Split Airport to Stari Grad: Your Definitive Guide

Welcome to Croatia! Arriving at Split Airport (SPU), you're just a stone's throw away from the stunning Dalmatian coast and the islands beyond. If your ultimate destination is the ancient and captivating town of Stari Grad on Hvar Island, you're in for a treat. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of getting from Split Airport to Stari Grad, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your island escape. We'll cover all the available transport options, from efficient airport transfers to scenic ferry crossings, helping you choose the best route for your budget, schedule, and travel style.

Split Airport, officially known as Resnik Airport, is located in Kaštel Štafilić, approximately 25km west of Split city centre and about 7km east of Trogir. Recently renovated, it boasts modern facilities, including currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shopping, and a restaurant with a cafe-bar. While it can get busy during the peak summer months, its proximity to the coast (just a 15-minute walk to a beach if you have time to spare between flights!) adds a touch of charm.

The Journey in Two Steps: Airport to Split Port, then Split Port to Stari Grad

Reaching Stari Grad from Split Airport typically involves a two-part journey: first, getting from the airport to Split Port, and then taking a ferry from Split Port to Stari Grad. Let's break down each segment.

Step 1: From Split Airport (SPU) to Split Port

There are several convenient ways to travel from Split Airport to the bustling heart of Split city, where the main ferry terminal is located. Each option offers a different balance of cost, speed, and comfort.

1. Dedicated Airport Bus (Pleso Prijevoz)

• Description: This is a popular and reliable option. Croatia Airlines operates a dedicated airport bus service, managed by Pleso Prijevoz, which is timed to meet regularly scheduled flights.
• Route & Stop: The bus takes you directly from the airport to Sv. Duje, at the southern end of Split port. This stop is incredibly convenient, being just a short walk from both the intercity bus station and the train station, and of course, the ferry terminal.
• Frequency: Buses depart regularly, aligning with flight arrivals. For return journeys, buses to the airport leave 90 minutes before flight times from the same port location.
• Cost: Approximately €4.
• Tickets: Tickets can often be purchased online, offering a hassle-free boarding experience.
• Pros: Direct, affordable, frequent, and drops you right where you need to be for onward ferry travel.
• Cons: Can get crowded in high season, and you're still subject to road traffic.

2. Local Bus No 37

• Description: For the most budget-conscious travellers, the local bus service offers a cheaper alternative.
• Route & Stop: Local bus No 37 connects Split Airport with the local bus station in Split. However, this local bus station is a few kilometres north of the town centre, meaning you'll likely need another bus or a taxi to reach the port or your hotel.
• Cost: Cheaper than the dedicated airport bus, but factor in the additional cost and time for the onward journey to the port.
• Pros: Very affordable.
• Cons: Less convenient, requires an additional transfer to reach the port, and can be slower.

3. Direct Airport Passenger Ferry (Adriatic Fast Ferries / SplitExpress.com)

• Description: A fantastic, scenic, and often quicker alternative, especially during peak times, is the high-speed passenger ferry service.
• Route & Stop: This service connects Split Airport directly with Split port, and crucially, continues on to Bol (Brač island) and Stari Grad on Hvar. The ferry port is conveniently located only about 300m from the airport terminal.
• Journey Time: It whisks you to Split port in just 20 minutes. From there, the journey to Stari Grad is a little over an hour. This means a total journey time from the airport to Stari Grad of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Availability: This is a seasonal service, typically running from June 1st until September 15th.
• Pros: Extremely fast, avoids road traffic entirely, offers beautiful sea views, and provides a direct link to Stari Grad from the airport. A truly seamless journey!
• Cons: Seasonal, potentially more expensive than buses, and might require booking in advance.

4. Taxi or Uber

• Description: For maximum convenience and door-to-door service, a taxi or Uber is your best bet.
• Cost: A taxi to Split city centre costs around €46. Uber, which has entered the Croatian market and is available year-round, offers a flat rate from Split Airport to all central Split destinations for approximately €30.
• Pros: Fastest land-based option, comfortable, and ideal if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with a group.
• Cons: Most expensive option, and still subject to road traffic, which can be heavy in summer.

Here's a quick comparison of options from Split Airport to Split Port:

Step 2: From Split Port to Stari Grad (Hvar Island)

Once you've arrived at Split Port, your next step is to board a ferry to Stari Grad. This is primarily done via car ferry, though as mentioned, a seasonal passenger ferry option exists.

1. Jadrolinija Car Ferry (Line 635: Split - Stari Grad)

• Description: This is the primary and most frequent connection for both foot passengers and those travelling with a car to Stari Grad. Jadrolinija is Croatia's state-owned ferry company.
• Route: The ferry departs from Split Port and sails directly to Stari Grad port on Hvar Island. Stari Grad is Hvar's main car ferry port.
• Journey Time: The crossing takes approximately 120 minutes (2 hours).
• Frequency:
  • Low Season (September 28th - May 28th): The ferry runs three times a day.
  • High Season (May 30th - September 28th): Service increases significantly, with seven departures daily. During the peak of summer (June 29th to September 1st), there's even an early 01:30 AM departure.
• Tickets: While you can often buy tickets at the port, especially for foot passengers, it is highly recommended to book car ferry tickets in advance, particularly during high season. Foot passenger catamaran tickets can be booked online via Jadrolinija's website, but for car ferries, it's best to check their website for current policies or purchase at the port.
• Important Note: While there are many passenger catamarans from Split to Hvar Island, most of these go to Hvar Town or Jelsa, *not* Stari Grad directly. The Jadrolinija car ferry is the main direct link to Stari Grad.

2. Adriatic Fast Ferries (SplitExpress.com) from Split Town to Stari Grad

• Description: As mentioned earlier, this private company offers a high-speed passenger ferry service.
• Route: This service also operates from Split town (port) directly to Stari Grad, as well as from the airport.
• Availability: This is a seasonal service, running from June 1st until September 15th.
• Pros: Fast, direct passenger service, avoids the longer car ferry journey, and offers peace of mind by being able to book in advance.
• Cons: Seasonal, may be more expensive than the car ferry for foot passengers, and booking ahead is essential.

Planning Your Journey: Key Considerations

Seasonality is Key

Croatia's transport schedules, especially ferries, change significantly between high season (roughly June to September) and low season (rest of the year). Always double-check the latest timetables on official websites like Jadrolinija.hr or SplitExpress.com before you travel. In low season, ferry frequencies are reduced, and some services (like the direct airport ferry) may not operate at all.

Booking in Advance

For car ferries, particularly in July and August, booking your vehicle space well in advance is almost mandatory. Ferries can become overloaded, and you risk long waits or even missing your desired departure. For foot passengers, especially on popular catamaran routes or the direct airport ferry, online booking is highly recommended to secure your spot and save time at the port.

Car vs. Foot Passenger

Decide whether you need a car on Hvar. Stari Grad is well-connected by local buses to Hvar Town and other parts of the island, and taxis are also available. If you don't need a car, travelling as a foot passenger is often simpler and quicker, especially on high-speed services.

Luggage

Consider the amount of luggage you have. While all options accommodate luggage, hauling heavy bags on local buses or during transfers can be cumbersome. Taxis, Uber, and the direct airport ferry offer more convenience for those with significant baggage.

Alternative Route (Drvenik to Sućuraj)

While not directly from Split Airport, it's worth noting that if you're coming from the south (e.g., Dubrovnik) or miss a Split ferry, there's a car ferry connection from Drvenik (on the mainland) to Sućuraj on Hvar Island. However, Sućuraj is at the eastern tip of Hvar, meaning a potentially long drive (approx. 1 hour 30 mins) across the island to reach Stari Grad. This is generally not the recommended route when starting from Split Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I take a direct ferry from Split Airport to Stari Grad?

A: Yes, seasonally, with Adriatic Fast Ferries (SplitExpress.com). This high-speed passenger ferry operates from June to September and offers a direct connection from a port near the airport to Stari Grad.

Q: How long does the entire journey from Split Airport to Stari Grad take?

A: The total journey time can vary. Using the direct airport ferry service, it can be as quick as 1 hour 20 minutes. If you take an airport bus to Split Port and then the Jadrolinija car ferry, expect it to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, factoring in transfer time at Split Port.

Q: What's the cheapest way to get to Stari Grad from Split Airport?

A: The cheapest option would typically involve taking the local bus No 37 from the airport to Split (and then a short local transfer to the port), followed by the Jadrolinija car ferry as a foot passenger. However, this is also the least convenient.

Q: Do I need to book my ferry tickets in advance?

A: For car ferries, especially during the high season (July-August), booking well in advance is highly recommended. For foot passengers on catamarans or the direct airport ferry, advance booking is also advisable, particularly if you're travelling on popular dates or at peak times. For the main Jadrolinija car ferry (Line 635) as a foot passenger, you can often buy tickets at the port, but checking online schedules and availability is always a good idea.

Q: Are there taxis available at Stari Grad port?

A: Yes, taxis are usually available at Stari Grad port, especially when ferries arrive, to take you to your accommodation or other parts of Hvar Island.

Q: Can I get from Split Airport to Hvar Town directly by catamaran?

A: Yes, many passenger catamarans depart from Split Port to Hvar Town. However, these generally do not stop at Stari Grad. If your final destination is Hvar Town and you prefer a catamaran, you would take transport from Split Airport to Split Port, and then a catamaran from Split Port to Hvar Town.

Conclusion

Getting from Split Airport to Stari Grad is a straightforward process with multiple options to suit every traveller. Whether you prioritise speed, cost, or a scenic start to your holiday, Croatia's transport network offers reliable choices. By understanding the different stages of the journey and planning ahead, especially during the busy summer months, you can look forward to a stress-free arrival in the charming and historic heart of Hvar Island. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the warm Croatian welcome!

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