How often does the ferry run from Split to Hvar?

The Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Stari Grad runs several times a day in summer, roughly every two to three hours at peak season. The faster catamaran to Hvar town runs less frequently. Schedules change seasonally, so check the Jadrolinija website before booking.

How long does the Split to Hvar ferry take?

The car ferry to Stari Grad takes about two hours. The catamaran to Hvar town is faster at around one hour. A private speedboat does the crossing to Hvar town in roughly an hour to an hour and a quarter, depending on conditions.

Is the ferry from Split to Hvar cheap?

Yes. A one-way passenger ticket is a few euros. If you bring a car it rises significantly, and queues in high summer can be long. A private boat costs more but leaves when you want, stops where you want, and does not require queuing.

Can a private boat stop at the Pakleni islands on the way to Hvar?

Yes, and most groups choose to. The Pakleni islands are just off Hvar town, and a private boat can anchor in the lagoons for swimming before dropping you in the harbour. The ferry cannot do this.

Guide

Hvar day trip

Split to Hvar: Ferry or Private Boat?

The Split to Hvar ferry runs several times a day and costs very little. A private boat does the same crossing on your schedule, with swim stops along the way. Here is how to decide.

3 September 2026 3 min read

Hvar harbour seen from the water on a sunny afternoon

The ferry from Split to Hvar exists, it works, and it costs very little. If you want to get from Split to Hvar town and back on a fixed schedule with no flexibility expected, take the ferry.

But a lot of people searching for the ferry are actually planning a day out — not just a transfer. That is a different thing, and a private boat is worth knowing about before you book the tickets.

What the ferry actually gives you

The main ferry runs from Split to Stari Grad, on the north coast of Hvar island. That is not Hvar town. From Stari Grad you need a bus, a taxi, or a rental car to reach Hvar town itself. The journey adds 20 to 30 minutes each way.

There is also a faster catamaran that runs directly to Hvar town from Split. It is quicker but runs less frequently, carries no cars, and queues in summer are part of the deal.

The ferry is the right call if you want the cheapest option, need to bring a car, or are travelling solo or as a couple without a strong preference for flexibility. It is a perfectly solid way to get there.

What a private boat gives you instead

A private boat leaves when you are ready. No queuing, no timetable, no bus at the other end.

More importantly, the route itself becomes part of the day. The Pakleni islands sit just off Hvar town, and they are one of the best places to swim in Dalmatia. Clear lagoons, pine-covered islets, water you do not forget. The ferry passes them. A private boat stops in them.

A typical day from Split by private boat looks something like this: leave at 09:00, run south, anchor in a Pakleni bay for a swim, then hop into Hvar town for lunch and a walk. Back at the quay by late afternoon. The skipper handles the route; you do the swimming.

The practical comparison

Ferry: €5–€10 per person each way as a foot passenger. Fixed departure times. Drops you in Stari Grad (car ferry) or Hvar town (catamaran). No swim stops. No flexibility. Perfectly reliable.

Private boat: priced per boat, not per person, which makes it better value for groups of four or more. Leaves when you want. Swim stops included if you want them. Door to water to harbour without transfers.

For two people on a tight budget, the ferry makes sense. For a group of four to eight who want a full day rather than a transfer, a private boat often costs less per head than people expect once you divide it between the group.

Which one is right for you?

If you are planning a day trip from Split to Hvar and want to swim, have lunch, and make the journey feel like part of the holiday, a private boat is likely the better fit.

If you are moving from one place to another and the crossing is just logistics, take the ferry.

For groups of four or more, it is worth getting a quote before assuming the ferry is cheaper overall. The per-head cost often surprises people.

You can also read our full guide to a Hvar day trip from Split by boat for the route, timings, and what to bring.

Common questions

How often does the ferry run from Split to Hvar?: The Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Stari Grad runs several times a day in summer, roughly every two to three hours at peak season. The faster catamaran to Hvar town runs less frequently. Schedules change seasonally, so check the Jadrolinija website before booking.
How long does the Split to Hvar ferry take?: The car ferry to Stari Grad takes about two hours. The catamaran to Hvar town is faster at around one hour. A private speedboat does the crossing to Hvar town in roughly an hour to an hour and a quarter, depending on conditions.
Is the ferry from Split to Hvar cheap?: Yes. A one-way passenger ticket is a few euros. If you bring a car it rises significantly, and queues in high summer can be long. A private boat costs more but leaves when you want, stops where you want, and does not require queuing.
Can a private boat stop at the Pakleni islands on the way to Hvar?: Yes, and most groups choose to. The Pakleni islands are just off Hvar town, and a private boat can anchor in the lagoons for swimming before dropping you in the harbour. The ferry cannot do this.