Croatia Ferries: A Comprehensive Guide

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Jadrolinija ferry sailing on the calm Adriatic Sea under a bright blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Jadrolinija ferry sailing on the calm Adriatic Sea under a bright blue sky.

Croatia is a beautiful country with a stunning coastline, and one of the best ways to see it is by ferry. Ferries are a popular mode of transportation in Croatia, connecting the mainland to the islands and providing breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

The ferry season in Croatia typically runs from April to October, with the peak season being June to August. During this time, you can expect to find a wide range of ferry services operating from major ports like Split, Dubrovnik, and Rijeka.

Ferries in Croatia come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from small passenger boats to large car ferries that can carry hundreds of vehicles. The largest ferry operator in Croatia is Jadrolinija, which offers a comprehensive network of routes and services.

Buying Tickets

You can buy ferry tickets in Croatia online, but only for international ferry and catamaran departures can you book well ahead.

Some domestic car ferry lines allow online booking and reservation on certain routes, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Credit: youtube.com, Split to Dubrovnik Ferry - What to Know About the Trip & Best Tips from Locals

However, due to the infrastructure limitations of ferry ports, especially those on islands, you might not be able to buy a ticket online for a specific departure.

The summer season brings full ports and heavy traffic on public roads, making it difficult to use any system other than the "first in" - "first out" principle.

You can also buy tickets at the ferry terminal or ticket agent located in each ferry port, providing an alternative to online booking.

It's essential to note that some ferry ports have limited online ticketing capabilities, so it's always a good idea to check ahead of time to see what options are available.

To

The "To" section of Croatia ferries is where things can get a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

You can travel to numerous destinations in Croatia by ferry, including Split, Dubrovnik, and Korčula.

The Jadrolinija ferry company operates the majority of ferry routes in Croatia, offering multiple daily departures.

Split is a popular destination for ferry travel, with Jadrolinija offering routes to and from Split to nearby islands like Brač and Hvar.

The ferry ride from Split to Brač typically takes around 2 hours.

Jadrolinija ferries offer a range of onboard amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Dubrovnik and South Dalmatia

Credit: youtube.com, Affordable Adriatic Cruise: Dubrovnik to Split on the Krilo Lux

Dubrovnik is a fantastic base for exploring the South Dalmatian Islands, with many ferry routes connecting the city to nearby islands.

You can take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Split, which is a great option if you're planning to visit the Split Archipelago. The ferry ride takes you through stunning Dalmatian waters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.

Some popular ferry routes from Dubrovnik include Dubrovnik to Hvar, Dubrovnik to Korcula, and Dubrovnik to Bol on the beautiful Brac island. These routes are perfect for island-hopping and exploring the unique charm of each island.

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes from Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik to Split
  • Dubrovnik to Hvar
  • Dubrovnik to Korcula
  • Dubrovnik to Bol (Brac island)

Keep in mind that ferry schedules may vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the latest timetables before planning your trip.

South Dalmatian Archipelago

The South Dalmatian Archipelago is a treasure trove of islands, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Dubrovnik is a central hub for ferry travel, making it easy to island hop in the area.

Credit: youtube.com, Discover the Perfect 7-Day Itinerary on the Dalmatian Coast | Croatia travel | Globe Tick

Dubrovnik has ferry routes to many nearby islands, including Sobra, Korcula, Hvar, and Lokrum. These ferry routes take anywhere between 45 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the destination.

Some of the most popular ferry routes from Dubrovnik include the Dubrovnik to Sobra ferry, which takes 1 hour and 11 minutes, and the Dubrovnik to Hvar ferry, which takes 3 hours and 34 minutes. There are also ferry routes to Korcula, Luka Sipanska, and Bol (Brac island), among others.

If you're planning to visit Hvar, you can take the Hvar to Bol ferry with TP Line, which takes just 55 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Hvar to Korcula ferry with Krilo Kapetan Luka, which takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Here's a list of some of the ferry routes from Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik to Sobra Ferry: 1 hour and 11 minutes, 13 weekly sailings
  • Dubrovnik to Hvar Ferry: 3 hours and 34 minutes, 17 weekly sailings
  • Dubrovnik to Korcula Ferry: 2 hours and 11 minutes, 29 weekly sailings
  • Dubrovnik to Luka Sipanska Ferry: 45 minutes, 6 weekly sailings

The South Dalmatian Archipelago is a perfect destination for island hopping, with many ferry routes connecting the islands between Split and Dubrovnik. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect island to suit your tastes and preferences.

Sibenik Archipelago

Credit: youtube.com, Discover Dalmatia and more - Split Dubrovnik Krka Šibenik Trogir ..

The Sibenik Archipelago is a treasure trove for island-hoppers and nature lovers alike.

Located just off the coast of Sibenik, this archipelago is easily accessible by ferry.

Šibenik Islands Local Ferry Map is a great resource to have, showing all ferry lines in the area.

Visiting the Sibenik islands is a must if you're in the area, and it's also a great base for exploring Krka National Park.

Istria and Kvarner

If you're planning to explore Istria, you'll find that there are several ferry routes that can take you to nearby destinations. From Pula to Venice, you can catch a ferry to explore the Italian city.

You can also take a ferry from Pula to Zadar, which is a great option if you're looking to visit the historic city of Zadar. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Rijeka to Rab or Mali Losinj, which are both beautiful islands in the Kvarner Archipelago.

Here are some of the ferry routes you can take from Istria:

  • Pula to Venice
  • Porec to Venice
  • Umag to Venice
  • Rovinj to Venice
  • Pula to Zadar
  • Rijeka to Rab
  • Rijeka to Mali Losinj

Istria Region

Credit: youtube.com, ISTRIA Is Amazing! - Top 10 Places

The Istria region is a wonderful place to explore, and one of the best ways to do so is by taking a ferry. You can travel from Pula to Venice, which is a great option if you're looking to visit the famous Italian city.

From Pula, you can also take a ferry to Zadar, which is a beautiful Croatian city with a rich history.

If you're looking for a more local experience, consider taking a ferry from Porec to Venice, or from Umag to Venice. Both of these routes offer a unique perspective on the region.

If you're traveling from Rovinj, you can take a ferry to Venice, which is a great way to see the city from the water.

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes from the Istria region:

  • Pula to Venice
  • Porec to Venice
  • Umag to Venice
  • Rovinj to Venice
  • Pula to Zadar

Kvarner Archipelago

The Kvarner Archipelago is a beautiful group of islands located off the north coast of Croatia. It's a popular destination for island hopping and can be easily explored with the help of a map of ferries to the North Adriatic area.

Clouds Above Archipelago
Credit: pexels.com, Clouds Above Archipelago

Visiting Pula or Rijeka and planning to do some island hopping in the area? This is the right map to have, as it shows all ferry lines in the north coast of Croatia, including the Kvarner islands.

The Kvarner Archipelago is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Istria and Kvarner.

Zadar and Islands

If you're visiting Zadar, you'll want to explore its beautiful islands. Ferries from Zadar offer a range of routes, including Zadar to Pula, Zadar to Silba, and Zadar to Mali Losinj.

For a comprehensive overview of ferries to Zadar islands, check out the Zadar Islands Local Ferry Map. This map shows all ferries to Zadar islands and is a great resource for planning your island-hopping adventure.

Some popular ferries from Zadar include the Ferry Pula – Unije – Mali Lošinj – Ilovik – Zadar, and the Ferry Zadar – Preko (Ugljan Island).

Zadar

Zadar is a great base for exploring the surrounding islands, and there are plenty of ferry options to choose from. You can take a ferry from Zadar to Pula, Silba, Mali Losinj, Preko on Ugljan island, Premuda, or Olib.

Credit: youtube.com, SAFE HARBOR 2021 Ep23 - Zadar Region Islands

If you're traveling internationally or taking a catamaran with limited space, it's a good idea to book in advance. I've found that the ferries from Zadar to the nearby islands can get quite crowded during peak season.

Here are some of the ferry routes from Zadar:

  • Zadar to Pula
  • Zadar to Silba
  • Zadar to Mali Losinj
  • Zadar to Preko (Ugljan island)
  • Zadar to Premuda
  • Zadar to Olib

These routes offer a convenient way to explore the islands and enjoy the beautiful Dalmatian coast.

Zadar Archipelago

The Zadar Archipelago is a treasure trove for island-hoppers, with a plethora of islands to explore. You can find a helpful map, the Zadar Islands Local Ferry Map, which shows all the ferries to Zadar islands.

Island hopping in Croatia is a breeze, especially with ferries departing from Split and Dubrovnik. Each of the Croatian archipelagos is just a short distance from the mainland.

The Zadar Islands Local Ferry Map is a must-have if you're planning to island hop from Zadar. This map provides a clear visual representation of the ferry routes, making it easier to plan your itinerary.

Brac

Credit: youtube.com, Travelling around CROATIA 2022: Zadar, Plitvice, Krka, Split, Bol - Brac, Mljet and Dubrovnik

Brac is a hidden gem in Dalmatia, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. It's home to the stunning Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat), one of the Adriatic's most famous beaches.

The island's unique shape and serene atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking downtime, away from the vibrant nightlife of Hvar. With beautiful quaint resorts like Supetar and Sutivan, you can truly unwind.

Brac has several ports, including Bol, Supetar, Postira, and Milna, making it a great starting place for island hopping. A car ferry from Split is available, giving you easy access to this wonderful island.

The Milna to Korcula ferry takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, offering a relaxing way to explore the surrounding islands.

Vis

Vis is a brilliant destination for island hopping around Dalmatia. You can reach Vis by ferry from Split, which is a great starting point for your island-hopping adventure.

There are two ferry options to consider from Split: the ferry to Vis, or the catamaran that goes via Hvar to Split. If you want to explore Hvar before heading to Vis, the catamaran is a great choice.

Credit: youtube.com, SOLO TRAVEL VLOG #6 | HVAR, VIS AND ZADAR | CROATIA

Once you arrive on Vis, you can explore its beautiful attractions, including Barjoska Bay and the ferry harbour, which was famously featured in the movie Mamma Mia. Vis has a range of secluded beaches and fascinating historic landmarks like the abandoned Yugoslav Army Underground Boat Shelter.

To continue your island-hopping adventure, you can catch the Vis to Hvar ferry, or head to Bol by taking the Vis to Bol ferry. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, you can spend a few hours on Vis before embarking on your next adventure across Dalmatia via boat.

Here's a summary of the ferry options from Split to Vis:

  • Ferry from Split to Vis
  • Catamaran from Split via Hvar to Vis
  • Vis to Hvar ferry
  • Vis to Bol ferry

Island hopping in Croatia is easy and convenient, with each of the Croatian archipelagos only a short distance from the mainland. So why not set up camp in either Split or Dubrovnik and start your island-hopping adventure today?

Hopping Ease

Island hopping in Croatia is incredibly easy, with ferries connecting the mainland to the islands in a short distance. You can set up camp in either Split or Dubrovnik and find a ferry to the neighbouring islands without any trouble.

Credit: youtube.com, Island Hopping in Zadar, Croatia

The Zadar Islands Local Ferry Map is a great resource to have if you're planning to island hop from Zadar. It shows all ferries to Zadar islands, making it easy to plan your trip.

With multiple ports on Brac, including Bol, Supetar, Postira, and Milna, this island is a great starting place for island hopping. You can catch the Milna to Korcula ferry, which takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

North Adriatic Local Ferries is a map that shows all ferry lines in the north coast of Croatia, including Kvarner islands. If you're visiting Pula or Rijeka, this map is a must-have for planning your island-hopping adventure.

North Dalmatian Islands – Zadar Archipelago, is another area where island hopping is a breeze. With a range of ferry routes available, you can easily hop from one island to another.

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes from Zadar:

  • Zadar to Pula
  • Zadar to Silba
  • Zadar to Mali Losinj
  • Zadar to Preko (Ugljan island)
  • Zadar to Premuda
  • Zadar to Olib

Island hopping in Croatia is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful islands and towns along the Adriatic coast. With so many ferry routes available, you can easily plan your trip and make the most of your time in Croatia.

Split and Central Dalmatia

Credit: youtube.com, Split Ferry Port: Navigate Croatia's Busiest Ferry Port with Locals!

Split and Central Dalmatia is a beautiful region in Croatia, and getting around by ferry is a great way to experience its stunning islands and coastline.

You can take a ferry from Split to Ancona during the winter season, or enjoy the summer timetable which includes stops on Hvar and Korcula.

Split is a major ferry hub, offering routes to various islands, including Brac, Hvar, and Vis. The Supetar (Brac Island) ferry is a convenient option for those looking to explore Brac Island.

In addition to the ferry from Split to Supetar, you can also take a catamaran to Bol (Brac) and Jelsa (Hvar). This is a great way to see the beautiful beaches and charming villages of these islands.

If you're planning to visit Hvar Island, you can take a ferry from Split to Stari Grad, or consider the Lastovo – Vela Luka – Hvar – Split route for a more scenic journey.

Credit: youtube.com, Split to Hvar Ferry | All You Need to Know About The Trip

For a more direct route to Vis Island, you can take a ferry from Split, or consider the Vis – Hvar – Split catamaran.

Here are some of the ferry routes available from Split:

  • Ferry Split – Ancona winter timetable
  • Ferry Split – Hvar – Ancona – summer timetable
  • Ferry Split – Rijeka – Korcula – Mljet – Dubrovnik – (Summer Timetable)
  • Ferry Split – Supetar (Brac Island)
  • Ferry Catamaran Split – Bol (Brac) – Jelsa (Hvar)
  • Ferry Catamaran Split – Bol (Brac) – Jelsa (Hvar)
  • Ferry Split to Stari Grad (Hvar Island)
  • Ferry Lastovo – Vela Luka – Hvar- Split
  • Ferry catamaran Vis – Hvar -Split
  • Ferry Split – Vis
  • All Ferries to/from Split

Connections and Schedules

Croatia ferries offer a range of options for getting around the country, but it can be confusing to figure out the best route and schedule.

To start, you can check out the most popular ferry and catamaran routes, which can be found on the website. Clicking on the combinations will take you to the schedule for that specific route.

If you're looking for a ferry route that's not listed, you can use the search form above to find sailing times.

Some of the most popular routes include Split to Brac by Ferry and Catamaran, and Split to Hvar by Ferry and Catamaran. These routes are popular for a reason, so it's worth checking them out.

Credit: youtube.com, [ Jadrolinija ( Croatian Ferry Company, connecting Croatian islands to the mainland ) ] Croatia

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes in Croatia:

  • Split to Brac by Ferry and Catamaran
  • Split to Hvar by Ferry and Catamaran
  • Rijeka-Split-Hvar-Korcula-Dubrovnik-Bari Winter Timetable
  • Rijeka-Split-Hvar-Korcula-Dubrovnik-Bari Summer Timetable
  • Ancona – Zadar – Ancona Timetable and info
  • Ancona – Split – Hvar – Korcula – Dubrovnik
  • Ancona – Split – Hvar (Stari Grad) – Summer timetable

Keep in mind that ferry schedules can change, especially during the off-season. It's always a good idea to double-check the schedule before you head out.

Here's a breakdown of the main ferry seasons in Croatia:

  • Main Season: 1st of July to 31st of August
  • Pre-and after Season: 1st of June to 30th of June and 1st of September to 30th of September
  • Out of Season: 1st of October to 31st of May the following year

Companies and Routes

Croatia has a well-developed ferry network that connects its islands and mainland.

You can travel along the entire coast with Jadrolinija, which offers a Split – Bol – Korcula – Mljet – Dubrovnik catamaran service.

Kapetan Luka operates two Split to Dubrovnik catamaran services, including one that runs year-round, as well as services to Hvar and Korcula.

TP Line offers a Dubrovnik to Sipan & Mljet catamaran service, which continues to Korcula and Lastovo in July and August.

G & V Line Iadera has routes from Zadar to local islands and a new Rijeka – Krk – Rab – Pag – Zadar catamaran route.

Credit: youtube.com, Croatian Ferry Tips ⛴️ Travel Guide to Croatian Islands 🏝️ by Boat and Car

Mia Tours operates from Zadar to Premuda, Silba, and Olib islands.

Here are some of the ferry companies and their routes:

  • Jadrolinija: Split – Bol – Korcula – Mljet – Dubrovnik
  • Kapetan Luka: Split to Dubrovnik, Split to Hvar, Split to Korcula
  • TP Line: Dubrovnik to Sipan & Mljet, Dubrovnik to Korcula and Lastovo
  • G & V Line Iadera: Zadar to local islands, Rijeka – Krk – Rab – Pag – Zadar
  • Mia Tours: Zadar to Premuda, Silba, and Olib
  • Bura Line: Split, Slatina, and Trogir
  • Bilan: Orebic to Korcula
  • Porat Ilovik: Losinj to Ilovik
  • RPZ Vrgada: Biograd na moru and Pakostane to Vrgada
  • GP Sibenik: Brodarica to Krpanj
  • Nauticki Centar Komiza: Komiza to Bisevo

Planning and Booking

You can use online search boxes to book tickets for some ferry routes in Croatia, including routes connecting Split, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik.

The search box allows you to book tickets for routes such as Split to Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik to Split, and Split to Hvar/Hvar to Split.

You can also use a booking panel to check and book online various ferry routes for sailing along the Adriatic Sea and/or Croatian Coast.

Ferry companies like Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija, and TP Line offer services that can be booked online.

To check your ferry routes on the map, you can click on the maps provided to enlarge them.

Here are some ferry routes you can book online:

  • Split to Dubrovnik/Dubrovnik to Split
  • Split to Hvar/Hvar to Split
  • Split to Bol/Bol to Split
  • Split to Korcula/Korcula to Split
  • Dubrovnik to Hvar/Hvar to Dubrovnik
  • Dubrovnik to Mljet/Mljet to Dubrovnik
  • Pula to Zadar/Zadar to Pula

You can also book ferry routes from Italy to Croatia, including routes such as Venice (Venezia) to Porec, and Ancona to Zadar.

Ticket Information

Credit: youtube.com, Dubrovnik Ferry Port - Everything You Need to Know

You can book international ferry and catamaran tickets online in advance, but domestic car ferry tickets are only available for booking on some routes.

Some ferry ports, especially those on the islands, have limited infrastructure, which means you can't buy a ticket for a specific departure online.

You'll find ferry terminals and ticket agents at each ferry port, where you can purchase tickets in person.

The summer season can be particularly challenging, with ports often full and traffic on public roads making it difficult to use anything other than the "first in" - "first out" principle.

Venice and Italy

Venice and Italy are just a short ferry ride away from Croatia. The ferry routes from Croatia to Italy are quite popular, especially during the summer months.

If you're planning to visit Italy, you might want to consider stopping in the beautiful city of Venice, which is a major hub for ferry travel. Venice is famous for its canals and historic architecture.

From Venice, you can easily take a ferry to other Italian cities, such as Trieste and Ravenna. These cities offer a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that's worth exploring.

Italy Map:

A peaceful ferry navigating the Adriatic Sea near a lighthouse in Split, Croatia.
Credit: pexels.com, A peaceful ferry navigating the Adriatic Sea near a lighthouse in Split, Croatia.

Italy is a beautiful country with a rich history, and one of the best ways to experience it is by taking a ferry to Croatia.

Italy to Croatia ferries offer a convenient way to travel between the two countries, with multiple daily departures from various Italian ports.

If you're planning to take a ferry from Italy to Croatia, you can check out the Italy to Croatia ferry map to see all the available routes and schedules.

The ferry map shows that there are several ferries sailing from Italy to Croatia, making it easy to find the one that suits your needs.

You can choose from a range of ferry operators and departure points, including popular ports like Ancona and Pula.

Italy Ports Map

An interactive map of all ferry ports in Croatia and Italy is available, showing all ferry ports in Croatia and places in Italy with ferry connections to Croatia. This map is a great starting point for trip planning.

The map is a Google / Open Street map, allowing you to check other locations in relation to a particular ferry port.

This map is practical for planning your trip to Italy, especially if you're considering taking a ferry from Italy to Croatia.

Venice to Map

Visovac Island in Croatia
Credit: pexels.com, Visovac Island in Croatia

If you're planning a trip to Istria or Venice, you'll want to check out the Venice to Croatia ferry map. This map shows all the ferries sailing from Venice and Trieste to Istrian ferry ports.

You can use this map to find your options for traveling between these two beautiful destinations.

Map

Croatia ferries have a range of maps to help plan your journey by sea.

You can check out the Croatia Ferries Map to see all the routes operating in Croatia, both in the northern and southern Adriatic.

This map is a great starting point for planning how to travel along the coast by sea. It's a useful tool to help you visualize the ferry routes and plan your itinerary.

The Venice to Croatia ferry map shows all the ferry routes from Venice and Trieste to Istrian ferry ports. This is a good map to check if you're visiting Istria or Venice.

Credit: youtube.com, Trogir (Soline) - Drvenik Veli Islands, Croatia - Ferry line 606 - September 2024

You can also use an interactive map of all ferry ports in Croatia and Italy. This map is useful for checking other locations in relation to a particular ferry port and is a great starting point for trip planning.

A large downloadable Croatian islands ferry map is available for planning your island-hopping trip to Croatia. This map is a compilation of all the islands and is a great tool for exploring the islands and deciding where to go.

News and Blog

If you're planning to travel to Croatia by ferry, you should know that Jadrolinija's Coastal Ferries only sail from June to October. This means you'll need to plan your trip accordingly to catch the ferries during this period.

One convenient option is to travel by hydroplanes to the Croatian Islands. This mode of transportation offers a unique experience and can be a great way to see the islands.

However, be aware that some ferry lines have been temporarily suspended. For example, the coastal ferry line from Rijeka to Dubrovnik and Bari has been suspended, and the Rijeka-Split-Hvar-Korcula-Dubrovnik line has been suspended as well.

Credit: youtube.com, Ferries in Croatia | All You need to know | Travel Guide

If you're looking for alternative routes, you can consider taking a ferry from Dubrovnik to Greece. This option might be a good choice if you're planning to explore the Greek islands as well.

Here are some key ferry routes to keep in mind:

  • Travel by hydroplanes to Croatian Islands
  • Jadrolinija’s Coastal Ferries sail from June to October only
  • Suspension of coastal ferry line Rijeka-Split-Hvar-Korcula-Dubrovnik
  • Temporary suspension of coastal ferry line from Rijeka to Dubrovnik and Bari
  • Ferry from Dubrovnik to Greece

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there ferries between the Croatian islands?

Yes, ferries are a common mode of transportation between Croatian islands, with over 1200 islands to explore. Domestic ferries and international connections from Italy are available, mostly operating during the summer season.

What is the best website for Croatia ferries?

For the best information on Croatia ferries, including ports, islands, and timetables, visit croatiaferries.com. This website offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on Croatia's ferry services.

Is it easy to island hop in Croatia?

Yes, island hopping in Croatia is easy and straightforward, with ferry and catamaran services operated by Jadrolinija and Krilo. Simply book your accommodation and transportation in advance to make the most of your Croatian island-hopping adventure.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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