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.
3 ways to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 235 kilometers (146 miles) from Dubrovnik to Hvar by ferry (3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes), Car ferry via Drvenik (4 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 55 minutes) and ferry via Split (4 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 3 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from €23 for the ferry via Split.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.
Dubrovnik to Hvar by Ferry
If you’re travelling during the high season, you shouldn’t have difficulty getting from Dubrovnik to Hvar.
Jadrolinija operates the first ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar, which sets sail at 07:00. The trip takes around 3.5 hours with prices starting from €40.
Alternatively, you can take an afternoon ferry with Krilo or TP Line. Enjoy that last brunch with a magnificent view of the historical town of Dubrovnik. (If you need some inspiration, check out Restaurant Arsenal.)
Departure and arrival station
All ferries depart from Port Gruz, about 4 km north of the Old Town in Dubrovnik.
You will arrive at Hvar Harbour in Hvar Town. From here, it is only a few minutes walk to the town centre.
Ferry schedule from Dubrovnik to Hvar
- 24/7 customer support
Book a ticket online in advance for a better chance of securing a seat on your desired date and time.
If you’re visiting Hvar from Dubrovnik outside the summer season, you can take a ferry via Drvenik or Split, which we explain below.
Dubrovnik to Hvar by Ferry via Split
Travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar via Split can be a long journey. However, it provides a cheap alternative for passengers travelling in the low season or if tickets for the direct ferry have sold out.
Unlike the direct ferry, this option is available all year round.
Step 1: Dubrovnik to Split by Bus
There are several buses operating the Dubrovnik to Split route during the high season. The bus journey can take 3h 45m - 4h 40m with fares starting from €14.10.
You will be dropped off at Split Bus Station, which is conveniently located just beside the ferry terminal.
Expect fewer bus choices outside summer. For more info and other transport options, you can check out our page on Dubrovnik to Split.
Step 2: Split to Hvar by Catamaran
Ferries operate on the Split to Hvar route the whole year. From Split, you shouldn’t have a problem transferring to a ferry bound for Hvar Island – whether that’s Hvar Town, Stari Grad, or Jelsa.
The most popular route is to Hvar Town. Ferry fares start from €8.60 for the trip that takes 55m - 2h 5m.
- 24/7 customer support
Thinking of taking a ferry to Stari Grad or Jelsa? You can book your tickets on BookAway. Visit our page on Split to Hvar for more info.
Dubrovnik to Hvar by Car Ferry via Drvenik
Are you travelling by car? There are no direct car ferries from Dubrovnik to Hvar.
Instead, you’ll have to take a ferry from Drvenik, a town located 124 km northwest of Dubrovnik.
Although this route is also possible for foot passengers, we don’t recommend it because you will need to take a taxi from Sucuraj to Hvar Town or other parts of Hvar.
Step 1: Dubrovnik to Drvenik by Car or Bus
The 124 km between Dubrovnik and Drvenik is about a 2-hour drive. Take the D8 coastal road for the fastest route.
Foot passengers can take a bus from Dubrovnik to Drvenik. Buses are available at Dubrovnik Bus Station beside Port Gruz.
There are five daily bus departures daily. The bus ride takes around 2h 21m - 2h 36m, and fares start from €17.50.
Note that there are no bus stations in Drvenik, and buses stop only at designated bus stops. The Drvenik Bus Stop is the nearest one, which is just a 10-minute walk from the harbour.
You can buy your bus tickets at the terminal or book them in advance.
Step 2: Drvenik to Sucuraj by Car Ferry
From Drvenik, you can take a car ferry to Sucuraj, a small town on the eastern end of Hvar Island. This is also the nearest town on the island from Drvenik.
Car ferries from Drvenik to Sucuraj operate all year round, with plenty of departures daily during the tourist season. Note that there are fewer ferries if you’re travelling between November to March.
A one-way ticket costs €4.10 per person. For vehicles, rates start from €20.
The travel time from Drvenik to Sucuraj is 35m.
The full schedule and rates for other types of vehicles are provided on Jadrolinija’s website.
Step 3: Sucuraj to Hvar Town by Car
The ferries dock at Sucuraj Ferry Terminal. From here, you’ll have to drive 77 km west to reach Hvar Town, which is at the opposite end of the island. The drive should take around 1h 45m.
If you’re a foot passenger, this route can be expensive, because no buses run from Sucuraj to Hvar Town. Your only option is to take a taxi, with rates from €20.
If tickets for the direct ferry sell out or if you’re travelling during the low season, we recommend taking the route via Split to save on costs.
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 Dubrovnik to Hvar
What is the distance from Dubrovnik to Hvar?
The distance from Dubrovnik to Hvar is 235 kilometers (146 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar?
The fastest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar is by ferry and takes 3 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar?
The cheapest way to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar is by ferry via Split with ticket costs starting from €23.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Dubrovnik 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.
