The Affordable European Rail Trip Through Three Countries

A historic European train route has recently reopened, offering travelers a unique journey through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Originally constructed 150 years ago, this scenic railway connects Italy to Croatia, passing through Slovenia along the way.

The route, closed for over 30 years, has been reintroduced with eight picturesque stops. Passengers can start their trip at Villa Opicina train station in Trieste, Italy, with the first departure at 7:50 AM.

The journey includes stops in Slovenia at Sežana, Divača, Pivka, and Ilirska Bistrica before entering Croatia. The final stops are in Šapjane, Opatija Matulji, and Rijeka, with the entire trip taking about two hours and running in both directions.

Tickets are highly affordable, starting at just €8 (£7) for adults and €4 (£3.50) for children aged six to twelve. Children under six travel for free, and some tickets between specific stations cost as little as €1.20 (£1).

Onboard amenities include WiFi access, and bicycles can be brought along for an additional fee of €5 (£4.30). The service is scheduled to operate until late September, with hopes of becoming a permanent fixture for both tourists and locals.

This new route is part of a broader resurgence in European rail travel. In March, a 15-hour night train began service between Brussels and Prague. Future plans include routes from Amsterdam to Berlin and Copenhagen, as well as a proposed 19-hour journey connecting Belgium to Slovakia.