Getting around · Hvar · Croatia
Getting around Hvar
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Rplevak, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Hvar Town's centre is car-free and walkable. Buses connect Hvar Town, Stari Grad and Jelsa, timed partly with the ferries, while taxi boats serve the Pakleni Islands and nearby coves. A car or scooter is the easiest way to reach the south coast and inland villages. Not for Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands, which are served by walking and taxi boats.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Walking
- Airports
- SPU
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
Ways to get around
Walking
Hvar Town, Stari Grad and Jelsa are compact and easy to explore on foot, though the climb to the fortress is steep.
Bus
Island buses link Stari Grad's ferry port with Hvar Town (about 20 km), Stari Grad and Jelsa, with more departures in summer.
Buses often meet the car ferries at Stari Grad; check the timetable posted at the port.
Boat
Taxi boats from Hvar Town harbour run to the Pakleni Islands and the beaches of Milna and Dubovica, and private boat hire is widely available.
Ferry
Catamarans link Hvar Town with Split, and some routes continue to Korčula, Mljet and Dubrovnik; car ferries run between Split and Stari Grad, and between Drvenik on the mainland and Sućuraj at the island's eastern tip.
Book catamaran and car-ferry tickets ahead in July and August.
Scooter
Scooters and cars can be rented in Hvar Town, Stari Grad and Jelsa, giving access to the lavender villages, south coast and remote coves.
Car
A car is useful for exploring the whole 70-km-long island, though roads are narrow and parking in Hvar Town is limited.
From the airport
The nearest major airport is Split, about 25 km from Split's ferry port. Allow about 30–45 minutes by bus or taxi to the harbour, then about 1 hour by catamaran to Hvar Town or about 2 hours by car ferry to Stari Grad.
Do you need a car?
Not for Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands, which are served by walking and taxi boats. A car or scooter is needed for the south coast, the inland villages and remote beaches.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Split | About 1 hour by catamaran | Catamaran from Hvar Town |
| Blue Cave and Vis | About 1–1.5 hours by speedboat | Speedboat tour from Hvar Town |
| Bol and Zlatni Rat, Brač | About 30–45 minutes by boat | Seasonal catamaran from Jelsa, or boat tour |
| Korčula | About 1–1.5 hours by catamaran | Catamaran from Hvar Town |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Hvar?
Not for Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands, which are served by walking and taxi boats. A car or scooter is needed for the south coast, the inland villages and remote beaches.
+How do you get from the airport to Hvar?
The nearest major airport is Split, about 25 km from Split's ferry port. Allow about 30–45 minutes by bus or taxi to the harbour, then about 1 hour by catamaran to Hvar Town or about 2 hours by car ferry to Stari Grad.
+What is the best way to get around Hvar?
Walking: Hvar Town, Stari Grad and Jelsa are compact and easy to explore on foot, though the climb to the fortress is steep.