Croatia's Ferry and Catamaran Lines - A TP Line catamaran sails past Zadar

Croatia’s ferry and catamaran lines ready for the season

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Now that we’re in May, a number of exceedingly popular ferry and catamaran routes in Croatia have started up for the season, or are about to increase the frequency of operation. It’s an exciting time to be alive! Sorry, no wait – it’s an exciting time to go to Croatia and set sail on the Adriatic using Croatian ferries. So let’s take a look at where Croatia’s ferry and catamaran lines are sailing to at the moment.

TP Line lives in the 21st century

It wasn’t that long ago that pre-booking tickets on Croatia’s ferry and catamaran lines was a pretty archaic system, with online bookings practically non-existent. Thankfully, those days are well in the past, with online bookings readily available. TP Line are taking things even further with all sorts of excellent tech advances that are sure to help all travellers this year.

Not only can you now use Apple Pay or Google Pay to buy your tickets right from your smartphone, you can now also ask the company any questions using their helpful online chatbot. All of this is available on the easy-to-use TP Line Web Shop.

If this wasn’t helpful enough, they offer clear instructions for Boarding Locations on the islands and the mainland – for I know this sometimes confuses travellers – and you can even find out where their catamarans are right now.

This summer, TP Line are the only operator to be running two long-distance Split to Dubrovnik (and return) catamarans.

Croatia's Ferry and Catamaran Lines - TP Line Boats

Their Dubrovnik – Korcula – Hvar – Milna (Brac) – Split catamaran started operating daily from 1st April, and will do so until 31st October. This one sails from Dubrovnik at 8am, arriving in Split at 1.25pm. The return journey departs Split at 3.10pm, arriving back into Dubrovnik at 8.20pm.

On 8th May (next week), their second catamaran operating the same route cranks up its engines to set sail. This second sailing will also operate daily (until 18th October), departing Split in the morning at 9am and arriving in Dubrovnik at 2.15pm. The return journey departs Dubrovnik at 2.55pm and arrive in Split at 8pm.

Yesterday, 30th April, saw the launch of their Split – Hvar sailings which will run three times a day until 31st October. From 15th June to 20th September, one sailing a day will run from Split to Hvar and then on to Korcula as well.

The above summer-only routes join TP Line’s other year-round ones which include Dubrovnik – Korcula – Lastovo, Split – Hvar – Lastovo, Zadar – Olib, and Dubrovnik – Sipan – Sobra (- Polace – Korcula, Lastovo).

Croatia's Ferry and Catamaran Lines - A TP Line catamaran sails past Zadar
A TP Line catamaran sails past Zadar

Do you know about Krilo Shipping Company?

No? Well, you should. Krilo Shipping Company have been (excuse the pun) ferrying passengers to some of Croatia’s islands since 2016, mainly from Split to peaceful Solta. This year, they will be operating a route that’s new to them – from Dubrovnik to Pomena on Mljet to Korcula. This route cranks into action on 15th May, running until 15th October. You could technically use this catamaran for a (short) day trip for either Mljet or Korcula, given the timings.

I also commend Krilo Shipping Company on their updated website this year!

Krilo Shipping Company
Krilo Shipping Company’s Orangina vessel (what a great name!)

Kapetan Luka brings out all the hits

(By hits, I mean popular routes.)

Kapetan Luka continues to operate one of its long-distance Dalmatian catamarans this summer, running from Split to Milna (Brac), Hvar, Korcula, Pomena (Mljet) to Dubrovnik. This route already started operations on 1st April, and will continue to serve travellers until 31st October 2026. This catamaran sails from Split in the morning, reaching Dubrovnik at 12.30pm. The return journey is made at 5.30pm, arriving in Split at 8pm.

I’ve already written about Kapetan Luka’s new Split to Supetar catamaran that sails several times a day, year-round. As of today, 1st May, it will take to the Adriatic no less than seven times from Split to Supetar, and six times from Supetar to Split.

Kapetan Luka’s other routes include Split to Hvar (sails six times a day from 1st May), Split – Hvar – Korcula (starts operating today, 1st May), a twice daily Split to Bol boat (starts 15th May), the year-round Split – Milna – Hvar – Vis route and the long-distance, year-round Pula – Unije – Susak – Mali Lošinj – Ilovik – Silba – Zadar sailing.

Kapetan Luka catamaran
A Kapetan Luka catamaran sails past Korcula

Edit: Since writing this post, Kapetan Luka has also launched a smart new website. Well done to them!

Jadrolinija moves into high season schedules

But not quite yet. Jadrolinija traditionally operates on low-season and high-season schedules for many of its year-round routes, and the high-season versions kick into action later this month on 29th May. Generally, that’s when frequencies on certain routes increase…and when high season prices come into effect!

I can tell you that as of today, 1st May, Jadrolinija are increasing the frequency on their Bari to Dubrovnik sailing which will now cross the Adriatic twice a week.

International Routes

Further north in the Adriatic, Adriatic Lines‘ sailings from both Porec and Rovinj in Istria to Venice have set sail today! This month, you will be able to make the journey three times a week from Rovinj and four time a week from Porec. These frequencies will increase the further we get into summer, and from 1st June you will also be able to sail from Pula, and from Umag on 1st July.

Adriatic Lines' Prince of Venice vessel
Adriatic Lines’ Prince of Venice vessel

The same company also operates a fast catamaran from Dubrovnik to Kotor and Budva in Montenegro (either can be used for a day trip), but these start operating in June.

More info on Croatia’s ferry and catamaran lines

Take a look at our Ferries in Croatia guide to all the operators and lines that exist in the country. You may be surprised at how many there are! (Or not, given the number of Croatian islands!)

Our Croatia Ferries Map will also help you plan your sea travels by showing you the longer distance routes that exist up and down the Croatian coastline.

Happy sailing on Croatia’s ferry and catamaran lines!

New Split to Supetar catamaran - Aerial view of the harbour of Supetar, on the island of Brac, Croatia

New Split to Supetar catamaran launched

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Great news for all of you who love to travel to the island of Brac – this week, Krilo/Kapetan Luka launched a brand new Split to Supetar catamaran that makes the journey in only 22 minutes. For 2025, the catamaran will sail four times a day each way until the end of October, and then twice a day for the rest of the year.

Situated on the northern part of the island, Supetar is the main town on Brac and a lovely place to visit at any time of year. This catamaran will definitely help travellers and locals alike reach Brac quickly and easily. And – given the number of sailings per day during the summer months and even during the shoulder season – this sailing can be utilised for day trips in either direction.

New Split to Supetar catamaran - Aerial view of the harbour of Supetar, on the island of Brac, Croatia
An aerial view of Supetar

Timetable for the Split to Supetar catamaran

13.10 – 31.10
01.04 – 30.04
Depature Times from Split (Daily) Depature Times from Supetar (Daily)
6am  7am
12pm  1pm
3pm4pm
7pm8pm
01.11 – 31.12
01.01 – 31.03
Depature Times from Split (Daily) Depature Times from Supetar (Daily)
6am  7am
3pm4pm
01.05 – 30.09
Depature Times from Split (Daily) Depature Times from Supetar (Daily)
6am  7am
8am9am
10am11am
12pm1pm
2pm3pm
4pm5pm
6pm7pm
8pm9om

Tickets for the Split to Supetar catamaran

Tickets cost €10 one-way and can be booked online on the Kapetan Luka website or at a Kapetan Luka sales point – for example, from the kiosk right by Split port.

Other ways of getting to Brac island

Take a look at our Getting to Brac page for details of other ferries and catamarans to Brac. Although this is only the second connection from Split to Supetar – the other being a car ferry – there are sailings from Split, Dubrovnik, Makarska, Korcula and Hvar to the other towns on the island.

Bus company Arriva operate local buses from the island, so you can also reach other destinations on Brac by utilising this catamaran. Once you’ve arrived in Supetar, you can then take a bus to Bol, Milna, Sutivan, Postira and other locations.  

More info

All information about this route can be found on the Kapetan Luka website. Do also look them up on Instagram or Facebook for their latest travel news.

Find out what there is to see and do in Supetar on the Supetar Tourist Board website.

If you’re planning on staying a while, take a look at our Accommodation in Supetar page.

Liberty Lines Hydrofoil - Trieste to Istria Ferry

Trieste to Istria Ferry Returns for 2025

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Great news, travel fans! After a gap of a few years, Italian company Liberty Lines will resume their sailings from Trieste in northern Italy to destinations in both Slovenian and Croatian Istria, and Mali Losinj on the island of Losinj. This is very useful for anyone travelling between the two countries of Italy and Croatia (and Slovenia too!), and travelling by boat is a lovely alternative to the bus. Read on for full details about the return of the Trieste to Italy ferry!

I must add that the boat involved is not a “true” ferry but in fact a fast hydrofoil. As you can see from the timetables below, it’s a short journey from Trieste to Croatia – taking 1 hour 15 minutes to Porec and 1 hour 45 minutes to Rovinj.

Liberty Lines Hydrofoil - Trieste to Istria Ferry
(Credit: Liberty Lines)

Trieste to Istria Ferry Timetable

The hydrofoil sails daily except on Tuesdays. There is a different timetable on different days of the week:

Monday, FridayOperates from 26.6.25 to 1.9.25Monday, Friday
8.30am↓Trieste↑8.30pm
10.15amRovinj6.45pm 
1.30pmLosinj3.30pm
WednesdayOperates from 26.6.25 to 1.9.25Wednesday
8.30am↓Trieste↑8.50pm
9.45am
10.00am		Porec7.35pm
7.20pm
10.50am
11.05am		Piran
(Slovenia)		6.25pm
6.10pm
11.50amTrieste5.30pm
ThursdayOperates from 26.6.25 to 1.9.25Thursday
8.00am↓Trieste↑8.55pm
8.40am
8.55am		Piran
(Slovenia)		8.15pm
8.00pm
10.05am
10.20am		Rovinj6.50pm
6.35pm
11.55amTrieste4.50pm
Saturday
& Sunday		Operates from 26.6.25 to 1.9.25Saturday
& Sunday
8.30am↓Trieste↑8.20pm
9.10am
9.25am		Piran
(Slovenia)		7.40pm
7.15pm
10.20amPorec6.20pm
11.10amRovinj7.30pm

Tickets for the Trieste to Istria Ferry Timetable

Tickets can be purchased on the Liberty Lines website. They are on sale now. Prices are shown below:

RouteAdultsChildren
aged 7 – 15		Concession
(Over 65; Disabled;
Young aged 16 – 26)
 One wayReturnOne WayReturnOne wayReturn
Trieste – Porec€16.50€26€9.50€14€12.50€19 
Trieste – Rovinj€21.50€34€11.50€18 €15.50€24 
Trieste – Mali Losinj€25.50€54€19.50€29 €25.50€39 
Trieste – Piran€9.50€15€5.50€9€7.50€12 
Piran – Porec€15.50€24€9.50€15€11.50€19 
Piran – Rovinj€20.50€31€11.50€19€15.50€24 

Children aged 0 to 6 years old travel free.

Two pieces of hand luggage are permitted per passenger. Additional pieces cost €5 per person

One small pet (up to 8kg) travels free, the cost of additional pets is €6.50 per pet. Small pets must be contained in a travel carrier; medium/large dogs must be on a lead and muzzled and the pet price must be paid.

Bikes are permitted on board (one per passenger), costing €3 one way or €6 return.

There are discounts for family groups (at least one parent and up to three children) and groups of adults of 6-10 people and groups of 11 people plus. Price can be found on the Liberty Lines website.

Travelling from Trieste to Croatia
The Piazza Unitá d’Italia in Trieste

Other Ways of Travelling from Trieste to Istria

Bus would be the main alternative for travelling from Trieste to the Istrian towns of Porec and Rovinj. There is a daily bus from Trieste to Porec (journey time 1 hour 25 minutes; one-way ticket €15) and Rovinj (journey time 2 hours 5 minutes; €16). This bus also travels to other places in Istria such as Pula, Vodnjan and Bale so is perhaps more suitable for travellers looking to travel further in Istria. Additionally, this is a year-round service so much more suitable for those travelling outside of the peak summer months. This bus line is run by Croatian company Brioni.

The company FILS also runs a service from Trieste to Pula which in fact starts in Venice.

You can also look up timetables for the above buses – and buy tickets for them – on the Trieste Bus Station website.

Do also take a look at our Travelling from Trieste to Croatia guide for details of getting from Trieste to other destinations in Croatia!

Trieste to Porec Ferry - Porec
Beautiful Porec

More info

All details on the Trieste to Istria ferry can be found on the Liberty Lines website. Do also check out the company on the Liberty Lines Facebook page to see their latest travel news.

New Dubrovnik to Kotor Catamaran for 2025

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International ferry and catamaran services to Croatia are relatively few and far between – for a good number of years, unless you wanted to travel from Italy to Croatia, you were stuck! That’s why the news of a new line last year – the Budva to Dubrovnik catamaran – was excellent news for those looking to travel from or to another European country. The country in question being Montenegro! Now the same operator – Adriatic Lines – has announced a new for 2025! catamaran service from Dubrovnik to Kotor in Montenegro.

This catamaran can absolutely be used for a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor. With a journey time of 3 hours each way, you’ll be able to enjoy just over 5 hours in this historic city.

Dubrovnik to Kotor Catamaran
Kotor Bay

Dubrovnik to Kotor Catamaran Timetable

As with the Budva to Dubrovnik catamaran – which will return to operation in summer 2025 – this catamaran will start operating for the season in early June and run twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, until the end of September. You can see the timetable below:

MondayWednesday2.6 – 30.9.25MondayWednesday
9.00am9.00am↓Dubrovnik↑8.30pm8.30pm
12.00pm12.00pm Kotor5.30pm5.30pm

Dubrovnik to Kotor Catamaran Prices and Tickets

For day trips from Dubrovnik to Kotor, travellers can take advantage of specially priced tickets. A return “day-trip” ticket costs €59 for adults and €29.50 for children aged from 3 years to 11 years. Children aged under 3 travel free.

If you’re travelling in the direction of Kotor to Dubrovnik, an adult ticket costs €50 one-way or €100 return whilst a child ticket costs €25 one-way and €50 return. A child ticket is valid for children aged from 3 years to 11 years. Again, children aged under 3 travel free.

An extra piece of luggage costs €5 per journey. Bikes are permitted (apart from electric bikes) and cost €10 one-way.

Tickets can be booked on adriatic-lines.com.

Other ways of getting from Dubrovnik to Kotor

Travelling by bus would be the main alternative way of going from Dubrovnik to Kotor. In the summer months, there are a number of buses per day including a few that would actually get you into Kotor earlier than the catamaran. Journey time by bus is around 2 and a half hours. However, during the busy summer months, you may find delays at the border crossing which would certainly add to the travel time. Travelling by catamaran would avoid the border crossing! Take a look at timetables and prices of bus journeys on GetByBus for a comparison.

You could of course also join an organised tour from Dubrovnik to Kotor – whether a shared group tour or a private tour. Take a look at some of the options below:

Powered by GetYourGuide

The advantage of these tours is that you would also see other locations in Montenegro, such as Budva.

More info

Full details of this catamaran and the Dubrovnik to Budva catamaran can be found on Adriatic Lines’ Montenegro Ferry page, or on Adriatic Lines’ Faceebook page.

New Budva to Dubrovnik Catamaran Service

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There are not many international ferry services connecting Croatia with its neighbouring (or near neighbouring countries). In fact, there generally only exist services from Italy to Croatia with a number of ferry and catamaran routes sailing to towns in Istria, and to Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. But as of this summer, a new Montenegro to Croatia service – a Budva to Dubrovnik catamaran – is in operation that will assist travellers with a quick connection, or a day trip, in either direction.

New Budva to Dubrovnik Catamaran Service - Adriatic Lines catamaran
Credit: Adriatic Lines

A big advantage of using this catamaran is being able to avoid the busy traffic at the Croatia – Montenegro road border during the summer months. And with a journey time of just two hours, this catamaran is also quicker than travelling by bus.

Budva to Dubrovnik Catamaran Timetable

Operated by Adriatic Lines, who also run services from Istrian towns to Venice, the new Budva to Dubrovnik catamaran is already in operation and will run until the end of September 2024.

In peak season, the catamaran runs twice a day six times a week whilst in second half of September the timetable switches and the catamaran will run twice daily four times week. Take a look at the timetable below:

SaturdaySunday 29 & 30.06.24Saturday  Sunday 
7.00am5.30pm8.00am3.00pm↓Dubrovnik↑11.45am10.15pm12.45pm7.45pm
9.00am7.30pm 10.00am 5.00pm Budva9.45am8.15pm 10.45am5.45pm 
Monday
Wednesday
Saturday		Tuesday
Friday
Sunday		From 01.07.24
to 12.09.24		Monday
Wednesday
Saturday		Tuesday
Friday
Sunday
8.00am3.00pm7.00am5.30pm↓Dubrovnik↑12.45pm7.45pm11.45am10.15pm
10.00am5.00pm9.00am7.30pm Budva10.45am5.45pm 9.45am8.15pm 
Monday
Wednesday		Tuesday
Friday		From 13.09.24
to 27.09.24		Monday
Wednesday		Tuesday
Friday
8.00am3.00pm7.00am5.30pm↓Dubrovnik↑12.45pm7.45pm11.45am10.15pm
10.00am5.00pm9.00am7.30pm Budva10.45am5.45pm 9.45am8.15pm 

Budva to Dubrovnik Catamaran Prices and Tickets

A one-way ticket costs €55 for adults or €27.50 for children aged 7 to 13 years old. Children aged 6 and under travel free.

Travellers can take advantage of a special day return priced at €69 for adults or €34.50 for children. This includes departures from Dubrovnik at 7am or 8am, or from Budva at 9.45am.

Bicycles are permitted at an additional cost of €10 whilst an additional piece of luggage costs €5.

You can purchase tickets on the Adriatic Lines website.

As this is an international journey, don’t forget your passport!

Other ways of getting from Budva to Dubrovnik

As a comparison, let’s take a look at alternatives for making the journey. Or rather, alternative for unless you have a hire car, travelling by bus is the only option that is available to you.

There are several buses per day in either direction – so bus betters the catamaran in frequency – but travelling by bus is slower. The bus journey between Budva and Dubrovnik takes between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on which bus you take.

Bus companies operating this route include Croatia Bus and Bozur.

Split to Dubrovnik Catamaran 2024

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As we’re at the time of year that the Dalmatian coastal catamarans – those that operate from Split to Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik to Split – start operating, I thought I’d give a little round-up of those such services. I know they’re certainly popular with travellers! In this post, you’ll find timetables for all the Split to Dubrovnik catamaran services operating in 2024.

TP Line has just started its Split to Dubrovnik catamaran service

As of last Friday, 26th April 2024, TP Line has started operating its coastal catamaran which runs from Split to Milna on the island of Brac, Hvar Town, Korcula Town, Pomena on the island of Mljet and Dubrovnik. (And does the return journey too, of course!)

Split to Dubrovnik catamaran
Credit: TP Line

This is a service that departs Split in the morning, meaning you can make it to Dubrovnik for the mid-afternoon. For the reverse journey, you leave Dubrovnik in the mid-afternoon and arrive in Split just in time for dinner.

The timetable for this service in both directions is shown below:

SplitMilna (Brac)HvarKorculaPomena (Mljet)Dubrovnik
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		9.15am9.45am | 9.50am10.30am | 10.45am12.10pm | 12.20pm1pm | 1.05pm2.35pm
Service runs from 26th April to 27th September 2024
DubrovnikPomena (Mljet)KorculaHvarMilna (Brac)Split
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		3.15pm4.45pm | 4.50pm5,30pm | 5.40pm6.55pm | 7.10pm7.50pm | 7.55pm8.30pm
Service runs from 26th April to 27th September 2024

Tickets cost €48 for adults or €24 for children aged 3 to 12 whilst children under the age of 3 travel free. These prices are for the full Split to Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik to Split portion of the journey as well as for Milna – Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik – Milna and Hvar – Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik – Hvar. Other prices apply for the other portions; you can see these on the TP Line website where you can also buy tickets.

TP Line also operate several other catamaran routes along the Croatian coast include Dubrovnik – Sobra (Mljet) – Korcula – Ubli (Lastovo) and Dubrovnik – Sipan – Sobra (Mljet) – Polace (Mljet) – Korcula – Ubli (Lastovo).

Kapetan Luka’s service has already been running for a month

Kapetan Luka operate two popular Split to Dubrovnik catamaran services, and their most popular one has already been operating daily for the past month!

Kapetan Luka catamaran
A Kapetan Luka catamaran sails past Korcula

Their services also runs from Split to Milna on the island of Brac, Hvar Town, Korcula Town, Pomena on the island of Mljet and Dubrovnik. The timetable is shown below:

SplitMilna (Brac)HvarKorculaPomena (Mljet)Dubrovnik
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		8.00am8.25am | 8.30am9.00am | 9.10am10.20am | 10.30am11.05am | 11.10am12.35pm
Service runs from 1st April to 31st October 2024
DubrovnikPomena (Mljet)KorculaHvarMilna (Brac)Split
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		3.00pm4.20pm | 4.25pm5.00pm | 5.10pm6.30pm | 6.40pm7.15pm | 7.20pm7.45pm
Service runs from 1st April to 31st October 2024

As you can see, you can use this service from Kapetan Luka to make the journey from Split to Dubrovnik in time for lunch, with plenty of time for exploring in the afternoon.

This catamaran costs €50 for adults for the full Split to Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik to Split portion as well as for Milna – Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik – Milna and Hvar – Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik – Hvar. Other prices apply for the other legs of the journey.

The same company also have another Split to Dubrovnik catamaran that starts operating for the year in June. This service runs from Split – Bol – Makarksa – Korcula Town – Pomena on the island of Mljet – Dubrovnik. You can see the timetable below:

SplitBol (Brac)MakarskaKorculaPomena (Mljet)Dubrovnik
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		8.45am9.35am | 9.45am10.20am | 10.30am11.40am | 11.50am12.20pm | 12.30pm2.05pm
Service runs from 10th June to 22nd September 2024
DubrovnikPomena (Mljet)KorculaMakarskaBol (Brac)Split
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		3.05pm5.00pm | 5.10pm5.50pm | 6.00pm7.15pm | 7.25pm8.00pm | 8.10pm9.10pm
Service runs from 10th June to 22nd September 2024

Tickets for Kapetan Luka‘s coastal routes can be purchased on their website.

Jadrolinija’s Split to Dubrovnik catamaran starts in June

The main ferry and catamaran company in Croatia, Jadrolinija, of course also have a Split to Dubrovnik catamaran. However, their service only starts in June, running for the peak summer months. For completeness, I thought I would also add it here so you can get your Split to Dubrovnik catamaran info all on one page!

Split to Dubrovnik catamaran - Jelena
Credit: Jadrolinija

This is certainly a popular route as it connects some of the top destinations in Croatia: Split – Bol – Hvar Town – Korcula Town – Dubrovnik. This service travels from Split to Dubrovnik in the afternoon/evening, and from Dubrovnik to Split in the morning. That means lunch on the Riva in Split!

You can see the timetable below:

SplitBol (Brac)Hvar TownKorcula TownDubrovnik
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		3.30pm4.30pm | 4.45pm5.35pm | 5.55pm7.10pm | 7.25pm9.25pm
Service runs from 7th June to 22nd September 2024
DubrovnikKorcula TownHvar TownBol (Brac)Split
Daydeparturearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival | departurearrival
Monday – Sunday
(Daily)		7.00am9.00am | 9.15am10.30am | 10.50am11.40am | 11.55am12.55pm
Service runs from 7th June to 22nd September 2024

Adult tickets cost €45 for Split to Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik to Split as well as Hvar to Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik to Hvar. Other prices apply to the other legs of the journey.

You can buy tickets on the Jadrolinija website.

What’s all this talk of catamarans? What about the ferry?

There is no longer a slow ferry between Split and Dubrovnik, one that would be able to take cars as well as passengers. This was a service run by Jadrolinija in the past – for decades, in fact – although it hasn’t operated for almost ten years now and was being run at a loss towards the end of its time. Actually a coastal service that originated Rijeka, I’m sure this would be welcomed by many travellers these days. But, suffice to say, there is no coastal ferry service between Split and Dubrovnik.

If you have a car, you will need to drive down or up the coastline!

Island Hopping in Croatia by Car

Travel Question: Island-Hopping in Croatia by Car

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Hope this message finds you well. I am contacting you since I am planning to travel to Croatia in July.  Preparing for the trip, I am planning to visit the islands. The idea is to travel from Split to Brac, from there to Hvar, from Hvar to Korcula and follow to Orebic in order to finish in Dubrovnik. 

Island Hopping in Croatia by Car

Looking for the ferry lines I am not sure if travelling by car will be possible, visiting all the islands using ferries between them. 

Could you please help me with this? It will be great to have the ferry line company connections. I see a lot of catamarans but not sure about the car. 

Regarding the option of leaving the car in Split, and then using catamarans for foot passenger transportation, so it is possible for us to do: Split – Brac – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik, using foot passenger catamarans? If yes, that seems a great alternative. 

When visiting the islands, do you know if it is an extended option to hire a motorbike, quad or similar on each island? That will help us to have more mobility. We did something similar in Greece and if yes, that’s everything solved. 

Thanks in advance for your time.

U.

Yes, what you have found is correct – there are very, very few car ferries that travel from island to island, making island hopping in Croatia by car a little tricky. For the region you’re visiting, you can see what car ferries exist on this Jadrolinija map (the car ferries being shown as a dotted line), the company that operates them.

If you were using foot-passenger-only catamarans then yes, you would be able to hop Split – Brac – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik.

If you do want to visit the different islands you mention with a car, you will almost always have to return to the mainland after each island e.g. Split to Supetar on Brac, then back to Split; then Split to Stari Grad on Hvar, then either back to Split to go to Vela Luka on Korcula OR drive to eastern Hvar (Sucuraj) to take the ferry to Drvenik and then drive down the coast and up the Peljesac Peninsula to get the car ferry from Orebic to Korcula.

It obviously depends on how much time you have for your trip overall as to whether you’d mind this extra travel time (going back to the mainland after each island).

(Note: the above regarding car ferries has been the case for the past few years, it is nothing to do with the coronavirus pandemic.)

This year, it is now possible to make a booking for a car ferry for a particular time (before you were not guaranteed a time on the day of travel) for some car ferry routes. However, in peak summer, it is still advisable to get to the port 60 minutes before departure time.

So I would suggest you to consider how much exploring by car you wish to do on each island – do you really need a car for all of them? Perhaps you could visit some islands on a day (or two) trip from Split / another island by catamaran and leave your car behind? Or not rent a car initially, do some day (or two) trips and then return to Split and rent a car for the second half/part of your trip?

Yes, you can definitely do Split – Brac – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik by catamaran. Jadrolinija basically does this exact line – timetable here.

Alternatively, Kapetan Luka has a catamaran that sails Split – Milna (Brac) – Hvar Town – Korcula Town – Pomena (Mljet) – Dubrovnik, timetable here.

Best islands in Croatia - Korcula

You can use the different catamarans AND utilise others too – for example, Jadrolinija have another Split – Bol catamaran (timetable here) that you may prefer to use for that portion of your journey, maybe it departs at a slightly better time for you. 

There is no “flexi-ticket”, “hop-on/hop-off ticket” for these long-range catamarans or similar – you will need to buy tickets for each leg that you do. So this is why it does not matter if you e.g. do Split to Bol to Hvar with Jadrolinija, then Hvar to Korcula with Kapetan Luka, then Korcula to Dubrovnik with Jadrolinija again.

What I would suggest is that you go on both companies’ websites and look up timetables via their ‘book tickets’ facility and then see what catamarans are the most suitable for you.

Just to confuse matters a bit more 🙂 there is also a company called TP Line that operates a Korcula – Dubrovnik catamaran in July and August that you could also use. (Timetable here.)

To answer your other questions – yes, you would definitely be able to hire (more likely) a moped, bike or even a small car on each island to explore for a few hours/a day. Some locations would offer a quad bike e.g. this company on Brac.

Enjoy your island adventures in Croatia!

Rijeka to Zadar Catamaran - G&V Line Iadera Melita

Rijeka to Zadar catamaran from G&V Line Iadera

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A very useful coastal service that’s new for 2019 is the Rijeka to Zadar catamaran from G&V Line Iadera.

This line started sailing on 15th June this year, and will continue to run for the summer season until 15th September, operating daily. G&V Line Iadera’s boat ‘Melita’ operates on this route, which has a capacity for 180 passengers.

Rijeka to Zadar Catamaran - G&V Line Iadera Melita
The “Melita” ship, sailing on this line

The full line sails Rijeka – Krk Town (Krk) – Lopar (Rab) – Novalja (Pag) – Zadar; it not only connects the large northern port city of Rijeka to Dalmatia, but it also calls in at some of the more popular island towns in the Kvarner region.

The catamaran also calls in at the party town of Novalja on the island of Pag. That makes it a useful connection for anyone travelling to Croatia to one of the many festivals held there. You can choose to fly to Rijeka or Zadar and then travel down (or up) by boat instead of bus.

The full timetable can be seen below:

Rijeka to Zadar Catamaran Timetable

The line is maintained by G&V Line. The timetable may be subject to change.

Tickets for the Rijeka to Zadar Catamaran

It costs 190 Kunas to sail from Rijeka to Zadar; 130 Kunas for Rijeka to Novalja; 100 Kunas for Rijeka to Lopar; and 80 Kunas for Rijeka to Krk Town. (Obviously, all prices are the same for the opposite direction too.) Children under 12 years of age pay 50% of these prices.

Full price details can be seen below:

Rijeka to Zadar Catamaran Prices

Tickets can be bought online at www.gv-zadar.com or locally at sales points in all the ports the boat calls at. (For more details, check online.)

Hand luggage may be taken aboard, as well as one suitcase up to 20kg, to be stored in the luggage compartment.

G&V Line Iadera

The Zadar-based company operate several other routes in Croatia besides the Rijeka to Zadar catamaran. They also run a service from Zadar to Sali and Zaglav on Dugi Otok, and from Zadar to the small islands of Rava and Iz.

They operate foot-passenger only catamaran services, although this does of course mean a faster service than ferries. Bicycles may be taken on board some of their boats – please contact the company ahead of travel if you’d like to take a bike on board.

Timetables, prices and more details about all their routes can be found at www.gv-zadar.com.

A weekend break in Croatia - Pula

Pula – Zadar catamaran re-introduced for 2017

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Details of the popular Pula – Zadar catamaran route – which ceased to operate a few years ago – have finally been announced for summer 2017, just a few weeks ahead of the route actually starting!

Now run by Croatia’s main ferry operator Jadrolinija, this catamaran will start running on 3rd June 2017, and will in fact be run as a year-round service. (With a greater frequency of sailings during the peak summer months, and far less – in fact, just once a week – in off season.)

The full route also takes in the islands of Unije, Susak, Mali Losinj, Ilovik and Silba en route.

Pula - Zadar catamaran

In June and September, the catamaran will sail twice-weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The catamaran will depart Pula at 7am, and arrive in Zadar at 1.15pm. For the return journey, the catamaran departs Zadar at 4pm, reaching Pula at 10.15pm.

During the peak months of July and August, the catamaran will operate five times a week (every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays). Again, the catamaran will depart Pula at 7am, reaching Zadar at 1.15pm, or 1.05pm on the days it does not make a stop on Ilovik. For the return journey, the catamaran sets sail from Zadar at 5pm (4pm on Fridays), arriving in Pula at 11.05pm/11.15pm (10.05pm on Fridays).

In off-season (early October onwards), the catamaran will only operate on Fridays.

The full timetable – including the times at which the catamaran calls at the islands – can be found on Jadrolinija’s website.

Tickets for the Pula – Zadar catamaran

Tickets can be booked online on Jadrolinija‘s website. A one-way ticket from Pula to Zadar (or reverse) costs 200 Kunas in high season (June to September inclusive). In low season, a one-way ticket costs 160 Kunas.

Prices for any of the other legs of the journey e.g. Pula – Mali Losinj, Zadar – Ilovik and so on, can be found on the above website.

Getting to Zadar - Ferry

Istria and Dalmatia are connected by sea!

This catamaran is certainly one that has been missing for many travellers in recent years, judging by the feedback we’ve had. We are sure many will welcome its return.

There are hardly any (actually, none!) ferry or catamaran routes from Istria to other parts of Croatia. That means this catamaran will be very handy for those in this part of the country.

In fact, there are currently hardly any sailings from the north Croatian coast to areas further south/Dalmatia. This Pula – Zadar catamaran is therefore a great way of connecting the north and south parts of the Croatian coastline.

Alternatives to the Pula – Zadar catamaran

One route that does exist connecting the north and south (ish!) parts of the coastline is the Rijeka – Rab – Novalja (on the island of Pag) catamaran. Also run by Jadrolinija, this sails daily year-round. Full timetable can be found on the Jadrolinija website.

There are frequent bus connections from Novalja/Pag to Zadar, so you can still reach this town by utilising this route.

There are also daily, year-round flights connecting Pula and Zadar. Operated by Croatia Airlines, this is the most suitable option if you need to travel quickly – flight time is only 40 minutes! (Although you obviously do need to factor in getting to and from each airport.)

Other useful travel information

The following sections may also be helpful to you: