Zadar – Split
Train from Zadar to Split is the train route connecting two of the biggest cities in Dalmatia. The route is operated by Hrvatske Željeznice with up to 3 departures daily during the weekdays, and up to 2 departures daily during the weekends.
IMPORTANT: Although there is a railway connecting Zadar and Split, the train does not travel the entire route, first you travel to Knin by bus. Once in Knin, you will be transferred to Split by train. This change does not mean you have to buy separate tickets.
Since 2014, all trains from Zadar train station to Knin train station have been cancelled and replaced by buses until further notice.
The minimum waiting time for the train at Knin train station is 3 hours. There are up to 23 bus/train stops on the Zadar – Split train route, depending on the departure.
In order to avoid the long waiting time and train/bus changes, taking a bus from Zadar to Split 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 two types of trains and a bus operating the train route Zadar – Split.
Intercity (IC) train
There are up to two daily departures from Zadar to Split by InterCity (IC) train which is actually a train from Zagreb to Split. Although this train has 1st and 2nd class and offers an option of transporting bicycles, you board this train in Knin. The waiting time varies from 3 to 10 hours because on both departures the same train continues to Split at 07:44 pm.
Fast train
There is also one evening departure with a fast train which is actually a night train from Zagreb to Split. Although this train is equipped with sleeping and couchette cars and offers an option of transporting cars, you board this train in Knin. The waiting time is around 6 hours, though.
Tickets
On departures where the InterCity (IC) train operates the last 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 last 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 Zadar?
The bus departs from the main bus station in Zadar instead of the train station. The bus station is well connected by public transport and is accessible for taxis. - Where do I board the train in Zadar?
As stated above, buses operate the first part of the route, so all passengers need to board at the main bus station in Zadar. - Where do I get off the train in Split?
There are two train stations in Split where you can get off the train, find out more information here. - Is there a car train from Zadar to Split?
No, there are no car trains from Zadar to Split as the passengers are transferred by bus to Knin train station. - Is there a luggage service at Zadar/Split 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.