- If you travel by car, you can take a ferry from Split to Stari Grad (Hvar), a ferry port located 19 kilometers east of Hvar town. This route takes approximately 2 hours from Split to Hvar.
- Another option is to take a ferry to Sućuraj (80 kilometers east of Hvar town), which is connected to Drvenik. This ferry takes around 30 minutes to reach the island.
- You can also take a ferry even if you don’t have a car, as taxis and buses are available at the port (not an option for the ferry to Sućuraj).
- Ferry options are usually a bit more time-consuming because ferry lines are not as frequent, and it takes around 3 hours to reach Hvar.
- The other option is a high-speed boat, which travels directly to Hvar town and takes around 1 hour.
- It’s important to plan your trip to Hvar in advance, as the schedule of lines changes throughout the season, with fewer lines in the off-season and more options during the peak season (June, July, August).
- It’s advisable to buy your ticket at least a day before your trip to Hvar, Croatia, as the capacity of high-speed boats is limited, and you don’t want to miss out.
- Tickets for both ferries and high-speed boats can be purchased online in advance, eliminating the need to wait in long lines at the port.
- The third option, and perhaps the most relaxing, is a private taxi boat. With this option, you don’t need to plan as much in advance as you choose your own departure time from Split, and the ride takes less than one hour. The taxi boat picks you up at your desired location and brings you to your hotel.
- Most luxurious types of transfers to Hvar are by helicopter or charter boats. These types of transfers are the most expensive but offer the most unique travel experience.
Table of Content
- What are the possible options for transfers to Hvar from Split
- Which option is the fastest
- Why should you take a water taxi from Split to Hvar
- How much does it cost to pay for a water taxi from Split to Hvar
- Is it worth going from Hvar to Split for a day trip
- What are the additional tips for booking a water taxi
- FAQ
What are the possible options for transfers to Hvar from Split?
Water Taxi
Water taxis are one of the most popular forms of transport if you travel from Split to the island of Hvar and vice versa. It is the fastest and most reliable type of transfer to the islands in Croatia.
- It eliminates the need for detailed planning of departure times for fast boat lines or ferries and ensures a smooth journey from the airport.
- Instead of spending up to 7 hours traveling by traditional routes (including the drive to Split, waiting for the ferry, and the ferry ride), you can simply arrive at the airport and hop into a taxi boat, reaching your destination within an hour.
- This is the best option if you are looking for a safe, fast, comfortable, and private experience of transportation to your holiday destination in Croatia.
Fast ferry services
Fast ferries are the most popular way of traveling to the island. Lines connecting Split and Hvar island are frequent, especially during the high season when there are around 20 lines daily. There are 3 agencies that you can choose between: TP Line, Jadrolinija, and Kapetan Luka (Krilo). All of them take around 1 hour to travel from Split to Hvar and vice versa. You can check current timetables on their websites, which are all up-to-date. You also have the possibility to book a ticket in advance through their websites, which is advisable, especially during the high season when demand is high. This type of transport is for passengers only (no cars or bikes), and all types of luggage (suitcases of all sizes, strollers) are allowed. Most of them are also adapted for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility.
Car ferries
This is the only option to get to the island by car. The only company that operates this route in Croatia is Jadrolinija. While buying a ticket for yourself and your car, don’t forget your vehicle registration card (the price of the car ticket varies depending on the size of the car). This ride takes around 2 hours, and you arrive at the port of Stari Grad (22 km from Hvar).
Private charters
This is a luxurious type of transportation if you want to travel to Hvar. It’s best to start this type of ride in Split because they have a lot of charter agencies. You can choose between different types of boats for different numbers of people. You can hire a skipper for an even more comfortable trip and many additional services.
Helicopter transfers
This is by far the most luxurious and fastest option to arrive on the island of Hvar. Most of the starting points are the biggest airports in Croatia (Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, etc.). This is a unique type of travel that combines safety, comfort, and versatility. Passengers can be dropped off at specific points of their destination, making it a discrete transfer option.
Which option is the fastest?
Helicopter rides are by far the fastest and safest option, but also the most expensive. Other fast connections to Split include water taxis with less than an hour ride. You have the flexibility to depart whenever you want, and they can bring you directly to your hotel.
The third-fastest option is by fast ferry, which takes around an hour to reach the island. Most people choose this option because it is the cheapest and there are many lines connecting the towns throughout the day.
Why should you take a water taxi from Split to Hvar?
Speed and flexibility
Water taxis are the most flexible option to visit the island of Hvar. It takes less than an hour to arrive, and you don’t have to check timetables because you decide when to go. This means that you can travel whenever you want with any luggage, and even smaller pets are allowed on water taxis.
Direct routes to Hvar
Water taxis can take you directly to your desired destination. They can bring you directly to your hotel if you want. Other options often include stops at other islands along their route. While water taxis go directly wherever you want without stopping.
Comfort and privacy
Water taxis offer you greater privacy and a more comfortable travel experience compared to other options. It provides you with a discreet trip to Hvar while you can enjoy the views of the endless blue sea.
Less crowded and no queues
Compared to other options, this is by far the most relaxing way if you travel to Hvar. There is no long queue to buy a ticket or wait in line for boarding in hot temperatures. You also avoid the crowds that often occur inside ferries and don’t have to wait in line while getting off the fast ferry or ferry boats.
Scenic experience
This provides you with a unique experience of enjoying the endless blue sea with mesmerizing sun reflections. On your way to the island of Hvar, you will pass by the islands of Brač and Šolta, both beautiful in their own way, and enjoy panoramic views. This is one more advantage of taking a taxi boat from Split to Hvar.
How much does it cost to pay for a water taxi from Split to Hvar?
It usually costs around €550 in the high season and less in the off-season months. The best thing to do is to send inquiries to agencies and ask about their possibilities and conditions, as they may vary from agency to agency.
Is it worth going from Hvar to Split for a day trip?
Yes, it is. Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in Dalmatia. It has a long history and stunning landmarks and museums that are worth visiting. It also has a vibrant atmosphere with many interesting shops and places to explore. The ticket price from the island of Hvar to Split is the same as from Split to Hvar, and the travel time is also the same (~1 hour). This is a great way to visit another city and have enough time to explore the entire Old Town of Split and even go shopping if you want.
What are the additional tips for booking a water taxi?
Book in advance
It is best to book your water taxi in advance to ensure availability. Also, booking in advance may result in better prices, especially during the high season when demand is high.
Group travel
This is the best option when traveling in a group. It is often more cost-effective than traveling by fast ferry. It is also more practical to go by water taxi as you don’t have to wait in line to buy tickets or wait for boarding in the hot sun.
Luggage flexibility
Water taxis offer greater luggage flexibility as you have the entire boat to yourselves. This is perfect, especially if you are traveling with multiple suitcases or strollers. Fast boats usually have limited luggage space, often just a couple of shelves depending on the boat.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to get from Split to Hvar?
By helicopter, you will arrive in Hvar the fastest. Other, more conventional types of transportation include: water taxi (less than an hour), fast ferries (around one hour), but consider the waiting time for boarding and disembarking.
Are water taxis to Hvar reliable?
They mostly are. If the weather is nice and sunny without any wind, then it’s a perfect experience. Sometimes, in challenging weather conditions with big waves, strong winds, and rain, it might not be a pleasant experience. However, in such cases, the agency will likely cancel your trip.
Can I take my car to Hvar?
Yes, you can. The only option is to go by ferry, as water taxis and fast boats are only for passengers (and pets). The ferry goes from Split to Stari Grad (on the island of Hvar) and takes 2 hours. Then you need an extra 20 minutes to travel from Stari Grad to Hvar town.
How far in advance should I book my water taxi tickets?
It is best to book your water taxi as early as possible, and we usually recommend a minimum of 24 hours before departure so we can get all the necessary details confirmed.
Is there a way to get from Split to Hvar at night?
Usually, water taxis only operate during the day, but you can send a request to the agency. There are possibilities, such as ferry boats (to Stari Grad) that operate during night hours, or private charter boats.
What is the cheapest option for getting to Hvar?
The cheapest option is getting to the island by ferry, but you have to pay extra for transportation (taxi or bus) to get to Hvar town if you don’t have a car.
The best option, especially if you are coming with a group of people, is by water taxi. They are very comfortable, fast and safe.