Travellers looking to avoid busy roads and crowded airports this summer will once again have the option of reaching Croatia by rail thanks to the seasonal Adriatic Express. From 26 June to 28 August 2026, the train will operate on the route Warsaw – Vienna – Ljubljana – Rijeka, with promotional fares starting from €44.90 for a second-class seat and €69.90 for a couchette berth.
The Adriatic Express is one of the few direct rail connections linking Central Europe with the Adriatic coast during the summer season. The train will operate daily except Saturdays and is expected to attract not only travellers from Poland but also passengers from Austria, Slovenia and other European countries looking for an alternative to flying.
More departures, shorter travel time
Although the Adriatic Express is not a completely new service, this year’s season brings several improvements compared to last summer.
The train will run more frequently than in 2025, when it operated four times per week. This year, passengers will be able to choose from daily departures, except on Saturdays.
The journey has also been shortened by more than an hour and now takes just under 20 hours.
Another new feature is the improved connection with the Slovenian coast. Part of the train is detached in Ljubljana and continues to Koper, giving travellers an additional rail option for reaching the northern Adriatic.
These changes should make the service even more attractive to travellers looking to reach the coast without a car or a flight.
What does the journey look like?
The Adriatic Express departs from Warsaw and passes through several major cities on its way to Croatia, including Katowice, Ostrava, Vienna, Graz, Maribor and Ljubljana. After entering Croatia, the train stops in Sapjane and Opatija-Matulji before arriving at its final destination in Rijeka.
Passengers travelling from Poland depart Warsaw at 2:05 p.m and arrive in Rijeka at 10:04 a.m. the following day. On the return journey, the train leaves Rijeka at 7:06 p.m. and arrives in Warsaw at 1:56 p.m. the next day.
After arriving in Rijeka, travellers can easily continue towards Kvarner, the Croatian islands and other destinations along the Adriatic coast.
Buy your tickets early
The lowest promotional fares are available in limited numbers, with prices starting from €44.90 for a second-class seat and €69.90 for a couchette berth.
For those who miss the promotional fares, regular ticket prices start from €129 for a seat and €155 for a couchette berth.
Children aged 6 to 15 receive a 50% discount on regular ticket prices, while younger children travel free of charge.
What to expect on board?
Passengers can choose between standard second-class seating coaches and couchette cars for a more comfortable overnight journey. Food and drinks are available on board, while a dining car operates between Warsaw and Vienna.
For travellers who would prefer to sleep through most of the journey and wake up near the Adriatic, the couchette option is likely the most comfortable choice.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets, including mandatory seat reservations, can be purchased at HŽ Passenger Transport international ticket offices or through the Polish railway operator Intercity.
As the number of promotional tickets is limited and demand for summer rail travel across Europe continues to grow, booking in advance is strongly recommended.
An alternative to flying
While the greatest interest is expected to come from Poland, the service may also appeal to travellers from Austria, Germany and Slovenia. Since the train passes through Vienna, it opens up convenient rail connections to Croatia from many European cities.
For travellers who prefer a slower pace, want to avoid baggage fees or simply enjoy travelling by train, the Adriatic Express represents one of the most interesting rail connections to the Croatian coast in the summer of 2026.
For a closer look at Croatia’s rail network, routes and ticket options, see our guide to Trains in Croatia: Routes, Rail Map, Tickets and What to Expect.
