Split to Hvar: Ferry Times, Tickets & How to Get There

The Route at a Glance

The Split to Hvar crossing is one of the busiest ferry routes on the Croatian coast, and for good reason: Hvar Island is consistently ranked among Croatia's most-visited destinations. The crossing itself is short — most catamarans take 55 minutes to just over an hour — and departures leave from Split's main ferry terminal on the Riva promenade, right in the heart of the city.

There are two distinct port destinations on Hvar: Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Hvar Town is the tourist hub, with the fortress, the main square, the bars, and most of the accommodation. Stari Grad is a quieter, older settlement on the north side of the island, about 20km by road from Hvar Town. If you book the wrong one, you'll need to arrange a taxi or local bus at your own expense. Double-check your ticket before you pay.

Ferry Operators and Schedules

Three main operators run this route: Krilo (operated by Kapetan Luka), TP Line, and Jadrolinija. Each has a different fleet, schedule structure, and pricing logic. Here's how they compare in practice.

• Krilo (Kapetan Luka) The most popular choice for foot passengers heading to Hvar Town. Fast catamarans, comfortable seating, and multiple daily departures in summer. Journey time around 55-60 minutes. Tickets can be bought online or at the terminal kiosk.
• TP Line Runs a competing catamaran service with similar journey times (around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes depending on the sailing). Schedules vary by day of the week, so check specifically for your travel date. Slightly fewer departures than Krilo in peak season.
• Jadrolinija Croatia's national ferry line. Runs a slower car ferry service to Stari Grad (not Hvar Town) and a limited catamaran service to Hvar Town. The car ferry is useful if you're bringing a vehicle, but foot passengers are usually better served by Krilo or TP Line.

Sample departure times (based on peak season data — always verify current schedules before travel): Krilo typically starts around 08:00 and runs multiple departures through to early evening. TP Line has sailings from approximately 08:15, with additional crossings mid-morning and midday. Jadrolinija's catamaran runs fewer daily crossings to Hvar Town, often limited to two or three per day even in summer.

Seasonal Frequency: What to Expect Month by Month

The frequency difference between summer and winter on this route is dramatic, and it catches a lot of travelers off guard. Getting to Hvar in August and getting there in February are two completely different logistical challenges.

• Peak Season (June to September) Anywhere from 10 to 17+ daily departures across all operators combined. This is when the route is easy, almost on-demand. The challenge is crowds, not availability — boats sell out, especially on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
• Shoulder Season (May and October) Up to 6 daily departures. Enough flexibility for most travelers, but you'll want to check the schedule before arriving at the terminal expecting a quick crossing.
• Winter (November to April) As few as 2 daily catamaran departures. Schedules may be reduced further in January and February. If you're traveling to Hvar in winter, plan around ferry times — the ferry does not plan around you.

For travelers visiting outside summer, it's worth reading Split in winter to understand what island access looks like during low season, and whether the reduced connections will affect your plans. If Hvar is just one part of a broader trip, island hopping from Split covers how to combine multiple island crossings efficiently.

Ticket Prices and Where to Book

Adult foot passenger fares currently range from around €5.84 to €26, depending on the operator, time of year, and how far in advance you book. Krilo tends to price at the higher end of the range during peak season, while Jadrolinija's catamaran fares are generally lower. Children's fares are typically discounted by 50% on most operators.

You can book directly through operator websites (jadrolinija.hr, krilo.hr), or use aggregator platforms like Ferryhopper, Direct Ferries, or FerryCroatia to compare options in one place. Aggregators charge the same price as direct booking in most cases, but some apply small service fees. For flexibility, booking direct with the operator is marginally preferable. Tickets can also be purchased at the Split ferry terminal on the day, though in July and August, peak morning departures often sell out 1-2 days in advance.

Practical Logistics: Getting to the Terminal and Arriving in Hvar

The Split ferry terminal is centrally located, adjacent to the Riva promenade and walking distance from Diocletian's Palace. If you're staying in the old town or central Split, you can realistically walk to the terminal in 5-10 minutes. From more peripheral neighborhoods or the airport, allow more time.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure if you've already bought a ticket, and 45-60 minutes if you're buying at the terminal. In peak season, embarkation queues can be long and boarding closes before the scheduled departure time. The terminal has a café, a small shop, and luggage storage lockers for day-trippers who want to leave bags behind.

On arrival in Hvar Town, the catamaran docks directly in the main harbor, steps from the main square (Trg Svetog Stjepana) and the old town waterfront. There are no buses or taxis required if your accommodation is in the town center. If you're arriving at Stari Grad, you'll need to arrange onward transport to Hvar Town — a taxi takes around 25-30 minutes and costs roughly €25-35, or you can take the local bus (infrequent in low season).

Making the Most of Your Time on Hvar

Hvar works well as either a day trip from Split or a multi-night stay. For a day trip, take the earliest morning catamaran (around 08:00-09:00), explore Hvar Town on foot, visit the fortress (Fortica/Spanjola), walk the harbor, and catch an afternoon or early evening return. The day trips from Split guide covers how to structure this kind of one-day itinerary across multiple island options.

For a longer stay, Hvar pairs well with nearby Vis or Brač. The best time to visit Split guide has useful context on shoulder season travel in the region, when Hvar is significantly less crowded but still fully operational. If you're planning a week or more around Split with multiple islands, consider reading Split for couples for itinerary ideas that incorporate overnight island stays.

One honest caveat about Hvar Town in July and August: the main harbor area becomes extremely congested with superyachts and cruise day-trippers, and the restaurant prices in the most prominent waterfront spots reflect that demand heavily. Walking 10 minutes away from the harbor into the old town backstreets will find you better food at more reasonable prices. Hvar is genuinely beautiful, but the peak-season version is a very different place from the quieter April or October version.