Overview Compare From Bol To Jelsa From Milna Day Trip To Stay
How to get from Brac to Hvar
Hvar town is often referred to as one of the world’s top party islands, thanks to visits from top-tier celebrities like Beyonce, Tom Cruise, Eva Longoria, and the most infamous of all — the former party boy in Prince Harry, among many others!
However, world-class clubs are only one of the many great things you can enjoy on Hvar. On this island, culture, traditions, Venetian architecture, and Greek agriculture blend so beautifully that it’s hard to identify which part we like best. From the picturesque lavender fields to the ancient fortresses, there is so much to explore in Hvar.
TIP: Make sure to check out our brand new Hvar Travel Guide full of the best tips on where to stay, restaurants to eat and how to get around. Already know when you’re arriving in Hvar? Start planning your days with these 15 best things to do in Hvar for an unforgettable trip.
Ferries from Brac to Hvar
You have 4 options when travelling the 20 km from Brac to Hvar: a 50-minute catamaran from Bol, a 45-minute catamaran to Jelsa (Hvar), a 2-hour catamaran from Milna (including transfers), or a 9-hour day trip. Rates range from 85 KN (€11.00) to 970 KN (€125.00).
The best way to travel direct from Brac to Hvar Town is via a catamaran from Bol. Fares start from 170 KN (€22.00), and the travel time is 50 minutes. Note that this catamaran is only available during the high season (June to September).
Travelling from Brac to Hvar during the low season? The second best option is to take a ferry from Bol to Jelsa on the northern side of Hvar Island. From Jelsa, you can take a bus to Hvar Town. Combined catamaran and bus rates from Bol to Hvar town start from 85 KN (€11.00). Travel time is about 45 minutes (plus the waiting time for your connecting bus transfer).
In the high season, there are also catamarans operating between Milna and Hvar. This option is a good alternative if you’re already staying on Brac’s west coast or if the catamaran from Bol is already fully-booked. The journey includes a 1.5-hour bus ride and a 30 to 40-minute catamaran trip to Hvar. Combined fares start from 205 KN (€26.50).
If you are short on time but still want to visit the best spots of Hvar, consider joining a day trip leaving from Brac to Hvar. Rates per person start from 970 KN (€125.00). The day trip includes a 9-hour tour of Hvar Town, Biševo’s Blue Cave, Vis’ Stiniva Cove, and Palmižana’s botanical garden.
Bol, Brac to Hvar by Ferry
Bol is Brac’s tourist centre, where you will find most of the accommodations on the island. When travelling by ferry from Bol, Brac to Hvar, you can choose from two operators: TP Line and Jadrolinija.
Note that both companies are available only from June to September. This means that you have to take a different route if you’re travelling from Bol (Brac) to Hvar outside these months.
The direct ferry from Bol, Brac to Hvar Town takes around 55 minutes. Ferry ticket prices start from 150 KN (€19.50) with Jadrolinija and 170 KN (€22.00) with TP Line.
Which ferry to take?
We recommend travelling with TP Line. If you book with them online via BookAway, you won’t have to queue for tickets at the port. You can just arrive at the ferry terminal a few minutes before departure.
Jadrolinija is a good alternative, but this company runs on a full=full system. This means that even though you book with Jadrolinija online beforehand, you still need to arrive early at the pier. Having a ticket does not guarantee a seat on your preferred Jadrolinija ferry.
Departure and arrival station
The catamarans depart from Bol Port on the south coast of Brac Island, within walking distance of many hotels in Bol.
You will arrive at the Port of Hvar, which is just beside Hvar town.
Ferry Schedule from Bol, Brac to Hvar
Brac to Hvar via Jelsa by Catamaran
If you travel outside the busy season (October to March), the option discussed above (from Bol to Hvar town) won’t be available. Neither is the option discussed below, which is via Milna.
The only option to travel from Brac to Hvar in the low season is via a catamaran from Brac to Jelsa. Jelsa is a small harbour town on Hvar Island, 25 km northeast of Hvar Town.
Step 1: Brac to Jelsa by Catamaran
Also for this route, catamarans depart from the tourist centre in Bol.
Jadrolinija sails from Bol (Brac) to Jelsa in central Hvar once a day, every afternoon, all year round.
Ferry departure varies throughout the year — it could be at 17:10, 17:40 or 17:50. Check the latest schedule on the Jadrolinija website beforehand so you don’t miss the ferry.
A ticket costs 50 KN (€6.50) for the 20-minute catamaran ride from Bol to Jelsa.
Ferry Schedule from Brac to Jelsa
Step 2: Jelsa to Hvar Town by Bus
Ferries dock at Jelsa Port, from where you can take a bus the rest of the way to Hvar town. You can find the bus stop some 350m east (around 5 minutes) from the pier.
Buses from Jelsa to Hvar depart roughly every hour from 06:40 to 21:45 during summer. There are fewer bus departures in the colder months, just 3 times a day — usually, that’s one in the morning, one close to noon, and another one in the afternoon.
The advertised travel time is 25 minutes, but it really takes 45 minutes when you include all the bus stops along the way.
A ticket costs 35 KN (€4.50). You will be dropped off at Hvar Bus Station.
Bus Schedule from Jelsa to Hvar (during summer)
Online booking is not available for this route. You can buy your tickets at the bus station in Jelsa.
If you don’t want to wait a few hours for the next bus trip after arriving in Jelsa, you can take a taxi to Hvar Town. This option is more expensive though, with fares starting from 370 KN (€48.00).
Milna, Brac to Hvar by Catamaran
If you’re already on the western side of Brac Island, then you can take the catamaran from Milna instead of from Bol. Milna is a lovely Dalmatian fishing village that we think is also worth exploring once you’ve had your fill of Bol.
Note that the catamarans operating from Milna (Brac) to Hvar run only during the high season from April to October.
In case you’re staying in Bol but can’t take the ferry from there, we explain how to get from Bol to Milna via Supetar below.
If you’re already in Milna, then you can just go straight to Step 3.
Step 1: Bol to Supetar by Bus
There are no direct buses from Bol to Milna. You’ll first have to take a bus to Supetar, a town located 35 km north of Bol. Supetar is Brac’s largest and most urban town, which is also worth a visit if you have extra time.
Arriva is the sole company operating buses from Bol to Supetar. These buses depart 10x a day from 07:40 to 19:25. But if you want to take the ferry from Milna to Hvar within the same day, you have to take the first bus trip that departs at 07:40.
A ticket costs 47 KN (€6.00) for the 1-hour bus ride from Bol to Supetar.
Buses depart from Bol Bus Station, just beside the marina.
Bus schedule from Bol to Supetar
Step 2: Supetar to Milna by Taxi or Bus
From Supetar, you’ll then have to travel 20 km southwest to Milna.
There are also buses operating on this route. But if you take the first bus from Bol to Supetar and you want to arrive in Hvar on the same day, then you have to take a taxi from Supetar to Milna.
A taxi ride from Supetar to Milna takes around 30 minutes. Rates start from 240 KN (€31.00).
Take the bus if you’re staying the night in Supetar
In case you’re spending a night in Supetar and departing for Milna the next day, you can take the first bus trip, which departs at 06:10.
The journey to Milna takes around 30 minutes, and a bus ticket costs 35 KN (€4.50).
Bus schedule from Supetar to Milna
Buses depart from Supetar Bus Station. They park at Milna Bus Station, 900m east of Milna Pier.
Alternative option: Direct Taxi from Bol to Milna
Are you travelling in a group? If yes, and you don’t have extra time to explore Supetar or Milna, you can also take a direct taxi from Bol to Milna. It’s a bit expensive, but it saves you the hassle of making a transfer in Supetar.
Rates start from 500 KN (€65.00) for this 1-hour journey.
Step 3: Milna, Brac to Hvar by Catamaran
The ferries from Milna to Brac are available only during the tourist season (April to October).
TP Line and Kapetan Luka both sail one trip daily during these months. The ferry ride takes 30-40 minutes. Ferry ticket prices start from 125 KN (€16.00).
Ferry schedule from Milna to Hvar
Ferries depart from Milna Pier and arrive at the Port of Hvar.
Ferry trips from Milna, Brac to Hvar are limited, so we highly recommend booking online beforehand to secure a seat. Note that booking may not be available until a few weeks before your desired travel date.
Brac to Hvar by Day Trip
Thinking of spending just one day in Hvar? You can also join a day trip from Brac to Hvar and see Hvar’s most beautiful treasures in just one day.
This group tour includes a visit to the popular Blue Cave on Biševo, Stiniva Cove on Vis, the botanical garden on Palmižana, and of course, Hvar.
The whole trip will be organised for you so you don’t need to worry about transportation.
GetYourGuide offers 9-hour day tours with rates from 970 KN (€125.00).
Our favourite places to stay in Hvar
Important: Tourism in Croatia is very seasonal. Much of the available accommodation in Croatia is fully booked in the summer, but many sites are closed in the winter months. With July and August being the peak season, rates can rise 3 times as high as compared the low season or shoulder months. We recommend booking your accommodation at least 1 month in advance to lock in better rates.
Apartments and Rooms Kampanel - Budget Friendly
Choose to stay here and you’ll be just 45 meters from the main square. You can’t really get much closer! Guesthouse Kampanel is set within a traditional Dalmatian stone house that was fully renovated only a few years ago.
The pops of colour, in amongst the predominately white rooms, give them a fresh and clean feel. Opt for a studio apartment and you’ll get your own kitchenette with a coffee machine and microwave.
- In the centre, next to the main square
- Close to the ferry port
- Clean and modern rooms
- Kitchenette rooms available
Kampanel 10 - Mid Range
Kampanel 10 looks and feels like a luxury boutique hotel, without the luxury price tag. Every detail of the room has been thought about, but it’s the velvet statement pieces that really complete the room.
Here you’re only a stroll away from Hvar main square which is brimming with bars and restaurants, and also the port. That’s if you can steal yourself away from the huge and comfy beds.
- Great location
- Close to the ferry
- Stunning boutique hotel vibe
- Friendly hosts
Rooms and Apartments Villa Town Gate - Mid Range
The location of these apartments makes them the perfect place to stay if you’re a foodie. Situated next to the main gate of Hvar’s Old Town, you’ll find here some of the best food spots in Hvar.
Set inside a traditional stone home, every room is spacious and clean. It won’t be easy to get out of the comfy beds each morning.
- Perfect location
- Family-run
- Large, comfy beds
- Helpful hosts
History Hvar Design Heritage Suites - Treating Yourself
This place is just wow! You won’t be able to stop yourself from saying that when you step into this modern and charming suite. Every suite is large and offers a fully functional kitchen, if you fancy cooking during your stay.
You probably won’t want to cook though, as it’s moments away from bars and restaurants, plus Croatia’s most famous breakfast spot. Your hosts will be the cherry on top, offering a top-notch service and advice.
- Modern and charming suites
- Kitchen in every room
- Great location
- The best hosts
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
