Travel to the Adriatic Aboard the Legendary "Blue Train": Tito's Historic Railway Carriages Return to the Belgrade–Bar Route

For travelers looking to experience Montenegro differently, the journey can be just as memorable as the destination itself. This summer, visitors once again have the rare opportunity to travel aboard the legendary Blue Train (Plavi Voz)—the former presidential train of Josip Broz Tito—which has returned to the iconic Belgrade–Bar Railway.

Once reserved exclusively for Tito, his wife Jovanka, and Yugoslavia's highest-ranking officials, the beautifully preserved historic sleeping and lounge coaches are now attached to the regular daily train between Belgrade and Bar, allowing anyone to experience one of the Balkans' most fascinating pieces of railway history. 

A Train Once Reserved for Presidents

The Blue Train served as Yugoslavia's official presidential train from the 1950s until Tito's death in 1980. Its final state journey took place on May 5, 1980, when it carried Tito's coffin from Ljubljana to Belgrade, becoming an enduring symbol of an era.

Built in 1956 by GOŠA in Smederevska Palanka and the Boris Kidrič Wagon Factory in Maribor, the train represented the very best of Yugoslav engineering and craftsmanship.

Its elegant Art Deco interior remains remarkably preserved today, offering visitors a glimpse into the luxury enjoyed by one of Europe's most recognizable political leaders.

During its golden years, the Blue Train included:

• Presidential apartments
• Luxury sleeping cabins
• A restaurant car
• A formal reception salon
• A fully equipped kitchen
• Special carriages for transporting automobiles

Throughout the Cold War, the train welcomed kings, presidents, diplomats, and celebrities from around the world, making it one of the most famous state trains in Europe. 

One of Europe's Greatest Railway Adventures

While the Blue Train is a major attraction on its own, the railway it now travels may be even more impressive.

The Belgrade–Bar Railway is widely regarded as one of Europe's most spectacular rail journeys. Covering 476 kilometers (296 miles), it connects Serbia's capital with Montenegro's Adriatic coast through breathtaking mountain scenery rarely seen from highways or airplanes.

Passengers travel across 435 bridges, pass through 254 tunnels, and climb over dramatic mountain ranges before descending toward the Adriatic Sea.

One of the route's engineering masterpieces is the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, soaring approximately 200 meters (656 feet) above the canyon below. It remains one of Europe's highest railway bridges and one of the journey's most photographed landmarks.

One reason travelers love this route is the constantly changing scenery.

The adventure begins in the vibrant streets of Belgrade, continues through the rolling hills and forests of western Serbia, enters Montenegro's rugged mountains and spectacular Morača Canyon, and finally reaches the Mediterranean coastline before arriving in the historic port city of Bar.

Many passengers say the railway feels like experiencing four completely different destinations in a single trip.

In an age of budget airlines and high-speed transport, the Belgrade–Bar Railway offers something increasingly rare—the chance to slow down.

Large windows frame dramatic mountain landscapes, rivers, forests, villages, and deep canyons as the train winds its way through the Balkans. Instead of rushing between destinations, passengers have time to enjoy conversations, admire the scenery, read a book, or simply relax while crossing one of Europe's most beautiful railway routes.

For photographers, railway enthusiasts, backpackers, and digital nomads, the experience has become a destination in itself.

Choosing a historic Blue Train cabin adds another layer of nostalgia, allowing travelers to sleep in carriages once reserved for presidents and world leaders. 

Daily Service Between Belgrade and Bar

The Blue Train's historic sleeping and lounge coaches now operate as part of the regular daily service between Belgrade and Bar in both directions.

Accommodation prices remain the same as those in the standard sleeping cars:

• Single cabin: €45 supplement plus a First Class ticket.
• Double cabin: €20 supplement plus a Second Class ticket.

Considering the unique historical setting, many travelers see the Blue Train as one of the best-value railway experiences in Southeast Europe.

If you're planning to travel aboard the Blue Train, here are a few useful tips:

• Reserve your sleeping cabin well in advance during the summer season.
• Keep your passport handy, as the train crosses the Serbia–Montenegro border during the journey.
• Bring a camera—the views over the mountains and canyons are unforgettable.
• Choose a window seat if you're traveling during daylight for the best scenery.
• Once you arrive in Bar, you can easily continue to Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Ulcinj, Herceg Novi, or Lake Skadar by bus, rental car, or private transfer.