Ever dreamed of basking in the Mediterranean sun, wandering through ancient Roman ruins, and sipping espresso in quaint, cobblestone towns—all in one trip?
Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a 7-day Croatian voyage that ticks all these boxes and more.
Grab your sunnies and let’s chug through Croatia’s stunning landscapes and storybook towns!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Martin Steinthaler. Image Location:Rijeka, Croatia
Croatia by train: everything you need to know
So here’s the scoop on getting around Croatia: if you’re dreaming of exploring this beautiful country by train alone, you might need to tweak those plans a bit.
Croatia’s got some stunning train journeys, but to really see everything, you’re gonna have to hop on a bus every now and then. For instance, if Dubrovnik’s on your list (and it should be), you’ll train it to Split and then catch a bus or ferry for the final leg.
Image Credit: Getty Images, rusm. Image Location: Split, Croatia
Details of Croatia’s most popular train routes
Zagreb to Split
- Travel time: from 6h 8m by InterCity train; 8h by night train
- Reservations: required for both InterCity and night trains
Zagreb to Osijek
- Travel time: from 5h 20m
- Reservations: optional
Zagreb to Rijeka
- Travel time: from 4h 30m
- Reservations: not available
Zagreb to Sisak
- Travel time: from 53m
- Reservations: optional
Zagreb to Vinkovci
- Travel time: from 4h 27m
- Reservations: optional
Image Credit: Getty Images, traumlichtfabrik. Image Location: Zagreb, Croatia
The ultimate Croatia itinerary: 7 days to remember
Day 1 – Zagreb: history & hip
Zagreb, Croatia’s charming capital, is your starting line. Stroll through the historic Upper Town, snap a selfie with the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, and let the city’s café culture seduce you into lingering over that second cup of coffee.
Hint: Zagreb’s central location makes it an ideal hub for your Croatian rail adventure.
Day 2 – Rijeka: get your coastal fix early
Jump on a train to Rijeka for a quick seaside teaser. This port town is all about that chill coastal life mixed with a dash of culture—think a maritime museum and street art. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to taste some fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
Why by train? Because watching the Croatian countryside zoom by as you’re traveling from Zagreb to Rijeka is half the fun. Alternatively, you could take a bus, which takes 2h 15m, as opposed to the train’s 4h 30m.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tuul & Bruno Morandi. Image Location: Plitvice Lake National Park, Croatia
Day 3 – Plitvice Lakes: a day with nature
Okay, now you’ll need to hitch a short ride from Rijeka to Plitvice Lakes National Park because this spot is too stunning to skip. Imagine waterfalls that look like they’ve jumped straight out of a fantasy novel. It’s a day trip worth every minute of the detour.
Travel tip: No trains here, but the 4-hour bus ride is a breeze.
Day 4 – Zadar: catch the world’s best sunset
Zadar is a city where the sea has its own soundtrack. They’ve got the Sea Organ here, a unique musical instrument played by the waves themselves. And then, as day turns to night, the Sun Salutation lights up, creating a dance floor of glowing colors powered by the sun’s energy.
Did you know? Alfred Hitchcock claimed Zadar has the best sunsets in the world. Challenge accepted, right?
Image Credit: Getty Images, Lara_Uhryn. Image Location: Split, Croatia
Days 5, 6 – Split: where ancient Rome meets the beach
On to Split! Wander around Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman emperor’s retirement pad turned into Split’s heart. After soaking up thousands of years of history, hit the beach or take a lazy stroll along the Riva promenade. You can also take a short ferry ride to nearby islands like Brač or Hvar for a day trip.
How to get from Zadar to Split: With direct routes available, the bus is your best bet for reaching Split quickly (from 2h 20m).
Day 7 – Dubrovnik: the Adriatic jewel
Wrap up your week in Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic. Walking the ancient city walls, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. Pro tip: take the cable car up Mount Srđ for jaw-dropping views of the city and sea.
Just FYI: There’s no train straight to Dubrovnik, but buses or ferries will get you there in style.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Nikada. Image Location: Zadar, Croatia
FAQs: how to explore Croatia (and beyond) with a Eurail Pass
What’s the best Croatia itinerary for 7 days?
Start with Zagreb’s caffeinated buzz, dip into the Plitvice Lakes for a natural high, catch a coastal vibe in Split, then wind down in Dubrovnik, where the walls tell tales and the sea sings lullabies. It’s like speed dating with cities, except you’ll fall in love with each one.
Can I use the Eurail Pass in Croatia?
Absolutely! The Eurail Croatia Pass is your golden ticket to exploring Croatia’s major cities by train, with flexible options to add buses and ferries into the mix.
Are trains in Croatia comfortable?
Trains in Croatia offer a comfy and scenic way to explore, with amenities to make your journey smooth. Plus, gazing out at the passing landscapes is an experience in itself.
Image Credit: Getty Images, leonid_tit. Image Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Is there a direct train from Split to Dubrovnik?
The journey from Split to Dubrovnik usually requires a scenic bus or ferry ride, as trains don’t run directly to Dubrovnik. But don’t worry, the views en route are breathtaking!
Can I get from Split to Zagreb by train?
Yes, you can! The journey between Split and Zagreb takes around 6-7 hours, and it’s the scenic route with a capital S.
Is there a direct train from Zagreb to Dubrovnik?
Unfortunately, you can’t train all the way to Dubrovnik from Zagreb, but buses and ferries are ready to pick up the baton. Consider it a mixed-media travel experience.
Can I train my way from Ljubljana, Slovenia to Zagreb, Croatia?
Yes, and it’s like hopping from one postcard to another. This international jaunt from Ljubljana to Zagreb offers rolling hills, quaint villages, and enough scenic beauty to make you ponder a permanent move.
How do I get from Venice to Croatia by train?
It’s a bit of a quest, like finding a unicorn. You’ll need to catch a train to Slovenia first or head to Trieste, Italy, then switch to bus or ferry. It’s an adventure worthy of a journal entry or at least a lively blog post.
Ready to explore Croatia by train, bus, and ferry? This 7-day itinerary is just a taste of what’s waiting for you in this Mediterranean marvel. From historic cities to island retreats, Croatia promises memories to last a lifetime.
Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, wellsie82. Image Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia