Getting to Hvar in three steps
People often search for flights to Hvar. The airport you need is Split, code SPU, at Kaštel Štafilić between Split and Trogir. It is not called Hvar Airport. The island has a small airfield on the Stari Grad plain, but no scheduled flights use it, and there is currently no seaplane service.
So the trip has three steps: fly to SPU, get from the airport to the ferry port in Split, and take a boat to Stari Grad or Hvar Town. If you want a car on the island, read the section on car hire, and for the boat see the ferries page.
Taxi and transfer from Split Airport to the harbour
Three ways to the ferry port.
| Option | Cost | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport shuttle bus | €10 one way, €15 return | About 30 to 40 minutes | Runs between the airport and the main bus station by the ferry port. Children under 6 free. The return ticket is valid for 15 days. |
| Bus line 37 | €3 to Split, €2.50 to Trogir | About 50 minutes to Split, 10 to Trogir | A city bus. Check the stops and current times, as it is not a direct ferry-quay shuttle. |
| Taxi | Roughly €30 to €35 | Depends on traffic | A rough guide, not a fixed fare. Agree the price first. |
For most visitors, the shuttle bus is the simplest link to the harbour. Take a taxi if you arrive late or travel in a group. The airport warns about heavy traffic towards Split in summer, so do not book the tightest connection to your boat.
Book a private transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Hvar at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Our pick: a catamaran day from Split
If you are in Split first, this full-day catamaran cruise brings you to Hvar and the Pakleni Islands, so you can see the island before deciding how long to stay.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hvar tours and transfers
Boat trips, island tours and day trips from Hvar Town, with live prices and availability.
From Split to the island
Two boats, two harbours.
Car ferry to Stari Grad
It takes 110 to 120 minutes and carries cars and foot passengers. In the 2026 season an adult pays €8.40 and a standard car €47.60 per direction. Stari Grad is about 20 minutes by road from Hvar Town.
Catamaran to Hvar Town
The direct catamaran takes about 50 to 65 minutes and costs around €25 per person. It carries no cars. It is a seasonal service, so look up the dates for your trip.
Sućuraj in the east
From the mainland at Drvenik a short ferry reaches Sućuraj in 30 minutes. From there it takes around 90 minutes by car to Hvar Town.
Full times and fares are on the Split to Hvar ferries page.
Car hire and parking
If you bring or rent a car.
For a rental you need the vehicle papers, insurance, a valid driving licence and the rental contract. Do not assume that any foreign licence covers a scooter as well as a car.
Parking in Hvar Town costs more in 2026 than before, with new prices since 1 March 2026. Check the price at the car park, as old rates no longer apply. Cars in the old town need a permit within the signed traffic-free zone, so a hotel in the historic centre does not mean you can drive to the door.
Wear a helmet on a scooter and close it properly. The Pitve to Zavala tunnel is closed to mopeds and motorbikes.
Entry rules for 2026
Short and practical.
Schengen and the euro
Croatia joined the EU on 1 July 2013 and the euro and Schengen on 1 January 2023. Prices are in euros.
US citizens
An ordinary US passport needs no visa for a short stay of up to 90 days within 180 days. The passport must be issued within the past 10 years and be valid at least 3 months after you leave.
EES and ETIAS
The EU entry and exit system has been fully running since 10 April 2026 for non-EU visitors at Schengen borders. ETIAS is a different system and is not yet in operation. Its planned fee is €20.
Getting to Hvar: frequently asked questions
Is there an airport on Hvar?
Not for scheduled flights. A small airfield lies on the Stari Grad plain, but it has no airline service. For flights you use Split Airport (SPU).
How do I get from Split Airport to the Hvar ferry?
The shuttle bus runs to the main bus station by the ferry port for €10 one way. A taxi costs roughly €30 to €35, and bus line 37 goes to Split in about 50 minutes.
Can I fly to Hvar by seaplane?
There is currently no seaplane service to the island.
Which port should I choose?
Take the car ferry to Stari Grad if you bring a car, and the catamaran to Hvar Town if you travel on foot and stay in town.
Do I need a visa?
US citizens need none for a short stay of up to 90 days in 180. Other nationalities should check the rules for their passport.