Split–Zagreb InterCity Express

Croatian Railways (HŽ Putnički prijevoz / HŽPP)
Croatia
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The Journey

Navigate from Split Railway Station to Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor across a span of 429km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Adriatic Coastal Climb — train erupts from Split seafront palms and Kaštela Bay directly into sheer limestone cliffs within minutes of departure
  • Krka River valley and Knin gateway — dramatic river confluence below the Dinara massif
  • Lika karst plateau — high-altitude open plateau with sparse pine, glacial lakes and snow-dusted peaks
  • Plitvice Lakes proximity — accessible by connecting bus from either endpoint (UNESCO site)
  • Kupa and Korana valleys — deep forested river gorges on the continental descent
  • Dinaric viaducts and tunnels — 60+ tunnels and numerous deep valley viaducts, some only accessible by rail
  • Continental pan shot — abrupt transition from Mediterranean palms to central-European beech forest within ~6 hours
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    7.97 hours

  • Distance

    429 km

  • Est. Price

    Affordable to Moderate (€15.06–€40 base IC seat fare; berth supplements €7–€25 additional; mandatory reservation €1.06/segment)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: None

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

HŽ series 2062 diesel-electric (2,006 kW) for non-electrified sections; HŽ series 1141/1142 electric for electrified Zagreb–Oštarije (103 km); new KONČAR electro-diesel DEMU (2,200 kW electric + diesel hybrid, 160 km/h max, 150 passengers: 18 first class + 132 second class, six units delivered July–December 2026)

Track Gauge

1,435 mm (standard gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes with ICN active tilting up to 8° for curve negotiation; new KONČAR DEMU equipped with modern disc brakes and regenerative braking

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Dinaric Alps crossing — highest point approximately 1,200 m via the Lika plateau, originally built 1925 as part of the Kingdom of SHS policy to integrate the Adriatic coast with the interior

  • Hybrid traction swap at Oštarije — switch from electric (25 kV AC) to diesel at the end of the electrified section, scheduled to be eliminated by the new KONČAR electro-diesel DEMUs from July 2026

  • Tight mountain curvature — requires tilting stock (ICN active tilt up to 8°) for viable line speeds

  • Karst geology — extensive tunnelling through soluble limestone, with 60+ tunnels on the M604 alone

Route

M604 Lika railway: Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor → Split, 429 km

Electrification

Partial — 103 km Zagreb to Oštarije electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz AC; remaining 326 km non-electrified (diesel traction)

Max Speed

160 km/h (ICN tilting and new KONČAR DEMU); 120 km/h on legacy sections

Rolling Stock

Bombardier/Consorzio ICN tilting diesel trainsets (2004, being replaced); six new KONČAR electro-diesel hybrids (July–December 2026 delivery)

KONČAR DEMU Features

Low-floor boarding, wheelchair accessible, free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, bicycle storage, CCTV, multimedia passenger information screens, self-service vending machines, 4 doors per side, couplable for doubled capacity on peak services

Tunnels & Viaducts

60+ tunnels on the M604; numerous deep valley viaducts — some only accessible by rail

Gradient

Up to 25‰ on steepest sections

Fleet Investment

€57.3 million EIB loan for the six KONČAR DEMUs; an additional five hybrid trains contracted for 2027 to serve Osijek, Rijeka and Pula routes

Future Fleet

13 further hybrid and battery trains ordered (2027–2028 delivery) for Croatia's secondary intercity corridors

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    7.97 hours

  • Distance

    429 km

  • Est. Price

    Affordable to Moderate (€15.06–€40 base IC seat fare; berth supplements €7–€25 additional; mandatory reservation €1.06/segment)

Official Booking Provider