PKP pulls a Train from Warsaw to the Adriatic, and the Journey’s Finished!
Picture this: a sleek, modern Serbian‑built locomotive chugs past the bustling plains of Poland and squeezes through Austria’s alpine tracks, only to happily crash into the sun‑kissed coast of Croatia. On Saturday, the first-ever PKP train to whisk passengers from Warsaw all the way to Rijeka finally crossed the finish line, marking the beginning of a brand‑new rail adventure.
Why This is a Big Deal
- New Connections: No more ferry hop‑and‑shop or high‑speed bus over the Požega route—now you can just hop on a comfy train and stretch your legs while the scenery turns from snow to sea.
- Economic Boost: A smooth link between Poland’s industrial heart and Croatia’s coastal tourism means smoother freight flows and more hassle‑free business trips.
- Environment Matters: Trains = smaller carbon footprints than planes or cars. This route will help keep the Baltic breezes cleaner.
What the Crew Feels
The driver, who apparently admires long‑haul racing, said his biggest impression was watching Macedonian cows from the carriage window and laughing. “It was like a live‑action movie!’ he chuckled.
The conductors planned a “welcome on board” breakfast that caused a small mockery: a towering block of rye bread shaped like the Polish flag and an attempt to bake the Croatian dove (the national bird) in a small oven—though the dove finned out before it got to the oven.
Travel Experience
- Panoramic Windows: Gaze out at the snowy rails then alight into the lagoon views of the Istrian coast—talk about a “snow‑to‑sea” switch.
- Comfort: Every seat is an upgrade from the cramped economy of air travel; you can actually read a book without having to squint at a tiny screen.
- Meals: The onboard restaurant captures the flavor of both sides: pierogi for a quick Polish bite and fresh Adriatic fish, so you’re well‑catered halfway across the continent.
Next Steps
Market analysts predict the route will make the train a go‑to for both leisure seekers and freight companies. Meanwhile, PKP will keep the train rolling on the full schedule once the official timetable is approved.
Now, if you’re out there dreaming of a hassle‑free cross‑border adventure, just hop into a PKP service and experience the “Jan‑us shift”—a moment where winter ends and beach vibes begin.
Adriatic Express: Your Overnight Pass from Warsaw to the Adriatic
Ever dreamed of a dream‑like, 19‑hour cross‑European expedition on a train? The brand‑new Adriatic Express takes that wish from imagination to reality – a nightline linking Poland’s capital with Croatia’s maritime gem, Rijeka.
Why the Train is Turning Heads
- Poland already welcomed 1.2 million visitors to Croatia last year – it’s not just a trend, it’s a cultural bridge.
- With the new route, Polish footfall in Croatia should skyrocket, and the reverse is true: Croatians will be tempted to pop into Poland.
- It’s one of the longest nonstop services in Europe, promising an under‑the‑stars, sleep‑in‑comfort adventure.
The Route & Its Stops
Picture this: you board in Warsaw around 2 p.m., slide into a cosy pull‑out berth, and the train shimmers past three countries – Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia – before soaking in the sun of Rijeka at 9 a.m. the next day.
And the train’s back from the coast at 7 p.m., landing in Warsaw before 2 p.m., giving you a full day in the city for brunch or a quick shopping spree.
Booking Buzz & Passenger Numbers
- The train carries 172 seats – 132 second‑class, 40 couchettes.
- From that very first departure, over 90 % of seats and all couchettes were booked, indicating a big demand surge.
- Tickets start around PLN 200 (€50), an economical price for a trans‑national, overnight escape.
Key Voices From Poland
Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister announced on Platform X that the service would start in June, four nights a week. His message read: “We finally have a direct train service from Poland to Croatia! We are starting from June, four days a week.”
Dariusz Klimczak, Poland’s Infrastructure Minister, added a splash of optimism: “This is the beginning of a new chapter for holiday rail travel! This is not only a fast and convenient connection, but also a symbol of accessible European holidays – also from smaller towns!”
Travel Details & Summer Wrap‑Up
- First night: launch in June, upkeep until the end of summer holiday season.
- Last scheduled night: 28 August – collectors of memories will have only this chunk of time to complete their epic.
- Operating four times a week, 19‑hour voyage – the perfect length to feel the world slither by.
So, next time you lean back in a 2nd‑class seat, gaze at the stars rolling past Poland’s countryside, and think, “What a ride!” – you’ve just taken a ticket on one of Europe’s most thrilling overnight journeys. Enjoy the voyage to the Adriatic, and let the Adriatic Express do the heavy lifting for you. Happy travels!
Courtesy of Joy-Anna Forsyth/Instagram