After a year’s hiatus, Czech travelers can once again look forward to direct train connections to Croatia this summer. Polish carrier PKP Intercity, in collaboration with Czech Railways, is launching a new service that will traverse Moravia en route to the Adriatic coast.
The EuroCity Sobieski train will operate on the route, making nine stops across the Czech Republic, including major cities like Ostrava, Přerov, and Hodonín. The service will run four times weekly – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays – from Warsaw to Rijeka, with return journeys scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Ticket prices start at an attractive 200 zloty (approximately 1,200 Czech crowns) for a one-way journey from Warsaw to Rijeka, with sleeper car options available for about 50% more. The 1,240-kilometer journey takes 19 hours, making it one of Europe’s longest rail routes.
Each train will accommodate 172 passengers, featuring two standard second-class carriages and one sleeper car, all equipped with air conditioning. The service will operate throughout the summer season, with the final departures scheduled for August 29 from Warsaw and August 31 from Rijeka.
While driving remains the most popular way for Czechs to reach Croatia, followed by train, bus, and air travel, this rail service offers a unique charm despite not always being the most economical or comfortable option.