A new night train service connecting Warsaw and the Croatian coastal city of Rijeka could be rolling out just in time for summer holidays. Polish Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak has announced that a direct connection between the two cities has a “real chance” of launching on July 1, with ticket prices starting at around PLN 200 for the full journey.
The development comes as a surprise after earlier skepticism about the project’s feasibility. Speaking during a recent interview on Radio Zet, Minister Klimczak shared a compelling vision of the route’s potential. “Lunch in Warsaw, breakfast in Rijeka,” he said, summarizing the proposed schedule, which would allow passengers to leave Poland in the early afternoon and wake up on the Croatian coast.
According to the current plan, the train would depart Warsaw at approximately 2:00 p.m., reaching Rijeka by 9:00 a.m. the following day. The return leg would depart Rijeka in the evening, arriving in Warsaw before 2:00 p.m. The sleeper train is expected to pass through the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, and key cities like Maribor and Ljubljana, strengthening regional rail connectivity along the way.
The initiative is being seriously evaluated by PKP Intercity, though its realization hinges on cross-border collaboration—particularly with Austrian railway operators. Negotiations are still ongoing, and the final ticket price, level of onboard service, and availability of sleeper cars will largely depend on the outcome of these discussions.
Minister Klimczak acknowledged that limited rolling stock, especially in terms of sleeper cars suitable for international service, could pose a logistical hurdle. Nevertheless, the momentum behind the project appears strong. The Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Polish Tourism Organisation have both expressed their support, with plans to help shape and promote the service.
“This train is not only for Polish tourists heading to the Adriatic, but also an invitation for Croatians to visit Poland,” Klimczak added, citing the friendly ties between the two nations.
While previous attempts to establish regular rail links between Poland and Croatia have fallen short—most notably Czech operator RegioJet’s proposed Kraków–Rijeka–Split service—hopes are higher this time around. RegioJet’s seasonal Prague–Croatia night trains ran successfully for four years before being discontinued due to equipment shortages and a pivot toward Ukraine-bound services.
If all goes smoothly, the Warsaw–Rijeka sleeper train could soon offer one of the most scenic and stress-free ways to reach the Adriatic Sea.
