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Is There a Ferry From Dubrovnik to Hvar

Few Adriatic questions get asked more often at the Gruž quayside than this one, and the honest reply changes with the calendar. Hvar sits roughly 150 kilometres up the Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik, past Mljet, the Pelješac peninsula and Korčula. This page sets out what runs, when it runs, and what to do if the dates do not line up.

7 min read Updated 2026-10-01 Fact-checked
Is There a Ferry From Dubrovnik to Hvar

Quick answer

Yes — in the warmer months a fast passenger catamaran links Dubrovnik with Hvar, departing from Gruž Ferry Port, Obala Stjepana Radića, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. A one-way passenger ticket typically starts around 50 EUR. The service is seasonal rather than year-round, carries foot passengers only, and outside the high season the connection usually requires a change at Split or Korčula.

The Dubrovnik–Hvar link is one of the few Adriatic crossings where the answer depends entirely on which month the question is asked. Hvar has been a navigational waypoint since Greek settlers founded Pharos on the island in 384 BC, yet the modern high-speed connection to Dubrovnik only operates for part of the year. So, is there a ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar in practice? In the warm season, yes — a fast catamaran works its way up the coast, calling at a handful of Dalmatian islands before reaching Hvar Town. In deep winter, the same journey becomes a two-leg affair routed through Split. The geography explains the seasonality. Between the two harbours lie Mljet, the Pelješac peninsula, Korčula and the Hvar Channel — a long, exposed stretch where the jugo and the bura can disrupt schedules without much warning. Operators run the direct Dubrovnik to Hvar catamaran when passenger demand and sea conditions justify it, and withdraw it when they do not. The vessels are passenger-only: there is no car deck on this route, so drivers heading for Stari Grad, Jelsa or the Pakleni Islands normally rail their vehicle north through Split instead. Jadrolinija publishes the authoritative timetable at jadrolinija.hr, and that is the figure to trust over any third-party summary. Everything departs from Gruž, the working port northwest of the Old Town, not from the small boat harbour beneath the city walls. Gruž handles the international lines, the Elaphiti island shuttles and the long-distance Dalmatian coast ferry traffic, which makes the quay busy and the signage dense. Travellers using this Dubrovnik to Hvar ferry guide tend to find the crossing easiest to plan as a one-way leg of a wider island-hopping route — Dubrovnik to Korčula to Hvar to Split — rather than a day return, since the sailing eats several hours in each direction. Hvar Town itself rewards the effort: a Venetian arsenal, the 1612 theatre, the Španjola fortress on the hill and lavender fields inland toward Velo Grablje. Confirming current sailings before committing to accommodation remains the single most useful step, and the answer to is there a ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar should always be checked against the operator's published season.

“The crossing is less a fixed fact than a seasonal one — the calendar decides whether it is one boat or two.”
Directions

How to Travel: Is There a Ferry From Dubrovnik to Hvar?

Travel between Dubrovnik and Hvar is facilitated by high-speed catamaran services operating across the Adriatic Sea. These vessels depart directly from the main port area, providing a direct water link between the two destinations.

Boat 3 to 4 hours —

Catamaran from Gruž Ferry Port to Hvar Town

Bus 30 to 45 min —

Airport Shuttle to Gruž Ferry Port

Taxi 15 to 25 min —

Direct transfer to Obala Stjepana Radića

Arrive at the Gruž Ferry Port within the 07:00–18:00 window to ensure adequate time for boarding procedures. Locating your specific pier at the address Obala Stjepana Radića, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, before the scheduled departure is essential for a smooth transit.

Opening hours

Port Operations: Is There a Ferry From Dubrovnik to Hvar During Specific Hours?

The ferry terminal at Gruž Port operates on a consistent daily schedule throughout the week to manage passenger services. Travelers may access these facilities during the hours listed below.

Monday
07:00–19:00
Tuesday
07:00–19:00
Wednesday
07:00–19:00
Thursday
07:00–19:00
Friday
07:00–19:00
Saturday
07:00–19:00
Sunday
07:00–19:00
The recommended arrival window for passengers concludes at 18:00 to ensure adequate time for boarding procedures.
Timing

Timing Your Trip: Is There a Ferry From Dubrovnik to Hvar Year-Round?

The ferry route from Dubrovnik to Hvar is highly seasonal, operating primarily from April through October. Mid-season months offer the most reliable service while avoiding the peak density of July and August.

Peak Season (July–August)

Very high crowds

Hot, 28°C to 32°C

Frequent daily departures meet high demand. Booking in advance is necessary to secure space.

Shoulder Season (May, June, September)

Moderate crowds

Pleasant, 22°C to 27°C

Services remain consistent with manageable passenger volumes. This window offers the best balance of weather and availability.

Early/Late Season (April, October)

Low to moderate crowds

Mild, 17°C to 21°C

Fewer daily ferry options exist as routes begin or wind down. Check schedules closely as service frequency decreases.

Verdict: The best period for travel is May or September to balance favorable weather with moderate passenger volume.

Checklist

Preparation Checklist: Is There a Ferry From Dubrovnik to Hvar You Are Ready For?

Ferry travel from Dubrovnik to Hvar requires advance planning for smooth embarkation and onward connections.

Book

Check availability

Frequently asked

Common questions: is there a ferry from dubrovnik to hvar

Everything you need to know about is there a ferry from dubrovnik to hvar

Is there a ferry from dubrovnik to hvar?

Yes, there is a ferry from dubrovnik to hvar operating through the Adriatic Sea. These routes connect the historic harbor of Dubrovnik with the island ports of Hvar during the seasonal schedule.

What is the price of the ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar?

The entrance fee for a typical one-way passenger ticket starts at 50 EUR. Prices may vary based on the specific carrier and time of travel, so checking the official portal is recommended.

Are there regular boat connections for Dubrovnik to Hvar trips?

Travelers frequently ask if there is a ferry from dubrovnik to hvar to plan their island hopping itinerary. Services typically run between the Gruž Ferry Port and Hvar Town, utilizing high-speed catamarans.

Can I buy tickets for the catamaran to Hvar at the port?

While you can often find information at the terminal, it is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability. The official site provides the most reliable updates on departure schedules and passenger capacity.

Is there a ferry from dubrovnik to hvar for foot passengers?

Yes, is there a ferry from dubrovnik to hvar options specifically designed for foot passengers. These vessels provide a convenient transit across the Dalmatian coast without the need for a vehicle.

What is the best arrival window for ferry travel from Dubrovnik?

The best arrival window for your journey is between 07:00 and 18:00. Arriving within this time frame allows sufficient margin for boarding procedures and potential departure variations at the port.

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