How to Get from Dubrovnik to Hvar

Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar are must-sees if you're exploring Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. An easy and popular option is taking the passenger ferry—from June to September, there are two daily passenger ferries connecting Dubrovnik to Hvar. An easy, quick, and (very) expensive alternative to the ferry is a private boat transfer, which will take about three hours. If you plan to drive, part of the journey will require a trip by car ferry, with the total journey time coming to at least four hours.

If you're looking to explore a few of Croatia's top sights, this eight-day Croatia itinerary starts off in Split with stops at the UNESCO site of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Hvar Island, and the Pakleni Archipelago before concluding in Dubrovnik.

By Passenger Ferry

Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours

There are daily passenger ferry services connecting Dubrovnik to Hvar Town during the tourist season only. Jadrolinija operates a daily early morning departure that runs from June to September, while Kapetan Luka has a daily service departing in the late afternoon from April to September. This is a popular route, so do book your tickets in advance via the ferry company's website.

All ferries depart from the Gruž suburb of Dubrovnik. If you have time to spare before your ferry departs, consider checking out the Gruž open-air market, which is open daily and is a great place to buy fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and fish. 

By Private Boat Transfer

Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours

It's possible to book a private boat transfer to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar. This is also the most expensive transport option, with the total cost of the transfer depending on the size of the boat and the number of passengers. It's a more realistic option for larger groups that will share the cost. For details of companies offering private transfers, contact your travel specialist.

By Rental Car and Car Ferry

Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours

Departures: 5:45 am - 10:35 pm daily. Up to 11 departures. (Schedule and frequency vary according to season.)

If you're traveling by rental car, take the D8 coastal road northwards from Dubrovnik to Drvenik, where you can catch the car ferry to Sućuraj, located on the eastern tip of Hvar island. These ferries run year-round, and the crossing takes 35 minutes. It's a 1.5-hour drive from Sućuraj to Hvar Town along the D116 road. If you need a snack or coffee in Drvenik before your ferry departs, Caffe Bar OZ is conveniently located across the road from the ferry terminal. If you are craving something sweet, ARF Creperie on the north side of the bay, around the corner from the ferry terminal, is also worth considering. 

An advantage of traveling by rental car is the possibility this offers to make stops along the way. Consider a stop in the walled city of Ston, located on the Pelješac peninsula and just an hour from Dubrovnik. While in Ston, you may want to consider exploring the stone wall that surrounds the city. There is a 4.3-mile (7 km) stretch of wall that you can walk along—a great way to stretch your legs before continuing on your journey. Ston is famous for its oysters, and it might also be worth carving out some time to check out a restaurant during your stop.

By Bus

Duration: 5 - 12 hours

It is possible to travel by bus from Dubrovnik to Hvar, but this is not recommended. There are several buses linking Dubrovnik to Drvenik, from where passengers can catch the ferry to Sućuraj on Hvar Island. But bus services from Sućuraj to other points on the island, including Hvar Town, are infrequent and only operate a few days a week.