How To Get From Hvar Town to Stari Grad (and back) in 2023
A visit to Hvar Island isn’t complete without exploring the picturesque Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Visit both with our super helpful Hvar Town to Stari Grad transport guide, featuring transport options and travel times and directional map.
To anyone that asks, we always say a visit to Hvar isn't complete without a trip to Stari Grad.
While Hvar Town is the shining light on Hvar Island, with its stunning Venetian architecture, ancient fortresses, and winding old town lanes, it can get a little overbearing at times, especially at the height of summer.
Stari Grad on the other hand, with its quiet laneways, relaxed vibe, friendly people and far cheaper prices(!), is the epitome of a rustic Mediterranean coastal town.
The towns ancient white-stone streets and laneways are perfect for lazy strolls, and around each corner, another historic church, bougainvillaea covered staircase, or historic archway can be found.
It's just an awesome town worthy of your time, regardless of how long you're on Hvar Island.
During our visit to Hvar, we found it hard to find up to date information on how to get from Hvar to Stari Grad - so this guide has been written with this in mind.
We share all the transport information, costs and directions you need to make your way from one town to the other, and back again.
HVAR AT A GLANCE | TOP HOTELS & TOURS
Short on time? Below are our recommended hotels & hostels, tours, and insurance to help you plan an incredible Hvar Island trip!TOP HOTELS & HOSTELS IN HVAR
LUXURY | Palace Elisabeth Hvar Heritage Hotel
BOUTIQUE | Valamar Amicor Green Resort
BEST VALUE | Hotel Antica, Stari Grad
BEST HOSTEL | White Rabbit Hostel
RECOMMENDED TOURS OF HVAR
1 | Blue & Green Cave Day Tour
2 | Hvar wine tasting tour
3 | Hvar Hidden Gems Day Tour
4 | Cycle Hvar day tour
5 | Split full day 3-Island tour
6 | Hvar Romantic Sunset Sailing Tour
7 | Hvar Town guided walking tour
8 | Pakleni Islands half day yacht trip
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You simply mustn't travel without insurance. Get comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees with HeyMondo*Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
HOW TO GET FROM HVAR TOWN TO STARI GRAD
PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON HVAR ISLAND
BY BUS
By far the cheapest way to get from Hvar town to Stari Grad (and the rest of Hvar Island) is via the well-managed bus network.
The Hvar to Stari Grad route is the most popular on the Island, so buses are pretty frequent, with up to five services a day. The timetable is designed to coincide with some (but not all!) of the ferry arrival times from Split (check our Split to Hvar Island post here).
The bus departs from Hvar bus station, located just outside St Stephens Cathedral and square, near Konzum supermarket and Hvar market hall, and arrives at Stari Grad bus station, located on the outskirts of the old town next to Studenac supermarket.
It's a short 5-minute walk into town from here.
Overall, the trip takes around 30 minutes between Hvar town and Stari Grad. To Stari Grad Port, it takes 20 minutes.
Beyond the Hvar to Stari Grad route, The Cazmatrans bus company links Hvar Town and Stari Grad to Stari Grad port (during specific hours), Jelsa, Sucuraj, Vrboska and other destinations.
THE DETAILS
Who | Vozni Red Buses/Cazmatrans bus company
Cost | Around 25 - 50 KN (€3.50 - €6) per trip, pay cash on the bus
Timetable Hvar to Stari Grad | 0745, 0945, 1210, 1500, 16:30, 1910, 2140, 2255 (based on Summer season)
Timetable Stari Grad to Hvar | 0630, 0700, 0800, 1010, 1150, 1250, 1430, 1605, 1750, 1900, 2205 (based on Summer season)
Check the 2023 bus timetable here
BY TAXI
Sometimes, you just don't want to wait for a bus, especially in the heat of the summer - we totally get it!
Luckily, there are taxi's that service the Hvar to Stari Grad route, as well as other main towns on the Island.
Be warned though - it's pretty expensive (which you'd expect on an Island in Croatia), so it might be out of the budget for most backpackers (and honestly, the bus is super easy and convenient anyway) - expect to pay around 220 - 250 KN (€30 - €35) per trip (or more to Jelsa or Vrboska).
There are a number of taxi companies on the island, including Hvar Transfer, and Tihi Taxes (which are 24 hours for those party animals amongst you!).
CAR RENTAL
Car rental is a great way to explore the island's main things to do.
During our time on Hvar, we used Suncity car hire to visit Stari Grad.
A small car costs will cost around 330 KN per day (€35) including insurance, perfect to allow you to explore all corners of the Island. Keep in mind this does not allow **driving on Dubovica-Sveta Nedilja dirt road, and the car must be returned with fuel.
All car hire companies are located near Hvar town square and Hvar bus station.
Alternatively, if you're after a super fun day out, hire a VW beetle for around 500 KN (€50), which also includes insurance and must be returned with fuel.
THE DETAILS
Cost | Between 300 - 800 KN depending on vehicle size
SCOOTER HIRE
A far cheaper (dare we say it, backpacker-friendly) way to get around Hvar island, or from Hvar town to Stari Grad, is via scooter.
Scooters are great for shorter trips to some of the small beaches just outside of Hvar town, or through to Stari Grad, however, we wouldn't recommend riding one to explore the whole island.
At 50cc, you won't need a drivers licence to drive one, however, we recommend previous experience riding a scooter/motorbike. And please, always wear your helmet!
THE DETAILS
Rent | Suncity
Cost | 200 KN for 24 hours
HOW TO GET FROM HVAR TO STARI GRAD BY CAR
There are two ways to get from Hvar town to Stari Grad - the quick and easy way is via the highway and tunnel that cuts deep into the limestone hills. This route takes 20 minutes.
From Hvar town, make your way to road 116 (Miće Machija) which connects Hvar Town to Stari Grad, following it east towards Milna, Zaraće and Dubovica. At the picturesque Dubovica, follow the road left before entering the tunnel.
Once through the tunnel, the road winds its way to Stari Grad Port. Keep following the 116 around the outskirts of Stari Grad before turning left onto Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana, and then left again at Put Gospojice before arriving into Stari Grad.
We recommend parking here.
Alternatively, take the scenic route that meanders through the olive tree and lavender covered hills near Selca, Brusje, Velo Grablje. This route, while longer, is far more picturesque, and quiet, making it the perfect road to acquaint yourself with the island.
Instead of turning right onto the 116 route, turn left and follow Jerka Mišetića, which winds up through the leafy hills towards the small town of Brusje, the 16th century as a shepherd settlement now home to Hvar's lavender fields. If you're not in a rush, we totally recommend stopping here and walking the streets.
Continue on Jerka Mišetića towards Velo Grablje, marvelling at the views overlooking Brac Island in the distance. The road slowly winds down the hills into Stari Grad - just be sure to focus on the road as the views are ridiculously beautiful.
You'll then join up with the 116 just outside of Stari Grad, turning left onto Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana, and then left again at Put Gospojice before arriving into Stari Grad.
This route will take around 40 - 60 minutes depending on how many stops you make.
HVAR TOWN TO STARI GRAD MAP
To save this map for your own travels, click on the image below. Once the map has loaded in a new page, click the symbol on the right side of the map title and download the map to: your places - maps in your Google account.
ACCOMMODATION ON HVAR
From cosy, family-run guesthouses to extravagant beachside resorts, and forested campsites to party hostels, there are plenty of accommodation options on Hvar to suit every style, traveller or budget.
We’ve written the following guides to help you find your perfect stay:
Where to stay on Hvar island: hotels, guesthouses and hostels for every budget
The best hotels in Stari Grad
Use the following links to check rates, and availability or to book accommodation on Hvar.
Hotels | Search prices and availability on Booking.com here
Hostels | Search prices and availability on Hostelworld here
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We firmly believe that if you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current pandemic has taught many; things can go wrong anywhere in the world and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT HVAR SOON?
We have a heap of essential reading before you travel to the paradise island of Hvar:
HVAR GUIDES | The best things to see and do in Hvar Town, Read this before you travel to Hvar island, 11 amazing things to do in Stari Grad, Hvar, How to visit pretty Vrboska, Our guide to the stunning Pakleni Islands, Our complete guide to Hvar’s best beaches
HVAR ACCOMMODATION | The best places to stay on Hvar Island, and the best Airbnbs on the island too, The best hotels in Stari Grad
HVAR DAY TRIPS | The best day trips to, from, and on Hvar
HVAR PHOTOS | 42 incredible photos of Hvar Island that will inspire you to visit!
HOW TO GET AROUND | How to get from Hvar to Stari Grad, how to get from Split to Hvar
DUBROVNIK | 10 Essential Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
HEADING TO CROATIA? YOU’LL LOVE THESE GUIDES
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