Hvar is the most popular day trip and island stop from Split — 60km by sea, reached in 1–2 hours by catamaran or ferry. Here is every option compared honestly, with prices and practical notes for 2026.
✔ Catamaran (foot passengers): 1 hour direct to Hvar Town — €10–15 one way
✔ Car Ferry: 2 hours to Stari Grad — from €35 with a car
✔ Speedboat/Private transfer: 45 minutes — €30–50 per person
✔ Blue Cave day tour: 8 hours including Hvar — €60–80, best way to combine both
⛴️ Option 1 — Catamaran (Best for Most Visitors)
The Krilo catamaran is the fastest and most popular option — Split to Hvar Town direct in about 1 hour. The Kapetan Luka catamaran is the main alternative. Both depart from Split harbour (Obala kneza Domagoja, the main ferry quay). Buy tickets online (krilo.hr or kapetan-luka.hr) or at the harbour ticket office. In July–August, buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive in Hvar — popular return sailings fill up and you may be stranded waiting for the next one.
💡 Tip: The catamaran is foot passengers only — you cannot bring a car. If you need a vehicle on Hvar, use the car ferry to Stari Grad and drive to Hvar Town (20 minutes).
🚢 Option 2 — Car Ferry to Stari Grad
Jadrolinija car ferries run from Split to Stari Grad on Hvar island — the main vehicle port, 20km from Hvar Town by road. Note: Stari Grad is a beautiful small town in its own right (UNESCO-listed ancient Greek field system) and worth spending time in. If driving to Hvar Town, allow 20 minutes on a winding coastal road. Book vehicle spaces well ahead in summer — they fill rapidly. Foot passengers can also use this route (cheaper than catamaran for walk-ons but slower and further from Hvar Town).
💡 Tip: Book car spaces online at jadrolinija.hr — do not assume you can turn up at the port and get on in July–August. Queues of cars missing the ferry are common.
⚡ Option 3 — Speedboat or Private Transfer
Private speedboat transfers run on demand from Split harbour — faster than the catamaran, direct to Hvar Town harbour. More expensive but very convenient for groups (the per-person price drops with larger groups). Multiple operators offer this service from Split Old Town harbour. Book through local operators or GetYourGuide/Viator.
💡 Tip: For groups of 4+, the price per person becomes competitive with the catamaran when you factor in flexibility and door-to-door service.
🚤 Option 4 — Blue Cave & 5 Islands Speedboat Tour (Includes Hvar)
The most popular Split day trip — a speedboat tour visiting the Blue Cave on Biševo island (one of the Mediterranean's natural wonders), Hvar Town for 2 hours, the Green Cave, Stiniva Cove (a dramatic sea-level cove reached through a narrow rock gap) and often Vis island. This is genuinely the best way to combine Hvar with Split's other island highlights in a single day. Book well ahead — sells out daily in summer.
💡 Tip: Book the morning departure (8am) — the Blue Cave is only illuminated in the morning when the sun shines through the underwater entrance. Afternoon light makes it much less dramatic.
Book Blue Cave Tour →For a day trip from Split: the Krilo catamaran (€10–15 each way) to Hvar Town is the best standalone option. For a full island-hopping day that includes Hvar plus the Blue Cave and Stiniva Cove, book the 5 Islands speedboat tour instead — it covers Hvar and the best of the surrounding islands in one day.
What to Do in Hvar
Hvar Town itself is beautiful — the cathedral and St Stephen's Square are outstanding, and the Venetian loggia and arsenal (with Europe's oldest community theatre on its upper floor, dating to 1612) are remarkable. The fortress (Fortica) above the town gives panoramic views over the harbour and the Pakleni Islands. The beach clubs on the town waterfront are lively. Jelsa and Stari Grad are quieter alternatives with more local atmosphere.
→ Book a Hvar guided tour from SplitPractical Notes
Currency: Croatia joined the euro in January 2023 — everything on Hvar is in euros. Carry cash for smaller transactions.
Hvar Town centre: Car-free in the old town — vehicles cannot enter. If taking the car ferry to Stari Grad, park at the Stari Grad car park and walk or take a local taxi.
Return tickets: In peak season, return catamaran sailings sell out — buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive on Hvar. Popular sailings back to Split fill by midday.
Ferry operators: Jadrolinija (car ferry, jadrolinija.hr), Krilo (catamaran, krilo.hr), Kapetan Luka (catamaran, krilo.hr). Book online for guaranteed boarding.
FAQs
How long does it take to get from Split to Hvar?
Catamaran to Hvar Town: 1 hour. Car ferry to Stari Grad: 2 hours. Private speedboat to Hvar Town: 45 minutes. 5 Islands tour: 8–10 hours including stops.
Can I take my car to Hvar from Split?
Yes — the Jadrolinija car ferry from Split goes to Stari Grad (2 hours). Book vehicle space online well ahead in summer — it fills up.
What is the cheapest way from Split to Hvar?
The Jadrolinija car ferry for foot passengers (€5–8 one way to Stari Grad) or the catamaran (€10–15 to Hvar Town). Stari Grad is cheaper but requires a 20-minute bus or taxi to Hvar Town.
Should I book the Blue Cave tour or go to Hvar separately?
If you have one day, the 5 Islands tour covers Hvar plus the Blue Cave, Stiniva and Green Cave — far more for the same or similar cost. If you have two days, go to Hvar independently and do the Blue Cave as a separate tour.
Is Hvar worth visiting?
Yes — one of the most beautiful Adriatic islands. Hvar Town, the fortress views, the Pakleni Islands and the lavender fields make it exceptional. Very crowded in July–August — June or September are much better.
Do I need to book the catamaran to Hvar in advance?
Not usually for the outward journey (though it helps in peak season). Definitely buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive on Hvar — the popular return sailings sell out.