June the 26th, 2026 – A trip to the Croatian coast by train can be a bargain, if you have the patience for an unusually long journey. Would you embark on the 14-hour overnight train to Split and back?
What is it actually like to travel by Croatian Railways (HŽ) on one of the country’s longest routes, where the journey can stretch to more than 14 long hours?
Index reports that the overnight train connecting Split and inland Croatia offers an affordable alternative to buses and cars, but passengers should prepare for a very different kind of travel experience. The ride is slow, with long stretches of the journey moving at a crawl, and delays are common.
The route has become something of an adventure in itself. Passengers have reported packed carriages, uncomfortable conditions, and overnight journeys where some travellers ended up sleeping in corridors or on the floor when seats were unavailable.
Still, the price remains the biggest attraction. A return ticket can cost around €40, making it one of the cheapest ways to travel between eastern Croatia and Split. For comparison, a bus ticket on the same route can cost more while getting you there several hours faster.
The train does have its fans. Travellers can enjoy the constantly changing landscapes of Croatia, avoid driving, and turn the journey into a social experience, especially on overnight trips when the train takes on an almost festival-like atmosphere.
The verdict? It may not be the fastest way to reach the Adriatic, but for those who see the journey as part of the adventure, HŽ’s overnight ride to Split offers a uniquely Croatian travel story.
