Are you ready for a long ferry ride? This one is going to be like that. Taking a Hvar to Vis ferry can be tricky since there is no frequent direct ferry line that connects these two islands. While a ferry usually does run once per week , it’s way to restrictive for the common passengers. We love Vis and it’s one of our most favorite islands in Croatia. For a few seasons we used to take a catamaran from Makarska that would stop on Hvar Island too before continuing its journey toward Vis.
Unfortunately, that line exists no more, but for a few seasons it was the best way of reaching Vis from Hvar and it would operate daily. We would see a lot of people boarding in Hvar and traveling to Vis this way, and returning the next day or the same day in the evening hours. It was perfect for a day trip and we’re nut sure why this line was canceled but we know that our most favorite island became harder to reach for us. In this article, we’re going to present you with Hvar to Vis ferry options you can take to reach this magnificent island.
1. The Direct Ferry from Hvar to Vis (Only Once Per Week)
There are basically only 2 options of reaching Vis from Hvar. First one is the direct ferry, which is usually a passenger-only catamaran. The only problem is the fact that this Hvar to Vis ferry operates only once per week, which is absolutely inconvenient for most passengers. So this would be our last resort since you need to plan your whole vacation to fit the schedule of this catamaran.
Operator: Jadrolinija, the main ferry operator in Croatia
Departure: Once a week (check the schedule in advance, it’s changing almost every year).
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours .
Best For: Travelers with flexible schedules who don’t mind waiting for the weekly ferry.
Downsides: Limited availability, making it difficult to plan your trip.
How to Book:
Make sure you check the most recent schedules and buy tickets on Jadrolinija’s website or at the ferry port in Hvar. We suggest buying the tickets online.
2. The Best Alternative: Ferry via Split
If you really want to take the Hvar to Vis ferry, then this is your best option. It will include some traveling, but it’s a very scenic ride so that’s a huge plus. Since the direct ferry from Hvar to Vis is rare , the best way to get from Hvar to Vis is to travel via Split . Hvar and Split are well connected by ferries both from the Hvar town (fast passenger catamaran) and Stari Grad port (slower car ferry). You first need to reach Split, wait for the Split to Vis ferry, and board it to reach Vis.
If you plan this trip well, you even have the chance to explore Split before you continue toward Vis Island and this might be a good idea.
Step-by-Step Route:
Hvar to Split – Take a catamaran or ferry from Hvar to Split (1-hour ride).
Split to Vis – Take a ferry from Split to Vis (1.5-hour ride).
Why This Works Better than direct Hvar to Vis ferry:
Multiple daily departures are available from Hvar to Split.
Frequent daily ferries from Split to Vis.
Budget-friendly – This is usually the cheapest option of traveling between these neighboring islands.
Downsides:
This trip takes longer (around 3-4 hours including eventual waiting time at the port).
Requires a stop in Split , adding an extra step to the journey, but you can use it to your advantage and explore the most famous attractions in Split.
3. Private Boat Transfer: The Fastest and Most Flexible Option
Finally, we present you the fastest and most convenient way of traveling from Hvar to Vis Island. Of course, this has its price, but we believe it’s worth it. Private speedboat transfer from Hvar to Vis is the best option for anyone looking for a reliable, fast, and direct way of traveling between these 2 famous islands in Croatia.
Why Choose a Private Transfer?
Fastest route: Get to Vis in just 30-45 minutes .
Flexible timing: Leave from Hvar whenever it suits you. You can even choose a place from which you want to depart.
Scenic experience: Private speedboat from Hvar to Vis is fully customizable and you can stop at any point of interest along the way.
How to Book a Private Transfer:
Available through local boat companies in Hvar or online.
Expect to pay €300-€600 , depending on boat type and eventual additional places you want to visit.
Best option for groups, families, and anyone looking for a quick way of reaching Vis from Hvar.
Which Option is Best for You?
All of these options work just fine and which one you’ll choose depends on your preferences and travel style. Here’s a summarized version of what to expect out of each way of transportation:
Option Best For Pros Cons Direct Ferry (once per week) Flexible travelers Cheapest, direct Very limited availability Ferry via Split Budget-conscious travelers Frequent departures, affordable Longer travel time, stop in Split Private Transfer Fast and convenient travel Quickest, most flexible, scenic ride More expensive
Before you board the Hvar to Vis ferry
We hope this article about Hvar to Vis ferry was helpful and you know when to expect when it comes to traveling between these 2 famous islands. We are sorry for the fact that there are no more ways of reaching Vis from Hvar and that direct ferry runs so rarely. We suggest putting Vis on your itinerary if you’re staying on Hvar island, since it’s the place worth visiting and we hope Vis will bring you as much joy as it has brought to us.
Enjoy your stay on Hvar Island!