June the 2nd, 2025 – Luxury train journeys are once again passing through Croatia, offering exclusive (and very expensive) tours of Europe.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, many people imagine train travel as a pleasant and relaxing experience. The thought of it conjures up images of comfortable carriages, sweeping views of the passing countryside and a stress-free ride. However, international rail traffic in Croatia is… modest, to say the very least. Apart from a few domestic and regional lines to Central Europe, the offer is very limited. The situation has however been slowly but surely changing in more recent years.
luxury train journeys make a return to croatia
One example was the yellow train operated by RegioJet, a Czech tour operator. It connected Prague with Rijeka and Split. Although it initially attracted plenty of interest, it was soon discontinued and replaced by buses following the same route.
Things are now changing as three luxury train journeys are now passing through Croatia, offering exclusive tours of Europe. They aren’t used for ordinary transportation, but for cruise-like trips – with very high end services on offer and accommodation that is more reminiscent of hotels than trains, according to tportal.
the golden eagle danube express
The Golden Eagle Danube Express train follows the legendary Orient Express’ route, from Paris to Istanbul, and also passes through Croatia. There are no boarding stations in Croatia, with the closest ones are in Postojna in Slovenia and in the Serbian capital of Belgrade. The journey lasts eight days, and the prices are extremely high:
Deluxe Class: €16,195 for two people (€22,195 for one), with a deposit of €1,750
Superior Deluxe Class: €20,295 for a couple (€27,095 for one), with a deposit of €2,000
Passengers on this luxury train can also enjoy en-suite compartments, WiFi, USB sockets, panoramic windows, and five-star hotel-level service, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the restaurant car.
the balkan explorer
The second train, the Balkan Explorer, runs a 12-day route from Venice to Istanbul, again via Croatia – but without stopping. Passengers can board in Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Mostar, or Belgrade. Prices are similar to those of the Danube Express:
Deluxe class: €17,595 for a couple (€26,195 for an individual), with a €1,750 deposit
Superior Deluxe class: €22,595 for a couple (up to €37,795 for a single person), with a €2,000 deposit
Tickets are already available for 2026, but at significantly higher prices. Given that their carriages are blue, the impression of luxury might be reminiscent of Tito’s own Blue Train, but it is a completely different concept.
the majestic imperator
Unlike the previous luxury train jouneys, which only pass through Croatia, the Austrian Majestic Imperator has gorgeous Opatija as its actual destination. This train was inspired by Emperor Franz Joseph I and connects Vienna with nine Central European cities. Opatija, as the first imperial summer resort of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, has a special place on the route.
This train offers a personalised service in the style of former court trips, and on the official website they state that among the passengers were descendants of the Habsburg family. Although the prices have not been publicly announced, it is clear that this is a highly exclusive and expensive train service.
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