Are you trying to figure out how to get to Hvar from Split? You’re in the right place.
Hvar is one of Croatia’s most popular islands, known for its historic towns, crystal-clear waters, and lively summer vibe.
But with so many Split to Hvar ferries, catamarans, and private transfers, choosing the best way to get from Split to Hvar can feel overwhelming, especially in the busy summer months or even during the increasingly popular spring and autumn seasons.
I’ve been there myself. When I first planned on getting from Split to Hvar, I didn’t realize how many different routes, operators, and schedules there were. After making the trip, I learned exactly what works best depending on your budget, travel style, and whether or not you’re bringing a car.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every option to travel to Hvar, including ticket prices, travel times, and insider tips. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about planning your journey and ready to make the most of your time on the island.
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Hvar now!
Don’t have time to read the whole guide? Here are my top tips for making the most of your visit to Hvar.
📍Top sights: Stari Grad | Hvar Town | Spanish Fortress | Pakleni Islands | Pokonji Dol Beach | Malo Zaraće Beach
🚤 Best way to get to Hvar: Compare ferry, catamaran, and speedboat options on Omio and book in advance, especially in summer.
🛵 Getting around Hvar: Rent a car or scooter for the most flexibility.
⌛ How long to stay in Hvar: 2 to 3 days for a relaxed trip, but possible as a 1-day trip if short on time.
🍷 Most popular tours in Hvar
1. Hvar Island tour with wine and olive oil tasting
2. Vis Island and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour
3. Boat tour to Pakleni Islands on a Comfort Yacht
😴 Where to stay in Hvar: Apartments Jakic | Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort | Hotel Podstine | Hvar De Luxe Apartments
💊 Best travel insurance for Croatia – I recommend Heymondo for its excellent balance between affordability and quality.
🛜 Best way to stay connected in Croatia – If your smartphone allows an eSIM, I recommend using Airalo.
Where is Hvar and why start from Split?
Hvar is an island in the Adriatic Sea, sitting off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. It’s known for its sunny weather, crystal-clear beaches, and lively historic towns.
Whether you’re planning a quick Hvar day trip from Split or staying for a few days, it’s one of the country’s most popular destinations.
Split is the main gateway for getting to Hvar. The city has Croatia’s second-busiest airport, regular cruise ship stops, and a central ferry port with multiple daily boats from Split to Hvar.
This makes it the easiest and most convenient starting point, no matter if you’re traveling with or without a car.
When I visited as part of my Croatia 7-day itinerary, I used Split as my starting point to visit Hvar.
How to get to Hvar from Split
If you’re wondering about the best way to get to Hvar, there are plenty of options.
The first thing to decide is whether you’ll be traveling with a car or without one. That choice will instantly narrow down your options and make planning much easier.
There are three main ferry operators running the boats from Split to Hvar — Jadrolinija, Krilo, and TP Line. Each has different schedules and prices, and both change depending on the season.
Knowing your exact travel dates before you book is key, as it will help you pick the option that works best for you.
It’s also important to know that there are several ports in Hvar, and where you arrive matters.
- Hvar Town Port – Right in the center of Hvar Town. Perfect if you’re staying there or just visiting for the day. Most catamaran from Split to Hvar Town services arrive here.
- Stari Grad Port – Around 25 minutes by car or bus from Hvar Town. It’s a good choice if you’re bringing a car or staying on the north side of the island.
- Sućuraj Port – Located on the far eastern tip of the island. You’ll only arrive here if you take the ferry from Drvenik on the mainland. It’s handy if you’re driving down the Dalmatian coast from the south.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Always double-check your ticket to make sure your arrival port matches where you’re staying. Otherwise, you could end up with an unexpected and expensive taxi or bus ride across the island.
Quick Comparison of the best ways to get from Split to Hvar
| Option | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Car Ferry (Split → Stari Grad) | ~2h | Travelers bringing a car or staying on the north side |
| Catamaran (Split → Hvar Town) | ~1h | Foot passengers wanting the fastest and most direct trip |
| Private Speedboat | 45–60 min | Small groups or special occasions |
| Organized Day Trip | Full day | Seeing Hvar + other nearby islands in one day |
Getting from Split to Hvar with a car
If you’re planning on getting to Hvar with your own vehicle, there are only two ferry routes that allow cars.
Both are run by Jadrolinija, Croatia’s largest ferry company. Your choice will depend on where you’re coming from and how much driving you want to do once you arrive.
» Jadrolinija: Split to Stari Grad
This is the main car ferry route from Split to Hvar. The journey takes about 2 hours, with 4 to 7 departures per day depending on the season.
Prices range from 5.9€ to 8.4€ for foot passengers and 35.6€ to 47€ per car.
The ferry arrives at Stari Grad port, about 25 minutes from Hvar Town, making it ideal if you’re staying nearby but still want easy access to the island’s south and west.
You can check the ferry schedule from Split to Hvar and book tickets directly on the Jadrolinija Split – Stari Grad page.
» Jadrolinija: Drvenik to Sućuraj
This is a shorter ferry ride but comes with more driving. You’ll need to drive 1h40 from Split to Drvenik, then take a 30-minute ferry to Sućuraj.
Departures run 7 times per day in low season and up to 11 in high season. Tickets cost 2.4€ to 4.1€ per foot passenger and 13.5€ to 19.7€ per car.
This route is handy if you’re already driving down the Dalmatian coast from the south. Keep in mind that Sućuraj is on the far eastern tip of Hvar, so you’ll have a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to reach Hvar Town.
You can see schedules and book online at Jadrolinija’s website.
💡 EXTRA TIP: If you’re bringing a car, aim to arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before departure to secure your spot. Tickets often sell out in July and August, so booking in advance is essential. Also, make sure you know exactly which port you’ll arrive at, as this will affect how long it takes to drive to your final destination on the island.
Getting from Split to Hvar without a car
If you’re traveling without a vehicle, you’ll find plenty of foot-passenger-only routes connecting Split to different ports on Hvar.
These are run by multiple companies and can take you directly to Hvar Town, Stari Grad, or other smaller ports.
This is often faster than taking the car ferry and in many cases, you’ll arrive right in the center of town. It’s perfect if you’re on a day trip to Hvar from Split or staying nearby.
There are several routes to choose from, some more direct than others. Ferry schedules from Split to Hvar and ticket prices vary with the season, so it’s always best to check the latest information before booking.
| Company | Route | Duration | #Departures/day | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP Line | Split → Vira (653) | 50 min | 1 | 25€ |
| Krilo | Split → Hvar Town | 55-70 min | 2-6 | 25€ |
| Krilo | Split – Hvar (Hvar) – Prigradica – Korčula | 55-70 min | 2-3 | 6-8€ |
| TP Line | Split → Hvar Town (652) | 1h | 2-4 | 25€ |
| TP Line | Split – Milna – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik (654) | 1h20 | 1 (seasonal) | 25€ |
| Jadrolinija | Split → Milna (Brač) → Hvar (9602) | 1h25 | 2-4 | 6.1€-9.7€ |
| Jadrolinija | Split → Bol (Brač) → Stari Grad (9603) | 1h35 | ~4 (seasonal) | 5.9€-9.7€ |
| Jadrolinija | Split → Hvar Town (641) | 1h05 | 2-4 | 25€ |
Other options to get from Split to Hvar
While ferries and catamarans are the most common ways of getting to Hvar, there are a couple of alternatives worth considering.
These can be ideal if you’re looking for something more flexible or want to combine Hvar with other nearby destinations.
Split to Hvar via an organized day trip
Some tours make a day trip from Split to Hvar part of a bigger itinerary. Popular combinations include the Blue Cave, Vis, and other nearby islands.
While this isn’t the most “authentic” way to experience Hvar, it’s perfect if you’re short on time and want to see as much as possible in one day.
Many operators allow you to book online in advance, making it easy to secure your spot during busy travel periods.
For example, this tour runs about 10 hours and includes stops at the Blue Cave, Vis, Budikovac, Pakleni Islands and 2h30 to enjoy Hvar.
🎫 Don’t leave your activities until the last minute. Some of the most popular tours sell out quickly, especially during peak season. I personally use GetYourGuide to book activities because it’s easy to compare options and most tours offer free cancellation. Use code ATICKETTOTAKEOFF5 for 5% off your first booking in the app. Download here!
Split to Hvar by Private Speedboat
If you want full flexibility and a scenic ride across the Adriatic, a water taxi from Split to Hvar might be the perfect option. Travel time is usually about one hour, depending on the boat and sea conditions.
Skip the queues and go straight to Hvar with this private speedboat transfer. It’s fast, scenic, and perfect if you’re landing in Split and want to be in Hvar in under an hour.
You can also check Dalmatia Express for private taxi boat services between Split and Hvar.
How I travelled from Split to Hvar
When I visited Hvar, I decided to take my car with me. It meant I didn’t have to spend extra money renting another vehicle on the island, and I avoided the hassle of arranging a car rental in Hvar.
I booked with Jadrolinija, taking the car ferry from Split to Stari Grad. The timetable worked perfectly for my plans. I took the 8.30 am ferry over and returned the next day on the 7.45 am sailing.
If I had made the same trip in 2025, it would have cost me 64€ for the car and my ticket.
I arrived in Hvar via Stari Grad, and I’m so glad I did because Stari Grad is such a charming, peaceful town that instantly made me feel welcome.
💼 TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s one of those things you hope you won’t need… but it can save you a lot of money and stress if something goes wrong.
I personally use Heymondo because it offers strong coverage at a reasonable price, including medical expenses, lost luggage, and electronics.
What I like most is how easy it is to manage everything through their app, especially if you ever need assistance while traveling.
🎉 Get 15% off until June 28. The discount is already applied through the link below, but only for a limited time.
If you’ve been planning a trip, this is a good time to secure your policy before the offer ends.
What to do in Hvar once you arrive
Hvar isn’t just a party island. It’s packed with history, stunning beaches, and breathtaking viewpoints.
If you only have one day in Hvar and are wondering what to do in Hvar for a day, these stops will help you experience the island’s highlights.
Explore Stari Grad
Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe, with a relaxed pace and charming streets.
Start in Škor Square, a quiet corner lined with traditional stone houses. Step into St Stephen’s Church to see its simple yet beautiful interior, then visit Tvrdalj Castle, the 16th-century home of poet Petar Hektorović.
Discover Hvar Town
Hvar Town is the island’s liveliest hub, but it’s more than just cafés and nightlife.
The Clock Tower is an easy landmark to spot, while St Stephen’s Square is the perfect place to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t also miss the Franciscan Monastery in the heart of town.
🎫 For a deeper taste of the island, join this Hvar Island tour with wine and olive oil tasting and explore its flavors, history, and stunning landscapes in one unforgettable experience.
Climb the Spanish Fortress
The walk to the Spanish Fortress is short but steep, winding past shaded paths and lookout points. At the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Hvar Town’s rooftops and the Pakleni Islands scattered across the sea.
It’s a great spot for photos, especially in the late afternoon light.
Go Beach Hopping
Hvar’s beaches are perfect for a quick swim or a full afternoon in the sun.
For example, Pokonji Dol is just a short walk from Hvar Town and has a mix of pebbles and smooth rocks. Malo Zaraće is more rugged, with clear water and fewer crowds.
If you have time, also explore nearby coves for quieter spots to relax.
Visit the Pakleni Islands
A short boat ride takes you to the Pakleni Islands, known for hidden bays and crystal-clear water.
You can rent a small boat or join an organized trip to Pakleni islands, stopping at beaches like Palmižana for lunch and a swim. It’s a great way to see a wilder side of Hvar’s coastline.
Visit Hula Hula
Hula Hula Beach Bar is famous for its sunset views and lively vibe.
It’s a mix of locals, travellers, and music that makes it the perfect place to end your day. Grab a drink, find a spot by the water, and watch the sun dip into the Adriatic.
Where to buy tickets for the ferry to Hvar
Check ferries and lock in your seat now with Omio. You’ll see all routes, times, and prices in one place without hopping between websites. Tickets for July and August sell out fast, so don’t wait.
You can also book directly on the official ferry operators’ websites if you already know which company and route you want to take.
You can also purchase tickets at the offices in Split’s ferry port. However, in the summer months, this can get quite confusing and tickets often sell out, especially for popular departure times.
To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book your tickets in advance, particularly if you’re travelling between June and September.
Once booked, download your digital tickets to your phone so they’re ready for easy boarding without having to print anything.
Best time of year to travel from Split to Hvar
The peak season runs from June to September. This is when you’ll find the most ferry departures, long daylight hours, and lively nightlife. The downside is bigger crowds and higher prices.
In the off-season, ferry services are less frequent, but the island has a calmer, more relaxed vibe. It’s a great time if you prefer a quieter experience and don’t mind cooler weather.
I went in June and it was already busy, but not overwhelming. The weather was perfect, and there were enough ferry options to keep my schedule flexible.
How to get around in Hvar
From my experience, the best way to get around Hvar is with a car, especially if you want to explore beyond Hvar Town and visit places like the beaches on the south coast, Stari Grad, or Jelsa.
I paid extra to take the car ferry from Split, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my trip. Having my own car gave me the freedom to set my own schedule and reach spots that aren’t as easily accessible by public transport.
Of course, bringing a car means higher ferry costs, so it’s not for everyone. If you’re traveling without a vehicle, you still have plenty of options:
- Public buses connect Stari Grad to Hvar Town and a few other villages
- Renting a car or scooter once you arrive
- Joining organized tours from Hvar Town that cover beaches, villages, and nearby islands
Whether you drive your own car or not, planning how you’ll get around Hvar in advance will make your trip much smoother.
Where to stay in Hvar
On my trip, I stayed at Apartments Jakic, a budget-friendly spot just a few minutes’ walk from Hvar Town’s historic center. The apartment was simple but clean, and I even had a lovely view of the Spanish Fortress from my window. It was a great value for the location.
When choosing where to stay, think about the vibe you want. Hvar Town is best if you’re after nightlife, restaurants, and easy access to the ferry port. Stari Grad is quieter and more laid-back, perfect if you want a peaceful base while still being able to explore the island.
Here are some of my favourite accommodation options in Hvar:
Frequently asked questions about Hvar
» How far is Hvar from Split?
Hvar is about 38 kilometers (24 miles) from Split across the Adriatic Sea. The exact distance you’ll travel depends on your route and arrival port.
For example, ferries to Hvar Town cover a slightly shorter distance than car ferries to Stari Grad.
» How long is the ferry from Split to Hvar?
It depends on the type of service. High-speed catamarans take around 50 minutes to 1 hour and dock in Hvar Town.
The car ferry to Stari Grad takes about 2 hours. Routes with extra stops, such as in Brač or Korčula, can take longer.
» Can you do a day trip to Hvar from Split?
Yes, it’s possible to take a day trip to Hvar from Split using a high-speed catamaran or an organized tour.
However, I recommend staying at least one night. I spent 1 day and 1 night in Hvar and regretted not having more time to explore beyond the main sights.
» Is there an airport in Hvar?
No, Hvar doesn’t have its own airport.
The closest airport is Split Airport on the mainland. From there, you’ll need to travel to Split’s ferry port and take a boat to Hvar. In summer, private speedboat transfers from Split Airport to Hvar are also available.
» Can you bring a rental car on the ferry to Hvar?
Yes, but only on certain ferries — mainly the Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Stari Grad and the Drvenik to Sućuraj route.
Always confirm with your rental company that their vehicles can be taken on ferries, and factor in higher ticket prices for cars compared to foot passengers.
Final thoughts on how to get to Hvar island
Figuring out how to get to Hvar isn’t complicated once you know your options.
Whether you take a fast catamaran straight into Hvar Town, bring your car over on the ferry to Stari Grad, or opt for a private speedboat, the journey is part of the adventure. With the right planning, you’ll arrive ready to enjoy the island’s beaches, historic towns, and incredible views.
Even though I only spent one day in Hvar, I left already planning to return for longer. The island’s relaxed vibe had me hooked from the moment I arrived.
Have you already been to Hvar, or are you planning your first trip soon? I’d love to hear which route you’re taking and what you’re most excited to see.
If you’re exploring more of the country, don’t miss my 7 days in Croatia guide for a full itinerary packed with highlights beyond the islands.
Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊
