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Transportation in Hvar

Transportation in Hvar

Your complete guide to getting around Hvar - from airport transfers to local transport

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Airport Transfer

How to get from the airport to city center. Compare trains, buses, taxis, and private transfers.

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Taxis & Rideshare

Using rideshare apps and local taxis. Fares, safety tips, and common scams to avoid.

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Car Rental

Driving guide and car rental tips. International licenses, road rules, and insurance.

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Getting Around Hvar

Hvar is an island, so every visit starts with a boat. Ferries and catamarans connect the mainland, typically departing from Split, to two different arrival points: car ferries generally dock at Stari Grad on the island's north side, while faster catamaran services often run directly into Hvar Town's harbor. The catamaran is quicker and usually cheaper than bringing a vehicle across, which matters because driving on Hvar is more hassle than it's worth for most visitors, Hvar Town's old core is pedestrian-only, parking is scarce and overpriced in summer, and the island is compact enough that you rarely need a car. If you do bring one, expect the car ferry crossing to take significantly longer and book ahead in peak season, when sailings fill fast. Once on the island, local buses connect the main towns, and taxis, scooter rentals, and water taxis fill the gaps. Scooters are the local move for day-tripping to quieter beaches and lavender fields on the interior, moderate to rent and far more practical than a car on narrow island roads. Water taxis are the way to reach the Pakleni Islands just offshore. Negotiate the return pickup time before you go, since missing your agreed slot means waiting for the next available boat or paying a premium for a fresh ride. What not to do: don't assume you can hail a cab easily in Hvar Town at night during high season, they're limited, and the late-evening ferry crowd absorbs most of them. Getting from Split Airport to Hvar means two legs, a transfer from the airport to Split's ferry port, then the crossing itself. Allow generous buffer time between landing and your sailing, if you're on a catamaran with fixed departure times and no vehicle flexibility. Booking ferry or catamaran tickets in advance during summer is strongly recommended; walk-up availability isn't guaranteed, and a missed sailing can mean hours of waiting. Check current schedules and fares through the booking tools below, as service frequency varies significantly between peak and off-season.

Intercity Trains & Buses

Hvar is an island without a railway station, so intercity train travel requires a combination of ferry and bus connections to reach mainland hubs. For direct road travel, the main intercity bus station is located in Hvar Town. Buses provide the primary overland link, with services connecting to Split after a ferry crossing, from where onward national and international routes are available. For journeys beyond Split, combining the local bus and ferry with a mainland train or long-distance bus often has a budget-friendly alternative to flying, though it requires more time. To compare current schedules, fares, and connection times for the full multi-modal journey, a platform like Omio can be a useful tool.
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Airport transfers

Trains, buses, and shuttles from the airport, compared in one place.

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Quick Transportation Tips

Jadrolinija car ferries dock at Stari Grad, not Hvar Town, so foot passengers should take the catamaran from Split for a direct arrival in town.

Rent a scooter in Hvar Town to explore the island's more remote beaches and hilltop villages, as public bus service is limited.

Water taxis depart from Hvar's harbor to the nearby Pakleni Islands throughout the day, typically much faster than trying to reach them by land.

Book catamaran tickets from Split to Hvar well in advance during peak summer months, as seats sell out quickly.

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Where to Stay

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When to Visit

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Continue Planning Your Trip

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Hvar

Things to Do

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Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Hvar

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Hvar

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Get to Hvar Island and Get Around Once You're There?

Hvar is reached exclusively by sea. The most common route is the Jadrolinija car ferry from Split to Stari Grad (roughly 2 hours, running several times daily), or the faster passenger-only catamaran from Split to Hvar Town (about 1 hour). Once on the island, a reasonably reliable bus service connects Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa, and Vrboska — check the HPP timetable seasonally, as frequency drops sharply outside summer. For flexibility, renting a scooter or small car in Hvar Town is the most practical option, especially if you want to reach the island's quieter eastern coves.

What Is the Difference Between the Car Ferry to Stari Grad and the Catamaran to Hvar Town?

The Split–Stari Grad Jadrolinija ferry takes cars, bikes, and passengers and runs year-round, making it the backbone of island access — but you'll still need to travel 20 km west by road to reach Hvar Town. The Split–Hvar Town catamaran is passenger-only, faster (around 60 minutes), and drops you directly on the Hvar Town waterfront, making it ideal for day-trippers or anyone without a vehicle. In peak summer the catamaran can sell out, so book tickets through the Jadrolinija website in advance.

Should I Bring My Car to Hvar?

For most visitors, bringing a car to Hvar is more hassle than it's worth. Hvar Town itself is largely pedestrianised, parking is scarce and expensive in summer, and car ferry queues from Split can run several hours on July and August weekends. If you plan to base yourself in Hvar Town and take day trips, leave the car in Split's Sukoišan or Bačvice parking garages and take the catamaran. The exception is if you're staying in a remote villa or exploring the quieter eastern end of the island near Sucuraj — in that case, consider taking the shorter Drvenik–Sucuraj ferry instead.

Is There a Bus Service on Hvar Island?

HPP (Hvarski Promet i Prijevoz) operates buses along the island's main spine road, connecting Hvar Town through Stari Grad and Jelsa to Sućuraj in the east. In summer the service runs multiple times a day; off-season it thins to two or three departures. The Hvar Town–Stari Grad leg takes around 25 minutes and costs a few euros — useful for reaching the car ferry port if you arrive footpassenger in Hvar Town. Check current schedules at the Hvar Town bus station or the HPP website, as timetables are updated each season.

How Do You Get to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar?

Water taxis depart from the western end of Hvar Town harbour throughout the day in summer, reaching the main Pakleni anchorages — Palmižana, Vlaka, Marinkovac — in 10 to 15 minutes. The fare is typically €3–5 each way per person; agree on the price before boarding as rates aren't always posted. Boats run roughly from 9 a.m. until late evening in July and August, though the last return can be earlier than you expect, so confirm the final departure time with your driver.

Is Renting a Scooter or Bike on Hvar Worth It?

A scooter is arguably the best way to experience Hvar — the coastal road east of Hvar Town to Milna and beyond is genuinely beautiful, and you can stop at coves inaccessible by bus. Several rental agencies cluster around Hvar Town harbour, with scooter rates typically ranging from €35–60 per day depending on cc and season; check locally for current pricing. The island's hills are steep, so casual cyclists should think twice — e-bikes are now available at some rental shops and level the terrain considerably. Helmets are legally required.

Can You Get to Hvar Directly from Dubrovnik or Other Croatian Cities?

There is no direct ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar. The practical route from Dubrovnik is either a bus or drive to Split (roughly 3–4 hours), then the ferry or catamaran onward. In summer, the catamaran operator Krilo runs a high-speed service linking Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar, and Split — check the Krilo schedule as it offers a scenic alternative to the Split–Hvar-only route. From Zadar or Šibenik, Split remains the de facto transfer hub.

How Early Should I Arrive for the Split–stari Grad Car Ferry in Summer?

In July and August, arrive at the Jadrolinija terminal in Split's Stari Grad port at least 60–90 minutes before departure — longer on Croatian public holidays. The ferries fill up fast and vehicles queue in numbered lanes; if the sailing is full, you wait for the next one, which can mean a two- to three-hour delay. Booking a reservation online for a specific sailing (available through the Jadrolinija website) eliminates the queue anxiety and is strongly recommended if you're catching a flight or have a tight schedule.