Traveling between Hvar and Dubrovnik can be one of the most scenic journeys in Croatia, no matter which way you choose to do so. Both Hvar and Dubrovnik are among the most popular destinations in Croatia and traveling between them is usually done by sea although you can reach Dubrovnik from Hvar by land. In this article, we’re going to discuss how to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik and what are the pros and cons of each means of transportation.
Hvar is the Croatian island and Dubrovnik is a city located at the southern tip of Croatia. We spend a lot of time at both of these locations since we live close to each of them. Looking at Hvar Island from our bedroom window is the first thing we do in the morning and we travel to this beautiful island a lot too. If you’re staying in Hvar and want to visit Dubrovnik from it, here are your best options.
1. Catamaran (Fast Ferry) from Hvar to Dubrovnik (Best Direct Option) We start with the most convenient way of traveling from Hvar to Dubrovnik and that is the fast passenger ferry. There is a direct line that is operated by a few companies in Croatia and all of these ferries are fast and very comfortable. Plus, you get to enjoy exploring the coastline of Croatian Islands that are on the route such as Korčula, Mljet, and Elaphiti Islands.
Operator: Jadrolinija, TP LineDuration: Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours Availability: Runs seasonally (usually from April to October) Departure: Hvar Town Ferry PortArrival: Dubrovnik Gruž PortBest For: Travelers who want a direct route with no transfers and fast and comfortable service in air-conditioned catamarans.
Pros & Cons of Taking the Catamaran Pros Cons Direct, no transfers needed Only available in the summer season A comfortable ride with scenic views Limited daily departures Affordable Can be affected by rough seas
2. Private Speedboat Transfer (Fastest and Most Luxurious Option) If you want the fastest and most flexible way to travel, a private speedboat transfer from Hvar to Dubrovnik is the best option for you. The best side of private transfer is the option to visit some of the most famous places along the route and make a very contenful day trip.
Duration: Cca. 3 hours (depending on sea conditions and whether you want to have additional stops along the way)Departure: Flexible, you choose the time and the route.Best For: Small groups, couples, and those looking for a luxurious traveling experience .Stops Along the Way: Islands like Korčula, Mljet, or Elaphiti Islands are some of the best stops between Hvar and Dubrovnik.
Cost:
Prices range from €600-€1000 depending on the boat size and company.
Pros & Cons of Private Speedboat Pros Cons Fastest travel time Expensive Private, customizable itinerary Can be affected by rough seas even more than catamaran Scenic stops possible Limited availability in bad weather
3. Ferry to Split + Bus to Dubrovnik (Budget-Friendly Option) If you are not in a hurry and want to save some money, this option is the most budget-friendly way to reach Dubrovnik from Hvar. First, you take either a catamaran (Hvar port) or a car ferry (Stari Grad port) to Split, and then board the bus to Dubrovnik. This journey will take some time, but the stretch of the road between Split and Dubrovnik is the most scenic part of Croatian coastal road (Magistrala).
Step-by-Step Route:
Hvar to Split – Take a catamaran or ferry (cca. 1-hour ride ).Split to Dubrovnik – Take a bus (3-4 hours) along the scenic coastline route.
Why Choose This Option?
Best for budget travelers – This is usually the cheapest way to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik.More ferry departures to Split than directly to Dubrovnik since Split is closer and it’s a hub for reaching islands in this part of Croatia.Comfortable buses with air conditioning operate on this route.
Pros & Cons of Ferry + Bus Pros Cons Budget-friendly Longer travel time Multiple ferry departures to Split Requires a transfer in Split A beautiful coastal scenic journey Buses can be delayed and crowded during summer
4. Guided Day Tour from Hvar to Dubrovnik Finally, if you want to see more places along the way and visit Dubrovnik just for a day, a guided tour from Hvar to Dubrovnik can be a great option for you. Some of these tours include stops at Korčula Island, Ston, or the Elaphiti Islands before finally arriving in Dubrovnik where you can spend some time exploring the Old Town.
Duration: Full dayBest For: Anyone who wants a scenic experience with sightseeing stops at some of the most popular places of the Croatian Islands .Includes: Transport, guide, free time.
Pros & Cons of a Guided Tour Pros Cons Includes sightseeing along the way Fixed schedule, less flexibility Carefree experience More expensive than a ferry or bus Great for first-time visitors Longer travel time due to stops
Which Option Is Best for You? All of these options are a good way of reaching Dubrovnik from Hvar, and as always, the final choice is always yours. Think about your preferences and what you want to get out of this trip. If you are interested only in visiting Dubrovnik, then a catamaran is a great choice, if you want to explore some places along the way, then a guided tour is the option to consider.
In this table we summarize everything being said in this article.
Option Best For Duration Approximate Cost Direct Catamaran Convenient & direct travel 3.5 – 4 hours €45-€60 Private Speedboat Luxury & fastest travel 3 hours €600-€1000 Ferry + Bus Budget travelers 5-6 hours €30-€50 Guided Tour Sightseeing experience Full day €100+
Before You Venture on a journey between Hvar and Dubrovnik Whichever option of traveling from Hvar to Dubrovnik you choose, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride and the most famous historical place in Croatia. We hope this article about how to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik was helpful to you and you already know the best option for you. Hvar is a beautiful island in Croatia and there are many day trips available from it, and visiting Dubrovnik from this island is definitely something we would recommend if you’re staying on Hvar for a longer period of time.
Enjoy your vacation in Croatia and your experience of the island’s way of living!
