Hvar to Dubrovnik by Boat
Routes, costs, and tips for traveling between Croatia's two most popular destinations. Private speedboat, catamaran, or ferry - we compare every option.
Hvar and Dubrovnik are Croatia's two most beloved destinations, and many visitors want to experience both during their trip. The good news is that traveling between them by boat is not only possible but spectacular - the route passes through some of the most beautiful waters in the Adriatic, with opportunities to stop at islands that most tourists never see.
The distance from Hvar to Dubrovnik is approximately 115 nautical miles (about 210 km) by sea. Several options exist for making this journey, from budget-friendly catamarans to luxury private speedboat transfers. At Mini Yachts Hvar, we offer private boat transfers that transform the journey into an adventure, with scenic island stops along the way.
This guide breaks down every route option with honest cost comparisons, travel times, and practical tips to help you choose the best method for your trip.
Private Speedboat
3.5-4 hrs
From €1,200 (whole boat)
Catamaran
~3.5 hrs
€25-40 per person
Car Ferry
6+ hrs
€15-25 per person + car
Option 1: Private Speedboat Transfer
A private speedboat transfer is the most comfortable, flexible, and scenic way to travel from Hvar to Dubrovnik. You depart directly from Hvar harbor at a time that suits you, with a dedicated captain who navigates the route while you relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery. The direct crossing takes approximately 3.5-4 hours, but the real magic happens when you add scenic stops along the way.
With Mini Yachts Hvar, your transfer can include stops at Korčula Old Town (a stunning medieval walled city), Mljet National Park (lush forests and saltwater lakes), or both. This turns a simple A-to-B transfer into a full day of island exploration. Many of our guests say this was the best day of their entire Croatia trip.
What's Included in Our Transfer
- Private boat with experienced local captain
- All fuel and navigation
- Flexible departure time (usually 9:00 AM)
- Door-to-door: Hvar harbor to Dubrovnik port or hotel dock
- Swimming stops in hidden coves along the route
- Optional scenic stops at Korčula and/or Mljet (additional time)
- Luggage accommodation on board
- Safety equipment and insurance
Cost Breakdown
The total cost for a private speedboat transfer ranges from €1,200 to €2,000 depending on the boat chosen and route. This is the price for the entire boat, not per person. For a group of 6-8 people, that works out to €150-250 per person - comparable to a premium experience while offering incomparably better service and flexibility.
Per-Person Cost Comparison (Private Speedboat)
2 passengers
€600-1,000
per person
4 passengers
€300-500
per person
6 passengers
€200-333
per person
8 passengers
€150-250
per person
Option 2: Catamaran (Fast Ferry)
Seasonal catamaran services operated by Krilo and Jadrolinija connect Hvar Town directly to Dubrovnik during the summer months (typically June through September). This is the most popular public transport option and offers a good balance of speed, cost, and convenience.
The Krilo Star and Krilo Eclipse are modern, high-speed catamarans that complete the journey in approximately 3.5 hours, with brief stops at Korčula and sometimes Mljet along the way. Tickets cost €25-40 per person one way, depending on the operator and how far in advance you book.
Pros
- Affordable (€25-40 per person)
- Relatively fast (3.5 hours)
- Direct from Hvar Town to Dubrovnik port
- Air-conditioned seating, some outdoor deck space
- Brief stops at Korčula and Mljet (views from the boat)
Cons
- Fixed departure times (usually 1 daily sailing, often morning)
- Seasonal only (June-September typically)
- Sells out quickly in peak season - book weeks ahead
- No flexibility - miss the boat, miss the day
- No swimming stops or beach detours
- Limited luggage space
- Can be cancelled in rough seas
Booking tip: The Krilo catamaran can sell out weeks in advance during July and August. Book through the Krilo website or at the Hvar Town harbor ticket office as early as possible. Jadrolinija tickets can be purchased through their website or the local ferry office.
Option 3: Car Ferry (Indirect Route)
There is no direct car ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik. If you need to bring a car, the journey requires a combination of ferry crossings and coastal road driving, making it the longest option at 6+ hours total.
The most common car ferry route is: Hvar (Stari Grad) to Split by ferry (approximately 2 hours), then drive the coastal road from Split to Dubrovnik (approximately 3.5-4 hours via the A1 motorway and coastal road, including the Pelješac Bridge or Neum border crossing).
An alternative route is: Hvar (Sućuraj) to Drvenik on the mainland by car ferry (30 minutes), then drive south along the coastal road to Dubrovnik (approximately 3-3.5 hours). This route is more scenic but the road can be slow and winding.
Cost: Car ferry crossings cost approximately €15-25 per person plus €30-50 for a car. Add fuel costs for the drive (approximately €30-50). Total cost is €60-125 depending on the route and vehicle, but you spend 6-8 hours traveling instead of 3.5.
When this makes sense: Only choose the car ferry option if you have a rental car you need to move to Dubrovnik, or if you specifically want to drive the coastal road (which is admittedly beautiful). For pure travel purposes, a catamaran or private boat is far superior.
What to See Along the Way
The sea route from Hvar to Dubrovnik passes through some of the most beautiful waters in the Adriatic. If you choose a private boat transfer with Mini Yachts Hvar, you can stop at these stunning destinations along the way, transforming a simple transfer into the highlight of your trip.
Korčula Old Town
About 1.5 hours southeast of Hvar, Korčula Island is home to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. The walled old town sits on a small peninsula, its narrow streets arranged in a herringbone pattern designed by Venetian planners. It claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.
A 1-2 hour stop allows time to walk the old town walls, visit the Marco Polo Museum, enjoy a coffee on the waterfront, and sample the local Pošip white wine. The town is photogenic from every angle, especially when approached by boat.
Recommended stop: 1.5-2 hours
Mljet National Park
Mljet Island is often called the most beautiful island in the Adriatic. The western third is a national park featuring two interconnected saltwater lakes (Veliko and Malo Jezero) surrounded by dense Mediterranean forest. On an island in the larger lake sits a 12th-century Benedictine monastery.
With a private boat, you can dock at Pomena or Polače and explore the national park. Swim in the warm saltwater lakes, walk the forested trails, and visit the monastery. Mljet feels like a world apart from the busier islands.
Recommended stop: 2-3 hours
Sample Route with Stops
Hvar
9:00 AM
Korčula
10:30 - 12:30
Mljet
1:30 - 3:30
Dubrovnik
5:00 PM
Total journey time: approximately 8 hours including stops. Direct transfer without stops: 3.5-4 hours.
Practical Tips for the Journey
Best time to travel: The Hvar-to-Dubrovnik route is best during the main season from May through October. Sea conditions are typically calmest in the morning, so most departures are scheduled between 8-10 AM. Summer (June-September) offers the warmest weather for swimming stops.
Luggage on private boats: Our boats can accommodate standard luggage (suitcases, backpacks) for the transfer. We ask that you use soft bags where possible, as rigid suitcases are harder to stow on boats. If you have excessive luggage, let us know in advance and we will recommend the best boat from our fleet.
Seasickness concerns: The waters between Hvar and Dubrovnik are generally calm during summer, but the open sea crossing between islands can be choppy on windy days. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before departure. Our captains know the sheltered routes and will adjust speed for comfort.
One-way vs return: Most travelers making the Hvar-Dubrovnik journey are doing a one-way transfer as part of a larger Croatia itinerary. We are happy to arrange one-way transfers - the captain returns to Hvar after dropping you in Dubrovnik. If you need a return trip, we can arrange that too, or coordinate with partner services in Dubrovnik.
Booking and cancellation: Book your private transfer at least 3-5 days in advance, and earlier during peak season (July-August). Mini Yachts Hvar offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. We respond to all inquiries within 2 hours during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Hvar to Dubrovnik by boat?
Travel time depends on the method. A private speedboat takes approximately 3.5-4 hours with direct routing, or 5-6 hours with scenic stops at Korčula or Mljet. The Jadrolinija catamaran service takes about 3.5 hours. Car ferries are the slowest option, taking 6+ hours with connections through the mainland. A private transfer with Mini Yachts Hvar offers the most flexibility, allowing you to turn the journey into a sightseeing adventure.
How much does a private boat from Hvar to Dubrovnik cost?
A private speedboat transfer from Hvar to Dubrovnik typically costs between €1,200-2,000 depending on the boat size, number of passengers, and whether you include scenic stops along the way. This covers the entire boat, captain, and fuel for your group (up to 8-12 passengers). For groups of 4+, the per-person cost becomes comparable to premium catamaran tickets, with the added benefits of door-to-door service and scenic stops.
Is there a direct ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik?
There is no direct car ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik. However, Jadrolinija and Krilo operate seasonal catamaran (fast ferry) services connecting Hvar Town to Dubrovnik, typically running from June through September. The catamaran takes about 3.5 hours and costs approximately €25-40 per person one way. Book in advance during peak season as seats sell out quickly.
Can I stop at islands between Hvar and Dubrovnik?
Yes, and this is one of the best reasons to choose a private boat transfer! The route from Hvar to Dubrovnik passes near Korčula Island and Mljet Island, both of which are spectacular stops. Korčula offers a beautiful medieval old town, while Mljet has a stunning national park with saltwater lakes. With a private boat from Mini Yachts Hvar, you can stop at one or both islands, turning a simple transfer into an unforgettable day of island exploration.