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 choose our favourite part. 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. Hvar travel guides say it’s the Ibiza of Croatia. At night, the island transforms into an electric party destination, attracting top-tier celebrities like Beyonce and Tom Cruise.
Some of our favourite activities in Hvar
- 2-hour sunset sailing trip in Hvar Island for €65 ($71)
- Full-day sailing from Split to Hvar and the Paklinski Islands for €130 ($145)
- Kayak trip from Hvar to the Pakleni Islands for €45 ($49)
- Speedboat trip from Hvar to Blue Cave, Vis, and Pakleni Islands for €100 ($110)
Before you leave Split
Are you a big fan of Games of Thrones? Then it’s probably no news to you that several scenes of this series were shot in the city of Split. With a Games of Thrones tour, you will not just get a tour of the city. The guide will reveal some interesting insights about the series and show you places where the series was filmed, including the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace.
Also, if it’s not on your bucket list yet: The Krka Waterfalls are one of Europe’s most beautiful waterfalls and are located just a 1.5-hour drive from Split. A taxi is unfortunately very pricy, but there are cheaper options available. This popular full-day tour takes you to Krka National Park for just €30 ($33), including a stop in the small town of Primosten. This town offers a great beach where, unlike the KrKa Waterfalls, you can take a refreshing dip in the water.
6 ways to get from Split to Hvar
There are 6 ways to travel the distance of 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Split to Hvar by bus + ferry (40 minutes), private Transport (1 to 11 hours), Direct ferry (55 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes), Car ferry via Stari Grad (1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes), ferry via Jelsa (2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes) and Day or Night Trip (8 to 11 hours). The journey duration ranges between 40 minutes - 11 hours and the quickest way is by bus + ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from €8.40 ($9.20) for the car ferry via Stari Grad.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.
Split to Hvar by Direct Ferry
The fastest and easiest way for passengers to get from Split to Hvar is with the catamaran ferries of Krilo (Kapetan Luka), TP Line and Jadrolinija. These are the three main ferry operators that leave from Split Port and bring you straight to Hvar Town.
Book your ferry ticket from Split to Hvar in advance during high season (June-September)
For one of the most popular routes in Croatia, boat tickets for the route from Split to Hvar sell out quickly.
Croatia has become a very popular holiday destination in the last few years (particularly Split and Zdar). Due to this steep increase in tourism, not only accommodations but also boat tickets for the Split-Hvar route sell out quickly.
If you travel in the high season (June-September), reserve your tickets online 3-5 days in advance. We recommend that you book through BookAway, because they allow ticket cancellation for free up to 24 hours before departure.
Prefer to buy your ticket at the harbour? In that case, line up at the port at least an hour before departure if you travel during peak season. Better yet: go to the ticket office early in the morning to avoid waiting in the hot sun and increase the chances of getting a ticket on your desired departure time.
If you can’t board your preferred ferry, you’ll have to wait for the next ferry from Split to Hvar.
Split to Hvar fast ferry schedule
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Departure and arrival station
The ferries from Split to Hvar depart from Split Ferry Port, which is just within walking distance from most hotels in the city centre.
They dock at the Harbour of Hvar in Riva. This pier is on the western part of Hvar Island.
High-speed ferries of Kapetan Luka and TP Line
The high-speed ferries of Kapetan Luka and TP Line can bring you comfortably from Split to Hvar Island in just about an hour.
During the peak season (June to September), both companies offer multiple daily departures to Hvar Island, with several options available in the morning and afternoon. Outside of this period, the frequency of trips decreases, and in some months, service may not be available at all.
Alternative: Jadrolinija ferry
Another option is the ferry from Jadrolinija. This catamaran has four trips daily from 09:45 to 16:00.
Important: Although you can book tickets for Jadrolinija online, this does not guarantee a seat on the boat you have booked. When you travel with Jadrolinija from Split to Hvar, the rule full=full applies.
We, therefore, recommend queuing at least an hour before the departure time and taking one of the early departures. So that if you miss the boat you have booked, you can still take a later boat to Hvar Island.
On busy days, there’s a chance you’d be waiting half a day in the blazing sun for your boat. That is why we recommend that you book with Kapetan Luka’s catamaran or TP Line’s high-speed ferry. Both companies guarantee a place on board.
Travelling during winter months?
Fewer ferries operate from Split to Hvar in the winter months, so make sure to double-check schedules a day or two before your trip. Kapetan Luka and Jadrolinija ferry services only depart 1-2 times a day in the low season.
It’s also worth noting that ferries aren’t allowed to sail during severe weather conditions. No need to worry about that during the summer months, though!
From May through October, blue skies and warm weather prevail. On the chance that your ferry cannot sail from Split to Hvar Island, you will have the option to take the next available ferry or receive a full refund.
Split to Hvar by Bus + Ferry
The combined bus + ferry transfer is a convenient way to travel from Split Ferry Port directly to Hvar town centre. Krilo (Kapetan Luka) operates this route.
With this option, a shuttle bus will pick you up as soon as your ferry docks at Hvar Vira Pier. And then, it will take you straight to the bus stop in Hvar centre. From here, you can walk to most hotels in town or catch another bus to Stari Grad or Jelsa.
Combined bus and ferry fares start from €28 ($30) and the journey takes around 40 minutes.
Bus + Ferry options from Split to Hvar
Split to Hvar by Car Ferry via Stari Grad
If you want to get to Hvar Island from Split with your car, then the direct ferry to Hvar Town is not an option.
Instead, you have to take the car ferry from Split to Stari Grad on Hvar Island’s northern coast. From there, you can travel 20 km by land to Hvar town centre.
Step 1: Split to Stari Grad by Car Ferry
Car ferries to Hvar dock only at Stari Grad Ferry Port. This is where you need to get to when travelling from Split to Hvar by car.
The ticket for the ferry route from Split to Stari Grad costs €8.40 ($9.20) per adult and €48 ($53) for a small car. This rate applies to a car less than 5m in length. For more vehicle prices, we recommend that you check the Jadrolinija website.
The car ferry journey from Split to Stari Grad takes 1h 5m - 2h 5m. This longer travel time is because the car ferry is considerably larger and cannot sail as fast as the fast ferry to Hvar Town for example.
Step 2: Stari Grad to Hvar Town by Car
Hvar Town is 22 km away or 30 minutes by car from Stari Grad Ferry Port.
For foot passengers: Stari Grad to Hvar Town by Taxi or Bus
Are you taking this ferry not because you are travelling by car, but because the direct Split to Hvar ferry was fully booked? In that case, you can also travel from Stari Grad Port to Hvar Town by taxi.
Taxi rates start from €36 ($39) for the 30-minute ride. As with most tourist destinations, please be aware that taxi drivers on Hvar Island will try to charge higher prices. Negotiate a fixed price first before getting onboard.
If you’re not in a hurry, you can also take a bus from Stari Grad Bus Terminal to Hvar Town for €5 ($5.50). The bus ride takes just around 30 minutes, but departures aren’t as frequent.
The earliest bus departs at 06:20 and the last bus at 22:05, with an interval of 1-2 hours. During the off-peak season, bus service is reduced to four trips per day. The latest bus schedule is posted on the bus stop so you’ll know if a bus is coming soon or if you still have time to spare.
Split to Hvar by Ferry via Jelsa
One way to reach Hvar Town from Split is through Jelsa, a town northeast of Hvar Town. This is an option we only recommend if the direct ferries from Split to Hvar Town are fully booked.
The journey between Split and Jelsa, Hvar takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Jelsa, it takes another 30 minutes to travel to Hvar Town.
Note that this option is also only available for foot passengers and is not a car ferry service.
Step 1: Split to Jelsa by Ferry
Two ferry companies operate the Split to Jelsa route: Jadrolinija and KSC Naranca.
Jadrolinija offers significantly cheaper tickets at €10 ($10.90) per foot passenger but there is only one departure per day at 16:30. This ferry makes a brief stop in Bol on Brač Island before continuing to Stari Grad and finally Jelsa on Hvar Island.
KSC Naranca operates high-speed ferries with a slightly faster travel time but at a higher cost. Like Jadrolinija, they also make a short stop in Bol before arriving at Jelsa. If you want to arrive in Jelsa earlier in the day, KSC Naranca’s 11:45 departure is your best option.
Step 2: Jelsa to Hvar Town by Taxi
This ferry from Split arrives on the north coast of Hvar Island. From Jelsa, Hvar Town is located some 26 km southwest of Jelsa.
A 30-minute taxi ride is your only option to get from Jelsa to Hvar Town. Fares start from €50 ($55).
Split to Hvar by Day or Night Trip
If staying a few days on the island of Hvar is difficult to fit into your holiday, there is still the option to visit the island as a day trip from Split.
Prepare yourself, though. With a full-day tour, your day will be packed so you can make the most of your visit to Hvar and its surrounding waters. You will depart in the early morning with the ferry from Split to Hvar and make a stop at various highlights around the island during the day.
Want to visit the Blue Cave from Hvar with a day tour? Then you can book this Blue Cave day tour with tickets from €125 ($135). This tour comes with an extra visit to Vis Island.
In the party mood? You can also book a private 8-hour night tour for a group of 10 people. This tour costs €1,130 ($1,230) for the whole group. Click on the links to see where the tours stop.
If you want a guaranteed visit to the Blue Cave, we recommend booking a private 11-hour day trip with BookAway with rates from €1,080 ($1,180) for a group of 8-12 persons.
Day tour from Split to the island of Hvar
Island-hopping as a day trip is a favourite among travellers in Croatia. You’ll get to visit at least three other islands before or after exploring Hvar town with a guide.
There is a wide selection of tours you can choose from, each offering different inclusions. You can choose day tour ferries with snorkelling gear or a full-day catamaran cruise with snacks and drinks, among others.
Day trips begin at Split Harbour. Your next stop depends on which tour you take.
GetYourGuide offers an 11-hour tour from Split to Hvar with rates from €125 ($135) per person.
Night tour from Split to Hvar Island
Hvar is beautiful during the day, but it comes even more alive at night. This island that never sleeps is a favourite party destination — and attracts even top-tier Hollywood celebrities and British monarchs.
While day trips from Split to the island of Hvar involve island-hopping, night tours are all about club-hopping. Your ferry or motorboat will take you straight to Hvar Island, where you can have dinner before setting off on a night to remember.
Keep in mind that the minimum age for party tours is 18, so minors are not allowed.
You also need to confirm with your tour organiser beforehand what time you have to be back at the ferry because if you are not there at the designated time, they will leave you behind. We hope you’re not too drunk to find your way to the port!
With Viator, you can book a private party tour from Split to Hvar Island for a group of 10 for €1,130 ($1,230). Divide the cost and that’s just about €115 ($125) per person.
Tour rates and schedule
Split to Hvar by Private Transport
If you’re travelling in a group and coming from Split Airport (Resnik Airport), you can also consider taking a private transfer. This journey between Split and Hvar won’t be cheap, but it’s a convenient option if you are in a group.
BookAway offers flexible travel options. You can choose from a private speedboat for a direct and speedy transfer or a combined car and speedboat service for your ultimate convenience.
The latter includes a private pickup service from Split Airport, a seamless transfer to the speedboat bound for Hvar Pier, and a convenient drop-off at your hotel in Hvar Town. The only thing you’ll need to do is present your passport or ID card to prove your identity.
Rates start from €310 ($340) and the journey takes 1 to 11 hours.
Private Transport options from Split to Hvar
Best 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 Split to Hvar
What can I expect when visiting Hvar Island?
How long is the ferry ride from Split to Hvar?
Are there any Game of Thrones filming locations in Split?
Yes, several scenes of the series were filmed in Split. You can explore these areas on your own or you can join a tour of the filming locations for Game of Thrones. This includes entry to the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, as well as a knowledgeable guide.
For more info, check out our Top 18 Things to Do in Split.
What is an alternative route for getting from Split to Hvar if the direct ferry is fully booked?
How can I get from Split to Hvar with my car?
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Split 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.
Quería ir a croacia y me ha resultado muy útil esta página.muchas gracias
Hi Pilar, we’re happy that we’re able to help you with your Croatia trip! Wishing you all the best on your travels and thanks for leaving a comment!
PD: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para que sea útil para los viajeros de todo el mundo. Recomiendo usar Google Translate para traducir esta respuesta al español.