Best Ways to Get from Split to Hvar
Your vacation in Croatia won’t be complete without a visit to Hvar Island. For many, this gorgeous island is the ultimate summer dream – with dazzling beaches and coves, white-washed towns, cobbled trees, and scenic rolling hills you could usually just see in postcards. Most tourists go through Split to reach Hvar Island. To help you, here’s a guide on the best ways to get from Split to Hvar.
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How to reach Hvar Island
Hvar is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. It lies in the Adriatic Sea and can be found between Brac, Vis, and Korcula.
The easiest way to reach it is by flying to either Dubrovnik or Split. From there, you need to take a ferry to Hvar Island. Ferries and other boat services are the only ways to reach the island.
1. Ferry from Split to Hvar
Ferry service is the easiest and most convenient way to get from Split to Hvar.
From the Port of Split, you can head to one of the four ferry ports in Hvar Island: Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa, and Sucuraj. The journey takes 1-2 hours depending on your port destination.
During summer season (June to September), ferries and catamarans run this route 18 times a day. In low season, there are more limited trips: 2-3 times per day.
There are 2 ferry companies plying the Split to Hvar route: Jadrolinija and Krilo (Kapetan Luka).
Here’s an updated timetable for the ferries. Note that times are subject to change.
| Split to Hvar Town | Jadrolinija: 08:30, 11:00, 14:30, 16:30, 19:30 Krilo: 09:00, 10:00 (via Korcula route), 11:30, 16:00, 17:00 (via Korcula route) |
| Hvar Town to Split | Jadrolinija: 10:15, 12:45, 16:10, 18:00, 21:00 Krilo: 10:30, 13:00, 14:35 (via Korcula route), 17:30 |
| Split to Stari Grad | Jadrolinija: 01:30, 05:00, 08:30, 11:00, 14:30, 17:00, 20:30 *This is a car service ferry |
| Stari Grad to Split | Jadrolinija: 05:30, 07:45, 11:30, 14:00, 17:30, 20:00, 23:00 *This is a car service ferry |
| Split to Jelsa | Jadrolinija: 16:30 |
| Jelsa to Split | Jadrolinija: 16:00 |
How to book ferry tickets
Tickets for the Split to Hvar ferry can be purchased directly at Jadrolinija and Krilo websites or other booking services.
You can also buy them in Split. There are ticket booths at the Port of Split and also at the tourism center in Riva.
Here are the current prices:
- Jadrolinija: 40-110 KN per person (one way) depending on season and route
- Krilo: 100 KN per person (one way
If visiting during summer, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets at least 24 hours in advance.
2. Split Airport to Hvar Island
A local flight is also available for those who prefer a more comfortable transfer from Split to Hvar. This is a more expensive option, so if you’re on a budget, it’s best to go via ferry instead.
Split Express is the airline that plies the Split to Hvar route. It operates on summer months, from June 1 to September 15.
3. Split to Hvar by car
For those on a cross-country road trip, it’s possible to take your car to Hvar Island.
Jadrolinija runs a daily ferry service (No. 635) from the Port of Split to Stari Grad. During summer, there are seven trips per day and during low-peak season, four. The journey takes 2 hours and the cost is about 310 KN per car.
This is ideal for those who are coming from other countries in Europe such as Italy. Check the timetable above.
The same ferry line also offers an alternative route from Drvenik to Sucuraj, which is on the eastern part of Hvar Island. This ferry route also runs daily with increasing trips going toward summer. Journey takes about 35 minutes.
Where is Split Port?
The Port of Split is located southwest of the town’s center. You can easily find it in Google Maps.
From the Split Airport, the easiest way to get to the port is by taking a Croatia Airlines bus, which runs regularly every day. Travel only takes 30 minutes and costs 30 KN per person.
For those arriving from inter- or intra-country trips, the port is conveniently located next to the bus station and train station.
What to do in Hvar Island
There are many things you can do in Hvar Island. You can easily spend weeks here to explore the town attractions or island hop to nearby islands. Here are some recommended activities:
- Visit the beaches. Hvar features stunning beaches where you can sunbathe or feel the coolness of the Adriatic Sea. These beaches are also lined with beach bars and clubs, so you can enjoy the view with a cocktail in hand or party until sunrise. Some of the best beaches you can visit are Dubovica Beach, Pokonji Dol, and Bonj Beach.
- Take a stroll in the old town. Get lost with the beautiful streets and alleys in Old Town Hvar, where you can sightsee historic buildings and cobbled streets. Don’t forget to check out St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the square or the Franciscan Monastery.
- Sail around Pakleni Islands. Sailing around Pakleni Island is one of the best day trips you can do from Hvar. Visit the beautiful beaches in this chain of 16 islands, grab a delish meal in one of the charming family-owned restaurants, or go under the ocean to snorkel and dive.
There are tons of other activities waiting for you at Hvar Island.
With the number of ferry routes servicing the islands in Croatia and increasing number of tourists flocking to the country especially during summer and spring break, it can be overwhelming to book for transport from Split to Hvar. Have it the easy way by doing your research on the best ways to get there and booking ahead online if necessary.
Has this guide on How to Get from Split to Hvar been helpful to you? If you have comments or questions, let me know in the comment section below!
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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).
