Hvar is a beautiful Croatian island known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and nightlife. Hvar, along with Korcula Island and Brac Island is a popular destination so it can be quite hectic to get there. But getting to Hvar can be easy if you know where to go.
There are no airports in Hvar and the only way to get to the island is by sea. If you are coming from outside Croatia, you can fly to Split Airport. It is the closest international airport to Hvar and the most convenient place to depart from.
Since the closest international airport to Hvar is Split, we will be talking about how to get to Hvar from Split Airport. We will also talk about the logistics of bringing a car to Hvar if you plan on renting one. If you are ready to explore the party island of Hvar, read until the end!
Where Is Hvar Island
Hvar is a Croatian Island in the central Dalmatian archipelago and is situated in the Adriatic Sea. Hvar is a popular destination in Croatia and it is known for its historic town center, natural landscapes, and its sandy and pebble beaches. Hvar is also a party island and you won’t run out of bars to go to if you want to party all night. Before getting to experience this beautiful island, you have to know how to get there first. Let’s take a look at your transportation options to get to Hvar.
Closest Airport To Hvar
For those coming from outside of Croatia, you can fly to the mainland if you plan to visit Hvar Island. The island of Hvar does not have its own airport so you will have to fly to the nearest airport.
For those coming from European countries, you can fly to Brač Airport, Dubrovnik Airport, Zagreb Airport, or Split Airport. There are direct flights from major cities in Europe to these airports and the closest airport to Hvar is Brač Airport. However, Brač Airport only serves small charter flights. There are also no direct connections from Brač to Hvar. Going to Hvar from Dubrovnik and Zagreb can also be more complicated and longer so your best option is to fly to Split Airport.
Split Airport is an international airport where flights are coming in daily from other parts of the world. Unless you are planning to stay on the mainland, your best option is to fly into Split Airport. If you are coming from Zagreb, Dubrovnik, or other cities in Croatia and want to go to Split, several buses and train services go to Split. There are two train stations in Split and you will most likely arrive at the main train station, which is Željeznički kolodvor Split.
How To Get To Hvar From Split Airport
By Ferry
The only option to reach Hvar is by sea and there are ferry routes from Split to Hvar year-round. To go to the Hvar ferry port from Split Airport, you have several options to choose from – local bus, taxi, or car. There are taxis stationed outside the airport and car rentals are also available. For car rentals, it is best to book them in advance.
Local buses are also stationed outside the airport and they will take you to the Bus Terminal Sukoišan in Split. The bus terminal is located outside of Split’s Old Town and you will either have to walk about 2 miles or ride a taxi to get to the ferry port. If you have a lot of belongings or have a hard time walking, we recommend taking a taxi for convenience.
There are four ferry companies that have daily routes going to Hvar – Adriatic Fast Ferries, Kapeta Luka, Jadrolinija, and TP Line. The ferry routes run more during the high season and only 2 to 3 journeys per day during the low season. Expect to find the ferry port crowded as it gets really busy, especially during the summer. It is best to book your ferry tickets in advance to avoid queuing up as the lines can get really long.
The ferry ride from Split to Hvar can take anywhere between 50 minutes to over 2 hours depending on the ship, ferry company, and weather. If you want to get to Hvar in the quickest time possible, book a ticket with Kapetan Luka and choose Catamaran Krilo Jet as your ship of choice.
By Car
If you are planning on renting a car in Croatia, don’t fret as you can bring the car to Hvar via a car ferry service. You still have to drive to the ferry port as all ferries from Split to Hvar depart from there. Do take note that only Jadrolinija has car ferries to Hvar so make sure to book your tickets in advance to secure a slot for you and your car.
Car ferries from Split will dock at the main car ferry terminal in Stari Grad and not at the usual port in the main town of Hvar. Another important thing to note if you plan on bringing a car to Hvar is the parking. It can be difficult to find a parking spot on the island and the main square of Hvar is also a car-free zone. If you plan on staying in Hvar, make sure to book a hotel with a parking spot or one that is near a parking station.
High-speed Sailboats From Split
If you don’t want to encounter slow ferry lines and other waiting times, you can choose to book a high-speed boat or water taxi from Split to Hvar. Some speed boat companies offer a transfer from the airport to the ferry port but typically you still need to take the bus or taxi to the port.
Once you arrive at the port, everything should be smooth sailing for you. You just need to find the water taxi you booked, show your booking confirmation, and you are good to go. High-speed boat water taxis from Split port to Hvar Town only take about an hour and you will get to see amazing views of nearby islands during your trip.
Conclusion
If you are coming from Split, getting to Hvar is easy. From the airport, you just have to go the the ferry port and ride the ferry from there to Hvar Town. Make sure to book your ferry ticket in advance as the lines can get really long if you buy tickets on the spot. Bringing a car to Hvar is also possible if you plan on renting one. We hope this article helps you explore your options on how to get to Hvar, Croatia. If you have any other questions, let us know via the contact form on our website!
