Getting from Split Airport to Hvar and other Islands
The most difficult leg of most travelers’ itineraries when they visit Croatia is the connection between Split Airport and the islands. If you’re not prepared to splurge on a private boat transfer, getting from one to the other can be a hot, exhausting test of nerves, particularly when traveling with children and from distant points of origin. Here are a few tips to dial back the stress.
Before You Arrive
The ferry company is called Jadrolinja. Look at their time tables. You might be able to tweak your flight itinerary to avoid long waits or mad dashes. Double and triple check your departure time - even locals sometimes misread these tables.
Buy your ticket. The ticket lines can stretch well down the Riva in high season. Buying ahead is particularly important if you are bringing a car, as vehicle space does fill up. It is no fun to see your ferry leave harbor while you settle in to wait several hours for the next ride.
From Airport to Ferry port
If you’re renting a car, plan to arrive early at the port so that your queuing and parking process goes smoothly. The drive from the airport to the harbor takes 30 minutes. Don’t think you can “pop in” to Split for a quick bite along the way. The city’s drivers are notorious and there are many fewer parking spaces than people who want them.
If you prefer to taxi, Uber works here. You don’t need to do anything special with your phone, so long as you’re receiving service. Note that cabs pick up a small distance from the airport in a confusing and nondescript location. You will need to bring your luggage to that meet-up point.
There is a spacious, modern shuttle that runs from the airport to the central Split bus station, right by the ferry port. It departs roughly every 20 minutes in high season (schedule). The cost is 30 kuna one-way. Grab some cash from inside the airport to pay the driver in person. For most travellers, this is a much better option than the city buses, which have intermediate stops and tend to crowd.
While You Wait
The strip of shops facing the port has an underground portion, which is cooler in the summer. If you can handle the possibility of second-hand smoke, this is a good place to hide out during a longer wait.
Board your ferry as soon as they’ll let you. The ticket taker can show you where to stow your luggage - it will be by the wall in the opening parking area. Then you can head upstairs to stake out a comfortable spot on deck, in the cafe, or in a quiet seating area. Bathrooms are stinky but functional. Snacks are overpriced, but often welcome.
Don’t lose track of time! Jadrolinja is almost never late, and they will not wait for you.
Disembarking
Don’t rush to be the first person down the stairs. If you have little ones or respiratory sensitivity, we recommend waiting until the gangway is open to leave the seating area downstairs for the ground floor where cars are idling.
Unlike Split, the islands do not have Uber. Taxis wait in front of incoming ferries, but there’s a chance they will fill up. If you can, ask your host or hotel to have a car sent for you.
Or… Skip the Ordeal
Islanders often complain that the ferry is the one bad thing about our lifestyle. You may look at this hassle and decide that an airport transfer is worth the investment. If you’re on the fence, we’d suggest hiring a boat on your inbound journey, when you’ll be most tired from your flight and likely to miss connections, and then take the ferry on your trip home.
If you choose this approach. simply book your boat transfer online for an hour after your flight touches down. For example, if you arrive at 10am, book your transfer for 11am. After you arrive and collect your luggage, take an uber or taxi to Ferry Port Divulje. It is a 4 minute drive and should cost only a few euro. We’ll be waiting to help you with your luggage and speed you forward onto your hotel.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.