Step on board for one of Europe's most fabulous journeys by train.
And travelling by day is the way to go on this route, as the night train is usually scheduled to depart from Salzburg between 01:30 and 2:00.
Final Destination: Zagreb
The train also calls at: Ljubljana and Dobova
This direct to Zagreb is usually scheduled to depart from Salzburg at 14:12.
However, a train heading to Klagenfurt, which departs from Salzburg at around 10:12 has a guaranteed easy connection at Villach into a train on to Zagreb.
Make this connection and you will arrive in Zagreb at around 17:15 and will also be able to see more of the stunning Sava Gorge scenery; if you'll be making the journeu between October and March, when the direct train will be travelling between Slovenia and Croatia after night fall.
1 x train per day
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 6 months ahead of the travel date
When making an online booking, check that you’re looking at booking info for the direct EC train; look for the train that departs Salzburg Hbf at around at around 14:12
Book tickets on OBB and your seat reservation is included.
Rail pass users need to make reservations for this train prior to boarding.
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
OBB | from €29 approx |
The coaches heading to Zagreb will be joined to coaches heading to Klagenfurt, the train separates at Villach.
So when boarding check that you will be in the part of the train heading to Zagreb.
Don't be overly concerned about this, the conductor will verify that you're sat in the correct part of the train when they inspect your ticket.
This can be a journey where travelling 1st class can pay off, as you'll have more freedom to move from one side of the train to the other, to make the most of the trip.
The railway line this train travels over between Schwarzach St Veit and Spittal is known as the Tauern Railway / Tauernbahn.
After Bad Hofgastein the train will ascend up the valley to Bad Gastein with the best of the views here are ON THE LEFT
On departure from Bad Gastein, the best of the views here are back over to the right; look out for the waterfalls. ~
Th next highlight of the journey comes when the train exits the Tauern Railway Tunnel and begins to descend to Spittal.
For around 25 mins there are stunning birds-eye views across the valley; from the right.
The Tauern Railway ends at Villach, where the train will reverse direction, but what makes this journey so special is that the fabulous views are far from over.
The stunning landscapes continue as the train crosses Slovenia, but you'll need to be travelling when days are at their longest to see the best of the Sava Gorge after departure from Ljubljana.
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This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.