My husband and I will be travelling from Vienna to Zagreb. I see that there is only 1 direct train to Zagreb that seems to get you into town around 11 at night. This train ride lasts around 6 hrs. and 40 mins. The other choices allow you to leave at earlier times in the am and arrive at Zagreb at more reasonable times i.e. 3 or 4 in the afternoon. These trains also have change overs, cost more and the travel time is more like 8+ hours. My question is has anyone done either of these options and how do you feel about one versus the other? We will only use Zagreb as a stop over and will pick up a car either that day/night or the next day to leave for Plitvice Lakes National Park. thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
I think that most travelers would choose the direct train with shorter travel time. Zagreb is the end of the line for this train, so you can descend in a leisurely fashion, without much clock-watching or connection stress. Hoteliers must be used to travelers arriving on that later train, but do discuss the plan with your hotel and you probably will want a hotel close to the train station, such as Hotel Central, which is just across the street.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
I would seriously not recommend arriving in a strange city that late, especially if you don't speak the local language well. Too much risk of public transport shutting down, hotel receptionists having already gone home, at worst some local thug deciding to mug you on a lonely street...
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17915 posts
How Valuable Is Your Vacation time? The direct flight on Croatia Air is 50 minutes and about $225 if you purchase round trip or $375 one way.
Posted by
OP
40 posts
Hello Everyone and thank you for your help! Another reason I liked the direct route was that I had read that it was one of the most beautiful train rides. I realize you travel into the dark but it isn't until later. Does anyone know if it Is really that unsafe for 2 people (55+) arriving at that hour and then making there way by taxi to a hotel? If so does anyone think one of the multiple change over routes is better than another? Thanks again for all your help.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Taxi would be safer, but if you do it I would strongly recommend contacting your hotel and warning them that you will arrive that late. Otherwise there's a danger of the reception being closed, or them assuming that you won't turn up and cancelling your reservation.
Posted by
OP
40 posts
Thank you Phillip! That sounds like great advice.
Posted by
OP
40 posts
I meant to say thank you to Phillip AND LAURA! Apologies Laura as you gave the same advice regarding letting your hotel know your plans..........
Posted by
OP
40 posts
I would still love to hear from anyone who has chosen the non direct routes from Vienna to Zagreb. Is the "direct" route from Vienna to Zagreb "one of the most beautiful" train rides in all of Europe or are the non direct routes just as pretty? Anxiously awaiting your reply...........
Posted by
OP
40 posts
BTW thank you James but that air travel price- not an option for us.......wish it was........thanks for the tip though 😄