What to expect when visiting Hvar
Hvar is a Croatian paradise for the rich and famous. Culture, traditions, Venetian architecture, and Greek agriculture blend so beautifully here that it’s hard to identify which part we like best. In fact, Hvar Island is home to the highest number of UNESCO sites in the world!
From the picturesque lavender fields to the ancient fortresses, there is so much to explore here. And that’s only during the day. Travel guides to Hvar say it’s the Ibiza of Croatia. Because at night, the island transforms into a party destination — attracting top-tier celebrities like Beyonce and Tom Cruise.
3 ways to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar
There are three ways to travel the distance of 235 km (146 miles) from Dubrovnik to Hvar: by ferry (3h10m-3h45m), car ferry via drvenik (3h50m-4h10m) and ferry via split (4h35m-6h). The journey takes between 3h10m - 6h and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 280 KN (€36.50) for the ferry.Where to stay in Hvar?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Hvar at the bottom of this page.
Dubrovnik to Hvar by Ferry
If you’re travelling during the high season, then you shouldn’t have a hard time getting from Dubrovnik to Hvar.
Kapetan Luka and TP Line each operate 1 afternoon trip from April to October. Jadrolinija is also available only during the summer season (July to September). The catamaran sails at 7:00 and makes a short stop at Korcula to pick up and drop off passengers.
The trip takes around 3.5 hours. Ticket prices from Dubrovnik to Hvar start from 280 KN (€36.50), but this cheapest ferry departs early at 07:00.
For this route, we suggest taking the 15:15 trip by TP Line that costs 295 KN ($41.50). Although the Jadrolinija ferry is cheaper, we recommend spending 2 euros more to travel with TP Line. It would be a shame if you need to check out so early in Dubrovnik to take the ferry at 07:00.
Much better, take an afternoon ferry and enjoy that last brunch with a magnificent view of the historical town of Dubrovnik. (If you need some inspiration, check out Restaurant Arsenal.)
Departure and arrival station
All ferries depart from Port Gruz. This port is about 4 km north of the Old Town in Dubrovnik.
You will arrive at Harbour of Hvar in Hvar Town. From here, it is only a few minutes walk to the town centre.
Ferry schedule from Dubrovnik to Hvar
To guarantee that you will get a seat on your desired date, you can book a ticket online in advance.
If you’re visiting Hvar from Dubrovnik outside the summer season, you can take a ferry via Drvenik or Split, which we explain below.
Dubrovnik to Hvar by Ferry via Split
Travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar via Split can be a long journey. However, it provides a cheap alternative for passengers who are travelling in the low season, as well as those who ran out of direct ferry tickets.
Unlike the direct ferry, this option is available all year round.
Step 1: Dubrovnik to Split by Bus
There are several buses operating the Dubrovnik to Split route during the high season. The bus journey can take 4-5 hours with fares starting from 150 KN (€20.00).
You will be dropped off at Split Bus Station, which is conveniently located just beside the ferry terminal.
Ferry via Split options from Dubrovnik to Hvar
For more info and other transport options, you can check out our page on Dubrovnik to Split.
Step 2: Split to Hvar by Catamaran
Ferries operate the Split to Hvar route the whole year. From Split, you shouldn’t have a problem transferring to a ferry bound for Hvar Island – may that be Hvar Town, Stari Grad or Jelsa.
Of course, the most recommended route is to Hvar town. Ferry fares start from 130 KN (€17.50) for the 1-hour trip.
Ferry via Split options from Dubrovnik to Hvar
If you’re thinking of taking a ferry to Stari Grad or Jelsa, you can visit our page on Split to Hvar for more info.
Dubrovnik to Hvar by Car Ferry via Drvenik
Are you travelling by car? There are no direct car ferries from Dubrovnik to Hvar.
Instead, you’ll have to take a ferry from Drvenik, a town located 124 km northwest of Dubrovnik.
Although this route is also possible for foot passengers, we don’t recommend it because you will need to take a taxi from Sucuraj to Hvar town or other parts of the island of Hvar.
Step 1: Dubrovnik to Drvenik by Car or Bus
The 124 km distance between Dubrovnik and Drvenik is about a 2-hour drive. You need to take the D8 coastal road for the fastest route.
If you’re a foot passenger, you can take a bus from Dubrovnik to Drvenik. Buses are available at Dubrovnik Bus Station beside Port Gruz.
There are 5 bus departures daily that you can pick from. The bus ride takes around 2.5 hours, and fares start from 115 KN (€15.50).
Note that there are no bus stations in Drvenik, and buses stop only at designated bus stops. The Drvenik Bus Stop is the nearest one, which is just a 10-minute walk from the harbour.
Car Ferry via Drvenik options from Dubrovnik to Hvar
You can buy your tickets at the terminal or book them in advance through GetByBus.
Step 2: Drvenik to Sucuraj by Car Ferry
From Drvenik, you can take a car ferry to Sucuraj, a small town on the eastern end of Hvar island. This is also the nearest town on the island from Drvenik.
Car ferries from Drvenik to Sucuraj operate all year round, with plenty of departures daily during the tourist season. Note that there are fewer ferries if you’re travelling from November to March.
A one-way ticket costs 17 KN (€2.20) per person. For vehicles, rates start from 98 KN (€13.00).
The travel time from Drvenik to Sucuraj is 35 minutes.
Car Ferry via Drvenik options from Dubrovnik to Hvar
The full schedule and rates for other types of vehicles are provided on the Jadrolinija website.
Step 3: Sucuraj to Hvar Town by Car
The ferries dock at Sucuraj Ferry Terminal. From here, you’ll have to drive 77 km west to reach Hvar Town, which is at the opposite end of the island. The drive would take around 1.5 hours.
This route can be quite expensive for foot passengers because there are no buses available from Sucuraj to Hvar Town. Your only option would be to take a taxi with rates from 150 KN (€20.00).
If you’re a foot passenger who ran out of direct ferry tickets from Dubrovnik to Hvar or travelling during the low season, we recommend that you take the route via Split to save on costs.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubrovnik to Hvar
What is the distance from Dubrovnik to Hvar?
The distance from Dubrovnik to Hvar is 235 km (146 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar?
The fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar is by ferry and takes 3h10m-3h45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar?
The cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 280 KN (€36.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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.
