Split – Zadar
Train from Split to Zadar is the train route connecting two of the biggest cities in Dalmatia. The route is operated by Hrvatske Željeznice with up to 6 departures daily during the weekdays, and up to 4 departures daily during the weekends. The train departs from the Split Main Train Station, located close to the city centre of Split, right next to the main bus station and the ferry port.
IMPORTANT: Although there is a railway connecting Split and Zadar, the train does not travel the entire route, but only to Knin. Once in Knin, you will always be transferred to Zadar by bus. There is a direct train line from Split to Knin, but in certain cases, there is a possibility you’ll need to change trains at Perkovic train station. This change does not mean you have to buy separate train tickets.
Since 2014, all trains from Knin train station to Zadar train station have been cancelled and replaced by buses until further notice.
The waiting time for the second train or the bus depends on the departure, but it can last from a few minutes to more than 11 hours, so always check this information when looking for the departures. There are up to 45 bus/train stops on the Split – Zadar train route, depending on the departure.
In order to avoid the long waiting time and train/bus changes, taking a bus from Split to Zadar is by far the fastest and easiest way to travel this route. There are over 40 daily departures including several night buses and the tickets start from €6. The journey time takes approximately 3 hours.
Still, if you want to travel this route by train, here is the detailed guide below.
Types of Trains
There are in total 3 types of trains and a bus operating the train route Split – Zadar.
Regular train
There are 4 departures during the weekdays and 2 departures during the weekends where regular trains travel the entire route from Split to Knin. These trains are only 2nd class trains with no option of transporting vehicles and no reservations required. Still, passengers need to change to a second train at Perkovic train station and then to a bus at Knin train station. The waiting time is usually up to 5 minutes for the second train and up to 11 hours for the bus, depending on the departure. Always check this information before.
Intercity (IC) train
There is one morning departure from Split to Zadar by InterCity (IC) train which is actually a train from Split to Zagreb. Although this train has 1st and 2nd class and offers an option of transporting bicycles, at Knin train station, you change to a bus. The waiting time is around 1 hour.
Fast train
There is also one evening departure with a fast train which is actually a night train from Split to Zagreb. Although this train is equipped with sleeping and couchette cars and offers an option of transporting cars, at Knin train station, you change to a bus. The waiting time is around 5 hours, though.
Tickets
On departures where you travel the route with a regular train and a bus, the price of a single ticket is about 100 HRK (~€13).
On departures where the InterCity (IC) train operates the first part of the route, the price of a single ticket for the 2nd class is about 118 HRK (~€15).
On departures where the fast train operates the first part of the route, the price of a single ticket for the 2nd class is about 107 HRK (~€14).
Children between the age of 6 and 12, students and seniors have a 50% discount while youth between the age of 12 and 26 have a 30% discount.
For all other discounts and benefits check Train Croatia Discounts.
NOTE: In some cases, passengers who bought a train ticket might be transferred by bus instead, either some part or the entire route. This happens when a certain part of the railway on the route is under construction, which is highly influenced by the air temperature. Summer heats can cause the railway to extend which leads to malfunctions, while extremely low temperatures in winter shrink the railway which can lead to breakage.
Other popular routes from Split
Good to know
- I have a heavy suitcase, can a taxi drop me to the train station in Split?
Yes, Split Main Train Station is located near Split Old Town, so it is easily accessible by taxi and city buses. - Where do I board the train in Split?
There are two train stations in Split where you can board the train, find out more information here. - Where do I get off the train in Zadar?
As stated in the text, all passengers have to change to a bus in Knin train station, so the bus arrives at the main bus station in Zadar instead. - Is there a car train from Split to Zadar?
No, there are no car trains from Split to Zadar as passengers have to change to a bus at Knin station. - Is there a luggage service at Split/Zadar train station?
At Split main train station, the lockers are located in the waiting area and the price is also 15-20 HRK (~€2.5-3) per day. Since Zadar train station is not used, you can leave your luggage at the main bus station for 3 HRK/hour if the luggage is up to 15 kg and 10 HRK/hour if it’s more than 15 kg.
For more information regarding trains in Croatia read our Train Croatia FAQ.