Zagreb – Zadar
Train from Zagreb to Zadar is a popular route as it connects the capital city with one of the biggest cities on the Adriatic coast. The route is operated by Hrvatske Željeznice with up to 1 daily departure. The train departs from Zagreb Main Train Station (Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor), located in the city centre of Zagreb.
IMPORTANT: Although there is a railway connecting Zagreb 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. The route from Zagreb to Knin is direct and this change does not mean you have to buy separate train/bus tickets.
Since 2014, all trains from Knin train station to Zadar train station have been cancelled and replaced by buses until further notice.
However, have in mind that the waiting time between the train and the bus is around 9 hours. Therefore, travelling from Zagreb to Zadar by train is not a convenient option. In case you want to stick to ground transportation, consider taking a bus from Zagreb to Zadar and spare some time and money. There are up to 40 daily departures, including several night buses. Tickets start from €7 and the journey takes 3-4 hours.
If you still want to travel the route by using the train the most, the further guide will help you plan your trip.
Type of Trains
The route from Zagreb to Knin is operated by InterCity (IC) trains with 1st and 2nd class. However, you are only able to reserve the 2nd class on this route. On these trains, reservation is required.
Remember, at Knin train station, you change to a bus all the way to Zadar and arrive at Zadar Main Bus Station.
Tickets
The regular one-way ticket costs around 94 HRK (~ €12.5).
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 Zagreb
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Zagreb – Ljubljana |
Good to know
- I have a heavy suitcase, can a taxi drop me to the train station in Zagreb?
Yes, Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (main train station) is located in Zagreb centre, so it is easily accessible by taxi and other means of transport such as trams and buses. - Where do I board the train in Zagreb?
There are three train stations in Zagreb 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 Zagreb to Zadar?
No, there are no car trains from Zagreb to Zadar as passengers have to change to a bus at Knin station. - Is there a luggage service at Zagreb/Zadar train station?
Yes, both train stations have luggage storage service. At Zagreb main train station, you can leave your luggage in the lockers in the hallway for the price of 15-20 HRK (~€2.5-3) per day (depending on the size of the locker). 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.