What to expect when visiting Split
Split is a coastal town in Central Croatia, on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea. This makes it a popular transport hub to and from the nearby islands of Brac, Hvar and Korcula. But Split is more than just a stopover, it is a destination on its own.
A beautiful mix of old and new, Split is a great place to explore Croatia’s colourful history while also enjoying modern luxuries. Get lost in the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace and immerse yourself in the city’s relaxed way of life. You can also climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius for the best views of Split!
4 ways to get from Hvar to Split
There are four ways to travel the distance of 60 km (37 miles) from Hvar to Split: by high-speed ferry (50m-1h05m), ferry via stari grad (2h30m), catamaran via jelsa (2h) and private group transfer (1 hour). The journey takes between 50 minutes - 2h30m and the quickest way is by high-speed ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 43 KN (€5.50) for the ferry via stari grad.Where to stay in Split?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Split at the bottom of this page.
Hvar to Split by Ferry via Stari Grad
If you’re travelling by car from Hvar to Split, your best option is to take a ferry from Stari Grad. This town is located 20 km northeast of Hvar town.
As the oldest town in Croatia, Stari Grad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although taking this route adds an hour to your travel time, this route gives you a chance to see the beauty of this ancient town.
Step 1: Hvar to Stari Grad by Car
When travelling by car, you only need to drive around 30 minutes northeast to reach the Stari Grad Port.
For foot passengers: Hvar to Stari Grad by Taxi or Bus
However, if you’re travelling this route for other reasons – perhaps if the direct ferries are fully-booked – you can also take a 30-minute taxi or bus from Hvar to Stari Grad.
Taxis are really easy to find, and you can get a ride with rates from 250 KN (€33.50).
Buses are much cheaper with fares from 27 KN (€3.60). However, their departure times are far apart (2 to 3 hours in the afternoon), so you might have to wait a while.
Step 2: Stari Grad to Split by Ferry
From Stari Grad, Jadrolinija offers several ferry trips bound for Split. The ferry journey takes 2 hours.
Ticket prices start from 43 KN (€5.50) per person. For vehicles, rates start from 258 KN (€34.50) per car.
Ferries dock at Split Ferry Port, from where the Old Town is just within walking distance.
Ferry via Stari Grad options from Hvar to Split
You can check the full schedule and rates for vehicles on the Jadrolinija website.
Hvar to Split by High-Speed Ferry
Travelling by ferry is a cheap and easy way to get from Hvar to Split in just about an hour.
Kapetan Luka and Jadrolinija offer at least one trip daily all year round. More trips are available in the tourist season (May to September).
Book your ferry ticket in advance during high season (June-September)
Croatia has been rising in popularity for travellers, particularly Split and Zadar. This means ferries are often fully-booked and that’s why we highly recommend that you reserve your tickets online 3-5 days in advance.
If you buy your ticket through BookAway, you can still cancel your tickets free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.
Rather buy your tickets at the port? It’s best to get to the harbour at least an hour prior to your desired departure for a chance at getting a ticket, especially during the high season. We recommend lining up at the harbour in the morning so that you’ll have more chances of getting a ticket for a ferry departing on the same day.
Prefer to buy your ticket at the harbour? In that case, line up at the port at least one hour before departure when travelling in the high season (June-September). We recommend going to the ticket office in the early morning so that you can avoid waiting in the hot sun and increase your chances to get a ticket for your desired departure time.
If you can’t board your desired ferry, you’ll have to wait for the next ferry from Hvar to Split.
Hvar to Split high-speed ferry schedule (2022)
Departure and arrival station
Both ferries depart from the Harbour of Hvar in Hvar Town. This town is on the western side of the island.
The ferries arrive at Split Ferry Port, located just around 500m south of the Old Town. This port is just within walking distance from most hotels in the city centre.
High-speed ferry of Kapetan Luka
Our ferry of choice is the high-speed ferry operated by Kapetan Luka. The ferry can take you from Hvar to Split in just 50 minutes.
The Kapetan Luka ferry has six departures per day from Hvar to Split during peak season and at least one trip daily during the low season.
More importantly, if you book your ride online via BookAway, you can expect a seat on your desired date and time. No need to queue at the port for at least an hour. BookAway also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for this route.
Alternative: Jadrolinija ferry
Jadrolinija also offers ferry rides from Hvar to Split. It’s a bit cheaper with fares from 130 KN (€17.50) during peak season, but also not as luxurious or comfortable as those offered by Kapetan Luka.
The Jadrolinija catamaran has several trips from 06:35 to 18:00 during summer (June to September). Outside these months, the catamaran offers only one trip daily at 06:35.
Since schedules vary, you need to first check the Jadrolinija website for the scheduled departures on your desired date.
Note that Jadrolinija operates on a full=full rule. This means that even though you book your tickets online via their website, there’s still a chance you will not get a place on the boat.
When travelling with Jadrolinija, you need to queue at the port at least an hour before your trip. Better to schedule an early departure too! If you miss the boat you have booked, you can always take a later boat to Hvar Island.
We don’t think it’s worth the hassle to wait half a day for your boat just to save a few bucks, though. It’s much better to spend a few euros more on Kapetan Luka’s fast boat that guarantees a place on board.
Travelling in winter months?
The schedules above are for ferry schedules during the tourist season. There should be fewer ferries operating in the colder months (October-March), just one to two trips per day for both Kapetan Luka and Jadrolinija.
Also, note that ferries may not be allowed to sail during severe weather conditions. This is more common during the winter and less likely in summer.
You can expect blue skies and smooth seas from May through October. Just in case your ferry is not allowed to travel for some reason, you will have the option to take the next available ferry or receive a full refund.
Hvar to Split by Catamaran via Jelsa
If you’re a foot passenger looking for an alternative route, there is also an option to take a catamaran from Jelsa. Located 26 km west of Hvar Town, Jelsa is another one of the island’s charming towns.
We recommend that you take this route only if the abovementioned ferry routes are already fully booked. The taxi from Hvar town to Jelsa can be quite expensive.
Step 1: Hvar to Jelsa by Taxi
Your only option to get to Jelsa from Hvar town is a taxi ride. Rates start from 370 KN (€50.00) for the 30-minute journey.
Step 2: Jelsa, Hvar to Split by Ferry
Jadrolinija operates one daily catamaran trip from Jelsa to Split. The catamaran departs at 07:00 on Saturdays and 13:00 on Sundays. For the rest of the week, the departure is at 06:00. A ticket costs 44 KN (€5.50).
The ferry ride takes 1.5 hours, as these ferries also make a short stop at Bol before heading to Split.
Catamaran via Jelsa options from Hvar to Split
From Split Ferry Port, you can find the Old Town about 500m to the north.
Hvar to Split by Private Group Transfer
Private group transfers are also available from Hvar to Split.
Bonaca Tours, Segorent, and Absolut Charter offer private motorboats for groups of eight people. Rates start from 2,800 KN (€365.00) for four people and 3,200 KN (€415.00) for a speedboat that can accommodate eight passengers.
This option is definitely more expensive, but having your own motorboat is also an experience on its own.
Travel time is around an hour from Hvar to Split city centre.
The speedboats depart from Hvar Port in the town centre. They dock at Matejuska Port, just next to Split city centre.
Hvar to Split Airport with Private Transfer
A private transfer is especially convenient when travelling straight from Hvar to Split Airport. Rates are just the same as going to Split city centre.
The speedboats dock at Divulje Port, located about 1.5 km south of Split Airport. From the port, a car will pick you up to bring you or your group to the airport.
We recommend booking your private transfer with BookAway, which offers nice cars and top-notch customer support.
Our favourite places to stay in Split
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.
Apartment and Room Stone House - Budget Friendly
These modern and airy apartments, situated in Split centre are just moments away from the famous Diocletian’s palace, Bacvice Beach and a not unimportant – a delicious local bakery.
Watch the world go by on your own private balcony, or just relax after a day of exploring Split in your newly renovated, air-conditioned room. Nothing is too much for the host, Goran, who can give you the best insider tips.
- Newly renovated
- Short walk to famous landmarks
- Very friendly host
- Private balconies available
Guest House Kala - Mid Range
Close to the hustle and bustle of Split, but still located within a quiet neighbourhood. At House Kala you do not need to worry about being kept up at night.
The rooms boast a homely and charming ambience, utilising the rustic stone that Split is famous for. Each room has their own private patio, where you can enjoy your welcome drink and relax.
- Modern and clean rooms
- Welcome drink
- Great location
- Friendly and helpful hosts
Luxury Rooms Lucija and Luka - Treating Yourself
Located within the pedestrian zone of Split’s Old Town, you can’t be closer to the centre than this hotel. The rooms offer a stunning blend of modern and old, with each one having a seating area, minbar and coffee machine.
You’ll struggle to find a fault in this hotel, especially when the hosts are so incredibly kind and helpful.
- Perfect location
- Room views of Split’s landmarks
- Friendly hosts
- Large and clean rooms
Frequently Asked Questions about Hvar to Split
What is the distance from Hvar to Split?
The distance from Hvar to Split is 60 km (37 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hvar to Split?
The fastest way to get from Hvar to Split is by high-speed ferry and takes 50m-1h05m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hvar to Split?
The cheapest way to get from Hvar to Split is by ferry via stari grad with ticket costs starting from 43 KN (€5.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Hvar to Split. 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.
