If you're planning a trip to Hvar, Croatia, understanding the best ways to get there is essential. You have several options, including ferries, car ferries, catamarans, and speedboats, with services primarily from Split and Drvenik. Each mode has its own travel time and convenience factors that could vastly impact your journey. But before you decide which option suits you best, consider how your arrival at Split Airport or Dubrovnik can influence your choice. Let's investigate the most efficient and enjoyable ways to start your adventure to this stunning island destination.
Key Takeaways
- Take a Jadrolinija or Krilo ferry from Split, with multiple daily crossings and a 1-2 hour journey.
- Opt for a car ferry from Split to Stari Grad, taking 2 hours, or from Drvenik to Sucuraj, taking 35 minutes.
- Use catamaran services from Split to Hvar Town or Jelsa, with a travel time of around 1 hour.
- Book a private speedboat transfer from Split, priced around $361 for a 4-passenger boat, taking approximately 1 hour.
- Travel from Dubrovnik by ferry/catamaran, a 3.5-hour journey, or by private speedboat, taking about 3.25 hours.
By Ferry
Traveling to Hvar by ferry is straightforward, with multiple daily crossings from Split and Drvenik.
From Split, you can choose between Jadrolinija and Krilo, with journeys taking 1-2 hours.
Jadrolinija also offers a 35-minute route from Drvenik to Sucuraj on Hvar's eastern side.
During peak summer, ferries run more frequently, up to 18 times daily, but service is reduced in the off-season.
To guarantee a spot, especially in summer, it's best to book your tickets in advance.
This way, you can enjoy a smooth and efficient travel experience to one of Croatia's most beautiful islands.
Whether you're in Split or Drvenik, reaching Hvar by ferry is convenient and accessible.
By Car Ferry
To reach Hvar by car ferry, you have two main routes to weigh:
From Split to Stari Grad, which takes about 2 hours.
From Drvenik to Sucuraj, with a shorter 35-minute crossing.
It's important to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer season when ferries can fill up quickly.
Fares vary depending on your vehicle size and the number of passengers, so check the pricing details before you travel.
Ferry Routes Available
For an efficient way to reach Hvar by car, consider taking one of the daily Jadrolinija car ferries from Split or Drvenik.
The Split to Stari Grad route takes about 2 hours and operates up to 7 times per day during summer, and 4 times daily in the off-season.
Alternatively, the Drvenik to Sucuraj route is quicker, taking just 35 minutes.
Advance booking is recommended, especially in summer, to secure a spot.
Costs vary based on vehicle size and passenger numbers.
Both services allow vehicle transport, making it easy to travel with your car.
Choose the route that best fits your schedule and enjoy a smooth trip to Hvar.
Best Travel Times
The best times to take a car ferry to Hvar are during the shoulder seasons of April to early June and September to October when crowds are thinner and prices are more reasonable. During these periods, you can enjoy a more relaxed journey without the hustle and bustle of peak summer months.
The ferry from Split to Stari Grad operates up to 7 times daily in summer and 4 times during the off-season.
The Drvenik to Sucuraj ferry takes just 35 minutes and runs up to 12 times daily in summer.
Fares vary by vehicle size and passenger count, ranging from 80-318 HRK one-way.
These details help you plan a smooth, cost-effective trip.
Ticket Booking Process
Booking car ferry tickets to Hvar in advance guarantees you secure your spot, especially during the busy summer months. To guarantee a smooth booking process, follow these steps:
- Visit Jadrolinija's official website: Jadrolinija operates daily car ferries from Split to Stari Grad and Drvenik to Sucuraj. The website provides schedules, prices, and booking options.
- Choose your route and time: Select between the 2-hour Split to Stari Grad route or the 35-minute Drvenik to Sucuraj route. Remember, summer schedules offer more frequent departures.
- Enter vehicle and passenger details: Input your vehicle size, the number of passengers, and guarantee you have a valid driver's license, car registration, and Green Card.
By Catamaran
Traveling by catamaran offers a fast and direct way to reach Hvar Town and Jelsa from Split, with trips taking around an hour.
Major operators like Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka run multiple daily departures, especially during peak season.
You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the Split ferry terminal, with one-way fares ranging from 25-50 EUR.
Catamarans are ideal for foot passengers, providing a comfortable and efficient journey between the mainland and Hvar.
To guarantee you get a spot, particularly in the busy summer months, it's recommended to book your tickets beforehand.
This method is popular owing to its speed and convenience, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.
By Speedboat
If you're looking for a more exclusive and scenic route to Hvar, consider chartering a private speedboat from Split. This option allows you to bypass the longer ferry journey and enjoy the picturesque Adriatic coastline at a faster pace. Transfers take as little as one hour and can start around $361 for a 4-passenger boat.
To make your trip more convenient:
- Book in advance: Guarantee availability by securing your speedboat ahead of time.
- Arrange through hotels or tour operators: Many offer speedboat services.
- Relish the direct route: This allows more time to discover Hvar upon arrival.
A private speedboat is perfect for travelers with limited time or those seeking a unique experience.
By Seaplane
Traveling to Hvar by seaplane offers a unique and scenic route that you won't want to miss.
You can choose from various seaplane flight options, and booking is straightforward with prices that cater to different budgets.
The travel experience itself provides breathtaking views and a quick journey to your destination.
Seaplane Flight Options
Seapplane flights to Hvar, once offered by European Coastal Airlines, are no longer an option since the company went out of business.
Nonetheless, it's worth knowing what these flights could have provided:
- Speed: Seaplane flights would have been faster compared to traditional ferry services, reducing total travel time.
- Direct Routes: These flights would have allowed you to bypass car ferries and get directly to certain destinations on the island.
- Scenic Views: You'd have enjoyed unique and scenic aerial perspectives of Hvar and the surrounding Dalmatian islands.
With the absence of seaplane services, you'll need to rely on ferries and boats to reach Hvar, which remain efficient and popular options.
Booking and Costs
Although seaplane flights to Hvar are no longer available, it's still useful to know how booking and costs worked when this option was offered.
You could book your seaplane ticket online through various travel websites or directly from the seaplane service providers' official pages. Ticket prices varied depending on the season and availability, typically ranging from 100 to 200 euros for a one-way trip.
It was advisable to book early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot and potentially find lower fares. The booking process was straightforward, requiring basic personal information and payment details.
Furthermore, some services offered flexible cancellation policies, allowing changes to your itinerary with minimal fees.
Travel Experience Highlights
For those who were fortunate enough to experience it, the seaplane journey from Split to Hvar offered breathtaking aerial views and a swift, 25-minute transfer over the stunning Adriatic coastline.
This unique mode of transport provided several highlights:
Scenic Views: You could gaze down at the crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands, offering a perspective that ferries simply can't match.
Time-Efficiency: The seaplane's 25-minute flight substantially cut down on travel time compared to the longer ferry rides.
Exclusive Experience: With a capacity of just 8 passengers, the flights felt intimate and special, adding a touch of exclusivity to your trip.
Although the service has been discontinued, it remains a cherished memory for those who experienced it.
From Split
Traveling from Split to Hvar is straightforward, with frequent ferries and catamarans offering convenient daily services. Jadrolinija and Krilo are the main ferry companies operating on this route, providing both passenger-only and car ferry options.
Depending on the service, travel times range from 1 to 2 hours. One-way tickets cost between €25 and €50, and it's best to book in advance during peak summer.
For a more direct connection, the Split Express service links Split Airport to Stari Grad on Hvar with one daily departure and two return trips.
If you prefer a quicker, private option, speedboat transfers take just over an hour and start at around $361 for a 4-passenger boat.
From Dubrovnik
You have several options to reach Hvar from Dubrovnik, including direct flights, ferries, and private speedboat transfers. Each option varies in convenience and travel time:
Direct Flights to Split or Brač: After landing, take a ferry or catamaran to Hvar. This two-step journey can be efficient but involves coordinating flight and ferry schedules.
Ferry/Catamaran Service: Ferries depart from Dubrovnik port, located 45 minutes from Dubrovnik Airport. The ride to Hvar takes around 3.5 hours, offering a scenic and leisurely trip.
Private Speedboat Transfers: For a quicker and more direct route, hire a private speedboat. This trip takes approximately 3.25 hours and provides a personalized travel experience.
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and preferences.
From Other Cities
Planning to visit Hvar from other Croatian cities? If you're coming from Split, you have several options.
You can take a direct flight to Split and then a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Hvar. Alternatively, private speedboat services offer a quicker, scenic route, taking about 1-2 hours.
From Dubrovnik, options include direct flights, ferry/catamaran services, or private speedboats, with travel times ranging from 3.25-4.5 hours.
For a unique experience, consider chartering a private plane or helicopter, taking less than an hour from either city.
Furthermore, private car transfers provide a comfortable and scenic journey, taking approximately 3.5-4 hours.
Each method offers a different balance of speed, cost, and scenic value.
Travel Tips
When heading to Hvar, pack a valid driver's license, car registration, and Green Card if you plan on driving. Speed limits are important to remember: 50 km/h in settlements, 80 km/h out of settlements, and 130 km/h on highways.
Choosing the right ferry can make your trip smoother; consider your final destination, price, frequency, and crossing duration.
Major airlines flying to Croatia include Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, and Ryanair.
Ferries and catamarans offer frequent daily connections to Hvar, especially during peak season.
Always check ferry schedules in advance and book tickets early to guarantee a smooth journey to Hvar.
