October 30, 2018 – Split to Hvar is one of the most popular island trips from the mainland on the Dalmatian coast, and no wonder! Hvar is beautiful, but how does one get from Split to Hvar? What follows is perhaps the most in-depth article ever written on the subject.
Taking the Main Car Ferry from Split to Hvar – Stari Grad
The main ferry from Split to Hvar goes to the town of Stari Grad, about 25km from Hvar Town. The journey takes 2 hours and it’s a real joy on the top deck on a fine day as you pass between the islands of Brac and Solta. The current winter schedule (valid until the end of May) has the following departures in both directions:
STARI GRAD – SPLIT 39,00 KN PASSENGERS
05:30 (NO BUS)
11:30 (BUS AT 09:45)
17:30 (BUS AT 16:30)
SPLIT – STARI GRAD 39,00 KN PASSENGERS
08:30 (BUS AT 10:20)
14:30 (NO BUS)
20:30 (BUS AT 22:15)
The Split Hvar Ferry Option to Save Money – Sucuraj
Although the ferry from Stari Grad to Split seems as if it’s the most obvious connection, there is another possibility which is a little cheaper, it takes more time, but it does give you a bit more flexibility. The eastern port of Sucuraj is about a 1-hour drive from Stari Grad (and 90 mins from Hvar Town), and its little ferry has capacity for just 32 cars, but the 30-minute crossing to Drvenik has a lot more daily crossings. The savings in the car ferry price outweigh the extra fuel costs, and if you have time, eastern Hvar is really pretty, and there is plenty to enjoy along the coast from Drvenik to Split (or you can join the motorway for most of the mainland leg). I personally would only recommend this option outside of the peak season, as the queues for the small ferry make getting on the first ferry unlikely.
If you are coming from Dubrovnik to Hvar, Sucuraj is the best option by far (it is still another 90 minutes to Split from Drvenik). Here are the winter times (valid until the end of May 2019 – with thanks to Pelegrini Tours in Hvar Town – of whom more below)
SUĆURAJ –DRVENIK 13,00 KN PASSENGERS
***06:30 SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS AT 07:30
09:30
12:30
15:00
18:00
21:30
DRVENIK – SUĆURAJ 13,00 KN PASSENGERS
***08:00 /SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS AT 08:15
11:00
13:30
17:15
19:00
22:10
Car Ferries from Split to Hvar: Schedules in Winter v Summer
The main Jadrolinija ferry schedule comes in two ways – winter and summer. The winter schedule is from early October to the end of May, when the summer schedule takes over. In peak season, there is an additional late night ferry, which leaves Split at 01:30. You can check the latest Jadrolinija ferry schedule here.
Is there a Car Ferry Split to Hvar Town?
No. There is only a catamaran service from Split to Hvar Town, so either leave the car in Split or come via the car ferry to Stari Grad, which is about a 20-minute drive from Hvar Town.
How do I Get to Hvar from Split – Stari Grad Ferry?
If you are driving, it could not be easier (or more beautiful). Simply come off the ferry and turn right and the road will take you directly to Hvar Town.
Buses meet every ferry (with the MAJOR exception of the peak season crossing at 01:30 in the morning) and can be found immediately to the right of the ferry. One goes straight to Hvar Town, the other to Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vrboska.
Taxis are also available, but they are very expensive (expect to pay in the region of 300 to 350 kuna to Hvar Town), but perhaps the best option is Hvar Taxi, which you can book and pay for online, Uber-style, as well as having the comfort of knowing the price, which is not the case with all taxis on Hvar…
The same Hvar Taxi company also has a very nice car rental option for people coming on a day trip from Split to Hvar, and you can collect the rental car directly off the ferry, returning the same way as you head home from Stari Grad to Split on the ferry.
Where to Go for Your Split Hvar Ferry Purchase
Being able to buy tickets online is only a very recent thing, which has been a great improvement for the tourism experience on Hvar. Both Jadrolinija and Krilo sell tickets online now, and you simply print out the ticket and show it as you enter the ferry.
PLEASE NOTE for car ferry passengers – buying a ticket does not guarantee you a spot on the ferry. You have to be in the queue in plenty of time.
If you want to buy the tickets physically, you can do so in the main Jadrolinija building in Split harbour as well as in the small kiosk directly in front of the ferry to Stari Grad.
The ports of Stari Grad, Sucuraj and Drvenik all have sales outlets in the harbour, but be aware the Sucuraj and Drvenik ones only open for sales 30 minutes before sailing. If you are driving over, you will need to bring your car registration documents as well.
For the best ticket service on the Hvar riva, visit Pelegrini Tours.
Krilo selling point in Split, St. Peter’s pier/ Gat Sv Petra +38521645476.
What is the Split to Hvar Ferry Cost?
Split to Stari Grad Foot Passenger – 39 kuna
Split to Stari Grad Car – 250 kuna
Drvenik to Sucuraj Foot Passenger – 13 kuna
Drvenik to Sucuraj Car – 155 kuna
For catamaran prices, see below.
Where Can I Find the Split to Hvar Ferry Timetable?
The Jadolonija timetable in English.
The Krilo catamaran timetable in English.
What are the Split to Hvar Catamaran Options?
The options from Split to Hvar Town in winter (we will add the 2019 schedule when it is made available) – with thanks again to Pelegrini Tours:
JADROLINIJA CATAMARAN:
HVAR – SPLIT 06:35 (40,00 KN) **** SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS AT 09:15
SPLIT HVAR 14:00 (40,00 KN)
HVAR –VELA LUKA 15:10 ( 35,00 KN)
***TUESDAYS ONLY HVAR –SPLIT AT 08:00- CATAMARAN FROM VIS, BACK AT 15:00
JELSA (06:00) – BOL ( 06:25) – SPLIT (07:30)
MONDAY TO FRIDAY AT 06:00
SATURDAY AT 12:00 (BOL 12:25)- SPLIT (13:30)
SUNDAY AND HOLIDAY 13:00 (BOL 13:25) – SPLIT 14:30
SPLIT (16:00) – BOL (17:10) – JELSA (17:30)
MONDAY TO THURSDAY AT 16:00
FRIDAY AT 16:30 (BOL 17:40, JELSA 18:00)
SATURDAY AT 23:00 (BOL 00:10, JELSA 00:30)
SUNDAY AND HOLIDAY AT 16:00
KRILO / KAPETAN LUKA
HVAR – SPLIT 07:35 /SUNDAYS AT 14:35 (40,00 KN)
SPLIT – HVAR 16:30 (40,00 KN)
HVAR – KORČULA 17:35 EVERY DAY (40,00 KN)
A Little Trick if the Split to Hvar Catamaran is Full
Split to Hvar Town is an incredibly popular route, and tickets sell out quickly in peak season. One thing I have learned over the years is that ferry companies often keep an allocation of tickets for onward destinations (Korcula for example), so if you find Hvar sold out, check the availability of the next destination. You may pay a little extra, but that is probably preferable to having to wait for the next boat.
Can I Smoke on the Catamaran or Ferry from Split to Hvar?
You are not allowed to smoke on the catamarans. For those in need of a little tobacco hit on the catamaran from Split to Jelsa, there is a 15-minute window as the boat stops in Bol to pick up passengers.
You can smoke outside on the ferries to from Split to Stari Grad and Drvenik to Sucuraj.
Can I Take a Pet (or a Christmas Tree…) on the Ferry or Catamaran from Split to Hvar?
You can take pets on the ferries without a problem, and if you train them properly, they can even travel solo – read the incredible story of Cookie, who travelled from Split to Stari Grad in search of his British owner back in 2012.
Regarding pets on catamarans, there is a new rule on small dogs in the transporter, which are now allowed. The price is 20 kuna. Bigger dogs are not allowed in the salon, but they can go outside.
Can I Take a Bike on the Catamaran from Hvar to Split?
You take bicycles on the ferry from Split to Hvar, but there is a different policy for catamarans. Krilo will accept cyclists, but Jadrolinija will not.
Is There Free WiFi on the Ferry from Split to Hvar?
There is free WiFi on the ferry from Split to Stari Grad only. It has varying coverage throughout the journey and does not always work. One thing I learned when I used the service while living on Hvar was to log on as soon as you board, as it was more likely to work.
Do the Catamarans and Ferries from Split to Hvar Still Go in Bad Weather?
In the 13 years I lived on Hvar, the Stari Grad ferry only failed to go twice when the storms were really rough, the ferry from Sucuraj a few times more. The catamarans, however…
Bad weather means that the catamaran reliability, especially in winter, is not 100%. One of the failings in the system in my opinion is that the information on whether or not a catamaran will go is not available until 5am by telephone, even though the decision will have been taken earlier in the morning. It would be a HUGE benefit to island life if the catamaran companies posted the decision at 2am on social media or elsewhere – it would give passengers enough time to make travel arrangements for the 05:30 ferry from Stari Grad.
Is there a Phone Number I Can Call to Get the Latest Information about Boats from Split to Hvar?
Yes. Jadrolinija has an English-speaking information line open from 5am – +385-21-338333. You can find out if boats will go in bad weather, timetables and prices.
Meet Pelegrini Tours, Your Best Resource for Information and Tickets from Hvar to Split
I am convinced that Hvar tourism would cease to function without Marijana from Pelegrini Tours in Hvar Town. Official ticket agents for Krilo, Pelegrini Tours also offers morning updates on the status of catamaran travel. Follow their essential Facebook page here.
Split Airport to Hvar – What are the Options?
You can take a speedboat from close to the airport and really arrive in style. For more information, contact us on [email protected]
For the majority of the rest of us, it is a ferry or catamaran from downtown Split. Find out how to do that with TCN’s guide from the airport to Split.
How Much Time Do I Have for a Split to Hvar Day Trip?
Split to Hvar as a day trip is increasingly popular, and with more catamarans than ever, your options are plentiful. The best option for a day trip to Hvar (in my opinion) is one few know about. Take the first ferry to Stari Grad (which leaves at 6am in summer, 08:30 in winter, and take advantage of daily car hire options from the ferry. You can drive around the island and take in a lot more until the last ferry than most tourists see in a week.
What about Organised Boat Trips from Split to Hvar?
Split to Hvar is one of the most popular day trips in Central Dalmatia. Simply ask any agency what they have on offer in Split.
What about Taking a Speedboat from Split to Hvar?
-taxi boat service downtown Split to Hvar cca 350€ (this depends on the type of the speedboat)
– taxi boat from Hvar to Split Airport – Hvar cca 400 € (this depends on the type of speedboat)
For more information and to book, contact us at [email protected]
An Uber Experience Like No Other: From Split to Hvar with UberBOAT
Most tourists visiting Croatia will have some experience with the global ride-sharing app, Uber, but Croatia offers an Uber experience like no other – UberBOAT! UberBOAT works exactly like an Uber, but on the sea. Introduced to the Dalmatian coast last summer, Split to Hvar was one of the most popular routes. UberBOAT functions as a point to point transfer service primarily, but it can also be used for a little island hopping day trip. Learn more about UberBOAT.
Is there an Organised Transfer from Split Airport to Hvar?
For more information on how to get from Split Airport to the Split ferry terminal, here is the latest TCN guide to tell you how to get to the airport once you land in Split.
Pelegrini Tours offers a service of catamaran-taxi to Split Airport for cca 250 kn, (catamaran ticket is not included).
If you are staying with leading hotel group Suncani Hvar, here is more information on all transfer options.
What about Seaplanes from Split to Hvar?
On August 24, 2014, modern aviation history was made in Jelsa on Hvar, as the first scheduled seaplane flight for 70 years touched down on the Adriatic before taxiing into Jelsa’s picturesque harbour. The 15-minute flight to Resnik by Split Airport was followed by another to downtown Split, and Hvar was connected like never before. Sadly, the seaplane operator, European Coastal Airlines, was grounded the following summer, and it has now been two years since there has been a seaplane flight. Will we have seaplanes from Split to Hvar in the future? At the time of writing, there is no concrete news, although there are various companies exploring the possibilities. Should there be any developments, we will update them on our dedicated seaplanes tag.
Can I Fly from Split to Hvar by Helicopter or Private Plane? Oh Yes…
(Hvar briefly had a Swiss helicopter based in Stari Grad back in 2013 – here is TCN organising the helicopter for the camera crew for the first Ultra Europe Beach Party, but it flew back to Switzerland after a month due to lack of business)
Currently, there is talk of a helicopter service once again. We will update this article if there is concrete news.
Stari Grad airfield is located within the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stari Grad Plain (learn more about it in the video below):
Although Hvar will not be welcoming any Boeing Dreamliners any time soon, private planes with a maximum of six passengers are very welcome.
Where is the Best Place to Wait for the Ferry from Split to Hvar?
FINALLY, after many years, there is a great place right opposite the ferry from Split to Stari Grad. It is called the One Eyed Pig Pub and opened in June, 2018. It also serves food and has a bakery attached. And most importantly for this blogger, the beer selection is decent and reasonably priced. You can learn more about the One Eyed Pig on Facebook.
For more information about the island of Hvar, follow our Total Hvar portal here. Enjoy your trip to Hvar!
If there are any errors or omissions in this article, please contact us at [email protected]
