New automotive route from Rijeka

The Port of Rijeka is taking on a new role in vehicle imports from Asia. ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is providing the hinterland transport using its own traction and car-carrier wagons.

ÖBB freight train with Rail Cargo Group car transport wagons on railway tracks.

New transport options are emerging via Rijeka for automotive traffic to Central and South-Eastern Europe. Since August, RoRo vessels (roll-on/roll-off ships) from Asia have been calling at the port. These vessels are specifically designed to transport rolling cargo such as electric cars. This is giving rise to a new freight flow for vehicle imports, particularly between China, Rijeka and European destinations. Once the vehicles arrive at the port, they must be transported onwards into the European hinterland by rail or road.

RCG secures hinterland transport 

RCG is establishing an early presence on this new corridor and is handling an important share of the onward transport from Rijeka. The vehicle transports are handled using tailor-made rail solutions, its own locomotives and its own car-carrier wagons. As freight flows grow and new entry routes into Europe emerge, efficient rail-based hinterland transport plays a key role in moving large volumes efficiently to their destinations.

Rijeka as an important hub 

With new freight flows for the automotive industry, the port is further strengthening its role as a gateway to Central and South-Eastern Europe. For RCG, Rijeka is already an important hub in the northern Adriatic. TransFER connections to Budapest and Belgrade link the port directly to the RCG network.

Further information

16.09.2026