Ljubljana, and Pula. The train is accessible for passengers in wheelchairs, has space for bicycles and strollers, and is equipped with Wi-Fi and a modern passenger information system.

- It feels nice to be the first passenger. I expect the journey to be comfortable. I’m going to Pula, so I’ll be traveling the entire Zagreb–Pula route. I think the trip will meet my expectations, and I’ll be satisfied. - said Helena.

The train departed for the first ride of the renovated railway line at 14:24 from Zagreb Main Station.

- I’m pleased that we gathered today to celebrate the first direct train from Zagreb through Ljubljana to Pula. It has been over 30 years since these three cities were directly connected by rail. Now we need to build the habit of traveling on this line and make it accessible to citizens, connecting Istria with the rest of Croatia. I would like to thank my colleagues from Slovenske železnice for their cooperation in establishing this link, jointly promoting environmentally friendly transport, and ensuring better connectivity between Croatia and Slovenia. I believe that this collaboration will lead to the introduction of additional trains on various routes in the future. - said Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of HŽ Putnički prijevoz.

The satisfaction was shared by Miha Butara, Director of Passenger Transport at Slovenske železnice.

- I am pleased that we have established excellent cooperation with our Croatian colleagues. The Zagreb–Ljubljana–Pula train is the first joint project that has been successfully implemented. With these new and additional connections, we open new opportunities to connect regions, improve mobility for residents and tourists, and promote sustainable travel. At Slovenske železnice, we remain committed to our goal of establishing new international connections, as we believe they are important for business, daily travel, tourism, and improving the quality of life in the region.

The train will operate from Zagreb via Ljubljana to Pula on Fridays, and in the reverse direction on Sundays. The first passengers were welcomed at Pula station by the Prefect of Istria.

- The renovation of this line is a major step in connecting Istria with the rest of Croatia and Central Europe, which is crucial for our economy, tourism, and residents’ mobility. - said Istrian County Prefect Boris Miletić.

One-way tickets from Zagreb to Pula cost €8 for children aged 6–15, €16 for older children, students, and retirees, and €24 for adults, while a bicycle ticket costs €5.