HŽPP Passenger Rail HŽPP Zagreb to Split

The Zagreb to Split line connects the capital with Karlovac, the Lika towns of Gospić and Gračac, Knin, and Split on the Dalmatian coast. It is Croatia’s only direct domestic passenger rail route between Zagreb and Split, and the mountain section is far slower than the motorway.

The inland route was assembled in stages. Split’s first railway opened north toward Siverić in 1877, and completion of the Lika railway in 1925 created the through Zagreb to Split connection used today.

Buy a ticket for a specific train through HŽPP’s website or app, at a station office or machine, or from the conductor. Domestic e-tickets are 10 percent cheaper than the standard station fare, while onboard purchase costs 10 percent more. There is no contactless bank-card tap-in system or gated metro fare. HŽPP explains the sales channels here.

Day services commonly use tilting diesel trains on the curving Lika route. HŽPP also schedules seasonal and overnight services, so rolling stock, seating, and air-conditioning can differ by train number. A seat reservation is required on specified Split trains and currently costs €1.06.

HŽPP lists mobile wheelchair lifts at Zagreb Glavni kolodvor and Split, but assistance must be requested at least 24 hours ahead. The tilting trains are not low-floor, and smaller intermediate stations may have low platforms or no staffed assistance. HŽPP publishes its assistance procedure and lift locations here.