Planning a trip to Brac, Croatia, involves considering several transportation options. Whether you're departing from Split or Makarska, each route offers unique ways to reach this stunning island. You might opt for a quick catamaran ride, a leisurely car ferry, or even fly into nearby Split Airport. Once there, renting a vehicle can make investigating Brac's scenic roads and coastline much easier. Interested in the most efficient and enjoyable way to get to Brac? Let's examine the best options to guarantee your journey is as seamless as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Take a 50-minute car ferry or a 55-minute catamaran from Split to Brac, operated by Jadrolinija.
- Use the Makarska to Sumartin car ferry, which runs five times daily during peak season and takes around 1 hour.
- Fly into Split Airport and take a shuttle or private taxi boat to Brac Island.
- Book tickets online for catamaran services from Krilo, Kapetan Luka, or Jadrolinija for direct routes to Bol.
- Rent a car, scooter, or quad in Split or on Brac for flexible island exploration.
From Split
Wondering how to get from Split to Brac? You've got several convenient options.
The most popular choice is the 50-minute car ferry from Split to Supetar, operated by Jadrolinija.
If you're heading to Bol, you can catch a 55-minute catamaran service, also run by Jadrolinija.
During the summer, consider the daily coastal catamaran that stops in Bol, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik.
Another alternative is Krilo Shipping Company's twice-daily catamaran service to Bol during peak summer months.
Furthermore, from mid-June to mid-September, Kapetan Luka offers a daily catamaran service that includes stops in Bol, Makarska, Korcula, Mljet, and Dubrovnik.
Each option guarantees a smooth journey from Split to Brac.
From Makarska
When traveling from Makarska to Brac, you have two main options:
the car ferry to Sumartin or the catamaran to Bol.
Jadrolinija's car ferry takes about an hour and operates multiple times daily, but it's best to book in advance during peak season.
Alternatively, Kapetan Luka's catamaran offers a direct route to Bol and continues to Split in the summer months.
Ferry Schedule and Routes
If you're planning to travel from Makarska to Brac Island, you'll find car ferry services to Sumartin operating five times daily during peak season. The ferry journey takes approximately one hour, providing a convenient option for travelers. It's recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months, to secure your spot.
Conversely, there are no other car ferry services connecting Makarska directly to other ports on Brac Island.
Nonetheless, if you're headed to Bol, there's a daily catamaran service available during the summer season. This offers an alternative route for reaching different parts of the island. Make certain to check the schedule and plan accordingly to guarantee a smooth trip.
Ticket Purchase Options
To secure your travel plans, you can purchase tickets for the Makarska to Brac ferries and catamarans either online or directly at the ferry terminals. Jadrolinija operates the car ferry from Makarska to Sumartin, running five times daily during the peak season. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, especially in high season, to guarantee availability. For the catamaran service to Bol, you also have the option to buy tickets online or at the terminal. Below is a table summarizing your ticket purchase options:
| Service | Purchase Options |
|---|---|
| Car Ferry (Makarska-Sumartin) | Online, Ferry Terminal |
| Catamaran (Makarska-Bol) | Online, Ferry Terminal |
Plan ahead to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Travel Time Estimates
Traveling from Makarska to Brac Island is efficiently managed, with the car ferry taking about 1 hour to reach Sumartin. This service operates five times daily during the peak season, making it a convenient option.
For quicker travel, consider the daily catamaran service from Makarska to Bol, which operates from mid-June to mid-September and takes approximately 45 minutes. This catamaran also continues to Split, offering additional flexibility.
During peak season, it's advisable to book your car ferry tickets in advance to guarantee availability. Both options provide reliable and timely transportation, allowing you to enjoy the scenic journey across the Adriatic Sea to Brac Island.
By Fast Catamaran
Taking a fast catamaran from Split to Brac is a convenient and speedy option.
You can choose from several operators like Jadrolinija, Kapetan Luka, and Krilo Shipping Company, each offering daily services.
Let's look at their routes, schedules, and how you can book your tickets.
Routes and Schedules
Planning your journey to Brac by fast catamaran involves understanding the various routes and schedules available during the peak summer months. Jadrolinija offers daily services between Split and Bol, plus Bol and Hvar Town or Jelsa. Krilo Shipping Company runs two daily trips from Split to Bol from June to September. Kapetan Luka provides daily service from Makarska to Bol and then to Split, in addition to routes from Dubrovnik to Bol and Milna.
| Route | Operator | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Split – Bol | Krilo Shipping | Twice daily (June-Sep) |
| Makarska – Bol – Split | Kapetan Luka | Daily (mid-June to mid-Sep) |
| Dubrovnik – Bol – Milna | Kapetan Luka | Daily (peak summer season) |
These options guarantee multiple convenient choices for your travel itinerary.
Ticket Booking Process
Securing your fast catamaran tickets from Split to Brac is a straightforward process that you can complete online in just a few minutes.
Visit the Jadrolinija website to book your tickets in advance. During the peak summer season, departures operate daily from Split to Bol on Brac Island, with journey times around 55 minutes.
Fares typically range from €15 to €25 per adult one-way, and discounts are available for children, seniors, and multiple passengers. To guarantee you secure your preferred sailing, especially during busier months, it's advised to reserve your tickets online.
Arrive at the Split ferry port at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to complete the boarding process smoothly and on time.
By Plane
Flying to Brac Island is straightforward with Split Airport being the nearest major airport, just a short shuttle ride from the Split ferry port. Croatia Airlines runs a convenient shuttle service from Split Airport directly to the port, making your journey seamless.
If you prefer a more direct route, you can opt for a private taxi boat transfer from Split Airport to Brac Island, which costs between 400-600 euros.
For those traveling by private jet, Brac has its own small airport near the town of Bol.
Furthermore, scheduled passenger flights connect Brac Island with Split and Graz, Austria.
These options provide flexibility and convenience, ensuring you can reach Brac Island with ease.
Renting Vehicles
Renting a vehicle on Brac Island gives you the freedom to explore its stunning landscapes at your own pace.
You can rent a car either at Split Airport or directly on Brac Island, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
For a more adventurous option, consider renting a scooter or quad in Bol, perfect for maneuvering the island's winding roads and coastline.
It's wise to book your rental vehicle in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee availability.
Many rental companies offer one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up a vehicle in Split and drop it off on Brac.
While driving on Brac is straightforward, exercise caution on the narrow, winding coastal routes.
Island Hopping
Traversing Brac by vehicle is fantastic, but don't miss out on the adventure of island hopping to truly appreciate Croatia's stunning archipelago. Brac is well-connected, with regular ferry and catamaran services from Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Makarska. You can easily include Brac into your island-hopping itinerary, investigating multiple Dalmatian islands.
Brac's proximity to Split and the mainland makes it a convenient addition.
Combine Brac with visits to Hvar or Korcula to experience diverse landscapes and cultures.
Book ferry tickets in advance, especially in peak summer, to secure your preferred travel dates and routes.
Taking advantage of these connections allows for a richer Croatian adventure.
