The Croatian government has confirmed the continuation and expansion of its free public rail transport programme, extending the benefit to additional groups and enhancing key connections across the country. Under the new decision, children, primary and secondary school pupils, full-time students, pensioners and citizens aged over 65 will continue to travel free of charge on trains nationwide. From January 1, 2026, people with disabilities holding an eligible National or European Disability Card will also be entitled to free rail travel.
In a significant development for Istria, all eligible passenger categories residing in Istria County can now travel free on direct weekend train services between Pula and Zagreb, even though the route passes through Slovenia. These direct trains, reinstated on June 20, 2025, operate Friday departures from Zagreb and Sunday return services from Pula, offering a convenient weekend option without transfers. The move is expected to make rail travel more accessible and encourage greater use of sustainable public transport across the region.
