The Split to Hvar ferry is the main way to reach the most popular island in Dalmatia. There are two ferry routes and three ways to make the crossing — and choosing the wrong one is the single most common mistake tourists make every summer. This guide tells you exactly which Split to Hvar ferry to take, where to catch it, what it costs in 2026, and how to book before it sells out.
Split to Hvar Ferry: Quick Answer
Fastest option: Krilo or Jadrolinija catamaran — 1 hour, ~€20, goes directly to Hvar Town.
Cheapest option: Jadrolinija car ferry — 2 hours, ~€8 per person, arrives at Stari Grad (not Hvar Town).
Easiest option: Speedboat day tour — door-to-door, includes Blue Cave and Blue Lagoon.
The Port Problem: Why Tourists Get This Wrong
Before you buy a ticket, understand this: Hvar Island has two separate ports, and they are on opposite ends of the island.
- Hvar Town — the famous one with the fortress, the Riva promenade, beach bars, restaurants. This is where almost everyone wants to be.
- Stari Grad — the car ferry port on the north side of the island, 30+ minutes and a €15–20 taxi from Hvar Town.
Every summer I watch tourists step off the car ferry in Stari Grad expecting to walk straight into Hvar Town, only to realise they need another taxi. Know your port before you book.
Where to Catch the Ferry in Split
Both the catamaran and the car ferry depart from Split Ferry Terminal (Trajektna luka Split), located just east of Diocletian’s Palace on Obala Kneza Domagoja. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Old Town.
- Catamaran (to Hvar Town): departs from the smaller passenger terminal piers — Gate 1–4. Look for Jadrolinija or Krilo signage.
- Car ferry (to Stari Grad): departs from the large vehicle loading ramps further east. Arrive at least 45 minutes early if taking a car.
Taxis and Uber are both available outside the terminal. From the Old Town, it’s a 5-minute walk or a €5 taxi ride.
Option 1: Catamaran to Hvar Town (Fastest, Most Popular)
This is what most tourists take — and for good reason. The catamaran goes directly to Hvar Town, takes about 1 hour, and costs around €20 one way.
2026 Catamaran Schedule (Split → Hvar Town)
Departures vary by season. In peak summer (June–September), there are typically 4–6 departures per day, including a morning sailing around 9:00–10:00 and an afternoon sailing around 15:00–16:00. Off-season drops to 1–2 per day.
Always check the official timetable before travelling:
- Jadrolinija.hr — state-owned operator, reliable, slightly less frequent
- Krilo.hr — private operator, often faster boats, good online booking
Prices
Foot passenger: approximately €18–22 one way depending on operator and season. Tickets are foot-passenger only — no vehicles on the catamaran.
Important: Book in Advance in Summer
This is the most important thing I can tell you: in July and August, the catamaran sells out days in advance. Do not show up at the terminal 20 minutes before departure and expect to get on. Book online through Jadrolinija or Krilo as soon as you know your dates.
Option 2: Car Ferry to Stari Grad (Cheapest, Slowest)
The Jadrolinija car ferry runs year-round from Split to Stari Grad, on the northern shore of Hvar. It is the most affordable crossing but takes 2 hours and does NOT arrive in Hvar Town.
2026 Car Ferry Schedule
In summer, there are typically 6–9 sailings per day, running roughly every 2–3 hours from early morning (5:00) to late evening (22:00). Off-season reduces to 3–5 per day. Check the Jadrolinija website for the exact 2026 timetable.
Prices
- Foot passenger: ~€8 per person one way
- Car (up to 4m): ~€40–50 one way, plus passengers
- Motorcycle: ~€15–20
Getting from Stari Grad to Hvar Town
If you arrive in Stari Grad without a car, you have two options to reach Hvar Town:
- Bus: A bus usually meets the ferry and goes to Hvar Town (~30 min, ~€3). Not always guaranteed in shoulder season.
- Taxi: ~€15–20, takes 20–25 minutes across the island on a winding scenic road.
My advice: If you don’t have a car, take the catamaran. The cheap ferry ends up costing nearly the same once you add the taxi, and you lose 90 minutes.
Option 3: Speedboat Day Tour (Best for Day Trippers)
If you’re visiting Hvar for one day from Split, a speedboat island-hopping tour is often the smartest choice — and not just because it’s easier. The typical route includes:
- Blue Cave (Bisevo) or Blue Lagoon swimming stop
- 2–3 hours free time in Hvar Town
- Return to Split by sunset
Cost: approximately €80–100 per person. Compare that to: catamaran return (€36–44) + Blue Cave boat tour (€40+) booked separately, and the speedboat tour often works out cheaper while saving hours of logistics.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Visiting Hvar Town for the day (no car) | Catamaran — book in advance |
| Travelling with a car | Car ferry to Stari Grad |
| Staying overnight in Hvar (no car) | Catamaran to Hvar Town |
| Day trip + want to see Blue Cave | Speedboat tour |
| Travelling on a tight budget | Car ferry (foot passenger) + bus |
| Travelling in peak summer (Jul–Aug) | Book catamaran weeks ahead |
Return Journey: Getting Back from Hvar to Split
The return Split to Hvar ferry runs in reverse on the same schedule. For the catamaran, the last sailing from Hvar Town back to Split is typically around 18:00–20:00 — check the exact time on your outbound booking. In high season, the return catamaran also sells out, so book both legs at the same time.
If you miss the last catamaran, the car ferry from Stari Grad runs later into the evening — but remember you’ll need to get from Hvar Town to Stari Grad first (taxi ~€15).
Practical Tips from a Local
- Arrive early at the terminal. In summer, the catamaran pier fills up. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
- Book online, not at the terminal. Terminal queues in July are long. Krilo and Jadrolinija both have easy online booking.
- Bring sunscreen for the car ferry. The open deck is exposed. It’s a beautiful 2-hour crossing but the Adriatic sun is intense.
- Hvar Town in peak season is extremely crowded. Go early (morning catamaran) and leave before 17:00 to get a seat on the return.
- The last bus from Stari Grad to Hvar Town is not reliable off-season. If you take the car ferry as a foot passenger, budget for a taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Split to Hvar?
The catamaran to Hvar Town takes approximately 1 hour. The car ferry to Stari Grad takes 2 hours. Travel time does not include time at the terminal or onward transport from Stari Grad to Hvar Town.
How much does the Split to Hvar ferry cost?
The catamaran costs approximately €18–22 per person one way. The car ferry costs about €8 per person as a foot passenger, or €40–50 for a vehicle. Prices for 2026 may vary slightly by operator and season.
Do I need to book the Split to Hvar ferry in advance?
For the catamaran in June, July, and August: yes, absolutely. It sells out days in advance. Book through Jadrolinija.hr or Krilo.hr as soon as you have your dates confirmed. The car ferry does not require advance booking for foot passengers, though vehicles should book ahead in peak season.
Which port in Split do I depart from?
Both the catamaran and car ferry leave from Split Ferry Terminal (Trajektna luka), on Obala Kneza Domagoja — a 10-minute walk east of Diocletian’s Palace. The catamaran departs from the passenger piers (Gates 1–4); the car ferry loads from the vehicle ramps further east.
What is the difference between Hvar Town and Stari Grad?
Hvar Town is the main tourist hub — fortress, bars, restaurants, beaches. Stari Grad is the car ferry port on the north side of the island, about 30 minutes and a €15 taxi ride from Hvar Town. Most tourists want Hvar Town; the catamaran takes you there directly.
Further reading: Jadrolinija — Official Croatia Ferry Timetables
