Hvar is one of the most visited islands in the Adriatic, and most people who stay there land at Split Airport. There is no bridge and no road across the water, so every trip has two parts: getting from the airport to a ferry port, and then crossing to the island by boat.
Done well, the whole journey is simple. Done badly, it means a missed catamaran and an evening waiting on the quay. This guide covers the options, how long each part takes, and how to plan the connection so you arrive when you intended to.
The two ways onto the island
Almost everyone reaches Hvar from Split ferry port, in the centre of the city. From there, two kinds of boats sail to the island.
Passenger catamarans sail to Hvar Town, the island's main harbour and busiest resort. The crossing usually takes around an hour, depending on the route and stops. Catamarans take foot passengers only, which makes them the natural choice if you're staying in or near Hvar Town without a car.
The car ferry sails to Stari Grad on the island's north coast. The crossing is slower, roughly two hours, and it carries vehicles as well as foot passengers. From Stari Grad, Hvar Town is around a twenty-minute drive across the island. This option suits travellers bringing a car, or staying in Stari Grad, Jelsa or Vrboska.
There is also a short car ferry to the island's eastern tip, from Drvenik on the mainland to Sućuraj. It's useful mainly if you're staying at that end of the island or driving down from the Makarska Riviera.
Timetables change between winter and summer, and boats sell out in July and August. Check the current departures with the operators and buy tickets in advance for the peak season.
From the airport to Split ferry port
Split Airport lies in Kaštela, west of the city. The drive to the ferry port takes about 25 minutes in normal traffic and longer on summer afternoons, when the roads into Split are busiest.
The airport shuttle bus stops at Split main bus station, right next to the port. It's a good option with light luggage and plenty of time. A private transfer to Split ferry port takes you from the arrivals hall to the harbour directly, with the driver helping with bags. That matters when a catamaran is waiting and every minute counts. For a full comparison of bus, taxi and transfer, see Split Airport to Split: Taxi, Bus or Private Transfer?
Timing the connection
The most common mistake is booking the catamaran too close to the flight's arrival time. Between landing and the harbour, you have passport control in summer queues, baggage reclaim and the drive into Split. Allow a comfortable margin before your boat leaves, and more on busy summer days.
Flights run late, especially on summer evenings. If you're on a late arrival, check when the last boat of the day leaves before you book it, and have a plan for missing it. Split has plenty of places to stay close to the port, and the first morning boats leave early.
A transfer booked with your flight number removes most of the risk on the first part of the journey. The driver tracks the flight and adjusts the pickup time if you land late, at no extra cost. Read what happens when your flight is delayed for how this works.
Travelling with a car
If you're hiring a car for the island, the car ferry to Stari Grad is the only direct option from Split. Queues for vehicles can be long in peak season, and turning up without a ticket on a Saturday in August is a gamble. Many visitors skip the car entirely: Hvar Town is compact, taxis and local buses connect the main towns, and scooters and boats are easy to rent on the island.
If you're travelling as a group or family with a lot of luggage and staying away from Hvar Town, a car is more useful. The decision is best made before you book the boat, since it decides which port and which ferry you need.
Where to stay on Hvar
Hvar Town is the island's lively centre, with the harbour, the fortress above it and most of the nightlife. It's the easiest place to reach by catamaran.
Stari Grad is quieter and older, on a long inlet on the north side of the island. The car ferry arrives here, and the surrounding Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jelsa and Vrboska are smaller harbour towns further east, popular with families and travellers who want a slower pace.
Your choice of town decides your route. For Hvar Town, the catamaran is usually simplest. For Stari Grad, Jelsa or Vrboska, the car ferry and a short drive often make more sense.
Getting back to the airport
The return journey needs the same planning in reverse. Choose a boat that reaches Split with a generous buffer before your flight, since the drive from the port to the airport takes about 25 minutes and summer check-in queues can be long. We'll suggest a pickup time at the port when you tell us your boat and flight times.
Booking both directions together gives you 5% off the return, and one less thing to organise at the end of the holiday.
Plan the first part now
You can't book the boat through us, but you can take the uncertainty out of the drive. Enter Split Airport and Split ferry port in the booking form to see the fixed price for your group, add your flight number, and your driver will be waiting in arrivals with your name.
Book your private transfer to Split ferry port, and the rest of your journey to Hvar starts on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Split Airport to Hvar?
Travel from the airport to Split ferry port, about 25 minutes by car, then take a catamaran to Hvar Town or the car ferry to Stari Grad.
How long is the boat from Split to Hvar?
Passenger catamarans to Hvar Town usually take around an hour. The car ferry to Stari Grad takes roughly two hours. Check current timetables with the operators.
Can I take a car to Hvar?
Yes, on the car ferry from Split to Stari Grad, or on the short crossing from Drvenik to Sućuraj at the island's eastern end. Catamarans take foot passengers only.
How much time should I allow between my flight and the boat?
Allow a comfortable margin for passport control, baggage and the drive to the port, and more in summer. Avoid booking the last boat of the day on a late arrival.
Can you drive me from Split Airport to the ferry port?
Yes. We offer fixed-price private transfers from the airport to Split ferry port, with flight tracking and meet & greet in arrivals.