The Adriatic Express line connects Kvarner with Central Europe again this season

The train on the Warsaw-Vienna-Ljubljana-Rijeka route will return to the rails in the summer of 2026.

Photo: Goran Horvat / Pixabay

Author  HrTurizam.hr

29. June 2026.

The direct Adriatic Express railway line connects Kvarner with Central Europe this season as well.

The train runs daily - except Saturdays - from June 26 to August 28 in 2026, and it takes passengers from Rijeka, via Opatija and Šapjan, directly to Ljubljana, Vienna and Warsaw - and back.

The aforementioned move puts Kvarner back on the map of environmentally conscious tourists and represents a step forward for the diversification of broadcast markets, offering a strong impulse to the local tourism sector.

This railway connection has become one of the favorite ways of traveling for many tourists from Poland, Austria and Slovenia who go to relax on the Kvarner coast, but also for domestic travelers eager to explore. European metropolises stress-free on the highways.

In 2026, travel has become even more efficient and flexible. The train leaves Warsaw in the afternoon (at 13:41 PM from Warszawa Wschodnia station), and arrives in Rijeka the next morning at 10:04 AM. The return from Rijeka is scheduled for the evening (19:06 PM), arriving in the Polish capital the next day at 14:15 PM.

A significant novelty this season is the extension and route separation in LjubljanaPassengers who are not going to Croatia can continue their journey to Koper in the Slovenian capital, and combined trips with a transfer to Trieste are also offered.

Ljubljana-ivabalk-Pixabay
Ljubljana, photo: Pixabay

Passengers have several levels of comfort at their disposal. Promotional ticket prices start from from 44,90 euros for a ride in a carriage with seats, or 69,90 euros for a carriage with beds. A 50 percent discount is provided for children aged 6 to 15.

Due to the exceptional interest, the number of promotional tickets is limited and can be purchased at international ticket offices. All information on timetables and prices can be easily checked and secured by passengers through official channels. HŽ Passenger transport.

Line development

The return of direct rail links between Poland and Croatia is of great importance for the tourism sector. When Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the launch of this train in the spring of 2025, many were skeptical about the speed of implementation. However, thanks to the efforts of the state authorities, the project soon came to life.

The project draws on the rich history of European rail corridors that have connected the north and south of the continent for decades. Although air and road transport have dominated in recent years, rail is experiencing a major renaissance.

In the context of environmental awareness and "slow driving" (the so-called slow travel trend), the railway carrier PKP Intercity managed to popularize this route in a very short time and reduce the total travel time compared to the very beginning of the project.

Historically, Croatian railway stations have longed for stable international connections to Austria and the Czech Republic for years. After summer lines such as those of the RegioJet carrier proved to be a complete success and confirmed the huge demand for this form of travel, Adriatic Express is a logical continuation of that story and a huge step forward for the tourist offer of Rijeka and the entire Kvarner.

Tourists from Central Europe are increasingly avoiding traffic jams on highways, looking for a relaxing vacation from the moment they depart. Seasonal lines have proven to be a hit because guests do not rely solely on personal cars, which relieves the burden on the road infrastructure in the destinations.

/ / / Railways at the heart of the EU framework for sustainable tourism

Author  HrTurizam.hr

29. June 2026.