Zadar to Hvar by Ferry
Getting by ferry from Zadar to Hvar could be an amazing sea crossing and an excellent opportunity to see the Croatian coast by slow or fast ferry. There is currently no ferry crossing that connects these two places. However, by carefully planning your journey you can reach your destination while enjoying the views across the sea and coast from the ferry or bus windows which are all air-conditioned to ensure an enjoyable journey.
The total time involved for this route is at least 3.5 hours with at least 3 daily departure options. Here are the travel options:
Schedules, Tickets & Cost
| Route | Time | Frequency |
| Departs Zadar (bus)* | daily | early, mid-morning & early afternoon |
| – Arrives Split | 2-3 hrs later | |
| Departs Split (ferry)* | 4 – 9 times a day** | early, mid-morning & early afternoon** |
| – Arrives Hvar island | 1 to 2 hours later*** |
* Year-round travel options / ** season varies/ *** depending on chosen port of arrival
The first leg of the trip is the Zadar to Split journey. It lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the route. Departing in the early morning at about 5:00 you will arrive in Split just in time to get on the 07:40 ferry to Hvar Town. The ticket price for this part is about 17 euros one way. Note: If you depart later from Zadar, you can count on getting in Split on the ferry to Hvar at 09:15 and 15:30.
The second leg of the trip is the Split to Hvar ferry. It lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the route (either to Hvar, Jelsa, or Stari Grad). Departing at 07:30, 09:15, or 16:30 you will arrive in Hvar an hour later. The ticket price for this part is between 8 and 16 euros one way. Note: To reach Hvar Island, you can take a ferry to Hvar Town (1 hour), Jelsa (1.5 hours), or Stari Grad (2 hours).
Ticket booking and cost
An advance booking for this itinerary is really important as it involves tight schedules. Here is where to book your tickets:
- For the first leg of your journey, Zadar to Split, get your ticket here
- For the second leg of the journey, Split to Hvar, ticket booking is in the above search box.
- The total estimated one-way cost of both legs of the journey is 25 to 36 euros.
- The alternative is to drive > Zadar to Split & car ferry to Stari Grad (Hvar Island)
Hvar to Zadar by ferry
For the return journey, Hvar to Zadar, you can start your trip in the morning or afternoon. If you start early, there will be more options for your bus to Zadar. Evening arrival in Split is riskier to miss the bus that night, so the best is probably to start early. The total ticket cost is the same as above -> 25 to 36 euros.
| Route | Time | Frequency** |
| Departs Hvar (ferry) | daily* | morning & mid-afternoon |
| – Arrives Split | 1 to 2 hours later*** | |
| Departs Split (bus) | daily* | few times a day |
| – Arrives Zadar | 2 to 3 hours later*** |
* Year-round travel options / ** season varies/ *** depending on chosen port of arrival
Journey Map
On the above map, you can see both steps of the journey. Step 1 – Zadar to Split and step 2 Split to Hvar island.
Video
Here is a short video that shows the fast ferry. For the second leg of the journey ferry/catamaran videos check in this video channel, where you can see how your fast ferry looks, some interior clips, and some views from the windows.
If you decide to try these suggested routes, please, let me know your impressions of the journey.
Other journeys from & to Zadar:
