As Europe currently embraces a new age of rail, with night services being reintroduced between the major hubs of Paris, Berlin, Vienna and Brussels, Croatia’s traditionally outdated train network will be receiving a major upgrade thanks to a huge loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
A sum of €400 million has just been approved, part of wider funding amounting to €900 million. The funds will be used to modernise the rail system and the rolling stock.
Currently, few Croatians choose rail over road, preferring to go by car or bus. The only real exceptions are provided by those living in communities around the capital, Zagreb, who may take the train into work, and the tourists who opt to travel to Split by rail, a slower, pricier but more enjoyable alternative to the motorway.
By contrast, over the border in Hungary, thousands use the railways every week. Last summer, the overnight service from Budapest to Split proved so popular that it had to be extended by two weeks, and extra carriages added.
It is hoped that international initiatives, such as the return of the Orient Express through Croatia, will encourage locals to follow suit and go green. In 2023, Croatian rail announced a sleek new service in Istria between Pula and Kanfanar – one that is hoped will be extended to the main town of Pazin.