Ferries Hvar

In addition to special offers on Hvar tickets, you can also take advantage of regular discounts offered by the ferry companies to certain categories of travelers. These discounts may differ from one company to another, but typically infants and children up to 2 years old travel free, while children aged 3 to 11 are entitled to a 50% discount.

Hvar’s main passenger ports—Hvar Town and Jelsa—are directly connected by high-speed catamaran to mainland Croatia and nearby Adriatic islands.

Note: all routes serving Hvar Town and Jelsa are operated by passenger-only catamarans (no vehicles allowed).

Ferries from mainland Croatia

You can catch a ferry to Hvar Town and Jelsa from Split and Dubrovnik:

Split - Hvar Town

This is the primary high-speed connection between Split and the island. Operated year-round by Kapetan Luka - Krilo, TP Line, and Jadrolinija, catamarans run up to 19 times daily during peak summer. The crossing takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour 5 minutes.

Split - Jelsa

A direct route serving Hvar’s northern coast. Krilo Shipping Company operates one daily catamaran crossing year-round (with additional seasonal sailings), with a journey time of roughly 1 hour 40 minutes.

Dubrovnik - Hvar Town

A popular route connecting two of southern Croatia's biggest destinations. High-speed catamarans operated by Kapetan Luka - Krilo and TP Line run seasonally from April to October with up to 3 daily sailings. The trip takes 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes.

Ferries from neighboring islands

If you are island hopping in the Adriatic, you can easily reach Hvar Town or Jelsa via passenger-only fast catamarans:

Brač - Hvar

You can easily hop between Brač and Hvar on seasonal fast catamarans. Sailings from Bol or Milna to Hvar Town or Jelsa take between 25 and 45 minutes.

Korčula - Hvar Town

The route connects Korčula and Hvar Town year-round, with increased daily frequency from spring through autumn. The crossing takes 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Vis - Hvar Town

Serving the crossing between Vis and Hvar Town year-round, sailings take 40 minutes, with higher frequency during the summer.

Mljet - Hvar Town

Seasonal sailings run from Pomena on the island of Mljet directly to Hvar Town in approximately 1 hour 55 minutes.

Lastovo - Hvar Town

Operated by Jadrolinija and TP Line, this year-round connection links Ubli on Lastovo to Hvar Town in about 2 hours.

Four main ferry operators connect Hvar (Hvar Town and Jelsa) with mainland Croatia and neighboring Adriatic islands. The routes are served mainly by high-speed catamarans:

• Kapetan Luka - Krilo: operates high-speed catamarans connecting Hvar Town with Split, Dubrovnik, Brač, Korčula, and Mljet, running with high summer frequency and some year-round services.
• TP Line: connects Hvar Town to Split, Dubrovnik, Korčula, Lastovo, Brač, and Mljet via modern catamarans, operating mainly during the tourist season.
• Jadrolinija: operates passenger-only high-speed catamarans connecting Hvar Town (with Split, Vis, Korčula, Lastovo, and Bol on Brač) and Jelsa (with Split and Bol on Brač).
• Krilo Shipping Company (KSC): operates fast catamarans connecting Jelsa to Split and Brač.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Hvar?

Each operator serving routes to Hvar includes a free luggage allowance with your ticket:

• Kapetan Luka - Krilo allows you to bring up to 23 kg of luggage.
• On TP-Line and Jadrolinija ferries, you can bring along 1 piece of luggage weighing up to 20 kg.
• Krilo Shipping Company (KSC): allows 1 piece of luggage weighing up to 20 kg.

How long is the ferry ride to Hvar?

The ferry ride to Hvar (Hvar Town and Jelsa) takes between 25 minutes and 3 hours 40 minutes, depending on your departure port and ferry operator.

• Shortest ride: Bol (Brač) to Jelsa (25 minutes).
• Longest ride: Dubrovnik to Hvar Town (3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes).

Which is the fastest route to Hvar?

From the mainland: the fastest route is Split to Hvar Town, taking as little as 50 minutes on high-speed catamarans operated by Kapetan Luka - Krilo and TP Line.

From neighboring islands: the fastest crossing is Bol (Brač) to Jelsa, taking only 25 minutes. If you are traveling to Hvar Town, the fastest island connections depart from Milna (Brač) in 30 minutes or Vis in 40 minutes.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Hvar?

From the mainland: passenger tickets for the Split to Hvar Town route start from approximately €6.40 during off-peak periods and low-season promotions.

From neighboring islands: the most budget-friendly route is Vis to Hvar Town, with passenger fares starting at just €5.00. Crossings from Korčula to Hvar Town also start at around €5.84.

The high-speed catamarans traveling to and from Hvar typically offer basic amenities to ensure a smooth and relaxed trip. During your journey, you can relax indoors in the air-conditioned lounge with a snack or drink.

On some ferries, such as those operated by TP-Line, Wi-Fi is also available onboard.

Tip: take a look at Ferryhopper's guide to Croatian ferries.

Are there cabins on the ferries?

No, the high-speed catamarans serving Hvar routes do not have cabins. All sailings on these passenger-only routes are day trips with short journey times.

What type of seats you can book

All tickets to Hvar include a standard seat inside an air-conditioned passenger lounge. Seating is typically arranged in comfortable, aiplane-style rows. Operators normally offer open seating, allowing you to choose any available seat when you board.

Are the ferries accessible?

Yes, high-speed catamarans operating to Hvar are equipped with basic accessibility features, including:

• Boarding ramps and step-free lounge access
• Dedicated wheelchair spaces inside the main passenger salons
• Accessible restrooms on board
• Assistance during boarding or disembarking

Note that accessibility features may vary from one operator to another.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Hvar?

Yes, pets are welcome on catamarans traveling to Hvar, provided they are included in your ticket reservation.

Where do pets stay?

• Small pets (up to 8 kg): can travel inside the indoor passenger lounge, provided they remain inside an approved carrier (maximum dimensions 45x35x25 cm) placed under your seat or on your lap.
• Larger pets (over 8 kg): must remain in designated pet kennels or boxes on open decks (where available), or in designated outdoor areas. Dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Can you bring a vehicle on the ferry to Hvar?

No, the high-speed catamarans serving Hvar Town and Jelsa are passenger-only vessels that do not permit motor vehicles on board.

If you need to travel with a vehicle, you must take a conventional car ferry to the alternative ports of Stari Grad (from Split) or Sućuraj (from Drvenik).

Best time to book

The best time to book your ferry tickets depends on when you plan to travel to Hvar. If you are traveling during the summer high season (June to September), book your tickets at least 1 month in advance, as ferries can fill up quickly. 

When traveling in off-peak seasons (spring, fall and winter), you can afford to book a few days in advance, as the ferries are not as busy. Ferry schedules are subject to change, so check Ferryhopper to stay up-to-date with departure times and prices.

Arrival time at the port

Since high-speed catamarans operating to Hvar Town and Jelsa carry foot passengers only, arriving 45 minutes before departure is usually sufficient during high season (or 30 minutes during low season). Early arrival gives you enough time to locate your embarkation pier and secure a good seat in the passenger lounge.

More tips

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip to Hvar:

• The sea can get choppy, so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness tablets before your journey. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• To see the island's iconic lavender fields in all their glory, plan your visit in late spring or early summer, from May to mid-July.
• Hvar is an excellent hub for island-hopping in Croatia, with regular connections to the nearby islands of Korčula, Brač and Mljet.

What travel documents do I need?

For ferry routes to Hvar (Hvar Town and Jelsa), all passengers—including children and infants—must present their ferry ticket and a valid original identity document, such as a national identity card or passport, when checking in and boarding.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Hvar on Ferryhopper in just a few steps:

• Select Hvar (Hvar Town or Jelsa) as your port of arrival, along with your departure port and travel dates
• Add passengers, pets and vehicles
• Compare ferry operators, travel times and ticket prices
• Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Yes! Ferry operators serving routes to Hvar support electronic tickets (e-tickets). You can check in online via your booking email or the Ferryhopper App and board directly with the digital boarding pass on your smartphone, with no need to collect paper tickets at the port kiosk.

Hvar is a peaceful island in the Adriatic, known for its sunny weather, clear waters, and unique blend of nature and history. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from exploring medieval landmarks like the Fortica castle and the Cathedral of St. Stephen, to relaxing on its sandy beaches, such as Maslinica and Banj. 

With ferry connections to other nearby islands like Brač, Korčula, and Vis, Hvar also an excellent base for island-hopping in the Adriatic.

How many ports does Hvar have?

Hvar has 4 main ferry ports: Hvar Town and Jelsa on the western and central coast (serving passenger-only catamarans),.

• Hvar Town: the island's main passenger port, located on the southwestern shore. It handles all fast catamaran services from Split, Dubrovnik, and the neighboring islands.
• Jelsa: located in a sheltered bay on the northern coast. It offers daily fast catamaran connections to Split and Brač.

If you are traveling with a vehicle, the island's car-ferry alternatives are Stari Grad (located on the northwestern coast) and Sućuraj (located at the eastern tip of the island).

Where are Hvar's ports?

Both main passenger ports are situated directly along their respective town waterfronts:

• Hvar Town port: located on the central waterfront promenade (Obala Riva, 21450, Hvar) in the pedestrian-only Old Town.
• Jelsa port: located right along the central harbor promenade (Riva, 21465, Jelsa).

How to get to Hvar's ports

• On foot: if you are staying in Hvar Town or Jelsa, both harbor docks are easily accessible on foot from nearby accommodation and town centers.
• By bus: local island buses (Čazmatrans) connect Hvar Town, Jelsa, Stari Grad, and Sućuraj. The main bus terminal in Hvar Town is a short 5-minute walk (around 500 meters) from the catamaran dock.
• By taxi: taxis can drop passengers off at the edge of the pedestrian zone in Hvar Town (roughly 400-500 meters from the dock) or directly near the harbor in Jelsa.

Hvar Town or Jelsa port?

Choosing between arriving in Hvar Town or Jelsa depends on your travel plans and holiday style:

• Choose Hvar Town port if: you want to be right in the heart of the action, close to nightlife, dining, and major island-hopping routes connecting directly to Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Brač. It is ideal if you are traveling without a car and staying in or near Hvar Town.
• Choose Jelsa port if: you prefer a quieter, more relaxed coastal atmosphere, lower accommodation prices, and family-friendly surroundings in the central part of the island. It is a great alternative if you want a direct connection from Split or Bol without the bustling crowds of Hvar Town.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Hvar, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.