For many holidaymakers, the journey itself is part of the experience. In 2022, Lonely Planet named the route among Europe’s ten most exciting rail journeys thanks to its dramatic scenery and constantly changing landscapes. The seasonal service provides a comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to driving or short-haul flights, allowing passengers to maximize their holiday time by travelling overnight. 

The southbound train departs Budapest’s Keleti Railway Station at 18:40, arriving in Split at 09:37 the following morning. Along the way, passengers can enjoy sunset views over Lake Balaton before the train winds through the spectacular landscapes of the Dinaric Alps overnight. By morning, travelers awaken to the sight of Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline. The return service leaves Split at 17:40, arriving back in Budapest the next morning. 

The Adria InterCity is designed exclusively for overnight travel and offers a range of sleeping accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. A traditional dining car serves hot meals, snacks, beverages, dinner, and breakfast throughout the trip. Many travelers begin their holiday the moment they board, enjoying dinner as the train rolls past the shores of Lake Balaton. 

The train arrives at Split’s centrally located railway station, just a short walk from the city centre, beaches, and the main ferry terminal. Direct ferry connections provide easy access to Croatia’s most popular islands, including Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis, and Šolta, while international services connect Split with Ancona across the Adriatic. Split also serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Dalmatian region, including Omiš, Makarska, and Dubrovnik, as well as nearby destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as Mostar and Međugorje. 

Due to the popularity of the service, tickets for peak summer departures frequently sell out weeks in advance. Seat and berth reservations are mandatory and automatically included with tickets purchased for the Adria InterCity. Following its launch on 3 July, the train will operate every other day throughout July and August, before switching to several departures per week during September and early October. 

For travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic, and stress-free journey to the Adriatic, the Adria InterCity remains one of the most attractive ways to begin a Croatian summer escape.