New Update: Warsaw–Rijeka Adriatic Express launches Polish–Croatian link by rail

Published on July 2, 2025

On a warm summer afternoon, anticipation filled the platforms of Warsaw Central Station as passengers boarded a new kind of holiday journey. With luggage in hand and sun-soaked plans ahead, they climbed aboard the inaugural run of the Adriatic Express—a direct night train connecting Warsaw to Rijeka, Croatia. For many, it marked more than a simple train ride; it was the revival of long-distance European travel with a modern, sustainable twist.

Launched by PKP Intercity under the guidance of the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, the new route responds to increasing tourism between Poland and Croatia. In 2024, over 1.2 million Polish tourists visited Croatia, and the government aims to strengthen this trend by offering a more environmentally friendly and comfortable travel option.

A cross-border summer route with demand

The Adriatic Express is one of Europe’s longest direct passenger rail services. It operates four times a week during the summer season, linking Warsaw to Rijeka in approximately 19 hours, with key stops in Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.

The route had been in the planning stages for several years but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2025, Prime Minister Donald Tusk officially announced the service via social media, calling it a “direct train to the Adriatic,” sparking widespread excitement among holidaymakers and rail enthusiasts alike.

The train features 132 second-class seats and 40 couchettes, offering a mix of affordability and overnight comfort. Early data from PKP Intercity shows high demand, with more than 90% of all seats booked, including full couchette occupancy for the first departure.

One-way fares begin at around 200 PLN (approximately €50), making it an accessible choice for individuals, families, and students alike. The service departs Warsaw at around 14:00 and arrives in Rijeka before 09:00 the next morning. Return trips from Rijeka leave around 19:00, reaching Warsaw by early afternoon the following day.

Connecting five countries, one rail line

The project, supported by multiple rail authorities and ministries across five countries, required extensive logistical coordination. The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure highlighted the route as a symbol of European integration and green tourism, noting its potential to reduce carbon emissions by shifting travelers from air to rail.

En route to Rijeka, the train passes through major rail hubs including Katowice, Ostrava, Vienna, Ljubljana, and Maribor, creating possibilities for travelers to explore multiple cities or make cross-country connections.

According to the Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment, this form of travel supports the European Union’s goals for reducing emissions in the transport sector. The introduction of such routes also promotes rail as a viable alternative to short-haul air travel, especially for distances under 1,500 kilometers.

Comfort and community onboard

The journey experience has been a key focus for operators. With air-conditioned compartments, on-board staff, and couchette cars designed for overnight comfort, PKP Intercity aims to deliver a relaxing and scenic travel alternative.

The train also includes a dining car service between Warsaw and Vienna, serving snacks, meals, and refreshments. Travelers have praised the ambiance, especially the ability to watch landscapes shift from Central European cities to Alpine valleys and finally the Adriatic coastline.

For some, the train offers a sense of nostalgia. One young traveler from Kraków said, “It’s like stepping back into a slower time. No airport rush, no baggage fees. Just the rhythm of the tracks and the excitement of travel.”

Economic and environmental impact

The route is not just about convenience. Authorities expect it to boost tourism in both directions. According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, the majority of Polish visitors head to the northern coast, with Rijeka, Krk, Opatija, and Crikvenica among the most popular destinations.

Conversely, the connection may also encourage more Croatians to visit Poland, particularly cities like Kraków, Wrocław, and Warsaw. The Polish government sees this as part of a broader initiative to enhance regional cooperation, trade, and sustainable mobility.

Though initially set to operate until 28 August 2025, officials have hinted that, if successful, the service could be extended or made permanent in future summer seasons. Discussions are already underway regarding expanding frequency or connecting more cities.

A European journey with human spirit

At its heart, the Adriatic Express is more than a train—it’s a rolling connection between cultures, countries, and people. On the maiden voyage, laughter echoed through the couchette corridors, strangers shared stories in the dining car, and families peered out windows at dusk over the Austrian hills.

An elderly couple from Gdańsk, riding south to revisit the coast after 20 years, said it best: “This journey isn’t just about getting somewhere. It’s about remembering how travel used to feel—unhurried, full of wonder, and shared.”

As the summer sun stretches across Europe and travel once again embraces rail, the success of this service may inspire more such routes across the continent.