Getting from Hallstatt to Zagreb

Does most efficient mean fastest? In that case, probably train to Vienna and then a plane. You can do the whole thing by train, but it will take a whole day, or an overnight with a long wait at Attnang-Puchheim. See bahn.de for schedules.

Kathy, That particular trip will take ~7-9 hours, so would be a long journey for one day! One suggestion would be to travel from Hallstatt to an intermediate location for one night, to break-up the longer journey into two segments. Graz is one possibility to consider. Travel time from Hallstatt is 2H:58M, with one change at Stainach-Irdning. The trip from Graz to Zagreb will depend on which train you choose. On the current schedule, there's a departure at 10:36, arriving Zagreb Glavni Kododvor at 17:10 (time 6H:34M, one change at Zidani Most, reservations compulsory). Fortunately, you're getting an early start on your planning so you'll have lots of time to work out the details. Cheers!

Thanks Kathy and Ken for your input – a bit surreal as I have a brother Ken! Travelling from Hallstatt to Zagreb might involve ferries and/or buses and/or trains, and it could be an overly long trip due to a number of stopovers along the way. Maybe that's the only way to do it, in which case, "Fine!" but by 'efficient' I was meaning whether the trip could be made shorter and simpler by say heading to a nearby town where we could catch a direct train – no stops. I liked the idea of flying from Vienna to Zagreb but the fares are about $AUD426 per person and we're too cheap to pay that! Ken, you've suggested an interesting native, and if the scenery is not to be missed as we travel southwards, this could be the best solution. I've just had a look at www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp and there's a night train which takes 13-14 hours to get to Zagreb. That'd give us an extra day and save a bit on accommodation, but there were 2 or 3 stops – with acronyms – and while I found that REX means regional express, I'm not sure what EN means. (I don't want to have to be changing trains in the middle of the night!) I appreciate you sharing your wisdom – it all helps, and luckily, we have plenty of time!
Cheers, Kathy

Graz is a great idea - I really enjoyed staying there. Unfortunately, all the night train options seem to involve a long wait at Villach in the middle of the night. I looked at going via Ljulajbana, which is also a great place to visit, but it's a long day to get there, too.

Thanks, Kathy. It's good to hear your positive view of Graz - definitely sounds a more appealing prospect than the middle of the night wait!!

Graz: lots of interesting buildings, and parks and fountains. Spa zur Sonne (with its own bus stop!) is a good place for a massage, and has a swimming pool. I stayed here: http://www.pension-graz.at/ - not right in the center but not too far from the train station. I seem to remember a good breakfast buffet.

Kathy, One additional comment regarding the trains from Graz to Zagreb. The current schedules show a direct train departing Graz at 18:38, arriving Zagreb at 22:37 (travel time 3H:59M, reservations compulsory). Having no changes always makes for a slightly more pleasant trip. If you don't mind the late arrival in Zagreb (be sure to notify your Hotel), that would allow a day of sightseeing in Graz and a relatively easy trip between the two cities. Cheers!

Many thanks to the pair of you! This now sounds like we have two great options: 1. Spend just one night in Hallstatt instead of the 2 we were planning, which would mean leaving late in the afternoon for Graz and sleeping there a night. (Will check out the pension Kathy suggested). We could sight-see during the day and catch the 6.38pm train to Zagreb. OR
2. Sleep the 2 nights in Hallstatt as currently planned, catch a morning train to Graz, spend the rest of the day sight-seeing and catch the direct train to Zagreb. Both very good solutions, so I'm most grateful for your help! Happy travels, Kathy