Starting from 1 September, HŽ Putnički prijevoz, in collaboration with Slovenske železnice, has launched four new cross-border trains operating on the Zabok–Rogatec–Zabok route.
This expansion increases the total number of daily trains on this corridor to eight, improving service frequency and accessibility for communities in the cross-border region. The new services were officially inaugurated at a ceremony in Zabok, attended by high-level officials including Croatia’s State Secretary for Transport Žarko Tušek, HŽ Putnički prijevoz CEO Željko Ukić, local mayors, business leaders, and representatives of the Slovenian rail operator.
“In cooperation with our colleagues from Slovenske železnice, we are launching four new cross-border trains on the Rogatec–Zabok route and back. This will considerably improve the service on this cross-border corridor, which will now see a total of eight daily trains. Improved connectivity is particularly vital in border areas, as it supports daily commuting for work and education. Residents of Zagorje have long relied on rail transport, and we remain committed to enhancing this service,” said Ukić.
Cross-border rail traffic between Croatia and Slovenia plays a critical role in supporting economic, educational, and social ties between the two countries. While major international routes such as Zagreb–Ljubljana have long existed, regional connections like Zabok–Rogatec have often been limited in frequency and capacity. This new initiative addresses a long-standing demand from local communities for more frequent and reliable services, particularly in areas where road infrastructure remains under pressure or underdeveloped. With the new cross-border trains, passengers now benefit from enhanced scheduling options for both workday commuting and leisure travel.
Zabok–Rogatec line strengthens regional integration
The Zabok–Rogatec route carries particular importance due to its strategic location. Zabok acts as a rail hub in the Krapina-Zagorje County, connecting with larger centres like Krapina and the capital, Zagreb. Rogatec, on the Slovenian side, links to the wider regional rail network, facilitating movement deeper into Slovenia. This makes the route not only a commuter line but also a gateway for increased interoperability between the two national networks. It is also a prime example of how smaller-scale, cross-border initiatives can contribute meaningfully to broader EU goals such as regional cohesion and sustainable mobility.
Data from HŽ Putnički prijevoz indicates that around 1.2 million passengers used rail services in the Zagorje region in 2024. With a population dispersed across towns and smaller municipalities, this highlights the strong reliance on rail for both daily mobility and access to urban centres. The newly introduced cross-border trains cater not only to workers but also to students, the elderly, and other groups that benefit from free or discounted rail travel. By offering an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to private car use, the new services support national and EU climate targets while reinforcing public transport as a viable option in rural and semi-urban areas.
State Secretary Tušek underlined the project’s alignment with Croatia’s wider investment strategy in the railway sector, which currently exceeds EUR 1.5 billion. A large part of this funding is directed towards the modernisation of infrastructure and rolling stock, with 67 new trains already delivered to enhance operational capacity. These investments are not limited to mainline corridors but also extend to regional lines and local services, such as the recently launched Đurmanec–Krapina–Zabok route and the planned modernisation of the Gornja Stubica–Zabok line. A feasibility study is also underway for revitalising the Kumrovec line, which could potentially further strengthen the rail offer in the region.
The introduction of these additional cross-border trains is more than a local transport upgrade—it represents a step forward in regional integration and sustainable transport policy. Croatia and Slovenia, both EU members, have a shared interest in building transport systems that are interconnected, efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs. The Zabok–Rogatec corridor may not carry the volume of international express trains, but it delivers tangible benefits at the human scale, especially in regions where economic development depends on mobility. Strengthening cross-border services of this kind also reinforces the role of rail in supporting inclusive growth across borders.
Looking ahead, continued coordination between the two national operators, HŽ Putnički prijevoz and Slovenske železnice, will be crucial in maintaining and improving these services. Future efforts could include timetable integration, seamless ticketing, and infrastructure upgrades to further improve journey times and comfort. As passenger numbers grow and interest in sustainable mobility increases, the Zabok–Rogatec route could become a model for similar cross-border initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe.
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