New cross-border trains strengthen Croatia and Slovenia link

(Photo credit: HŽ Putnički prijevoz)

From 1 September 2025, Croatian Railways Passenger Transport (HŽ Putnički prijevoz), in cooperation with Slovenian Railways, has introduced four new trains on the Zabok–Rogatec–Zabok route.

The move aims to provide more frequent and higher-quality passenger services between Croatia and Slovenia, further strengthening ties between the neighbouring countries.

The first of the new services was marked in Zabok, where it was welcomed by local and regional officials, business leaders, and representatives of both Croatian and Slovenian railways, HŽ Putnički prijevoz said in a statement.

Investment in modern rail connections

Speaking at the event, State Secretary for the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Žarko Tušek, highlighted the government’s investment programme worth €1.5 billion in the railway sector.

“We are in the midst of a major investment cycle in both infrastructure and rolling stock. Today we have 67 new trains, which allows us to introduce new lines that improve mobility. These services connect Hum na Sutli with the largest industrial hub in north-western Croatia, benefiting workers, students, and pensioners alike. Together with local communities, we are responding directly to citizens’ needs,” Tušek said.

(Photo credit: HŽ Putnički prijevoz)

He also noted ongoing projects in northern Croatia, including track upgrades and plans for the revitalisation of the Kumrovec railway line.

Strong demand in Zagorje

HŽ Passenger Transport CEO, Željko Ukić, underlined the importance of the service:

“Last year around 1.2 million passengers travelled in the Zagorje region. By introducing four new cross-border trains on the Rogatec–Zabok line, we are improving daily connections for commuters and students. This is especially important for border areas where people rely heavily on rail.”

(Photo credit: HŽ Putnički prijevoz)

Support from regional leaders

Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect, Željko Kolar, stressed that every investment in rail brings direct benefits to local communities.

“With these new services, pupils from Hum na Sutli will be able to travel more easily to schools in Krapina and Zabok. Since the reopening of the cross-border line in 2014, this is the second major step forward, and it sends a strong signal of cooperation between Croatia and Slovenia,” Kolar said.

The mayor of Krapina, Zoran Gregurović, added that the expansion of services would make daily life easier for residents travelling for education, healthcare, and other needs, particularly for older citizens without alternative transport options.

Under a government scheme, pupils from Hum na Sutli attending school in Krapina can now travel free of charge using a smart card, boarding the train at Rogatec station in Slovenia.

(Photo credit: HŽ Putnički prijevoz)

Overall, the new connections are expected to improve cross-border mobility, strengthen local economies, and enhance quality of life in the Zagorje region and beyond.

New timetable

The new trains operate Monday to Friday on the following schedule:

7280 Zabok 05:02 – Krapina 05:40 – Rogatec 06:14
7281 Rogatec 06:40 – Krapina 07:31 – Zabok 07:53
7282 Zabok 13:18 – Krapina 13:43 – Rogatec 14:23

7283 Rogatec 14:34 – Krapina 15:15 – Zabok 15:44

Other existing cross-border services will continue to operate according to the current timetable.