Split to Hvar Ferry Guide, Catamaran Times & Tips (2026)

Hvar island has no bridge to the mainland. Getting there from Split means either the catamaran (passengers only, no vehicles) or the car ferry (vehicles and passengers). Each has different implications depending on what you need.

Catamaran: Split to Hvar town

Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka both operate high-speed catamarans from the Split catamaran terminal (adjacent to the main ferry terminal on the Riva) to Hvar town. Journey time: approximately 1 hour. Passengers only, bicycles are usually allowed. No vehicles.

Departures vary by season. High season (June-September): multiple departures daily, roughly 07:00 to 21:00. Low season: 1-3 departures daily.

Ticket price: approximately €10 one way per adult. Children reduced.

This is the right option for guests staying in Hvar town who do not need a vehicle on the island. The catamaran drops you at the harbour 5 minutes' walk from the centre.

Car ferry: Split to Stari Grad

Jadrolinija operates car ferries from Split ferry terminal to Stari Grad harbour on the north coast of Hvar. Crossing time: 2 hours. This is the most frequent service and handles the majority of vehicle traffic.

The ferry runs from approximately 05:00 to 21:00 in summer on a schedule of every 1.5 to 2 hours. Reservations for vehicles are possible and recommended in July and August, without a reservation, you may wait for the next ferry if the current sailing is full.

This is the right option for guests who want to explore the island by car or who have too much luggage for the catamaran.

Drvenik-Sućuraj fast ferry

The second car ferry route connects Drvenik (75 km south of Split on the coastal road) to Sućuraj on the eastern tip of Hvar. Journey time: 35 minutes. The crossing itself is much shorter than the Split-Stari Grad route, but the combined drive to Drvenik plus ferry plus drive across the island to Hvar town takes approximately the same time as the direct Split-Stari Grad route. This route is better for guests staying on the eastern or central part of the island.

Private car-to-ferry transfer

For guests arriving into Split with luggage who need to connect to Hvar on the same day, a private transfer covers the door-to-ferry-terminal portion: from Split Airport, hotel, or marina to the Jadrolinija car ferry terminal, including loading assistance and confirmation of correct terminal.

This is particularly relevant for guests with large amounts of luggage (families, yacht guests joining a charter, guests arriving from long-haul flights with multiple suitcases) who need to manage luggage without a public bus connection.

Cost from Split Airport to ferry terminal: from €45 for up to 3 passengers. The driver confirms the ferry schedule and ensures departure timing is compatible with the sailing.

Private boat vs ferry

If your group wants Hvar without fixed departure times or terminal queues, a [private boat day from Split](/split-hvar-solta-private-boat-tour/) reaches the island on your schedule. Compare ferry costs for 4+ people against a flat-rate charter on our [sea excursions hub](/sea-excursions/).