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What to expect when visiting Korcula
Korčula is a mostly unspoiled island located south of Hvar in the Adriatic Sea. Its name was inspired by its dense pine forest, which made the ancient Greeks call it Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu).
Today, Korčula’s untouched nature is one of its main features, but it’s made even better by its age-old music, dance, and religious ceremonies. Despite its growing number of tourists, the residents are able to maintain the island’s laidback feel and unique traditions, especially in the Old Town.
Like the neighbouring islands of Hvar and Brac, it is easiest to visit Korčula when coming from the coastal town of Split. The most common basecamp on the island is Korčula Town.
How to get from Split to Korcula
Want to know how to get from Split to Korcula? In this post, we’ll share a summary of all 3 options and compare each option on duration, costs and level of comfort. For each option, we go into more detail to help you decide which transport provider to book with and where to buy your tickets.
The distance between Split and Korcula is 130 km. The most popular way to travel from Split to Korcula is through a 2.5 to 3.5-hour catamaran. Fares start from 170 KN (€22.50). Alternative options are a 3-hour-40 minute car ferry with fares from 437 KN (€58.00) and a 5-hour bus that costs 145 KN (€19.00).
The catamaran is the best way to get from Split to Korčula because it brings you straight to Korčula Town. There are 5 trips available in the high season and one ferry operates all year round. Ticket prices start from 170 KN (€22.50). The trip takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the ferry company.
Are you travelling with a car? Car ferries also operate from Split to Korčula Island, but they dock at Vela Luka. This port is around 43 km away from Korčula Town. Rates for a passenger with a car start from 437 KN (€58.00).
If you’d rather travel by night or if you missed all the ferries during the day, there is one bus trip that operates the Split to Korčula route. A ticket costs 145 KN (€19.00), and the bus journey takes around 5 hours.
Split to Korčula by Catamaran
The fastest way to travel from Split to Korčula is via a catamaran. There are three companies that offer trips for this route: Kapetan Luka, TP Line, and Jadrolinija.
Kapetan Luka is the only ferry that offers multiple trips daily for this route all year round. Meanwhile, TP Line and Jadrolinija operate only during the peak season (June and October).
Travel time is about 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on the ferry that you choose. Ticket fares cost 170 KN (€22.50).
Departure and arrival station
Both ferries depart from Split Ferry Terminal. This ferry terminal is within walking distance of Split town centre.
The ferries arrive at Korčula Harbour’s Western Pier on the southern edge of the Old Town.
Ferry schedule from Split to Korčula
For guaranteed seats, it’s best to book your tickets online prior to your trip.
Note that in really bad weather, catamarans are not allowed to sail. In that case, you can consider taking a slower car ferry to Vela Luka. Car ferries are slow but quite sturdy, and they are capable of riding bigger waves.
Split to Korčula by Car Ferry
If you’re travelling in a vehicle, you can take a car ferry. There is no available car ferry from Split to Korčula Town, though. You’ll have to take a car ferry bound for Vela Luka, a town on the west end of Korčula Island.
This option is also ideal for foot passengers who ran out of direct catamaran tickets. The catamaran from Split to Vela Luka is available all year round.
Step 1: Split to Vela Luka
Vela Luka is also a town on Korčula Island. While Korčula Town is on the east coast, Vela Luka can be found 43 km away on the west coast. That’s quite a distance, but docking here is your only option if you’re travelling by car.
Jadrolinija operates 2 car ferry trips from Split to Vela Luka daily, and they also offer 1 catamaran trip for passengers only. Make sure that you’re booking a car ferry if you’re taking your car.
Rates start from 54 KN (€7.00) per person and 383 KN (€51.00) per car that is less than 5m long. You can check their website for the rates for other vehicles.
Travel time from Split to Vela Luka is around 2.5-3 hours
Car ferry schedule from Split to Vela Luka
PRO TIP for foot passengers: The last bus from Vela Luka to Korčula Town departs at 20:15. That means you can take any of the ferry departures available for the day.
Ferries depart from the Split Ferry Terminal, which is within walking distance from most hotels in the city centre. You can buy your tickets at the port or buy them beforehand through the Jadrolinija website.
The ferries dock at Vela Luka Port near the town centre.
Step 2: Vela Luka to Korčula Town by Car
From Vela Luka Port, you can simply drive to Korčula Town in around 40 minutes. Take the D118 road going east for the fastest route.
If you’re a foot passenger though, you’ll have to take a bus. The bus station is just a 5-minute walk to the right side of Vela Luka port.
A ticket costs 45 KN (€6.00), and the bus journey takes a little over an hour.
Depending on the time of your ferry’s arrival, you may have to wait a few hours for the next bus departure. In that case, you’ll get the chance to explore Vela Luka before setting off for Korčula Town.
Bus schedule from Vela Luka to Korčula town
The buses park at Korčula Bus Station on the southern edge of the Old Town.
Split to Korčula by Bus
Arriva operates one bus trip from Split to Korčula daily.
If you don’t mind travelling at night, then a bus ride is a good alternative. You can save a night on accommodation and wake up on the beautiful Korčula Island.
A bus ticket from Split to Korčula costs 145 KN (€19.00). The journey takes about 5 hours.
Departure and arrival station
The bus departs from Split Central Bus Station within the city centre.
Passengers are dropped off at Korčula Bus Station located just outside the Old Town. From this bus station, it is a 5-minute walk to the town.
Bus schedule from Split to Korčula
There is only one trip available per day, so make sure to book your tickets at least a few days in advance!
Our favourite places to stay in Korcula
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.
Guest House Holiday - Budget Friendly
After a glimpse of this guesthouse, you won’t quite believe it’s a budget-friendly option. It’s an absolute bargain! The facilities and rooms make you feel like you are in a boutique hotel.
The rooms offer stunning views of the crystal clear water below. There’s no need for a TV (although there is one). The location and host easily make this place one of the best places to stay.
- The best views from your window
- Helpful and friendly host
- Perfect location
- Large and clean rooms
Apartments Milion - Mid Range
Here you’ll be located in the pumping heart of the Old Town and only 40 meters from the beach. You can’t really get much better than this! Enjoy sitting on your balcony and watching the world go by below you.
The rooms are modern and clean, but with a homely feel where you can’t help but relax. The host will also help you to relax with his friendly demeanor and helpful tips.
- Great location
- Close to the beach
- Modern and clean rooms
- Washing machine in some rooms
Kanavelic Place - Treating Yourself
Kanavelic Place has a number of beautifully decorated apartments available, for up to 4 people. Here you’ll be located within the Old Town and close to a number of bars and restaurants.
The tranquil garden offers the perfect place to unwind, or simply enjoy the sea view or sunset from your window.
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Perfect location
- Amazing views of the harbour
- Colourful and modern apartments
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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.
