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The civilised way... Lunch in the restaurant car. Courtesy of Kevin Coumbe |
This page explains how to travel from Zagreb or Ljubljana to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Train information is current for 2021.
Trains between Zagreb & Ljubljana
How to travel from Zagreb to Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula,
Vis, Brac
Suggested hotels near the station in Zagreb
Before you buy your
tickets...
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a 35 point-to-point ticket online?". Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.
European train travel
FAQ...
Buying train tickets for journeys within Croatia...
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You can check times & fares for Croatia at ww.hzpp.hr, and you can now buy Croatian domestic tickets online too, printing your own ticket.
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Although for national & international train times it can be easier to use the all-Europe online timetable provided by German Railways at www.bahn.de.
Zagreb to Split, Dubrovnik & Croatian islands...
Take a comfortable train from Zagreb to Split, either a scenic daytime ride or a time-effective overnight sleeper. Then take a bus from Split to Dubrovnik, or a ferry from Split to one of the many Adriatic islands. The journey is part of the fun...
Zagreb to Split by train...
Option 1, Zagreb to Split by daytime train...
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There are one or two excellent daytime trains on this lovely scenic route every day.
Zagreb depart 07:35, Split arrive 13:43. Runs mid-June to early September.
Zagreb depart 15:20, Split arrive 21:28. Runs daily all year round.
Split depart 08:35, Zagreb arrive 14:54. Runs daily all year round.
Split depart 14:20, Zagreb arrive 20:37. Runs mid-June to early September.
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The fare is around 208 Kuna (28) in 2nd class or 303 Kuna (41) in 1st class, full-price even bought on the day at the station.
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You can check train times, fares & buy tickets between Zagreb & Split at the Croatian Railways site www.hzpp.hr. You print your own ticket.
Alternatively, it's easy to buy tickets at the station, there are almost always places available, and it's the same price as buying online as there are no advance-purchase discounts, just one fixed price.
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Taking the daytime train is a great option, as Zagreb to Split is a very scenic train ride, with mountains, lakes, rivers, and even vineyards. The trains are modern and air-conditioned. ICN trains tilt round the bends on this mountainous route, cutting the journey time to 6 hours from a previous best of around 8 hours. Seat reservation is compulsory on ICN trains. Sit back with a good book and a beer and enjoy the ride... For photos click here.
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The daytime trains to Split: These fast, tilting, air-conditioned ICN trains link Zagreb & Split once or twice a day through great scenery. Above right, first class seats on the train to Split. below left, second class seats. Exterior photos courtesy of Gareth Davison. |
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Scenery between Zagreb and Split seen from the train... Photo courtesy of Pαraic Maguire. |
Option 2, Zagreb to Split by sleeper train...
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An overnight sleeper train links Zagreb & Split every day. It has one comfortable modern sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3-berth compartments (see the photos below), 6-berth couchettes & 2nd class seats. For photos click here.
Southbound it leaves Zagreb at 23:05 arriving Split at 07:05 next morning.
Northbound it leaves Split at 21:40 arriving Zagreb at 05:47 next morning.
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You can check times & fares and buy tickets online at the Croatian Railways site www.hzpp.hr - although it may not sell the sleeper berths, just seats & couchettes. You print your own ticket.
Alternatively, it's easy to buy tickets at the station, there are almost always places available, and it's the same price as buying online as there are no advance-purchase discounts, just one fixed price.
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The overnight train to Split: The overnight train from Zagreb to Split has a modern air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3-bed compartments with washbasin. See larger sleeper photo... |
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Split to Dubrovnik by bus...
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Buses link Split bus station with Dubrovnik every hour or half hour, run by various companies, journey time between 3h45 and 4h35, fare around 13-17.
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Bus information can be found at www.ak-split.hr (Split bus station arrivals & departures), www.dubrovnik-online.net or www.libertasdubrovnik.hr (Dubrovnik bus station departures).
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There are plenty of buses & plenty of seats, just buy a ticket at the bus station when you get to Split.
Split to Hvar, Korcula, Vis, Brac by ferry...
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Ferries link Split with various Croatian islands such as Hvar, Vis, Brac & Korcula.
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For ferry information see www.jadrolinija.hr. If you have any feedback or photos from the ferry journey, do let me know!
Zagreb to Ljubljana from 9...
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There are several trains every day linking Zagreb & Ljubljana, a lovely scenic train ride through the hills along the beautiful River Sava.
Departures from Zagreb to Ljubljana: 06:28, 12:35, 18:38 (runs from 10 July 2021), 21:20. Journey time 2h18 - 2h39.
Times may vary, so check train times at www.bahn.de.
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Tickets cannot be bought online, but you can easily buy tickets at the station for around 18, or for just 9 with an advance-purchase ticket if you buy the day before or earlier. There's no need to buy way ahead as there are always places available.
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These trains also link Zagreb direct with Lesce-Bled for Lake Bled, journey time 3h15 or so, simply check times at www.bahn.de.
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Great scenery as the train snakes along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb... |
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More scenery along the Sava river in Slovenia. Now across the border in Slovenia, the EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava all the way to Ljubljana and Zagreb... |
Comfortable seats: The 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are arranged 2+1 abreast, the same as 1st class! |
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More scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb along the river Sava... |
Zagreb to London, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Amsterdam...
Option 1, by comfortable daytime trains with an overnight stop in Munich...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Munich by EuroCity train, leaving Zagreb at 12:35 with one easy change at Villach, arriving Munich Hbf 21:42.
Or take the morning direct train leaving Zagreb at 07:00 and arriving Munich Hbf at 15:41 and spend a pleasant afternoon in Munich.
This is a lovely scenic run along the pretty river Sava from Zagreb into Slovenia, then through the mountains of Austria on the Tauern route to Salzburg and Germany. The trains are comfortable and air-conditioned.
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Stay overnight in Munich. The Sofitel Munich Beyerpost, Eden Hotel Wolff, InterCity Hotel or (budget) the Pension Locarno are all right next to the station with good or great reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg or Amsterdam, for example:
To Paris, the 06:46 (06:23 Sundays) TGV Duplex from Munich Hbf gets you to Paris Gare de l'Est at 12:38 (12:15 on Sundays), see the video.
To Amsterdam, the 07:45 ICE train from Munich Hbf, change at Dusseldorf onto an ICE3, arrives Amsterdam Centraal 15:28.
To Brussels, the 08:45 ICE train from Munich Hbf, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE3, arrives Brussels Midi at 15:35.
But by all means have a leisurely breakfast and take a later train.
All these trains all have a restaurant car or cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times and buy tickets at www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. Tip: I recommend changing Duration of transfer: standard to at least 20 minutes.
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The EuroCity train Sava at Zagreb. |
More scenery along the Sava between Zagreb & Ljubljana. |
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Great scenery as the train snakes along the Sava between Ljubljana & Zagreb... |
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...and along the Sava river in Slovenia. Now across the border in Slovenia, the EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava. |
Comfortable seats: 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are 2+1 abreast, the same as 1st class! |
Option 2, by comfortable sleeper train Lisinski to Munich, then day trains...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Munich on the air-conditioned sleeper train Lisinski, leaving Zagreb at 21:20 & arriving Munich Hbf at 06:10.
The train has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments and ordinary seats. See the Croatian sleeping-car video. Highly recommended. There's no catering car so bring a picnic and bottle of wine. Morning tea or coffee is included in sleepers.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg or Amsterdam. For example:
Leave Munich Hbf at 09:28 by ICE train, change at Stuttgart onto a TGV Duplex, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 16:53.
Leave Munich Hbf at 07:45 by ICE train, change at Dόsseldorf onto an ICE3 train, arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 15:28.
Leave Munich Hbf at 07:52 by ICE train, change at Cologne onto an ICE3 train, arriving Brussels Midi at 15:35.
All these trains have a restaurant or cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
You'll find more detail on the International trains from Munich page.
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times and buy tickets at www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
Tip: I recommend changing Duration of transfer: standard to at least 20 minutes. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Munich.
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The Lisinski from Zagreb to Munich. This is sleeping-car on the Lisinski at Zagreb. The modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car of the Lisinski from Zagreb to Munich has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, with toilets at the end of the corridor, see the Croatian sleeper video. |
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The couchette car on the Lisinski has modern air-conditioned 6-berth and 4-berth compartments. Above right, the westbound train is seen boarding at Zagreb. See panorama photo. |
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Option 3, by comfortable sleeper train to Zurich, then day trains...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Zurich by excellent air-conditioned sleeper train, leaving Zagreb at 18:38 arriving Zurich HB at 09:20.
The train has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. See the Croatian sleeping-car video. Highly recommended. There's no catering car so bring a picnic and bottle of wine. There is lovely scenery along the Sava river between Zagreb & Ljubljana.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Zurich. For example:
Leave Zurich HB at 11:34 by TGV-Lyria, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 15:38.
Leave Zurich HB at 11:59 by ICE train, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE3 train, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 20:28.
Leave Zurich HB at 11:59 by ICE train, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf onto an ICE3 train, arriving Brussels Midi at 19:35.
You'll find more detail on the International trains from Zurich page.
All these trains have a restaurant car or cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Book from Zurich to Paris at either www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings together in one place, easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website en.oui.sncf (in , more fiddly). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.
Book from Zurich to Brussels, Luxembourg or Amsterdam at either www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings together in one place, easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the German Railways website www.bahn.de (in , also easy to use, no fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.
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The Zagreb-Zurich sleeping-car is a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car like this with 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, toilets at the end of the corridor. It's identical to the Zagreb-Munich sleeper. See larger sleeper photo... |
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Wake up in Switzerland to scenery like this. Taken from the Zagreb-Zurich sleeper, courtesy of John Richards... |
Option 4, using the Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf, Brussels & Amsterdam...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same fares, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket. Or you can buy at the station either on the day or ideally a day or two beforehand as you can get advance-purchase discounts even a day before.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Amsterdam or Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna at 20:13 every day and arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 09:58 next morning. On Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays there's also a Vienna-Brussels portion, arriving Brussels Midi at 09:55.
Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf, with free WiFi & complimentary tea, coffee & wine.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.
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Step 1, Zagreb to Vienna on the Croatia: This is the Croatia boarding in Zagreb... |
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1st class open-plan (saloon) seating. The Croatia also has 1st class seats in classic 6-seat compartments. |
2nd class compartments. The Croatia. also has seats in open plan cars. |
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Austrian restaurant car. See larger photo. |
Lunch with wine on board... |
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Sevnica Castle, seen from the Croatia between Zagreb & Zidani Most.... |
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Scenery between Zidani Most and Maribor in Slovenia on the route of the Croatia... |
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Between Villach & Vienna the Emona & Croatia travel over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Brussels & Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train. More information about Nightjets. |
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Deluxe sleeper. Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room. Larger photo. Video of deluxe room |
The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out. Larger photo. |
Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided. Larger photo. |
Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open. It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth. Larger photo. |
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6-berth couchettes... |
4-berth couchettes... |
Nightjet couchette car... |
Zagreb to Nice & the South of France...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Ljubljana by express train, then Ljubljana to Trieste by EuroCity or regional train and Trieste to Venice by regional train, as explained here. A cheap, scenic and enjoyable journey with a chance to see Ljubljana and Trieste on the way.
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Stay overnight in Venice - for a hotel that won't break the bank, but is 2 minutes walk from the station with good reviews, try the Hotel Maggior Consiglio or for a little more, the Hotel Abbazia. Hotels near Venice Mestre on the mainland are usually cheaper, but I'd never miss a chance to stay in Venice itself if I could.
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Day 2, travel from Venice to Monaco, Nice, Cannes changing at the magnificent Milan Centrale as shown on the Trains from Venice page.
It's a lovely journey along the coast between Genoa and Nice, have your camera ready!
Fares start at 34.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Check times & book from Venice to the South of France at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Italian Railways website www.trenitalia.com (in , more fiddly, requires Italian language place names, see advice on using it). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you just quote the booking reference on the train.
Zagreb to Zurich & Switzerland...
Option 1, by direct sleeper train - the most comfortable & time-effective option, great scenery in the evening, great scenery in the morning...
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There's a direct sleeper train from Zagreb to Zurich every night, leaving Zagreb at 18:38 and arriving Zurich HB at 09:20.
This train has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments and ordinary seats. See the Croatian sleeping-car video. Highly recommended.
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Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 69.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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The Zagreb-Zurich sleeping-car is a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car like this with 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, toilets at the end of the corridor. It's identical to the Zagreb-Munich sleeper. See larger sleeper photo... |
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Wake up in Switzerland to scenery like this. Taken from the Zagreb-Zurich sleeper, courtesy of John Richards... |
Option 2, by day train - direct route...
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Travel from Zagreb to Zurich, leaving Zagreb at 07:00, changing at Schwarzach-St.Veit (arrive 12:48, depart 13:13) arriving Zurich HB 19:20.
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Zagreb to Schwarzach-St.Veit is by air-conditioned EuroCity train Mimara, Schwarzach-St.Veit to Zurich is by smart Austrian railjet train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. There's fabulous scenery through Austria on the Tauern route then through the Arlberg Pass into Switzerland, see the Arlberg Railway page for photos, video & tips.
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Fares from Zagreb to Schwarzach-St.Veit start at 29.90. Fares from Schwarzach-St.Veit to Zurich start at 29.90.
Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com. It might just book Zagreb to Zurich in one go (look carefully for a 1-change option matching this itinerary), but if not, first book from Zagreb to Schwarzach-St.Veit, then use it again to book from Schwarzach-St.Veit to Zurich or to any other station in Switzerland. You print your own ticket. You can also book at Austrian Railways' own website www.oebb.at, again splitting the booking at Schwarzach.
Option 3, by day train via Vienna - a round-about route, but good trains, great scenery.
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Zurich by railjet train leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:30 and arriving Zurich HB at 23:20.
The railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 1st & business class passengers have restaurant orders taken & served at their seats. The train passes from Austria into Switzerland via the scenic Arlberg Pass, there may still be good views in summer when it's light.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 39.90 in 1st class & 54.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 4, by day trains with overnight stop in Vienna...
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel, Hotel Schani Wien.
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Day 2, travel from Vienna through the wonderfully scenic Arlberg Pass to Zurich as shown here.
Zagreb to Trieste, Venice, Florence, Rome & Italy...
Option 1, Zagreb to Venice in a day via Ljubljana & Trieste - cheap, scenic, see Ljubljana & Trieste on the way...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Venice in once scenic day with a choice of two departures, see the Zagreb & Ljubljana to Venice page for timetable, fares & how to buy tickets.
You travel from Zagreb to Ljubljana by express train, from Ljubljana to Trieste by EuroCity or regional train, then Trieste to Venice by regional train. Zagreb-Ljubljana costs as little as 9, then Ljubljana to Venice costs 22 or so, any day, any date, no prior reservation necessary, it cannot sell out, just buy at the station on the day. And if you've ever wondered where prosecco comes from, you'll find out on this route (see the Ljubljana to Venice page!)
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Stay overnight in Venice - for a hotel that won't break the bank, but is 2 minutes walk from the station with good reviews, try the Hotel Maggior Consiglio or for a little more, the Hotel Abbazia. Hotels near Venice Mestre on the mainland are usually cheaper, but I'd never miss a chance to stay in Venice itself if I could.
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Day 2, take an onward high-speed train from Venice to Milan, Florence, Rome or Naples, see the Train travel in Italy page.
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Inside the train. Larger photo. |
The train from Ljubljana to Trieste. Courtesy of Marc Williams. |
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Scenery in Slovenia, seen from the train from Ljubljana to Trieste. More photos & information about Ljubljana-Trieste. |
Option 2, Zagreb to Venice in a day with just 1 change via Bruck an der Mur - inexpensive, comfortable, scenic, slightly longer than option 1...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Bruck an der Mur on the EuroCity train Croatia, leaving Zagreb at 07:25 and arriving Bruck an der Mur at 12:01.
This comfortable EuroCity train has air-conditioned Austrian carriages and a smart Austrian restaurant car, see the photos below. Have lunch in Bruck an der Mur, consider the Restaurant Riegler (www.restaurant-riegler.at), 12 minutes walk from the station, see walking map, or Die Weinerei im Baderhaus (www.weinerei-baderhaus.at, also 12 minutes walk away.
Fares start at 19.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). You print your own ticket. Tip: Bruck an der Mur = Bruck/Mur.
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Step 2, travel from Bruck an der Mur to Venice by railjet train, leaving Bruck an der Mur at 14:15 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 20:04.
The railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a scenic ride on the afternoon Vienna-Venice railjet, although you join it south of the Semmering line, see the photos, video & information here.
Fares start at 21.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Venice and continue to Florence, Rome or Naples next day. Check onward times within Italy & buy tickets at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, in , $ or £, they'll refund the 3.50 booking fee to seat61 users if you email them after booking at seat61@italiarail.com) or www.trenitalia.com (in , more fiddly, requires Italian-language place names, see advice on using it).
Option 2, using the Nightjet sleeper train to Bologna, Florence & Rome with an afternoon free in Vienna...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna on the EuroCity train Croatia, leaving Zagreb at 07:25 arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Then enjoy an afternoon free in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Italy overnight by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:23 every evening, arriving Bologna Centrale 05:20, Florence SMN 06:19 & Rome Termini 09:22 with a separate portion for Milan Porta Garibaldi arriving 08:10.
Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
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Step 1, Zagreb to Vienna on the Croatia: This is the Croatia boarding in Zagreb... |
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1st class open-plan (saloon) seating. The Croatia also has 1st class seats in classic 6-seat compartments. |
2nd class compartments. The Croatia. also has seats in open plan cars. |
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Austrian restaurant car. See larger photo. |
Lunch with wine on board... |
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Sevnica Castle, seen from the Croatia between Zagreb & Zidani Most.... |
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Scenery between Zidani Most and Maribor in Slovenia on the route of the Croatia... |
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Between Villach & Vienna the Emona & Croatia travel over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Florence & Rome by Nightjet sleeper train. More information about Nightjets. |
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Deluxe sleeper. Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room. Larger photo. Video of deluxe room |
The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out. Larger photo. |
Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided. Larger photo. |
Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open. It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth. Larger photo. |
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6-berth couchettes... |
4-berth couchettes... |
Nightjet couchette car... |
Zagreb to Barcelona & Spain...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia, leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 1, travel from Vienna to Zurich by railjet train leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:30 and arriving Zurich HB at 23:20.
The railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 1st & business class passengers have restaurant orders taken & served at their seats. The train passes from Austria into Switzerland via the scenic Arlberg Pass, there may still be good views in summer when it's light.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 39.90 in 1st class & 54.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Zurich. For something really special, the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is one of my favourite hotels anywhere, just across the road from the station. They'll even send a uniformed commissionaire to meet you & carry your bags from the train. For something cheaper, also next to the station with great reviews, try the 4-star Hotel St Gotthard or the excellent 3-star Hotel St. Josef, 7 minutes walk from the station, see walking map. If you're on a tight budget you can book private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Geneva by Swiss intercity train with restaurant car, leaving Zurich HB at 08:04 and arriving Geneva at 10:47.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or Swiss Railways www.sbb.ch. Swiss trains open for booking 60 days ahead. Normal tickets have unlimited availability so no problem buying these even on the day of travel, although you may find some cheap Supersaver fares if you book early.
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Day 2, travel from Geneva to Barcelona, leaving Geneva at 11:30 by TER regional train, change at Lyon Part Dieu (arrive 13:25, depart 14:28) onto a direct AVE-S100 high-speed train arriving Barcelona Sants at 19:33.
Between Lyon & Barcelona you'll follow the same interesting & enjoyable route taken by the Paris-Barcelona TGVs, see the photos & video on the Paris to Barcelona page. You'll pass the Chateau de Montfaucon, Bιziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes in the South of France between Montpelier and Perpignan, the historic Catalan-built Fort de Salses right by the tracks, and get great views of the massive Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees, visible all the way from Perpignan to Girona.
The Geneva-Lyon fare is a fixed-price 29.60. Lyon-Barcelona fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class, these fares vary like air fares.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or en.oui.sncf (in , a bit more fiddly but no fee). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.
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Stay overnight in Barcelona. Hotels close to Barcelona Sants station with good or great reviews: Hotel Barcelo Sants (4-star, great reviews, directly above Barcelona Sants station itself, the recommended option), AC Hotel Sants by Marriott (4-star, just 50m from the station), Hotel Catalonia Roma (3-star), Hostal Baler (2-star), Hotel Transit (1-star), Meeting Point Hostel (inexpensive private rooms & dorm beds).
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Day 3, travel from Barcelona Sants to anywhere in Spain by high-speed train.
For Madrid: AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30 from 35.
For Cordoba & Seville: Take the direct AVE-S112 high-speed train leaving Barcelona Sants at 08:30 arriving Cordoba 13:12 & Seville Santa Justa at 14:02. Fares start at 53. Alternatively, spend a morning in Barcelona and take the 15:50 AVE S112 high-speed train to Cordoba & Seville.
For Malaga: Take the 09:00 AVE high-speed train to Madrid Atocha arriving 11:45, then the 13:00 AVE high-speed train to Malaga Maria Zambrano, arriving 16:05. Alternatively, spend a morning in Barcelona and take the direct 15:50 AVE S112 high-speed train to Malaga.
For Granada: A direct AVE S112 high-speed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:30 arriving Granada at 14:52.
For Valencia & Alicante: EuroMed trains link Barcelona Sants with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:15 Mondays-Fridays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:55 & Alicante 12:45 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 12:55 & Alicante 14:48. Fares from 23.
For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo, there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here.
Check times & book trains in Spain at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up) or at the Spanish Railways website www.renfe.com (much more be fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see this advice on using it). Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
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Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees... Seen from the train and one of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline all the way from Girona to Perpignan... |
Zagreb to Berlin...
Option 1, via Vienna: Although the connections work better via Budapest (see option 2), the trains on the Vienna route are higher-quality and all sectors can be booked online with print-your-own tickets, making it more practical. And what's not to like about an afternoon in Vienna?
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket. Or you can buy at the station either on the day or ideally a day or two beforehand as you can get advance-purchase discounts even a day before.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Berlin by nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 22:10 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 09:51 next morning.
This comfortable nightjet has a Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed standard compartments with washbasin, three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, there's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in standard sleepers. There are also 4 & 6 berth couchettes. A light breakfast is included in the fare in both sleepers and couchettes. See the nightjet sleeper train page for more photos, travel tips & information.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
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Vienna to Berlin by nightjet... The Vienna to Berlin Nightjet prepares to leave Vienna Hbf. See the nightjet page for more photos, tips & information. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler. |
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2-berth deluxe sleeper. More info about Nightjet trains. |
...en suite toilet & shower. |
4-berth couchettes... |
Option 2, Zagreb to Berlin via Budapest, using the Budapest-Berlin sleeper train...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Budapest on the 09:49 Gradec (summer only), as shown in the Zagreb & Ljubljana to Budapest section below.
Fares start at 15 in 2nd class. This is a limited-availability fare, the price varies, so book ahead.
Book this train online at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu, see my advice on using it. Booking opens 60 days ahead, but less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes. You may find that only 2nd class tickets are sold. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone.
Have an early dinner in Budapest.
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Step 2, travel from Budapest to Berlin by EuroNight sleeper train Metropol, leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:25 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 09:51.
The train has an air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, air-conditioned 4 & 6 berth couchettes and 2nd class seats.
Fares start at 49 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 59 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 79 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper with washbasin, 99 in a 2-bed sleeper with washbasin or 129 in a single-bed sleeper with washbasin.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 90 days ahead and you print your own ticket.
See photos of the sleeping-car here & photos of the couchette car here. The sleeping-car has 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, the couchette car has 4-berth & 6-berth compartments.
Tip: If you like, you can see the formation of this train at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Hungary & click EN, then select the Metropol.
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A 2-bed double sleeper (above right) in the air-conditioned sleeping-car on the Metropol from Budapest to Berlin. Each sleeper compartment is fitted with 3 beds so can be sold as a single, double or triple. Sleeper compartments convert to comfortable private sitting room for evening use. A light breakfast is included in the fare. See larger photo. See more photos of this type of sleeping-car. Interior photo courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler. |
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Option 3, Zagreb to Berlin by daytime trains with an overnight stop in Vienna. If you prefer day trains and a hotel to sleepers, this is the most practical route with high-quality trains, all easily booked online.
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket. Or you can buy at the station either on the day or ideally a day or two beforehand as you can get advance-purchase discounts even a day before.
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near Vienna Hbf with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel, Hotel Schani Wien.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Berlin on the superb ICE train Berolina with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:15 arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:58.
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets online at either www.thetrainline.com (quickest & easiest to use, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.
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The ICE Berolina at Vienna Hbf. Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler . |
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Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration. There are also tables for four in both classes. |
Lunch in the Bordrestaurant. I highly recommend the Erdinger Weissbier! |
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You can see into the cab at each end of the train. |
Comfortable 2nd class seats on the ICE-T to Vienna... |
Option 4, Zagreb to Berlin via Budapest, using daytime trains with an overnight stop...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Budapest on the morning train (summer only) or afternoon train (all year round) as shown in the Zagreb to Budapest section below.
Fares start at 15 in 2nd class. This is a limited-availability fare, the price varies so book ahead.
Book online at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu, see my advice on using it. Booking normally opens 60 days ahead, but less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes. You may find that only 2nd class tickets are sold. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. For an inexpensive hotel with great reviews right next to Keleti Station, try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel or the inexpensive Baross City Hotel just across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away.
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Berlin on the EuroCity train Hungaria, leaving Budapest Nyugati at 07:40 arriving Berlin Hbf at 18:42.
The train has a restaurant car, treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two. The train follows the scenic Elbe river between Prague & Dresden, see the photos & video here.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.bahn.de (Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, tickets sent by post) or www.mavcsoport.hu (booking opens 60 days ahead, you print your own ticket, see my advice on using this).
Option 5, Zagreb to Berlin via Munich...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Munich as shown above. There's a Zagreb-Munich sleeper or Zagreb-Munich daytime trains. Make sure you allow at least 90 minutes between trains in Munich, just in case of delay.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Berlin by high-speed ICE train in as little as 3h58 from 27.90 as shown on the trains from Munich page.
Option 6, using the Zagreb to Prague Regiojet sleeper train (summer-only 3 times a week), then Prague to Berlin by day train - cheapest!
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Prague by summer-only sleeper train run by open-access operator Regiojet.
It will run 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from 28 May 2021 until late September, increasing to every day in July & August.
The train leaves Zagreb in the evening [time tba], arriving Bratislava Hlavna early morning & Prague Hlavni at 09:42 [time tbc].
This excellent Regiojet train builds on the surprise success of their Prague-Rijeka sleeper in summer 2020. It has 4-berth couchettes and seats. The couchette fare includes all necessary bedding and a light breakfast. There's excellent on-board at-seat service from an extensive menu, with complimentary bottled water and excellent Illy coffee. There's free WiFi.
The fare is 22 in a seat or 30 with a couchette. You can book a private couchette compartment for the price of 3 couchette tickets.
Buy an e-ticket online at www.regiojet.com. It even allows you to choose your exact place from a carriage plan.
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Step 2, travel from Prague to Berlin by EuroCity train, leaving Prague Hlavni at 12:26 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 16:42.
An earlier connection is possible, but I'd play safe and take this one, just in case the sleeper is late. There's a restaurant car for lunch and a beer or two, and great scenery along the Elbe river valley between Prague & Dresden, see the photos and video here.
Buy a ticket from 18.90 at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Regiojet sleeper train at Prague Hlavni. |
Zagreb to Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg & Germany from 37.90
Option 1, by daytime trains...
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There are two daily EuroCity trains and an overnight sleeper train between Zagreb & Munich. One EuroCity train is direct, another one involves a quick and easy cross-platform change at Villach on the Austrian border.
You'll find departures from Zagreb to Salzburg & Munich at 07:00, 12:35 & 21:20 (sleeper).
Fares to anywhere in Germany start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 56.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Tip: The 12:35 from Zagreb involves a simple cross-platform change in Villach. It only takes 30 seconds to change trains at Villach, but if the Croatian/Slovenian train is late, the Austrian train so Salzburg & Munich will not wait. I'd go with the earlier morning train which is direct.
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Buy tickets from Zagreb to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich or anywhere in Germany at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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The EuroCity train Sava at Zagreb. |
Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb. |
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Great scenery along the Sava between Zagreb & Ljubljana (taken from an eastbound train)... |
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More scenery along the Sava river in Slovenia. The EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava all the way to Ljubljana and Zagreb... |
Comfortable seats: 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are arranged 2+1 abreast, same as 1st class! |
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Through the Austrian Alps... Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the train snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful... |
Option 2, using the Zagreb to Munich sleeper...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Munich on the sleeper train Lisinski leaving Zagreb at 21:20 and arriving Munich Hbf at 06:10.
The Lisinski has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. See the Croatian sleeping-car video. Highly recommended. Morning tea or coffee is included in sleepers.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to anywhere in Germany...
Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Munich, just in case the sleeper is late.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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The sleeping-car on the Lisinski: The modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car of the Lisinski from Munich to Zagreb has 10 compartments with washbasin, each of which can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth room, with toilets at the end of the corridor. Above left, the sleeper arrived at Zagreb. See larger sleeper photo... |
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The couchette car on the Lisinski has modern air-conditioned 6-berth and 4-berth compartments. Above right, the westbound train is seen boarding at Zagreb. See panorama photo. |
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In summer when it's light you'll see scenery like this between Zagreb & Ljubljana, along the river Sava... |
Option 3, Morning EuroCity train to Vienna, afternoon free, then Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna at 20:13 and arriving Cologne Hbf at 06:51, Dόsseldorf at 07:23 or (a separate portion) Hamburg Hbf at 08:47 next morning.
Each portion of this comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 1, Zagreb to Vienna on the Croatia: This is the Croatia boarding in Zagreb... |
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1st class open-plan (saloon) seating. The Croatia also has 1st class seats in classic 6-seat compartments. |
2nd class compartments. The Croatia. also has seats in open plan cars. |
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Austrian restaurant car. See larger photo. |
Lunch with wine on board... |
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Sevnica Castle, seen from the Croatia between Zagreb & Zidani Most.... |
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Scenery between Zidani Most and Maribor in Slovenia on the route of the Croatia... |
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Between Villach & Vienna the Emona & Croatia travel over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Cologne, Dόsseldorf or Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train. More information about Nightjets. |
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Deluxe sleeper. Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room. Larger photo. Video of deluxe room |
The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out. Larger photo. |
Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided. Larger photo. |
Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open. It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth. Larger photo. |
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6-berth couchettes... |
4-berth couchettes... |
Nightjet couchette car... |
Zagreb to Vienna from 29...
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A comfortable EuroCity train called the Croatia leaves Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
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Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket. Or you can buy at the station either on the day or ideally a day or two beforehand as you can get advance-purchase discounts even a day before.
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Zagreb to Vienna on the Croatia: This is the Croatia boarding in Zagreb... |
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1st class open-plan (saloon) seating. The Croatia also has 1st class seats in classic 6-seat compartments. |
2nd class compartments. The Croatia. also has seats in open plan cars. |
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Austrian restaurant car. See larger photo. |
Lunch with wine on board... |
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Sevnica Castle, seen from the Croatia between Zagreb & Zidani Most.... |
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Scenery between Zidani Most and Maribor in Slovenia on the route of the Croatia... |
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Between Villach & Vienna the Emona & Croatia travel over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video. |
Zagreb to Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria...
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There are two daily EuroCity trains between Zagreb & Salzburg. One EuroCity train is direct, another one involves a quick and easy cross-platform change at Villach on the Austrian border. There are also two daily direct trains from Zagreb to Graz.
You'll normally find direct trains from Zagreb to Salzburg Hbf at 07:00 & 12:35. Change at Salzburg Hbf for Innsbruck.
You'll normally find direct trains from Zagreb to Graz at 07:27 & 18:38
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Fares from Zagreb to Austria start at 29.90 in 2nd class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Check train times & buy tickets from Zagreb to Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck or anywhere in Austria at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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The EuroCity train Sava at Zagreb. |
Scenery between Ljubljana & Zagreb. |
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Great scenery along the Sava between Zagreb & Ljubljana (taken from an eastbound train)... |
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More scenery along the Sava river in Slovenia. The EuroCity train runs along the pretty River Sava all the way to Ljubljana and Zagreb... |
Comfortable seats: 2nd class seats in the Slovenian cars are arranged 2+1 abreast, same as 1st class! |
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Through the Austrian Alps to Salzburg... Clinging to the mountainside high in the Austrian Alps, the train snakes along between snow-capped mountains, absolutely wonderful... |
Zagreb to Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm & Scandinavia...
Option 1, using the Zagreb-Munich sleeper - fastest & most time-effective option...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Munich on the sleeper train Lisinski leaving Zagreb at 21:20 and arriving Munich Hbf at 06:10.
The Lisinski has a modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments and a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments. See the Croatian sleeping-car video. Highly recommended. Morning tea or coffee is included in sleepers.
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen, leaving Munich Hbf at 08:51 by ICE train, changing at Hamburg Hbf onto a Danish IC3 Intercity train arriving Copenhagen at 21:33.
Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book from Munich to Copenhagen at the German Railways website www.bahn.de, but (and this is important) before running the enquiry, change Duration of transfer from standard to at least 45 minutes. That gets you a robust connection in Hamburg, not a tight one, as that's the last train of the day to Copenhagen. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.
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Stay overnight in Copenhagen. Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel, First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).
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Day 3, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm as shown here, Copenhagen to Gothenburg as shown here, or Copenhagen to Oslo & Norway as shown here.
Option 2, using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna at 20:13 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 08:47 next morning.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by Danish Intercity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 12:53 and arriving Copenhagen at 17:33.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 46.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Step 4, take an onward train to Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm. Check times at www.sj.se. Allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Copenhagen. An overnight stop in Copenhagen may be required if going to Stockholm, if there isn't a late enough train.
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Alternatively, travel to Vienna, stay overnight then use any of the options shown on the International Trains from Vienna page.
Zagreb to Bratislava & Prague...
Option 1, Zagreb to Prague or Bratislava in a single day...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna by comfortable EuroCity train Croatia leaving Zagreb at 07:25 every day, arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:02.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian EuroCity cars, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. it has an Austrian restaurant car serving waiter-service meals, beer & wine.
This journey is a real treat, enjoy an inexpensive lunch with wine or beer in the restaurant car as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
Tip: If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
Fares from Zagreb to Vienna start at 29.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (same prices, more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 2, if going to Bratislava...
Take a Regional Express train from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna in just 1h07, these leave every hour, fixed-price fare 11.20, just buy a ticket at the station in Vienna on the day. No reservation is necessary or even possible for these local trains. You can check times & prices at www.thetrainline.com.
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Step 2, if going to Prague...
Travel from Vienna to Prague by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:10 and arriving Prague Hlavni at 19:38.
The trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. There are later trains if you'd like an afternoon in Vienna. See timetable & more information about trains from Vienna to Prague.
Fares start at 14.90 in 2nd class, 29.90 in 1st class or 44.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, small booking fee, Booking opens up to 6 months ahead) or the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz (in koruna, booking normally opens 92 days ahead), whichever is cheaper for your chosen date and train. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone.
Option 2, Zagreb to Munich by sleeper, morning express train to Prague - time-effective and saves a hotel bill...
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Step 1, the overnight sleeper train Lisinski leaves at Zagreb at 21:20 and arriving Munich Hbf at 06:10.
It has a comfortable modern air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car and couchette car, see the Croatian sleeping-car video. Highly recommended!
Fares start at 49.90 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59.90 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 66.90 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 86.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (more fiddly, same prices, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Munich to Prague by express train. Book this at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz from just 15 in 2nd class or 35 in 1st class. A train leaves Munich Hbf at 06:43 arriving Prague Hlavni at 12:21, this is a bit tight if the sleeper arrives late, so consider booking a cheap 15 on both this train and the later 08:43 arriving 14:21. For full details, see the Munich to Prague timetable & photos here.
Option 3, Zagreb to Prague or Bratislava with overnight stop in Budapest...
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Budapest by InterCity train, leaving Zagreb at 16:35 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 22:24. By all means take the earlier 09:49 summer-only train from Zagreb arriving Budapest at 16:14 to have a pleasant evening in Budapest.
Zagreb to Budapest starts at 15 in 2nd class. This is a limited-availability fare, the price varies so book ahead.
Book online at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu, see my advice on using it. Booking normally opens 60 days ahead, but less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes. You may find that only 2nd class tickets are sold. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone. Alternatively, simply buy at the station, ideally the day before as this can be cheaper than buying on the day.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. For an inexpensive hotel with great reviews right next to Keleti Station, try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel or the inexpensive Baross City Hotel just across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away. More hotels in Budapest
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Bratislava or Prague by comfortable EuroCity train, Budapest Keleti to Bratislava Hlavna in 2h23 or to Prague Hlavni in 6h33. These trains leave every two hours through the day.
Budapest to Prague starts at 19 in 2nd class or 35 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it, booking opens 60 days ahead, or (if going to Prague) the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz, booking opens 92 days ahead. You print your own tickets. See timetable & more information for Budapest-Bratislava-Prague trains.
Option 5, Ljubljana to Bratislava or Prague with an overnight stop in Vienna...
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Day 1, travel from Ljubljana to Vienna as shown above, leaving Ljubljana at 15:45 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 22:02.
This comfortable train has a Slovenian restaurant car, treat yourself to dinner. It takes the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy the ticket at www.thetrainline.com. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near Vienna Hbf with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel, Hotel Schani Wien.
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Day 2, if going to Bratislava...
Take a local train from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna in 1h07. These leave every hour through the day, fixed-price fare 11.20, just buy a ticket at the station in Vienna on the day. No reservation is necessary or even possible for these local trains. You can check times & prices at www.thetrainline.com.
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Day 2, if going to Prague...
Take a comfortable railjet train from Vienna Hbf to Prague Hlavni in 4h03, these leave every two hours throughout the day.
Fares start at 14.90 in 2nd class, 29.90 in 1st class or 44.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, easy to use, small booking fee, Booking opens up to 6 months ahead) or the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz (in koruna, booking normally opens 92 days ahead), whichever is cheaper for your chosen train. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or smartphone. See more information about Vienna to Prague railjet trains.
Option 4, using the Regiojet sleeper from Zagreb to Bratislava & Prague, summer-only, 3 times a week - recommended, if travelling in summer...
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Travel from Zagreb to Prague on the summer-only sleeper train run by open-access operator Regiojet.
It will run 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from 28 May 2021 until late September, increasing to every day in July & August.
The train leaves Zagreb in the evening [time tba] arriving Bratislava Hlavna early morning & Prague Hlavni at 09:42 [time tbc].
This excellent Regiojet train builds on the surprise success of their Prague-Rijeka sleeper in summer 2020. It has 4-berth couchettes and seats. The couchette fare includes all necessary bedding and a light breakfast. There's excellent on-board at-seat service from an extensive menu, with complimentary bottled water and excellent Illy coffee. There's free WiFi.
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The fare is 22 in a seat or 30 with a couchette. You can book a private couchette compartment for the price of 3 couchette tickets.
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Buy an e-ticket online at www.regiojet.com. Compared to all other options, booking this train is a breeze! It even allows you to choose your exact place from a carriage plan. Booking for summer 2021 opens 18 February.
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Regiojet sleeper train at Prague Hlavni. |
Option 5, using the daily Budapest-Prague sleeper - runs June-September only, a good comfortable option...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Budapest on the InterCity train Gradec, leaving Zagreb at 09:49 & arriving Budapest Dιli 16:24. This train runs from 5 June to 12 September 2021.
There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink. The train runs along Lake Balaton with great views over the lake. The lake will be on the left hand side of the train.
Fares start at 15 in 2nd class. This is a limited-availability fare, the price varies so book ahead.
Book online at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu, see my advice on using it. Booking normally opens 60 days ahead, but less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes. You may find that only 2nd class tickets are sold. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone. If you don't succeed in booking online, simply buy at the station ideally the day before as this can be cheaper than buying on the day.
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Step 2, travel from Budapest to Prague by sleeper train, leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:25 arriving Prague Hlavni at 08:13.
The sleeper train has a modern air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three deluxe 1,2 or 3 bed compartments with en suite toilet & shower. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers, and morning tea or coffee is included in the fare. There's a couchette car with 4 & 6 bunk compartments.
Book at Czech Railways www.cd.cz and print your own ticket. Booking opens 92 days ahead.
Zagreb to Budapest from 15...
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A comfortable InterCity train called the Gradec leaves Zagreb at 09:49 arriving Budapest Dιli 16:24. Runs 5 June to 12 September 2021.
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A comfortable InterCity train called the Agram leaves Zagreb at 16:35 arriving Budapest Dιli 22:24. Runs every day all year round.
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Both trains travel along the southern shore of Lake Balaton, with great views over the lake. The lake will be on the left hand side of the train. The trains have comfortable air-conditioned Hungarian coaches, the Gradec also has Croatian air-con & non-air-con cars. If you're interested, you can check the train formations at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Croatia and click IC. There's no restaurant car so take your own picnic and bottle of wine.
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Fares start at 15 in 2nd class if you book in advance. This is a limited-availability fare, the price varies so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets...
You can now book Zagreb to Budapest trains online at the Hungarian Railways website jegy.mav.hu, see my advice on using it. Booking normally opens 60 days ahead, but less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes. You may find that only 2nd class tickets are sold. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app on your smartphone.
If you don't succeed in buying online, simply buy at the station either on the day or ideally a day or two beforehand. Tip: It's cheaper to buy in advance, even when buying close to departure. The fare might be 39 bought 15 minutes before departure, but 29 if you buy at least 2h before departure or the day before.
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A Budapest-Zagreb Intercity train at Budapest with comfortable & modern air-conditioned coaches, both Croatian (foreground) and Hungarian (background). A great way to travel. Courtesy of Jonathan Hounsome. |
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The trains from Zagreb to Budapest run along the southern shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary's largest lake. Courtesy of Della Mcvay. |
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The Zagreb to Budapest train passes fields of sunflowers... Courtesy of Louise Donnelly. |
Zagreb to Sarajevo...
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Coming from Ljubljana, you'd first catch a train to Zagreb, see above.
Zagreb to Belgrade, Sofia, Athens, Istanbul...
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Travel from Zagreb to Belgrade on the daily train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.
This train is still currently suspended due to Covid-19.
It's 2nd class only, there's no catering car so bring your own food & drink.
Zagreb to Belgrade costs around £44 bought in the UK, or just 29 or so bought locally. It's easy to buy a ticket at the station, or you can simply board the train and pay around 188 kuna in local currency when the conductor comes round.
You can check train times using the journey planner at www.bahn.de. There's no restaurant or buffet car, just the occasional on-board vendor, so bring your own picnic and even bottle of wine or beer...
Tip: Although Belgrade Centar is slightly closer to the city centre, you have to rely on a single bus line. Trams 7 & 9 link Novi Beograd station with the site of the now-defunct old Belgrade station on the edge of the old city every 5-10 minutes so you may prefer to get off at Novi Beograd and take a tram, see the Belgrade station page for more information.
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Stay overnight in Belgrade. I recommend the excellent & historic Hotel Moskva at the end of Belgrade's main pedestrianised shopping street, see map of Belgrade showing station.
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For Sofia, travel from Belgrade to Sofia as shown on the Belgrade to Sofia page. Buy at the station, tickets cannot be bought online.
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For Istanbul, first travel to Sofia by daytime trains as shown on the Belgrade to Sofia page, stay overnight in Sofia and spend the next day there, then take the overnight sleeper to Istanbul, see the Belgrade to Istanbul section for full details.
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For Thessaloniki or Athens, see the Trains from Belgrade page for details of the summer-only overnight train from Belgrade to Thessaloniki with connections for Athens. The connection is Belgrade is too tight for a same-day connection so an overnight stop is recommended.
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The train from Ljubljana & Zagreb to Belgrade. Above left, 2nd class seats. |
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The direct train from Belgrade to Sofia. Just two coaches, but comfy enough, and a scenic run across the Balkans. Bring your own food & drink. |
Comfortable 2nd class seats. Photos courtesy Remco van der Kort. |
Zagreb to Warsaw, Krakow, Bucharest, Kiev & Moscow...
Option 1, by morning train to Budapest, then sleeper train...
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Step 1, take a comfortable morning train from Zagreb to Budapest as explained above. There's a morning train from Zagreb in the summer months.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw: Take the sleeper train from Budapest to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.
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Step 2 for Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest: Take the 19:10 sleeper train from Budapest to Romania as shown here.
Option 2, by morning train to Vienna, then sleeper train...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Vienna on the morning train, as explained above. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw: Take the 22:10 sleeper train Chopin from Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.
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Step 2 for Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest: Take the 19:42 sleeper train from Vienna to Romania as shown here.
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Step 2 for Lviv & Kiev: Take the 16:42 sleeper train from Vienna to Lviv & Kiev as shown here.
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Step 3 for Moscow, travel to Kiev then take an overnight sleeper from Kiev to Moscow as shown here. This route avoids Belarus.
Option 3, by afternoon train to Budapest, overnight stop, then daytime train...
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Step 1, travel from Zagreb to Budapest on an afternoon train, as explained above.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. For an inexpensive hotel with great reviews next to Keleti Station, try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel or the inexpensive Baross City Hotel just across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Warsaw: Take a daytime Intercity train from Budapest Keleti to Warsaw & Krakow as shown here
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Step 2 for Brasov & Bucharest: Take a daytime Intercity train from Budapest Keleti to Brasov or Bucharest as shown here.
Option 2, by afternoon train to Vienna, overnight stop, then daytime train...
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Step 4, travel from Zagreb to Vienna on an afternoon train, as explained above.
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Stay overnight in Vienna. Hotels near the station with good reviews include the Motel One Vienna Hbf, GraetzlHotel, Hotel Schani Wien.
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Step 2 for Krakow & Vienna: Take the 08:12 EuroCity train from Vienna to Krakow & Warsaw as shown here.
Hotels
in Zagreb
Recommended hotel in Zagreb: The Esplanade Hotel...
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If you can possibly afford it - and it's not expensive by western standards - book a room at the venerable and historic Esplanade Hotel. Built in 1925 for Orient Express passengers stopping at Zagreb. It's perfectly located, next to the station and an easy walk from Zagreb old town. With art deco features, it's the top choice!
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For something slightly cheaper, but still close to Zagreb's main station with good or great reviews, try the Palace Hotel (also a historic building with art nouveau features) or the more modern Central Hotel.
Other hotel sites worth trying...
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www.tripadvisor.com is the place to find independent travellers' reviews of all the main hotels.
Backpacker hostels...
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www.hostelworld.com: If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.
Travel insurance & VPN
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Always take out travel insurance...
Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy myself. Here are some suggested insurers. Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.
In
the UK, reliable insurers include
Columbus Direct.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over 65, see
www.JustTravelCover.com
- 10% discount with code seat61.
You
can use
Confused.com to compare prices & policies from many
different insurers.
If
you live in
Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the EU, try
Columbus Direct's other websites.
If you live in the USA try
Travel Guard USA.
A Curve card saves on foreign transaction fees...
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Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then charge you a currency conversion fee. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing. The balance goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.
How it works: 1. Download the app for iPhone or Android. 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to most European addresses including the UK. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, just like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance onto whichever of your debit or credit cards you choose. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.
I have a Curve Blue card myself - I get some commission if you sign up to Curve, but I'm recommending it here because it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card - they'll give you £5 cashback through that link, too.
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Get a VPN for safe browsing. VPNs & why you need one explained...
When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure. A VPN means your connection to the internet is encrypted & always secure, even using unsecured WiFi. In countries such as China where access to Twitter & Facebook is restricted, a VPN gets around these restrictions. And lastly, you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geographic restrictions which some websites apply - for example one booking site charges a booking fee to non-European visitors but none to European visitors, so if you're not located in Europe you can avoid this fee by browsing with a UK IP address using a VPN. VPNs & why you need one explained. ExpressVPN is a best buy and I use it myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription, and I get a small commission to help support this site.