What to expect when visiting Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is an ancient walled city dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It will enchant you with its baroque architecture and limestone streets, backdropped by the ever-glistening Adriatic. This red-roofed city has a special charm that sets it apart from all other Croatian cities.
Just walking around the Old Town is probably already the best thing to do in Dubrovnik. And if you’re a fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, you’ll find many of its streets familiar. Dubrovnik was the main location for the show’s King’s Landing, including the alley where they shot Cersei’s iconic walk of shame!
3 ways to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik
There are three ways to travel the distance of 235 km (146 miles) from Hvar to Dubrovnik: by ferry (3h15m-3h50m), car ferry via drvenik (8h-8h20m) and ferry via split (4h35m-6h10m). The journey takes between 3h15m - 8h20m and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 280 KN (€36.50) for the ferry.Where to stay in Dubrovnik?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Dubrovnik at the bottom of this page.
Hvar to Dubrovnik by Ferry
Taking a direct ferry is the fastest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik. Travel time is around 3.5-4 hours.
There are three ferry companies on this route. Kapetan Luka and TP Line are available only from April to October, while Jadrolinija runs from July to September. If you’re travelling outside these months, you can try the indirect ferry via Drvenik or Split.
The cheapest ferry for the Hvar to Dubrovnik route is the Jadrolinija catamaran that costs 280 KN (€36.50). However, this ferry arrives in Dubrovnik at night.
If you want to get to Dubrovnik early enough to start exploring, you can take the earliest ferry trip with Kapetan Luka. For this option, though, fares are more expensive at 345 KN (€45.00). The TP Line ferry also has a convenient schedule for a cheaper price.
Departure and arrival station
The ferries depart from the Harbour of Hvar in Hvar Town. This port is close to several hotels and establishments in the area.
You will arrive at Dubrovnik Ferry Terminal, also in the town centre, which is about 4 km north of the Old Town in Dubrovnik.
Ferry schedule from Hvar to Dubrovnik
We suggest booking your ticket in advance, especially during summer, to secure a seat.
Hvar to Dubrovnik by Car Ferry via Drvenik
If you want to travel by car, you need to drive all the way to Sucuraj, located at the other end of Hvar island. There are no direct car ferries from Hvar town to Dubrovnik.
This route is also possible for foot passengers since the car ferry runs all year round. But note that costs would be higher as there is no public transportation from Hvar town to Sucuraj.
Step 1: Hvar to Sucuraj by Car
Car ferries are available at Sucuraj Ferry Terminal. Sucuraj is a small town on the eastern end of Hvar island. It is also the nearest town on the island to Drvenik, from where you’ll drive the rest of the way to Dubrovnik.
If you’re coming from Hvar town, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Sucuraj through the D116 road.
Note that this route can be quite expensive for foot passengers. There are no buses available from Hvar town to Sucuraj, so you need to take a taxi with rates from 150 KN (€20.00).
Step 2: Sucuraj to Drvenik by Car Ferry
Given the close distance between Sucuraj and Drvenik, there are several ferry departures from morning to night all year round. From November to April, there are fewer departures, around six trips daily.
A ferry ticket costs 17 KN (€2.20) per person. For vehicles, rates start from 98 KN (€13.00). You can get to Drvenik in just around 35 minutes.
Car Ferry via Drvenik options from Hvar to Dubrovnik
You can check the full schedule and rates for other types of vehicles on the Jadrolinija website.
Step 3: Drvenik to Dubrovnik by Car or Bus
The ferry from Sucuraj arrives at Drvenik Ferry Port. This port is about 126 km away from Dubrovnik city centre, and the drive through the D8 coastal road is about 2.5 hours.
For foot passengers, you need to walk about 10 minutes to the nearest bus stop from the port. There are only a few bus departures daily, so best to plan your ferry trip accordingly.
Bus tickets start from 115 KN (€15.50). You will be dropped off at Dubrovnik bus station near the port.
Car Ferry via Drvenik options from Hvar to Dubrovnik
Tickets are available at the terminal, but you can also book them in advance through GetByBus.
If you’re a foot passenger who has run out of direct ferry tickets from Hvar to Dubrovnik or travelling during the low season, we suggest taking the route via Split to save on costs.
Hvar to Dubrovnik by Ferry via Split
Another option is to take a ferry from Hvar to Split, where several buses to Dubrovnik are available. This option has the longest travel time of around 4.5-6 hours.
Combined fares for the ferry and bus are about 285 KN (€37.00), which costs almost the same as the direct ferry.
Step 1: Hvar to Split by Catamaran
The Hvar to Split route is a popular route, especially during the summer season (June to September). This is why there are three ferry companies on this route with several ferry departures throughout the day.
Outside the summer season, only Kapetan Luka and Jadrolinija ferries are available, with only one or two departures daily.
Ferry tickets start from 125 KN (€16.50) for the 1-hour ferry ride.
Ferry via Split options from Hvar to Dubrovnik
If you’re staying in Stari Grad or Jelsa, you can also take a ferry from there instead of going to Hvar Harbour in town. All ferries arrive at Port of Split in the town centre.
Step 2: Split to Dubrovnik by Bus
The Split Central Bus Station is conveniently located just outside the port, so you can immediately transfer to a bus going to Dubrovnik.
There are also several bus departures throughout the day, giving you a lot of options. Travel time by bus is about 3.5-5 hours, and tickets cost around 160 KN (€21.50).
Note: While most buses take the route over the Peljesac Bridge, there is also a route via Neum Corridor. If your bus takes this route, you need to have a multiple entry visa for the Schengen zone. Read our page about Split to Dubrovnik for more information.
Ferry via Split options from Hvar to Dubrovnik
Our favourite places to stay in Dubrovnik
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.
Rooms Franica - Budget Friendly
Rooms Franica is a great choice if you’re travelling on a budget. The rooms are surrounded by gardens flourishing with flowers, plus your own patio. The beach is within walking distance and the Old Town is only 10 minutes away by bus.
The bonus of staying in a guesthouse is that you’re instantly made to feel at home. The hosts are super helpful and the rooms are comfortable and clean, offering everything you need.
- Close to the beach and supermarket
- Only 10m by bus to the Old Town
- Beautiful gardens
- Friendly and helpful hosts
- Private patio
Guest House Tomasi - Mid Range
This guesthouse is a magical blend of the old and the new. It boasts a modern flare, whilst still celebrating its origins with its exposed stone walls.
The hotel is located within Dubrovnik’s UNESCO- listed Old Town. You can’t really get a better location than this. Plus, the beach is also only 130 meters away! The owners treat you like their own family offering you apples, coffee and other treats.
- Amazing and friendly hosts
- Within Dubrovnik Old Town
- Huge and comfy beds
- Close to the beach
Villa Four Winds - Treating Yourself
If your heart is set on staying here, make sure to book it straight away as this Villa gets booked up fast! And for good reason.
Everything is at your doorstep, as you’ll be situated within the Old Town. This means that any window you look out of, offers you stunning views of Dubrovnik. The star of the show has to be Villa Four’s host. She takes the hotel to another level!
- Amazing views of the city
- Perfect location
- Friendly and helpful host
- Modern and large rooms
Frequently Asked Questions about Hvar to Dubrovnik
What is the distance from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
The distance from Hvar to Dubrovnik is 235 km (146 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
The fastest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik is by ferry and takes 3h15m-3h50m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
The cheapest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik 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 Hvar to Dubrovnik. 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!
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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.
