Trains to Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is a major railway hub connecting domestic and international destinations. Whether you’re traveling within Croatia or coming from cities like Vienna, Munich, or Budapest, here’s what you need to know:

• Main Train Stations:
  • Glavni Kolodvor (Main Station): Centrally located with ticket counters, cafes, and luggage storage.
  • Zapadni Kolodvor (West Station): Smaller, regional hub with limited services.
  • Klara Station: Suburban station for commuter trains.
• Key Domestic Routes:
  • Zagreb to Split: 6.5 hours, starting at $16.25 (€15.10).
  • Zagreb to Osijek: 5.5 hours, multiple daily departures.
• International Connections:
  • Vienna: 7 hours, starting at $32.20 (€29.90).
  • Ljubljana: 2h 15m, starting at $9.70 (€9).
  • Munich: 8h 30m, starting at $40.90 (€37.99).
• Tickets: Save 10% by booking online through Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) for domestic routes. International tickets are mostly available at stations.
• Public Transport in Zagreb: Trams and buses connect train stations to the city center and beyond. A 30-minute tram ticket costs $0.57 (€0.53).

Whether you’re exploring Croatia’s stunning coast or nearby European cities, Zagreb’s train network offers affordable and scenic travel options.

Train Stations in Zagreb

Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (Main Station)

Zagreb’s main train station, Glavni Kolodvor, is located at Trg Kralja Tomislava 12, just 0.6 miles south of the city center. This station has 7 platforms, with three directly accessible from the street. It offers a range of facilities for travelers:

However, keep in mind that there’s no Wi-Fi available, nor are there elevators or escalators for accessibility^[6].

Zagreb Zapadni Kolodvor (West Station)

Located at Trg Francuske Republike 13, about 1.5 miles west of downtown, Zapadni Kolodvor serves as a secondary hub for regional train services^[6].

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Ticket counter and information desk (open 6:10 AM–5:40 PM on weekdays, 7:05 AM–2:35 PM on weekends)
• Caffe bar
• Kiosk
• Outdoor seating
• Coffee machines

Keep in mind that there are no public restrooms at this station, and smoking is not allowed inside the building^[6].

Local Stations

Zagreb Klara Station, located in the Buzin suburb about 4.3 miles from Jelacic Square, mainly caters to commuter trains^[6]. While there are no amenities at the station itself, passengers can find facilities at the nearby Supernova Zagreb Buzin supermarket.

For most travelers, Glavni Kolodvor or Zapadni Kolodvor will be more convenient due to their central locations and better services^[6]. These options make it easy to connect to Zagreb’s rail network.

Split to Zagreb Train Ride – Everything you need to know before the trip

Train Services and Routes

Hrvatske željeznice (HŽ) manages all train routes within Croatia and international connections through Zagreb^[3].

Croatia’s Domestic Routes

Here are some key domestic train routes:

During the summer (June 27 – August 31), an extra morning train runs between Zagreb and Split, departing at 7:02 AM and arriving at 2:15 PM. The year-round service departs at 1:58 PM and reaches Split at 9:54 PM^[2].

Zagreb also serves as a hub for international train routes.

Cross-Border Train Routes

EuroNight trains offer overnight travel with sleeper carriages. For example, the Zagreb–Munich/Stuttgart route starts at $53.70 (€49.90) for a couchette in a 6-berth compartment^[2].

Make sure to carry valid travel documents, as border checks may be conducted.

How to Buy Train Tickets

Buying Tickets Online

Hrvatske željeznice (HŽPP) makes it easy to buy train tickets online through its website and app for domestic routes ^[7]. Plus, you’ll save 10% compared to station prices ^[1].

For international travel, it’s a bit trickier. While some cross-border tickets can be purchased on third-party platforms, most international tickets are only available at railway stations ^[8].

If you prefer face-to-face transactions, buying at the station remains an option.

Buying Tickets at Stations

Zagreb Main Station has updated its ticket machines and cash registers for a better experience ^[7]. You can pay with cash or credit cards at the ticket offices.

Planning to travel during peak season? Buying tickets ahead of time can help you lock in lower fares. Here are some starting fares for popular routes:

Ticket Options and Classes

Croatian trains offer a variety of ticket types and two travel classes – first and second class – so you can choose based on your budget and comfort needs. Here’s a comparison of fares:

Discounts are available for children, students, youth, and seniors ^[5]. Booking online is simple: just pick your departure, destination, date, time, and the number of passengers.

For overnight trips, you can choose between sleeping cars (1-3 berth compartments) or couchette cars (4-6 berth compartments). Keep in mind that seat reservations are required on ICN trains, and many trains come equipped with power outlets and free WiFi ^[2].

With these options, you’re all set for a convenient and comfortable rail journey starting from Zagreb.

Getting Around Zagreb

Public Transport Links

Zagreb’s public transit system, managed by ZET, offers an extensive network of 19 tram lines and 147 bus routes, making it easy to navigate the city and reach key destinations ^[9].

From Glavni Kolodvor (the main train station), you can:

• Take tram lines 6 or 13 (north exit) to Ban Josip Jelačić Square in just 7 minutes.
• Hop on bus 234 to visit Lisinski Concert Hall and Bundek Park.
• Use bus 268 to travel to Velika Gorica ^[11][12][9].

From Zapadni Kolodvor (the western train station), tram line 1 will get you to Jelačić Square in about 10 minutes ^[6].

Tickets for public transport are affordable:

• A 30-minute tram ticket costs $0.57 (€0.53) if purchased in advance or $0.86 (€0.80) when bought onboard ^[9][10].

For planning your routes, apps like Google Maps and Citymapper provide reliable transit information for Zagreb ^[10]. These options make it convenient to access city attractions and hotel accommodations.

Transport to Hotels

Getting to your hotel depends on your arrival station:

• From Glavni Kolodvor:
  • Many city center hotels are within an 11-15 minute walk.
  • Tram lines 6 and 13 provide direct access to central accommodations.
  • Taxis are readily available outside the station ^[11].
• From Zapadni Kolodvor:
  • Located 1.6 miles west of downtown, it’s easily connected to the center via tram line 1.
  • A taxi stand is available at the station entrance ^[6].
• From Zagreb Klara Station:
  • Reaching downtown takes about 45 minutes and requires a combination of bus and tram transfers ^[6].

Zagreb also offers night services on key tram and bus routes, ensuring transportation is available around the clock ^[9].

Places to Visit by Train

Zagreb’s central position in Croatia’s rail network makes it an ideal starting point for exploring both nearby gems and distant destinations.

Short Trips from Zagreb

Thanks to its location, Zagreb offers easy rail access to several great day-trip spots. Take a 2.5-hour train ride to Varaždin, a charming northern town, or hop on a regional train to Ozalj, a historic town with a castle, in less than an hour. Beyond these shorter trips, Zagreb’s rail system connects to Croatia’s breathtaking coastal areas.

Trains to the Croatian Coast

The Zagreb–Split railway line serves as the primary route to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, offering two daily services:

Ticket prices for this route match the rates listed for domestic travel.

For those headed to Rijeka, Croatia’s main seaport on the northern Adriatic, there’s a daily train service available. If Dubrovnik is your destination, you’ll need to take a train to Split and then continue by bus along the coast^[4]. Beyond coastal trips, Zagreb connects travelers to a variety of international cities.

Cross-Border Destinations

Zagreb serves as a hub for train travel to several nearby countries, offering direct or connecting services:

• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Multiple daily trains follow a scenic route along the River Sava, with fares consistent with domestic rates^[2].
• Vienna, Austria: Two daily departures via Graz or Villach^[2].
• Budapest, Hungary: One daily InterCity service^[2].
• Munich, Germany: Daily connections through Villach, Austria^[2].

For longer trips, there’s an overnight sleeper train from Zagreb to Zurich^[2]. Don’t forget to bring your passport for all international travel, ensuring hassle-free cross-border journeys from this key transport hub.

Travel by Season

Timetable Changes

Croatian Railways revises its timetable every year on the first Monday of December. Train schedules to and from Zagreb are adjusted to match seasonal demand, with extra services available during busy travel periods.

These updates aim to accommodate increased travel during the summer, while winter schedules are tailored for reliability.

Weather Effects

Winter (December–February) often brings freezing temperatures below 32°F (0°C), along with moderate to heavy snowfall. These conditions can lead to delays or occasional disruptions. It’s a good idea to pack warm clothing suitable for freezing weather ^[13][14].

In summer (June–August), heat waves can cause rails to expand, occasionally leading to technical issues ^[13]. Winter storms may also prompt temporary changes to service schedules ^[14]. To stay informed, check weather forecasts and real-time updates before traveling.

Summary

Here’s a quick overview of the key points from our guide.

Zagreb’s rail network is centered around major hubs, making train travel an affordable option. Ticket prices for routes to major Croatian cities range from $7.50 to $16 ^[1].

You can buy tickets using several methods, each offering unique perks:

Zagreb’s public transport system connects key train stations seamlessly. For example, Glavni Kolodvor links directly to local transit options like tram lines 4 and 13 to Kvaternikov Square and shuttle bus 290 ^[6].

Other travel tips to keep in mind:

• Winter temperatures can drop below 32°F (0°C) ^[14].
• Bringing a bicycle? It’ll cost $2.15 for domestic travel and $5.40 for international routes to Slovenia and Hungary ^[5].

Glavni Kolodvor is a central hub, located just an 11-minute walk from Ban Josip Jelačić Square ^[11]. It also offers convenient amenities like luggage storage and live departure boards, making it an essential part of Zagreb’s transportation network ^[11].