How to Get from Split to Hvar Island: Ferries, Timetables and Everything You Need to Know
Getting from Split to Hvar is straightforward once you know what you're doing. This guide covers every ferry option, current 2026 timetables and prices, car ferry booking, and how to get to the port from Split Airport without the chaos.
Getting from Split to Hvar is one of the most popular journeys in Croatia, and one of the easiest.
All roads lead to the ferry, and on a clear Adriatic morning with the islands rising out of the water around you, that's not a bad thing.
We made this crossing multiple times during our six weeks on Hvar and got to know the route well - including the slightly chaotic experience of our first crossing, when we spent considerably longer than necessary walking up and down the Port of Split looking for a ticket booth in the searing heat.
This guide exists so you don't do the same.
There are several ways to get from Split to Hvar depending on your budget, how much luggage you have and whether you're bringing a car.
Here's everything you need to know.
HOW TO GET FROM SPLIT TO
HVAR ISLAND
FASTEST OPTION | High-speed catamaran to Hvar Town: 50 minutes, from €25
BEST FOR CAR TRAVELLERS | Car ferry to Stari Grad: 1 hour 50 minutes, around €70 for a standard car
DAILY DEPARTURES | Up to 18 daily sailings to Hvar Town in peak summer
BOOK | FerryHopper: our recommended booking platform, book at least a week in advance in summer
ARRIVE EARLY | At least 30 minutes before departure to secure a good seat
SPLIT PORT | Located southwest of the old town on the Riva, next to Split bus and train stations
HOW TO GET FROM SPLIT TO HVAR
SPLIT TO HVAR BY HIGH-SPEED FERRY
Best for: foot passengers heading directly to Hvar Town
The high-speed catamaran is the easiest, most convenient and most popular way to get from Split to Hvar Town. The crossing takes 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the operator, the boats are comfortable with air-conditioning, snack bars and outdoor seating, and in peak summer, there are up to 18 daily sailings.
Two operators run the route: Jadrolinija and Krilo (Kapetan Luka). Both are reliable - Jadrolinija runs more frequently, Krilo is slightly faster on some services.
Book early in July and August as popular sailings sell out.
In low season (October through May), services drop significantly - check the current schedule via FerryHopper before you travel.
First departure | 08:30 (Jadrolinija)
Last departure | 19:30 (Jadrolinija)
Travel time | 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
Facilities | Air-conditioning, toilets, luggage racks, snack bars, outdoor deck
Ticket prices | Adults from €25, children (3-12) around 50% off, under 3 free. Prices increase in peak season.
Note | Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to secure a good seat. The outdoor deck fills up fast on clear days.
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.
All times are based on peak summer schedules and are subject to change - always verify via FerryHopper before you travel.
SPLIT TO HVAR TOWN
Jadrolinija | 08:30, 11:00, 14:30, 16:30, 19:30
Krilo | 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 16:00, 17:00
HVAR TOWN TO SPLIT
Jadrolinija | 10:15, 12:45, 16:10, 18:00, 21:00
Krilo | 10:30, 13:00, 14:35, 17:30
The Hvar Town to Split ferry departs from the Hvar Riva
SPLIT TO STARI GRAD (Passenger Ferry)
Jadrolinija | 13:00
STARI GRAD TO SPLIT (Passenger Ferry)
Jadrolinija | 14:45
One daily passenger service each way. For more frequent options, take the Split to Hvar Town catamaran and connect by bus (20 minutes, €2-4)
SPLIT TO STARI GRAD (Car Ferry)
Jadrolinija | 05:00, 08:30, 11:00, 14:30, 17:00, 20:30
STARI GRAD TO SPLIT (Car Ferry)
Jadrolinija | 05:30, 07:45, 11:30, 14:00, 17:30, 20:00
Car ferry takes 1 hour 50 minutes. Book well in advance in summer — car spaces sell out.
SPLIT TO JELSA (via Bol, Brač)
Jadrolinija | 16:30
JELSA TO SPLIT (via Bol, Brač)
Jadrolinija | 06:00
One daily service each way via Bol on Brač Island
HOW TO BOOK SPLIT TO HVAR ISLAND FERRY TICKETS (AND PRICES)
The easiest way to book is via FerryHopper, where you can compare routes, times and operators in one place, pay securely and your e-ticket goes straight to your phone. Fully digital, no paper tickets, no port kiosk queues.
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in person at the ticket booths along the Port of Split or at the tourism centre on Split Riva opposite Diocletian's Palace.
We'd advise against leaving it to the day in peak season - popular sailings sell out, particularly for the Hvar Town catamaran in July and August. Book at least a week in advance if you're travelling in summer.
PRICES
SPLIT TO HVAR TOWN (passenger catamaran) | Adults from €25, children (3-12) around 50% off, under 3 free. Prices increase in peak season and vary by operator.
SPLIT TO STARI GRAD (passenger ferry) | Adults from €25 one way per person.
SPLIT TO STARI GRAD (car ferry) | Around €70 for a standard car plus driver. Passenger tickets separate.
SPLIT TO JELSA (via Bol, Brač) | Adults from €25 one way per person. One daily service each way — check current times via FerryHopper before booking as this route has limited availability.
SPLIT AIRPORT TO HVAR ISLAND
If you're flying into Split and want to get straight to Hvar without going into the city, Dalmatia Express runs a direct water taxi service from a dock near Split Airport to Hvar Town in around 55 minutes. Your driver meets you at arrivals, transfers you to the dock and the boat takes it from there.
It's not cheap, and transfers start from around €370 for a small boat regardless of passenger numbers, making it a better value for groups than individuals.
That said, it saves the taxi to Split port, the ticket queue and the wait, which in peak summer can collectively eat up several hours.
Dalmatia Express operates during the peak summer months. If you're on a budget, head to the Port of Split and take the regular catamaran.
BOOK | Dalmatia Express water taxi
PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT FROM SPLIT TO HVAR ISLAND
For those who want flexibility or a more stylish arrival, private speedboats operate between Split and Hvar Town in around an hour. Prices start from around €370 for a small boat, climbing to €900 or more for larger, more luxurious vessels.
Worth it for groups of four or more, splitting the cost - less so for individuals or couples.
HOW TO GET FROM SPLIT TO HVAR WITH A CAR
Road-tripping through Croatia and want to bring your car to Hvar? The only option is the Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Stari Grad - passenger catamarans to Hvar Town don't take vehicles.
The crossing takes around 1 hour 50 minutes. In peak summer, there are up to six daily services, dropping to around four in the off-season. This is the right route for those coming from the west of Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Austria or Hungary.
Book car spaces well in advance - they sell out faster than passenger tickets in July and August. Book directly via Jadrolinija or via FerryHopper.
Cost | Around €70 for a standard car, passenger tickets separate
Duration | 1 hour 50 minutes
Departure times | See timetable above
COMING FROM DUBROVNIK OR EASTERN CROATIA
There's a faster alternative: the Jadrolinija ferry from Drvenik on the Makarska Riviera to Sučuraj on the easternmost tip of Hvar Island. The crossing takes just 35 minutes and runs daily with increased frequency in peak season.
From Sučuraj you'll need to drive across the island to reach Hvar Town or Stari Grad - allow around 1.5 hours.
BOOK | Car ferry tickets via Jadrolinija or FerryHopper
SPLIT TO HVAR PLANNING ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS SPLIT PORT?
Split Port sits right in the heart of the city, directly off the famous Riva waterfront and a short walk from the historic old town. It's easy to find — follow the Riva west and look for the ferries.
The port is also directly adjacent to both Split bus station and Split train station, making onward connections straightforward.
Split Ferry Port | the main terminal for all passenger and car ferries to Hvar and the surrounding islands.
HOW TO GET TO THE SPLIT PORT
From Split Airport | The airport bus runs to Split bus station, directly opposite the port. Departs from the Arrivals hall, takes around 30 minutes and costs €8. Check the current timetable here.
Alternatively, a taxi costs around €35-45.
From Split city centre | The port is a short walk from the old town along the Riva waterfront. Allow 10-15 minutes on foot from Diocletian's Palace.
From Split bus or train station | Both stations are located directly adjacent to the port.
Walk out of either station, and the ferry terminal is right there.
From Dubrovnik or other Croatian cities | Long-distance buses arrive at Split bus station, steps from the port.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CROATIA
Honest take: if something goes wrong, a medical emergency, a missed ferry, a scooter accident on a Croatian coastal road, travel insurance is the difference between a stressful story and a catastrophic one.
After 10+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use and recommend:
FOR TRAVELLERS | World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families. Their policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Get a quote from World Nomads →
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
PLANNING TO VISIT HVAR SOON?
Make the most of your time on Hvar with our essential Croatia travel guides.
EXPLORE HVAR
Start with these guides to help plan your time on the island:
Hvar Island Guide — 21 things to know before you visit
WHERE TO STAY ON HVAR
Where to Stay on Hvar Island — hotels, guesthouses and hostels
MORE CROATIA
Dubrovnik | 10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik
EXPLORE CROATIA WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
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