Tito's Blue Train

Museum · Rakovica

Tito's Blue Train

Museum · Rakovica

Bulevar Patrijarha Pavla 8a, Beograd, Serbia

Highlights

Tito's preserved Blue Train, a time capsule of Yugoslavian history.

Bulevar Patrijarha Pavla 8a, Beograd, Serbia Get directions

srbvoz.rs

@atlasobscura

11 Unforgettable Historic Train Journeys

"In an unassuming railway depot south of Belgrade lies a relic of a forgotten era. Built in a time when Yugoslavia was recovering from the Second World War, this iconic blue train served to transport the country’s leaders around the different republics of Yugoslavia, and entertain foreign dignitaries so critical to the diplomatic success of the socialist nation. The Blue Train, Marshal Josip Tito’s private train, was built with luxury in mind. Tito preferred to travel by rail, and as Yugoslavia became more prosperous in the years after the war, the train reflected the optimism and wealth of its primary user, if not that of the average citizen. Custom-built coaches were decorated in a simple yet modern socialist realist style, with certain classical holdovers such as intricate mosaics and dark hardwood lining. The overall effect is one of understated power, which comes as no surprise considering some of the train’s clientele. Used often by Tito for domestic purposes, the Blue Train also served an important diplomatic role. Its guest list is a veritable who’s-who of 1960s power players, from Queen Elizabeth to Charles de Gaulle to Yasser Arafat. It’s easy to imagine diplomats and party officials seated around the massive main dining table or crammed into the modernist, Zodiac-themed bar, as Tito sought to provide the world a path between the American-led West and the Soviet sphere of influence. It’s still possible to enjoy the splendor of the Blue Train, which has been remarkably preserved in its original state. If your pocketbook is big enough, you can do so as Tito did: for a hefty fee, the Serbian Railways will hook up the train for a trip on the spectacular Belgrade-Bar railway. The line is one of Tito’s biggest public works projects and one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe; the 296-mile route between the Serbian capital and the Montenegro coast passes over 435 bridges and through 54 tunnels. For those whose wallets aren’t quite as fat, it’s still possible to enjoy the Blue Train, and walk through the very same cars where Haile Selassie sat, Queen Elizabeth dined, and Josip Broz Tito slept." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/11-unforgettable-train-journeys

View Postcard for Tito's Blue Train

majvdl

Google

Just outside Belgrade, there's a shed housing an iconic train. On board, it feels as if Tito has just stepped off. The train is well preserved, and the tour led by dedicated staff feels like a journey through time. Hopefully, Srbijavoz will succeed in making this treasure even more accessible to the general public.

taavi wickman

Google

Truly an incredible spot to visit. Take a Car Go taxi there. The guide is knowledgeable and clearly enthusiastic. A bit tucked away and you’ll start wondering if the taxi dropped you in the right spot, don’t worry, he did. Cross the tracks and give it a couple minutes. He’ll come welcome you. It’s not to get a taxi back, take the bus. It’s a nine minute walk there.

Joseph A. Buendia

Google

I had heard of this train before and saw it on the map. During a hike, I decided to take it as a goal to get closer to it, but when I actually arrived at the location of the train, I felt a little disappointed. I originally thought that it would be open to tourists as a tourist attraction, so that we could see the facilities on the train and the relics of the revolutionary Tito. But in fact, when I arrived there, I found that it was just a dilapidated train abandoned next to the train maintenance factory. We couldn't visit it or learn more about it. So it's not a one-way trip.

Jason Rosenau

Google

Definitely worth visiting if you are a train person or like the history of Yugoslavia!

Davide Galluzzi

Google

Amazing esperience visiting Tito's blue train. A small gem for people in love with History and Jugoslavia. It was a bit difficult to book our visit as the email address found on the website is not working, but the lady at the Central station was very kind and helped us. During the visit, you can enjoy a small tour with a guide that explains the history of the train.

James

Google

Unforgettable experience. Private access to Tito's Blue Train which sits at poseta garage. There is some confusion around access to this place. As at February 2023, my advice would be to follow the below steps. You do not need to visit the 'main railway Belgrade' on Google maps at all. Nor do you need to go to the railway museum near the station and bus station. Instead, head directly to Beograd Center (Беогад Сентер) Railway Station known as Prokop (Serbian Cyrillic: Прокоп) This station in under construction (see photos) Go to the platform level and turn left to the ticket office. Here you can ask for 'plavog voza' some will say 'Plavi Voz' The ticket office will call the train yard for you (it is possible same day between 8am and 1pm) You can also contact marketing via the Serbian Railway website to increase your chances, giving them 48hrs notice. You will receive a paper ticket (see photo) cost is 300 RSD per person. Now you need to locate the yard at poseta garage. It is about 1-1.5 hour walk, up hill. Alternatively take the 3A (red bus) from the main road for less than €1 you will see the yard on your right shortly after Topčider. Worst case, you can take a taxi there in 10 mins from right outside the railway station. It should cost around 1200RSD but taxis often increase fares if you don't agree first. It is still less than €10. The guard will open the garage for you and then you will be accompanied onboard by a local guide who speaks enough English to explain each cart. You can see Tito's office, bedroom, meeting room and dining cart. On the way back, take the 3A again. You can get off near the Radisson Hotel if you want to visit Hyde Park and the Tito Moseleum at House of Flowers if you want to make a day of it.

Biljana Ranković Stow

Google

Such a unique place with loads of history! I was mesmerised with how the train was equipped at that time, and attention to details is extraordinary! You have to buy tickets for the visit at the main train station as there is no ticket sale on site. It's only 300 dinars (about 2,5e) and just call or send the email to them a day in advance that you are coming because sometimes it is occupied with movie crews.

Kimi Babuder Briški

Google

You can sit on the sofa that TITO has.