How to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik
Why visit 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!
What are the 3 ways to travel from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
There are 3 ways to travel the 235 kilometre (146 miles) distance from Hvar to Dubrovnik. You can choose between the direct ferry, car ferry via Drvenik and ferry via Split. The journey takes 3 hours 20 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes and the quickest way is by direct ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry via Split with tickets starting at €28 ($32).
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 Direct Ferry
Taking a direct ferry is the fastest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik. Travel time is around 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes.
Kapetan Luka and TP Line are available from April to October, while Jadrolinija only runs from June to September. If you’re travelling outside these months, you can take the indirect ferry via Drvenik or Split.
If you want to start exploring Dubrovnik earlier in the day, both Kapetan Luka and TP Line offer morning departures.
Ferry ticket prices start from €48 ($55).
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries depart from the Harbour of Hvar in Hvar Town. This port is close to several hotels in the area.
You will arrive at Dubrovnik Ferry Terminal, which is also in the town centre and about 4 km north of the Old Town.
Ferry schedule from Hvar to Dubrovnik
IMPORTANT NOTE: Jadrolinija is a popular ferry company and often gets fully booked. Buying a ticket online does not guarantee a trip at your preferred time. Jadrolinija operates on a first-come, first-served basis. So even with an online ticket, if the ferry you booked is already full, you may need to queue for hours at the port for a seat.
To avoid long waiting times, especially during the high season (June-August), we suggest booking with Krilo Kapetan Luka or TP Line via BookAway instead.
Check our guide for Croatia ferry companies for more details.
Hvar to Dubrovnik by Ferry via Split
The cheapest way to reach Dubrovnik from Hvar involves two steps: a ferry ride from Hvar to Split, followed by a bus journey to Dubrovnik. This option has the longest travel time of around 4 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes.
Combined fares for the ferry and bus start from €28 ($32).
Step 1: Hvar to Split by Catamaran
The Hvar to Split route is popular, especially during the summer season (June to September). Three ferry companies operate on this route, and there are several ferry departures throughout the day.
If you catch the earliest ferry with Kapetan Luka, ticket prices start from €8.20 ($9.40). For other departure times, ticket prices start from €25 ($29). The ferry ride takes about 55m - 1h 55m.
Outside of summer, daily ferries drop to just one or two, but the route usually stays active all year. We recommend checking the latest schedules and booking tickets in advance to secure a spot.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Staying in Stari Grad or Jelsa? You don’t need to travel to Hvar Town. You can catch a ferry directly from your town to the Ferry Port of Split. To check schedules and book tickets from Stari Grad and Jelsa, use BookAway. Or head over to our full guide on Hvar to Split for more info.
Step 2: Split to Dubrovnik by Bus
Split Bus Station is just right outside the port, so it’s easy to hop on a bus heading to Dubrovnik.
Several bus departures throughout the day give you many options. Bus travel time takes about 3h 35m - 5h 15m, and ticket fares start from €19.70 ($22.50).
IMPORTANT: While most buses take the route over the Peljesac Bridge, there is also a route via the 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.
Hvar to Dubrovnik by Car Ferry via Drvenik
If you want to travel by car, you need to drive all the way to Sucuraj, on the other end of Hvar Island. There are no direct car ferries from Hvar Town to Dubrovnik.
This might work for foot passengers travelling outside of peak season, since the car ferry runs all year. But we don’t really recommend it! The ferry arrives in Sućuraj, and from there, getting to Hvar Town means a long and pricey taxi ride.
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 on the mainland, where you’ll drive the rest of the way to Dubrovnik.
If you’re coming from Hvar Town, the drive to Sucuraj along the D116 road takes a little over an hour.
Note that this route can be quite expensive for foot passengers. No buses are available from Hvar Town to Sucuraj, so you need to take a taxi with rates from €100 ($115).
Step 2: Sucuraj to Drvenik by Car Ferry
Given the small 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 about €4.10 ($4.70) per person. For vehicles, rates start from €20 ($23). You can get to Drvenik in around 30m.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Online booking for Jadrolinija isn’t always available. You can check the Jadrolinija website or Direct Ferries to see if tickets can be booked in advance. But be aware — Jadrolinija runs on a first-come, first-served basis. Even with an online ticket, if the ferry’s full, you might still have to queue for hours at the port.
Step 3: Drvenik to Dubrovnik by Car or Bus
The ferry from Sucuraj arrives at Drvenik Ferry Port. From there, it’s about 126 km to Dubrovnik’s city centre. You’ll be driving along the scenic D8 coastal road for about 2 hours.
For foot passengers, you’ll need to take a bus to Dubrovnik. The nearest bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the port. Bus ticket prices start from €15.90 ($18.30). You will be dropped off at Dubrovnik Bus Station near the port.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
If tickets for the direct ferry have sold out or you’re travelling during the low season and are a foot passenger, we suggest taking the route via Split to save on costs.
Best 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
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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hvar to Dubrovnik
What is the distance from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
The distance from Hvar to Dubrovnik is 235 kilometre (146 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
The fastest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik is by direct ferry and takes 3 hours 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
The cheapest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik is by ferry via Split with ticket costs starting from €28 ($32).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
