Split sits directly across the water from Hvar, which makes it the most common launch point for a visit to Croatiaβs most sought-after island. The question is how to get there. Public ferries and catamarans are cheap and reliable; guided boat tours are more expensive but cover more ground in a day. This guide lays out the practical difference between the two options so you can choose what fits your trip.
The Public Ferry Options
There are two distinct types of public service connecting Split and Hvar.
Jadrolinija Car Ferry (Split to Stari Grad)
The Jadrolinija car ferry runs from Splitβs main ferry terminal to Stari Grad on Hvar. This is the only service that carries vehicles. Journey time is approximately 2 hours. In 2026, foot passenger fares sit at around β¬6 one way; a standard car plus driver costs approximately β¬45-55 depending on the season.
Stari Grad is on the north coast of Hvar island, about 20km from Hvar Town. Once you arrive, you need a bus or taxi to reach Hvar Town (approximately β¬12-15 by taxi, or the public bus for under β¬5). Factor this in when comparing costs. The ferry runs year-round with multiple daily departures in summer.
Book vehicle spaces early. In July and August, car spaces on this route sell out weeks in advance. Walk-on passenger spaces are almost always available on the day, but if you plan to bring a car, book at jadrolinija.hr the moment your dates are confirmed.
Krilo Catamaran (Split to Hvar Town)
Krilo operates a fast catamaran service from Split that goes directly to Hvar Town port. Journey time is approximately 55 minutes. Fares run approximately β¬13-17 one way in 2026. The service does not carry vehicles. Krilo runs seasonal departures (roughly April to October) and does fill up in peak season, so booking a day or two ahead on krilo.hr is sensible in July and August.
This is the better option for most foot passengers. Arriving at Hvar Town port puts you directly on the Riva waterfront, within walking distance of the fortress, restaurants, and the main piazzas. No bus required.
TP Line Catamaran
TP Line runs a Dubrovnik-to-Split corridor service that stops at Hvar Town en route. If you are coming from Dubrovnik or Korcula, this is how you board. From Split to Hvar Town on TP Line, expect a similar journey time and price to Krilo. Check tpline.hr for current timetables.
Guided Boat Tours from Split to Hvar
The alternative to DIY ferries is a guided day trip by boat. These depart Split harbour in the morning and return by early evening. They are more expensive than the public ferry, but they combine Hvar Town with additional stops that are difficult or impossible to reach independently in a single day.
What Tours Typically Include
Most Hvar boat tours from Split visit three to five locations:
- Hvar Town: 1.5-2 hours of free time to walk the old town, climb to the fortress, and have lunch on the Riva
- Pakleni Islands: A small archipelago just off Hvar Town, with clear water for swimming. The main swimming stop is usually at Palmizana or Stipanska
- Brac island or Zlatni Rat beach: The famous pebble spit near Bol on Brac appears on many itineraries
- Blue Cave (Bisevo island): Some tours extend to include the Blue Cave, adding about 1.5 hours to the day
Tour prices in 2026 typically run:
- Standard group catamaran (Hvar, Pakleni, Brac): β¬50-70 per person
- All-inclusive group tour (food, drinks, swimming): β¬80-100 per person
- Blue Cave + 5 Islands speedboat: β¬90-120 per person
The Split to Hvar all-inclusive tour covers Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands, Brac, and Solta with food and drinks on board. The Hvar and Brac day trip with Zlatni Rat beach focuses on the two main islands without the extra Blue Cave extension. For the full day with the Blue Cave included, the 5-Island Blue Cave and Hvar tour is the most comprehensive single-day option from Split. The Hvar, Brac and Pakleni cruise with lunch is a good mid-range catamaran option with catered lunch included.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Price per person | Journey to Hvar Town | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jadrolinija car ferry (foot) | ~β¬6 one way | 2 hrs + bus | Ferry only |
| Krilo catamaran | ~β¬13-17 one way | 55 min | Ferry only |
| Hvar & Brac group tour | ~β¬50-70 | ~1.5 hrs | Multiple islands, swimming |
| All-inclusive tour | ~β¬80-100 | ~1.5 hrs | Multiple islands, food, drinks |
| Blue Cave + 5 Islands speedboat | ~β¬90-120 | ~1.5 hrs | 5 stops, guided |
Which Option Suits Your Trip
Choose the public ferry if:
You have accommodation booked on Hvar and plan to stay one or more nights. The Krilo catamaran to Hvar Town is the most convenient option in this case. Take the car ferry to Stari Grad only if you need to bring a vehicle. The lower cost and flexibility of the public ferry make it the right call for an overnight trip.
Choose a guided boat tour if:
You only have one day and want to cover Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands, and possibly Brac or the Blue Cave in a single outing. Group boat tours pack a lot into a day and handle all the logistics. They also make sense if you want guaranteed swimming stops without needing to hire a water taxi separately.
Avoid boat tours if:
You want more than 1.5-2 hours on Hvar Town itself. Tours allocate a fixed window and move on. If you want to have a proper lunch, walk up to the fortress, and explore the back streets, staying overnight and using the public ferry gives you that time.
Practical Notes for Getting to Hvar
Split ferry terminal location: The Jadrolinija terminal for Hvar (car ferry to Stari Grad) is at the Stari Grad pier area near the old town. Krilo and TP Line catamarans depart from the Catamaran Terminal on the Riva. Both are within walking distance of the old town centre. Guided boat tours typically depart from the harbour at the Riva or from the Meje area slightly west of the old town.
Peak season congestion: In July and August, the Riva waterfront and ferry terminal area gets crowded before morning departures. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sailing time. For guided tours, check-in typically requires arrival 15-20 minutes before departure.
Return timing: If returning on the public ferry the same day, the last Krilo catamaran from Hvar Town to Split is typically early evening (check current schedules at krilo.hr). Guided tours return to Split by 6-7pm in most cases.
Weather dependency: The Adriatic can get choppy in early summer and autumn. Fast catamaran and speedboat services are more affected by waves than the larger car ferry. If conditions deteriorate, some tour operators offer rescheduling. Check cancellation policies when booking.
Hvar is one of the most visited islands in the Adriatic for good reason. Whether you take the public catamaran for a straightforward overnight trip or join a guided boat tour to cover more ground in a day, the crossing from Split is quick and well-serviced. Book early in summer and the logistics take care of themselves.
Browse tours from Split: Guided tours and boat trips from Split cover Hvar, Krka, the Blue Cave, and day trips further afield. Travel insurance and a Balkans eSIM are worth arranging before you arrive.