International train service reconnects Ploče and Sarajevo after 12 years

by croatiaweek
November 10, 2025
in News

(Photo. HŽPP)

A new international passenger train service connecting Ploče – Metković – Čapljina – Mostar – Sarajevo officially began operations on 9 November, marking the first such connection in 12 years.

The first train departed from Ploče station at 15:40, with local and regional officials from both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in attendance.

Among them were Blaž Pezo, Prefect of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Ivan Marević, Mayor of Ploče, Dalibor Milan, Mayor of Metković, Mirza Hadžibegić, Acting Chairman and General Director of the Railways of the Federation of BiH, and Željko Ukić, CEO of Croatian Railways Passenger Transport (HŽPP).

Prefect Pezo expressed his satisfaction with the reintroduction of the service, noting:

“For now, the train will run twice a week, but the important thing is that we’ve managed to get it started. We expect good results and long-term sustainability. We will continue to support this cross-border cooperation, which benefits both sides of the border.”

(Photo. HŽPP)

Mayor Marević of Ploče highlighted the cultural and emotional value of the railway:

“Trains aren’t just about transport, they have a certain charm and character. I’ll certainly use this service with my family and friends.”

Metković Mayor Milan added that the new line will make travel faster and more affordable for local residents, particularly students and workers commuting to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“This route also has great tourist potential. It gives people from Metković and the Neretva Valley the chance to explore Mostar and Sarajevo, while visitors from BiH can more easily reach our region.”

Mirza Hadžibegić of the Railways of the Federation of BiH thanked all partners involved in re-establishing the connection:

“Previously, trains only ran for two months during the summer season. We now hope to turn this into a year-round service. This is an important step for international cooperation, and we look forward to introducing new routes to Zagreb and beyond.”

(Photo. HŽPP)

HŽPP CEO Željko Ukić emphasised that the initiative came from the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, supported by colleagues from the Railways of the Federation of BiH, primarily to assist students from southern Croatia travelling to the University of Mostar.

He also reminded passengers that, thanks to the Croatian Government’s travel subsidy measures, children, students, pensioners, and citizens over 65 can travel free of charge on the Croatian section of the route.

“We hope this line will be well received and help revitalise rail transport along this section,” Ukić said.

The train was warmly welcomed in Čapljina by Mayor Iva Raguž, and in Mostar by the city’s Chief Advisor Ines Sulić, who both expressed satisfaction that the line will operate beyond the tourist season.

(Photo. HŽPP)

(Photo. HŽPP)

Timetable and Ticket Information

The service will run twice a week, with departures as follows:

From Ploče:

• Sundays from 9 November 2025: Ploče 15:40 – Metković 16:18 – Čapljina 16:42 – Mostar 17:09 – Sarajevo 19:07

• Saturdays from 15 November 2025: Ploče 5:05 – Metković 5:43 – Čapljina 6:06 – Mostar 6:33 – Sarajevo 8:35

From Sarajevo:

• Fridays from 14 November 2025: Sarajevo 16:46 – Mostar 18:50 – Čapljina 19:31 – Metković 19:57 – Ploče 20:15

• Sundays from 16 November 2025: Sarajevo 7:15 – Mostar 9:15 – Čapljina 9:52 – Metković 10:18 – Ploče 10:36

The trains, made up of Talgo carriages owned by the Railways of the Federation of BiH, will operate until 21 June 2026, after which seasonal summer services will run between 26 June and 30 August 2026.

Croatian passengers can purchase tickets onboard, while passengers from Bosnia and Herzegovina can buy them at railway stations operated by the Railways of the Federation of BiH.