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 and one of the most popular in Croatia.
A beautiful mix of old and new, Split is a great place to explore the country’s colourful history while also enjoying modern luxuries. Get lost in the Old Town, wander Diocletian’s Palace and immerse yourself in the buzzing activity of the city. For the best views of Split, climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius!
5 ways to get from Hvar to Split
There are 5 ways to travel the distance of 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Hvar to Split by bus + ferry (40 minutes), private Transport (1 hour to 2 hours 30 minutes), High-Speed ferry (55 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes), ferry via Stari Grad (2 hours 30 minutes) and ferry via Jelsa (2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by bus + ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from €8.70 for the high-speed ferry.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 High-Speed Ferry
Travelling by ferry is a cheap and easy way to get from Hvar to Split in around an hour.
Krilo (Kapetan Luka), Jadrolinija and TP Line operate multiple times daily during the tourist season (June to September). Outside this period, the frequency of trips is reduced, with some months offering no service at all.
Book your ferry ticket in advance during high season (June-September)
Croatia has been rising in popularity, particularly Split and Zadar. This means ferries are often fully booked, so we highly recommend reserving your tickets online 3-5 days in advance.
If you buy your ticket through BookAway, you can cancel your tickets up to 24 hours before departure and receive a 50% refund for this route.
Would you prefer to buy your tickets at the port? It’s best to get to the harbour at least an hour before your desired departure, especially during the high season (June-September). Go to the ticket office early to avoid waiting in the hot sun and have a higher chance of getting a ticket for your desired departure time.
Hvar to Split high-speed ferry schedule
Departure and arrival station
All ferries depart from Hvar Harbour in Hvar Town, on the western side of the island.
They arrive at Split Ferry Port, just 500m south of the Old Town. This port is within walking distance of most hotels in the city centre.
High-speed ferries of Kapetan Luka and TP Line
High-speed ferries operated by Kapetan Luka and TP Line can take you from Hvar to Split in just about an hour. Both companies offer frequent departures during the peak season, with multiple trips available each day.
Booking Kapetan Luka’s earliest ferry of the day can save you money, with tickets starting at €8.70.
When 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 beforehand.
Alternative: Jadrolinija ferry
Jadrolinija also offers ferry rides from Hvar to Split during peak season, but they’re not as luxurious or comfortable as those provided by Kapetan Luka and TP Line.
The Jadrolinija ferry offers several trips from 06:25 to 21:00 during summer (June to September). Outside these months, there’s only one trip daily at 06:35.
Since schedules vary, you should first check the Jadrolinija website for scheduled departures on your desired date.
Note that Jadrolinija operates on a full=full rule. This means that even if 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. It’s 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. Spending a few euros more on Kapetan Luka’s fast boat that guarantees a place on board is much better.
Travelling in winter months?
The schedules above are for ferry schedules during the tourist season. Fewer ferries operate in the winter months (October-March). Both Kapetan Luka and Jadrolinija provide only one or two trips per day.
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. If your ferry is not allowed to travel for some reason, you can take the next available ferry or receive a full refund.
Hvar to Split by Bus + Ferry
A combined bus and ferry transfer is a convenient way to travel from Hvar to Split.
Krilo (Kapetan Luka) is the only company offering this service from June to September, with one daily departure at 10:30.
A shuttle picks you up from the bus stop in Hvar and takes you directly to the ferry terminal. Here, you transfer to a ferry, which arrives at Split Ferry Port.
Bus schedule from Hvar to Split
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, it gives you a chance to see the beauty of this ancient town.
Step 1: Hvar to Stari Grad by Car, Taxi or Bus
To reach the Stari Grad Port by car, you’ll need to drive around 30 minutes northeast.
However, if you’re a foot passenger 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 starting at €36.
Buses are much cheaper, with fares from €5. The first bus leaves at 06:55, and departures can be up to 2 hours apart in the morning and afternoon. If you’re taking the bus, be prepared for long wait times and plan your travel accordingly.
Step 2: Stari Grad to Split by Ferry
From Stari Grad, Jadrolinija offers several ferry trips to Split. The journey takes 2h.
Ticket prices start from €8.50 per person. For vehicles, rates start from €48 per car.
Ferries dock at Split Ferry Port. The Old Town is just within walking distance from here.
You can check the full schedule and rates for vehicles on Jadrolinija’s website.
Hvar to Split by Ferry via Jelsa
If you’re a foot passenger looking for an alternative route, you can also take a ferry from Jelsa. Located 26 km west of Hvar Town, Jelsa is another of the island’s charming towns.
We recommend that you only take this route if the abovementioned ferry routes are 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 €49 for the taxi ride that takes 30 minutes.
Step 2: Jelsa, Hvar to Split by Ferry
Jadrolinija operates one daily ferry trip from Jelsa to Split at 06:00. A ticket costs €9.70.
If you prefer to depart in the afternoon, you can book a high-speed ferry with KSC Naranca.
The ferry ride takes 1h 30m - 1h 40m, because these ferries also make a short stop at Bol before heading to Split.
From Split Ferry Port, you can find the Old Town about 500m to the north.
Hvar to Split by Private Transport
When travelling from Hvar to Split, you have two main options for private transfers: a private speedboat or a private car with a public ferry transfer.
We recommend booking your private transfer with BookAway, which offers comfortable vehicles and top-notch customer support.
Option 1: Private Speedboat Transfer
If you really want an exclusive and private ride, you can book a trip with your own speedboat! This option offers a faster journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views of the Adriatic Sea in comfort and privacy.
Travel time is around 1h - 1h 5m and rates start from €495. Not cheap, but you will be paying for the added convenience.
Private speedboats depart from Hvar Port in the town centre. If you’re heading to Split city centre, book one that docks at Matejuska Port.
For direct transfers to Split Airport, the speedboats dock at Divulje Port, about 1.5 km south of Split Airport. From there, a car will pick you up to bring you or your group to the airport.
Option 2: Private Car + Public Ferry Transfer
This option is perfect for groups looking for a convenient journey from Hvar to Split Airport.
Your trip begins with a private car picking you up from your hotel in Hvar and driving you to the pier. Here, you will transfer to a public ferry bound for Split. This docks at Split Ferry Port, where a private vehicle will be ready to take you directly to Split Airport.
Best 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 kilometers (37 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Hvar to Split?
The fastest way to get from Hvar to Split is by bus + ferry and takes 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hvar to Split?
The cheapest way to get from Hvar to Split is by high-speed ferry with ticket costs starting from €8.70.
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.
