How To Get From Split To Hvar Island, Croatia (2023 Guide)
Want to get from Split to Hvar Island but aren’t sure how? This guide we share the essential information you’ll need to plan your journey, including timetables, pricing and maps.
The Dalmatian Riviera and Adriatic Islands are Croatia’s most captivating destinations, beckoning millions of tourists a year to their deep blue waters, historic towns and endless summer adventures.
The queen of the region is of course Hvar Island (read our complete guide here!), the gorgeous island that beckons celebrities and backpackers alike with its endless summer days, white-washed towns, cobbled streets, photogenic rolling hills swathed in lavender, olive trees, and vineyards, and the clear blue waters and stunning beaches and coves.
To enjoy the fruits of Hvar, one must get there first, and that’s where this Split to Hvar guide comes in.
On our first visit, we found buying tickets to Hvar Island a little harder than it needed to be - we may or may not have walked up and down the Port of Split trying to find a ticket booth in the searing heat for way too long… Alas, we eventually found tickets and enjoyed an epic 6 weeks on Hvar Island.
This Split to Hvar guide is designed so you don’t make the same mistake. With a network of ferries servicing the route extensively in the summer months, as well as the increasingly popular shoulder seasons (Spring and Autumn), things can get overwhelming, so we’ve included all the essential information you’ll need to plan your journey, including timetables, pricing and maps.
SPLIT TO
HVAR ISLAND
FERRY DEPARTURES | 5 - 7 daily departures, depending on route
FERRY COST | From €25 - €50, depending on season
BOOK | Buy your tickets In advance here
HOW TO GET FROM SPLIT TO HVAR
SPLIT TO HVAR BY FERRY
By far, the easiest and most convenient way to get from Split to Hvar (and Hvar to Split) is by ferry.
Ferries and catamarans service the Split to Hvar route up to 18 times per day (depending on your route) during the peak summer periods (June - September), however, in the low season it runs 2 or 3 journeys per day, in total 15 times per week.
Depending on where you're headed (Hvar Town or Stari Grad), the ride takes between an hour and 2 hours and departs from the Port of Split (more on that below) in the centre of town, close to all the main attractions, transport links, hotels and hostels.
There are two companies that service the Split to Hvar route, Jadrolinija, and Krilo (Kapetan Luka). Tickets for the Jadrolinija ferry can be booked direct, while we book our Krilo ferry tickets via Bookaway - purchase yours here
SPLIT TO HVAR FERRY SERVICES + DEPARTURE TIMES
Below is an overview of ferry services and departure times from Split, and from the three main ports on Hvar Island; Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and Jelsa.
SPLIT TO HVAR TOWN
JADROLINIJA DEPARTURE TIMES
0830, 1100, 1430, 1630, 1930 (based on the summer season, times subject to change)
KRILO DEPARTURE TIMES
0900, 1000 (Korcula route), 1130, 1600, 1700 (Korcula route) (based on the summer season, times subject to change)
HVAR TOWN TO SPLIT
JADROLINIJA DEPARTURE TIMES
1015, 1245, 1610, 1800, 2100 (based on the summer season, times subject to change)
KRILO DEPARTURE TIMES
1030, 1300, 1435 (Korcula route), 1730 (based on the summer season, times subject to change)
* The Hvar Town to Split ferry departs from the Hvar Riva
SPLIT TO STARI GRAD
JADROLINIJA DEPARTURE TIMES
0130, 0500, 0830, 1100, 1430, 1700, 2030 (based on the summer season, times subject to change)
* This is a car ferry service
STARI GRAD TO SPLIT
JADROLINIJA DEPARTURE TIMES
0530, 0745, 1130, 1400, 1730, 2000, 2300 (based on the summer season, times subject to change)
* This is a car ferry service
JELSA TO SPLIT
JADROLINIJA DEPARTURE TIMES
0600
* This service runs via Bol on Brac Island
SPLIT TO JELSA
JADROLINIJA DEPARTURE TIMES
1630
* This service runs via Bol on Brac Island
HOW TO BOOK SPLIT TO HVAR ISLAND FERRY TICKETS (AND PRICES)
The Split to Hvar ferry route is extremely busy during the height of summer, so recommend booking at least 24 hours prior.
Tickets can be purchased online here
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in Split at the tourism centre on Split Riva, opposite Diocletian’s Palace, or at the ticket booths further down the Port of Split.
SPLIT TO HVAR TOWN/HVAR TOWN TO SPLIT
JADROLINIJA | 80 - 170 KN one way, per person, depending on the season and route type
KRILO | 170 KN one way, per person - book your ticket online here
SPLIT TO STARI GRAD (CAR FERRY)
JADROLINIJA | 80 KN one way, per person, 318 KN for a standard car
BOOK | Book your ferry tickets in advance
SPLIT AIRPORT TO HVAR ISLAND
If you'd rather go straight to Hvar Island from Split Airport, there's a once-daily service that operates the route (stopping at Bol on Brac Island on the way).
Split Express departs Split Airport at 13:00 and arrives at Stari Grad at 14:50.
There are twice-daily services from Hvar Island (Stari Grad) to Split Airport, a morning service that departs at 05:30 and arrives at Split Airport at 07:20, or an afternoon service that departs at 15:05 and arrives at 16:05.
The service is expensive - a one-way ticket will cost you 199 KN, so if you're on a budget, we'd suggest heading to the Port of Split and taking a ferry from there.
Split Express runs during the peak summer months, from June 1 to September 15.
PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT FROM SPLIT TO HVAR ISLAND
The ferry from Split to Hvar is definitely the most budget-friendly and convenient way to travel to the island, but there are also private speedboats operating between the two if time is of the essence or you’re looking for a stylish way to arrive on Hvar.
These private speed boats can accommodate up to four passengers (with 20kg cabin bag + 7kg hand luggage each), and take just over 1 hour to complete the journey. The fare also includes a private car transfer from the Split airport terminal to the port and food and drink during your transfer.
The speedboats don’t come cheap; tickets start around USD $361 per 4-passenger boat, but if you’re travelling in a group of four or you need the extra flexibility they can make for a decent option.
HOW TO GET FROM SPLIT TO HVAR WITH A CAR
Road-tripping through Croatia and want to take your car to Hvar Island? You're in luck.
Jadrolinija runs a daily ferry service (line no. 635) from the Port of Split to Stari Grad, which takes 2 hours. In the summer months, there are up to seven services per day, and during the offseason, up to four. This is the best service for those who are exploring the west of Croatia or are coming from Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary etc.
Alternatively, there's a route from Drvenik (closer to the eastern part of Croatia and Dubrovnik) to Sucuraj on the easternmost point of Hvar Island, which takes 35 minutes and runs daily with increased frequency over the peak season. This is also operated by Jadrolinija.
See departure times and fares above.
SPLIT TO HVAR PLANNING ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS SPLIT PORT?
Ferries depart directly from the Port of Split multiple times a day, so it's important to know exactly where the Port is to avoid missing your ferry.
Luckily, the Port of Split is located southwest from the heart of Split, just off the famous Riva and historic old town. It's very hard to miss - just look for the crowds of people and large boats and catamarans.
Fortunately, Split Port is conveniently located next to both Split bus station and Split train station, so it's very easy to connect to Ferries to Croatia's islands, including the Split to Hvar ferry.
HOW TO GET TO THE PORT OF SPLIT
Via various methods of transport, it's super easy to get to the Port of Split.
If you've arrived at Split Airport, we recommend the Croatia Airlines bus which provides a simple transfer between the airport and the city centre.
The bus departs from the Arrivals centre, takes 30 minutes and costs 30 Kuna per person (CHECK).
The bus timetable corresponds with Croatian Airlines flights (but is open to everyone), however, they run regularly throughout the day.
The bus ends at Split bus station, located opposite the Port of Split.
For those arriving by train or bus from intra or inter-country trips, the Port of Split is located right next to both the train and bus station.
HOW TO GET TO SPLIT, CROATIA
All travel to Hvar Town generally involves arriving in the stunning coastal city of Split.
We spent two days exploring all the best things to do in Split before heading to Hvar and really enjoyed the city, so we recommend staying for a few days.
FLIGHTS
The easiest and most popular (but worst for carbon emissions) way to get to Split is by flying.
Most European budget airlines fly directly to Split, especially during the summer season from April - October.
Check flight prices and availability to Split with Skyscanner here.
TRAIN
Train travel to Split, on the other hand, is less carbon-intensive but a little harder, due to its location on the Dalmatian coast.
Trains from central European countries will most likely require a change in Zagreb before heading to Split. Just keep this in mind when booking, as travel times can be quite long.
Trains operate from Zagreb to Split five times a day (6-hour duration)
Fortunately, the Split train station is located right next to the Port of Split, meaning an easy transfer to Hvar or the other Islands.
BOOK | Check train timetables to Split here
BUS
Similar to trains, Split is not overly well connected to major European hotspots via bus. Most international buses will change in Zagreb before the 5-6 hour drive to Split.
Again, Split bus station is located right next to the Port of Split, meaning an easy transfer to Hvar or the other Islands.
BOOK | Check and book your bus to Split with Omio, or Flixbus
HVAR TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS HVAR ISLAND, CROATIA?
The island of Hvar is located in the Adriatic sea, off Croatia's famous Dalmatian coast. It's surrounded by a number of islands including Brac, Korcula and Vis, and is around an hour’s boat ride from Split. The island is the longest and sunniest in Croatia and has around 11,000 inhabitants.
On the opposite side of the Adriatic lies Italy, and important ports such as Ancona.
WHEN TO VISIT HVAR, CROATIA?
We're slightly biased, given we spent six weeks on Hvar from late April through to mid-June, however, we believe visiting the island during the shoulder seasons (April - early June, Sept-Oct) is the best time to visit.
Not only are the days long and the sea warm, but the crowds are smaller and more manageable, making the island extremely pleasant. What's more, the prices of food and drinks are cheaper during the shoulder period.
Visiting during the peak summer months of mid-June to August means you'll have to contend with upwards of 20,000 daily visitors to the island, which in our opinion is unsustainable to is to the detriment of the tranquil nature of Hvar.
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR ISLAND
From cosy, family-run guesthouses to extravagant beachside resorts, and forested campsites to party hostels, there are plenty of accommodation options on Hvar to suit every style, traveller or budget.
We’ve written the following guides to help you find your perfect stay:
Where to stay on Hvar island: hotels, guesthouses and hostels for every budget
The best hotels in Stari Grad
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CROATIA
We firmly believe that if you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current pandemic has taught many; things can go wrong anywhere in the world and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
PLANNING TO VISIT HVAR SOON?
We have a heap of essential reading before you travel to the paradise island of Hvar:
HVAR GUIDES | The best things to see and do in Hvar Town, Read this before you travel to Hvar island, 11 amazing things to do in Stari Grad, Hvar, How to visit pretty Vrboska, Our guide to the stunning Pakleni Islands, Our complete guide to Hvar’s best beaches
HVAR ACCOMMODATION | The best places to stay on Hvar Island, and the best Airbnbs on the island too, The best hotels in Stari Grad
HVAR DAY TRIPS | The best day trips to, from, and on Hvar
HVAR PHOTOS | 42 incredible photos of Hvar island that will inspire you to visit!
HOW TO GET AROUND | How to get from Hvar to Stari Grad, how to get from Split to Hvar
DUBROVNIK | 10 Essential things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE CROATIA WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
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