Starting 1 September 2025 HŽ Putnički prijevoz, in cooperation with Slovenske železnice, is introducing four new trains on the Zabok – Rogatec – Zabok route in order to provide a higher-quality and more frequent rail service between Croatia and Slovenia, further connecting the two neighboring countries.

At the inaugural run, the following were present: State Secretary of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Žarko Tušek, President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz Željko Ukić, Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect Željko Kolar, Mayor of Krapina Zoran Gregurović, Mayor of the Municipality of Đurmanec Damir Belošević, General Manager of Vetropack Straža d.d. Darko Šlogar, Director of OMCO Croatia Darko Ranogajec and representatives of Slovenske železnice, and the train was welcomed at Zabok station by Mayor of Zabok Valentina Đurek.  

State Secretary Tušek spoke about the importance of introducing new cross-border trains and investments worth EUR 1.5 billion in the railway system: 

        - We are currently in a major investment cycle in the entire railway sector, both in infrastructure and in train renewals. Today, we have 67 new trains, which makes it easier to introduce lines that improve mobility. These lines integrate Hum na Sutli and the largest industrial hub in northwestern Croatia, where many residents of Krapina-Zagorje County work. Besides employees, these lines are also important for pupils, students, and pensioners, who can travel for free. The lines were introduced in cooperation with the local community in accordance with the needs of citizens. In March this year, a new diesel-motor train was launched on the Đurmanec – Krapina – Zabok route, and in the second half of September another new diesel-motor train will operate in this area. At the moment, significant investments are being made in railway infrastructure in northern Croatia on several sections, with plans to renovate the line from Gornja Stubica to Zabok, and a study is currently being conducted for the Kumrovec line.

The President of the Management Board of HŽPP Ukić emphasized that about 1.2 million passengers were transported in the Zagorje region last year and added: 

         - I am very pleased that, in cooperation with our colleagues from Slovenske železnice, we are introducing four new cross-border trains on the Rogatec – Zabok route today, and vice versa. This will significantly improve the service on this border route, which will now have a total of eight trains. Better connectivity is especially important in border areas as it makes daily commuting to work and school easier for citizens. Residents of Zagorje have traditionally relied on rail, and we will continue to improve the service.

Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect Kolar noted: 

         - Every investment in the railway is of special importance to regional authorities. With the introduction of these new lines, children from this part of Hum can attend high school in Krapina and Zabok, which will make their travel much easier. After 2014, when the line from Krapina to Đurmanec and Hromec was reconstructed and cross-border traffic between Croatia and Slovenia was restored, this is the second major step. The message of cooperation between the two countries is extremely important. Previously, Slovenske železnice trains entered Croatia, now Croatian trains are entering Slovenia and next, we will work on documentation for the Kumrovec line, which is important for both the economy and citizen mobility.

Students from Hum na Sutli who attend school in Krapina can board the train at Rogatec station (Slovenia), as free travel is enabled via their smart card and profiles in accordance with the Croatian Government’s decision. 

Krapina Mayor Zoran Gregurović said: 

         - Since many people from this area commute to Krapina and further to Zabok and Zagreb, the increased number of lines will certainly be welcomed. This is particularly helpful for students, most of whom attend high school in Krapina, and some in Zabok, but also for anyone needing to go to court, doctors, or other services not available locally. Many residents, especially older ones, have no other transport options, so introducing these lines is commendable and benefits all residents.

The new lines ensure better connectivity, increased mobility, and easier travel, which in the long term contributes to economic growth and improved quality of life for local communities.

New trains timetable:

• 7280 Zabok 5:02 AM – Krapina 5:40 AM – Rogatec 6:14 AM
• 7281 Rogatec 6:40 AM – Krapina 7:31 AM – Zabok 7:53 AM
• 7282 Zabok 1:18 PM – Krapina 1:43 PM – Rogatec 2:23 PM
• 7283 Rogatec 2:34 PM – Krapina 3:15 PM – Zabok 3:44 PM

These trains operate Monday to Friday. 

Other cross-border trains continue according to the existing timetable:

• 7809 Rogatec 9:29 AM – Đurmanec 9:56 AM, transfer to train 3119 Đurmanec 10:02 AM – Krapina 10:11 AM – Zabok 10:33 AM
• 7808 Đurmanec 10:40 AM – Rogatec 11:07 AM
• 7813 Rogatec 4:39 PM – Đurmanec 5:07 PM
• 3134 Zabok 4:31 PM – Krapina 5:01 PM – Đurmanec 5:09 PM, transfer to train 7812 Đurmanec 5:23 PM – Rogatec 5:51 PM