Hvar transport guide

Car ferries arrive at Stari Grad, 16km (ten miles) to the east of Hvar town, where traffic is barred from the centre. Seven a day run from Split in summer, three in winter (1hr 45mins, 39kn foot passengers, 265kn small car under 2m in height, 465kn big car).

Ferries running on the main coastal line down from Rijeka or up from Dubrovnik also call at Stari Grad, as do international lines from Ancona and Pescara on the Italian coast, run by Jadrolinija, Split Tours and SNAV.

Another regular ferry option from the mainland is at Drvenik on the Makarska Riviera to the isolated town of Sućuraj (40min, 13kn, 90kn small car under 2m in height, 155kn big car) on Hvar’s eastern tip. Sućuraj is practically isolated as far as local buses are concerned, so you need your own transport or arrange for someone to pick you up.

Operating like its namesake service on land, UberBOAT provides reliable and safe transportation from a speedy transfer over the waves or a half- or full-day tour. Once you request a speedboat for between eight and 12 passengers, you're guided to a nearby pick-up point where your captain will be waiting. 

Hvar Town is served by Jadrolinija catamarans (1hr 10min, 40kn) on the Split-Hvar-Vela Luka-Ubli (daily) and Splt-Hvar-Vis (weekly) routes (both daily). There is also a privately-run catamaran (Krilo) from Split to Korčula that calls at Hvar Town. These catamarans are busy in high season so try and buy tickets in advance.

Jelsa is served by the Jadrolinija Split-Bol-Jelsa catamaran (1hr 50mins, 40kn).

Hvar buses are timed to coincide with incoming and departing ferries to Stari Grad harbour. About seven a day head from Hvar town to Stari Grad harbour (trajekt on timetables) and Stari Grad town (30mins, 30kn), with a couple more on summer weekends. From Stari Grad harbour to Stari Grad town, the bus (10kn) covers the 3km journey before calling at or linking with Vrboska and Jelsa.

A taxi between Hvar town and Stari Grad costs around 250kn. Agree on a price with the reliable Tihi Taxis (098 894 825 and 098 338 824 both mobiles, www.tihi-hvar.com) beforehand.