New Warsaw to Rijeka Train Route Connects Poland and Croatia with First-Ever Adriatic Express – Travel And Tour World

A new train route connecting Warsaw to Rijeka in Croatia has officially commenced its operations, offering a fresh mode of travel between these two destinations. On Saturday, the inaugural PKP train embarked on its journey from Warsaw to Rijeka, marking the beginning of the ‘Adriatic Express’ service. This new rail route has been hailed as the first sleeper train to link five European countries, and it is operated by PKP Intercity, the largest rail operator in Poland. The train’s route travels southwest from Warsaw, heading toward the Adriatic coast.

The journey covers a distance of just under 1,200 kilometers and takes approximately 19 hours to complete. Passengers will experience the picturesque landscapes of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia as the train travels through these countries. The new route will operate four times a week, offering travelers a convenient and scenic way to traverse Central and Southeastern Europe.

The introduction of this train service has been strategically planned to capitalize on the renewed interest in tourism between Poland and Croatia. Croatia has seen an influx of Polish tourists in recent years, with over 1.2 million Polish visitors reported last year, according to the Travel Croatia portal. This train line aims to serve this demand, providing a direct connection between the two countries.

Discussions surrounding the creation of this route began four years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, progress was delayed due to various lockdowns across Europe that restricted travel and hindered development. Despite these setbacks, the new train route is now operational and has already seen strong demand. The first train’s passengers filled 90% of the available seats, a promising indication of the route’s potential popularity.

The train itself features a total of 172 seats, with 132 second-class seats and 40 couchettes. The couchettes provide a more comfortable and private space for passengers who prefer to sleep during the long journey. The train departs from Warsaw at 2:00 PM and arrives in Rijeka at 9:00 AM the following morning, just in time for breakfast. The return trip departs Rijeka at 7:00 PM and reaches Warsaw before 2:00 PM the next day, allowing travelers to maximize their time at their destination.

Dariusz Klimczak, the Polish Minister of Infrastructure, expressed his enthusiasm about the new train route, calling it “the beginning of a new chapter for holiday rail travel.” He emphasized that this new service is not only a fast and convenient option for travelers but also a symbol of accessible European holidays. Klimczak also pointed out that the train service would benefit travelers from smaller towns, providing them with a direct and affordable link to Croatia’s Adriatic coast. One-way fares for the train route start at around PLN 200 (approximately £43), making it an affordable option for many.

This train service has initially been designed for the summer tourist season, and it will operate until the end of the summer holidays, with the last night train from Warsaw scheduled for August 28. However, depending on demand and its success, there may be future plans to extend or continue the service beyond the summer months.

The route itself offers passengers more than just a way to travel between Warsaw and Rijeka; it also provides an opportunity to visit a destination rich in history and natural beauty. Rijeka, a Croatian port city situated in Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic Sea, is known as a gateway to Croatia’s islands, making it an attractive destination for tourists. The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the Korzo promenade, which is lined with grand Habsburg-era buildings. Additionally, the Ivan pl. Zajc Croatian National Theatre, built in the 19th century, is renowned for its ceiling paintings by the famous artist Gustav Klimt.

Another key attraction in Rijeka is the hilltop Trsat Castle, which houses a religious shrine and offers panoramic views of the Kvarner Bay islands. The city’s historical charm, combined with its access to the Adriatic’s islands, makes it an appealing location for those seeking both culture and natural beauty.

The new train service is expected to strengthen the cultural and tourism ties between Poland and Croatia, providing a comfortable and efficient travel option for those looking to explore the Croatian coast or visit the many historical landmarks within Rijeka itself. With strong demand already evident, the Adriatic Express service is poised to become a popular mode of transport for tourists seeking to experience this beautiful part of Europe.

Overall, the introduction of the ‘Adriatic Express’ train route is a significant development in European travel, offering a new, accessible, and eco-friendly way for tourists to explore the cultural richness of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia. This train service not only meets the growing demand for travel between Poland and Croatia but also serves as a symbol of the potential for European rail networks to connect more people and places. By combining convenience, comfort, and scenic travel, the new route is set to enhance tourism and make it easier for people to enjoy the stunning landscapes and historic cities along the Adriatic coast.

In conclusion, the launch of the Warsaw-Rijeka train route is a welcomed addition to the European travel landscape. As a sleeper train connecting five countries, it provides travelers with a unique and efficient way to journey between Central and Southeastern Europe. Whether visiting Rijeka for its historic sites or exploring the natural beauty of the Adriatic Sea, passengers now have a new, comfortable, and affordable option to experience one of Europe’s most scenic regions. With the growing interest in sustainable travel, services like the Adriatic Express are likely to play an important role in the future of tourism across Europe.

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