 9, 11, 15, 17, and 18.
Split Predgrađe Station
Located on Hercegovačka Street in the northern part of Split, Split Predgrađe Station is a smaller, secondary facility. It provides essential services like a ticket counter, information desk, and public restrooms. For additional convenience, a Konzum grocery store is just 0.4 miles away, along with nearby local cafes.
This station connects to the city via bus lines 2A, 3, and 14, as well as a metro link to Split Main Station.
Train Companies and Routes
Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Services
Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ), Croatia’s national railway operator, handles most train services to and from Split. They offer several types of trains with different levels of comfort and speed. On the Zagreb–Split route, there are two main options:
| Train Type | Features | Travel Time (Zagreb–Split) |
|---|---|---|
| InterCity Nagibni (ICN) | Tilting trains with first and second-class seating | 6 hours |
| Night Train | Includes sleeping cars, couchettes, and vehicle transport options | 7 hours |
HŽ runs three daily departures on this route: two during the day and one overnight. These schedules make Split a convenient transit hub along the Adriatic coast.
Cross-Border Train Routes
Split also connects to international destinations through seasonal train services, especially during the summer. EuroNight trains provide direct links to Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava.
One route connects Split and Budapest, running on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from June 18 to September 30. Trains leave Split at 5:54 PM and arrive at Budapest Keleti at 9:35 AM the next day, featuring Hungarian sleeping cars and a restaurant car. Ticket prices start at about $53 for a couchette and go up to roughly $129 for a single sleeper.
Another service links Split with Vienna and Bratislava. Operating until October 4, this train departs Split at 5:29 PM on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, reaching Bratislava at 11:00 AM the next day. Adult tickets start at $43, while fares for children under 15 begin at $22.
During the summer, these international routes are highly popular. Advance booking is advised, as trains often run close to full capacity. For example, one EuroNight train from Bratislava saw 96% occupancy on its first trip.
Buying Train Tickets
Online Ticket Purchase
Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) provides an easy way to book train tickets through its official website and mobile app. You can buy e-tickets anytime before departure, with a limit of six tickets per transaction on the website and one ticket via the app [4]. Accepted payment methods include American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Diners, and Maestro.
Keep in mind that e-tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged [4]. However, online purchases come with exclusive discounts that you won’t find at station ticket offices [3].
If you prefer buying tickets in person, check out the Station Ticket Offices section below.
Station Ticket Offices
For those who like to handle things face-to-face, tickets are also available at station ticket offices across Croatia. Larger stations accept both cash (Croatian Kuna) and credit cards. If you qualify for a discount, make sure to bring the right ID:
- Students: Valid student ID
- Seniors: K-33S ID card (available at station counters)
- Youth and Children: Proof of age
Ticket Options
You can choose from the following ticket types, available both online and at station counters:
| Ticket Type | Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Class Seat | Basic seating | $7 |
| 1st Class Seat | More comfortable | $15 |
Additional services include:
- Bicycle transport: $1.99 [3]
- Pet transportation: Allowed with prior arrangements [3]
- Round-trip discounts: Available for trips over 50 km [3]
Pro Tips
Traveling during the busy summer months (June–September)? Book early to secure your spot. If you’re after scenic views, reserve a window seat in advance [3].
Travel Planning Tips
Season Schedule Changes
Train schedules between Zagreb and Split shift based on the time of year, particularly for night services. During the off-peak season (October 2 to December 10), night trains operate only on Fridays and Sundays [5]. Here’s the seasonal schedule:
| Route | Operating Days | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split to Zagreb (Train 1820) | Sundays until June 23 & from October 6 | 9:11 PM | 5:49 AM |
| Zagreb to Split (Train 1821) | Fridays until June 21 & from October 4 | 9:30 PM | 7:01 AM |
Once you’ve checked the schedule, it’s helpful to know what facilities are available at the stations.
Train Facilities
At Split Main Train Station, you’ll find:
- Basic services: ticket counter, information center, ATM, and currency exchange
- Food options: kiosk, bakery, and fast food outlets
- Luggage storage: available for about $2 per piece per 24 hours [2]
- Bilingual signs: in Croatian and English for easier navigation [2]
Split Predgrađe Station offers a ticket counter, information desk, and restrooms [2].
Now, let’s look at accessibility and luggage tips for a smoother trip.
Baggage and Access
Accessibility Services
If you need assistance, HŽ offers support services. Be sure to contact them at least 24 hours in advance. Here’s how to reach them:
- Phone: +385 1 4724 026
- Email: [email protected]
- In person: at station ticket offices
Make sure to provide your travel date and any specific requirements when you contact them [7].
Luggage Considerations
The luggage storage at Split Main Station is conveniently located near Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace, making it easy to store your bags while you explore [6][2].
Tip: If you’re staying close to the historic center, walking to Split Main Station can save you time and effort [2].
Local Transport Options
City Buses and Trams
Split’s public transportation, run by Promet Split, offers 27 bus lines connecting important city areas and both train stations [8]. At Split Main Station, you can catch bus lines 2, 2A, 3, 5, 5A, 8, 9, 11, 15, 17, and 18 [2]. For Split Predgrađe Station, lines 2A, 3, and 14 are available, with line 7 just a 5-minute walk away [2].
Promet Split also has a mobile app that makes getting around easier. It offers:
- Real-time bus tracking
- Trip planning tools
- Digital ticket purchases
- Easy access to timetables [8]
| Ticket Type | Zone 1 | Zone 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Trip (On Bus) | $2.15 | – |
| 24-Hour Pass | $4.30 | $8.60 |
| 72-Hour Pass | $10.75 | $21.50 |
These options make it simple to explore Split’s top attractions.
Station Location Guide
Split Main Station is centrally located, putting you within walking distance of major landmarks:
- Old Town: 5 minutes
- Riva Promenade: 5 minutes
- Bačvice Beach: 2 minutes
- Diocletian’s Palace: 7 minutes [2]
Split Predgrađe Station is in the northern part of the city. It takes about 10–15 minutes by bus or metro to reach the city center [2].
Luggage Storage
Need a place to stash your bags? Convenient luggage storage options are available near the stations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Storage Location | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Railway Station Lockers | $1.60 | Per 24 hours |
| Bus Terminal Storage | $0.54 | First hour + $0.16/hour after |
| Zoo Luggage Storage | From $4.20 | Per day |
The railway station’s lockers are just steps from Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace. For other storage needs, independent services are within a 4–5 minute walk, offering secure solutions for all luggage sizes.
Day Trips by Train
Split’s rail and bus networks make it easy to plan day trips and explore beyond the city.
Beach Towns
Although direct train routes from Split to coastal spots are limited, you can still reach several beach towns by combining train and bus travel. For instance, from Split Predgrađe Station, take a train toward Šibenik and then switch to a bus to reach coastal areas like Tisno[1]. During summer (May through October), Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) offers seasonal services that improve access to popular beach destinations[3]. These combined options give you more flexibility to explore Croatia’s stunning coastline.
Mountain Areas
If you’re looking to head inland, train routes from Split offer breathtaking scenery. One standout trip is the route to Zagreb, which passes through Croatia’s picturesque inland regions. Along the way, you’ll see mountains, lakes, rivers, charming villages, and vineyards[1]. This journey is served by modern ICN trains, with seat reservations required. Tickets start at about $16.25 for second class and $24.40 for first class, available through www.hzpp.hr[1].
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s a streamlined overview of essential train travel details in Split to complement the sections above.
Station Options
- Split Main Station: Located in the city center, it offers full services like a ticket counter, information desk, luggage storage, ATM, and food options. It also connects to bus and ferry services.
- Split Predgrađe (Kopilica): A smaller station with basic services and limited connections.
Ticket Information
You can buy tickets online at www.hzpp.hr and get a 10% discount. Additional discounts are available for children, students, youth, and pensioners [9].
Important Tips
- Book tickets early, especially during the busy season (May to October).
- E-tickets can be shown on your smartphone or printed.
- Leave at least a 1-hour gap between train and bus transfers.
- Discounts are available for round trips over 50 km [3].
Key Travel Routes
The main route connects Split to Zagreb, with several departures daily. Check the latest schedules online, as they may change. Keep in mind that e-tickets cannot be refunded or changed once purchased [9].