Imagine leaving a bustling Central European capital in the evening and waking up the next morning to the smell of pine trees and the sound of the Adriatic Sea.
This is the famous “Adria” Night Train connecting the heart of Europe to the coast of Croatia.
For many travelers, this isn’t just transport. It’s the official start of their summer vacation. No traffic jams on the highway, no airport stress. Just a bed, a beer, and a sunrise over the mountains.
The Routes
There are three main hubs that feed into Split (Croatia):
- From Prague (RegioJet):
- This is the budget traveler’s favorite. Operated by the private Czech company RegioJet.
- Route: Prague ➡️ Brno ➡️ Bratislava ➡️ Budapest ➡️ Zagreb ➡️ Split.
- Vibe: Very relaxed, cheap beer on board, young crowd.
- From Vienna / Bratislava (EuroNight):
- Operated by Slovak/Austrian railways.
- Route: Bratislava ➡️ Vienna ➡️ Graz ➡️ Split.
- Vibe: A bit more classic/traditional railway experience.
- From Budapest (Adria InterCity):
- Operated by Hungarian Railways (MÁV).
- Vibe: Includes a retro Dining Car that stays open late!
When Does It Run?
These are primarily seasonal trains.
- Season: Usually from May/June to September/October.
- Frequency: 3 times a week (Daily in peak July/August).
- Duration: It’s a long ride! Approx. 14-16 hours. But since you sleep through most of it, it feels shorter.
The Experience on Board (RegioJet vs EuroNight)
RegioJet (The “Fun” Train)
RegioJet is famous for its service.
- Price: Often very cheap (tickets can start from €30-€40 for a seat, €60+ for a couchette).
- Perks: Free coffee/tea, very cheap sushi and cake available to order from the app directly to your seat.
- Cabins: You can book a whole 4-bed compartment for a private group for a very low price.
EuroNight / Adria IC (The “Classic” Train)
- Comfort: The sleeping cars (Sleepers) on the EuroNight are often more comfortable/quieter than RegioJet if you want a proper rest.
- Dining: The Hungarian Adria IC has a proper restaurant car where you can eat goulash and drink wine while crossing the mountains.
Arrival in Split
The best part? Split Railway Station is located right in the harbor, directly opposite the Ferry Terminal.
- You step off the train.
- You walk 2 minutes.
- You are on a ferry to Hvar, Brac, or Vis.
- Or you walk 5 minutes into the Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace).
Book your ferry tickets to Hvar or Brac in advance using Ferryscanner or Direct Ferries.
Summary
If you are planning a trip to Croatia, skip the flight. The train ride through the Dinaric Alps at sunrise is spectacular. Book early, bring a bottle of wine, and enjoy the slow travel lifestyle.
Ready to book? These trains sell out fast in summer. Check availability on [Trainline] or the [RegioJet] website.
