If a summer rail journey through Europe is on your agenda, you’re in luck. Slovenian Railways has introduced a pre-planned trip that’s perfect for the season. This express train whisks you through eight different towns and cities across three countries, all within just two hours.
The original route, which took five hours to complete, was discontinued over three decades ago. However, this scenic journey has been revived and will be available for travelers to enjoy until September 30th, just in time for the summer. It’s an excellent opportunity for those eager to explore the heart of Europe by train.
The best part? This rail trip is budget-friendly, with one-way fares starting at just €8. A newly inaugurated train line now connects Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Operated by Slovenian Railways, this route dates back to the Austro-Hungarian empire over 150 years ago. It’s perfect for a delightful long weekend, allowing you to hop on and off at various charming locales.
Departing from Trieste, the northeastern Italian harbor city famed for its grand waterside structures and Art Nouveau coffee houses, the journey crosses into Slovenia. Here, it stops at four stations: Sežana, Divača, Pivka, and Ilirska Bistrica.
Cycling enthusiasts should definitely visit Ilirska Bistrica. There, you can rent e-bikes to explore the region’s wooded paths, all under the watchful gaze of snow-capped mountains.
As the train continues its journey, it enters Croatia, stopping at Šapjane and Opatija Matulji before reaching its final destination: Rijeka.
In Opatija-Matulji, passengers have the opportunity to stay overnight in the nearby Opatija resort. This area features rococo villas and grand hotels overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea, offering a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration.
Rijeka, another port city, boasts charming promenades lined with Habsburg-era palaces. The city’s cultural scene includes a 19th-century theater adorned with artwork by Gustav Klimt.
Certainly! Here are the details for the train service connecting these picturesque European destinations:
- Departure from Villa Opicina: The train leaves Villa Opicina station, a suburb of Trieste, at 7:50 am.
- Stops in Ilirska Bistrica: It stops in Ilirska Bistrica at 8:54 am.
- Arrival in Rijeka: The journey concludes with the train arriving in Rijeka at 9:54 am.
For the return journey:
- Departure from Rijeka: The train departs from Rijeka at 6:25 pm.
- Arrival at Villa Opicina: It arrives back at Villa Opicina at 8:40 pm.
Ticket Options:
- Single adult tickets for the entire journey start at €8.
- Alternatively, you can purchase individual tickets for each segment if you plan to hop on and off.
Service Duration:
- The service is available until 30th September.
- Operators hope to make this scenic route permanent in the future, offering travelers an enchanting rail experience through these charming European towns.