Ferries in Croatia – Book your Croatian Ferry Boat with Omio
Every year, passenger ferries carry over 14 million passengers up and down the Croatian coastline, exploring stunning cities like Split and Dubrovnik, and as more and more people wake up to the beauty and wonder of this region, those numbers are increasing. Whether you’re visiting for the pristine beaches, the Game of Thrones connections, the medieval walls, or the Roman architecture, there is a lot to see and do in Croatia and a ferry is the perfect way to start your Balkan adventure.
Ferry Boats Croatia – Discover Croatia’s Island Ferries
Croatia sits on the Balkan Peninsula, tucked away along the Adriatic Coast, just a few map inches from Italy. It might not seem like it at first glance, but this stretch of sun-drenched European coastline is home to over 1,000 islands, twice as many as Italy. Fewer than 50 of those islands are inhabited and many are little more than rocky specs in the vast Adriatic, but it’s an eyebrow-raising statistic, nonetheless.
You can visit many of these Croatian islands using a ferry, with routes from ports on the Croatian mainland, as well as Italy and Greece. Island-hopping is also becoming increasingly common, with many tourists seeking to explore as many of these islands as they can while enjoying the views as the ferry cruises along.
To book a ferry to Croatia and join the millions of tourists that flock to this country every day, search and compare with Omio. Once you find your perfect ferry—whether it’s the Split to Dubrovnik ferry for a short trip along the coast or the ferry from Venice to Croatia so you can enter this beautiful country in the first place—you can book your cheap ferry ticket through our platform.
How does the ferry system work in Croatia?
Many ferries in Croatia connect to other Croatian islands. These islands are dotted around the Adriatic Sea but they are rarely very far away. As a result, ferry companies usually use fast ferries with the goal of getting the passengers there as quickly and as cheaply as possible. You may be limited to basic ticket options on these ferries, but you likely won’t be on the boat for very long anyway.
Bigger and slower boats are used on longer distance routes, including those that connect to Italy and other countries in the Mediterranean. When you book your cheap ferry ticket through Omio, you will see the ticket options at the top. If there are multiple options available, you will be able to upgrade for an additional cost. You’ll also notice a section for “Fare Conditions”, which outlines the fare terms.
For instance, on many domestic routes from TP Line, you can choose a single fare condition and that is a “Standard” ticket. These tickets are semi-refundable and non-exchangeable. The latter part is self-explanatory, as it means that you can’t exchange the ferry ticket for another route. As for the former, it means you can cancel up to 30 hours before departure and will only be charged 10% of the total fee.
Ticket options vary, so make sure you check these details when you book. They will all be displayed clearly before you enter your details and pay.
Dubrovnik, Croatia. Credit: Pixabay
Booking Croatian Ferry Tickets with Omio
Book your ferry to Croatia using Omio, as you can search and compare to find the cheapest possible prices. Here are a few things to consider when using Omio to book cheap Croatian ferry tickets:
- Book early, especially if you’re using a popular route or need to take a car.
- Use search filters to check for ferries available at certain times, as well as ferries that accept cars.
- Change the dates to see if you can find a bargain.
- Consider booking during the off-season, as it’s usually much cheaper.
- Pay attention to the ticket options. Upgrade if you need to, but stick with the basics if price is the most important consideration.
Search now to get started.
Main Ferry Companies in Croatia
Croatia is home to a few major ferry companies, as well as a few providers based in Italy that serve connections with Croatian islands and ports. These companies include:
| Krilo-Kapetan Luka | TP Line | SNAV | Jadrolinija | Venezia Lines |
KriloKapetanLuka">Krilo-Kapetan Luka
Often known simply as “Krilo”, Krilo-Kapetan Luka is a Croatian ferry service based in Split. It traces its roots back to the late 19th century and has many fast ferries in operation. It connects to Hvar and Dubrovnik from its home city of Split, and if you’re searching for either of these routes or any other domestic ferry routes in Croatia, there’s a good chance you’ll see the famous KL dolphin logo near the top of the search results.
TPLine">TP Line
TP Line was founded in 1994 and it is based in the port city of Zadar. It focuses primarily on Croatian island hopping and uses high-speed catamarans. Its biggest routes serve Split and Dubrovnik, two of the most-visited cities in Croatia.
SNAV">SNAV
SNAV is an Italian company and most of its routes are in its home country, where it connects the mainland and specifically the city of Naples, with some Italian islands. But it also serves the Croatian city of Split and is one of several providers that offer to take Croatians into Italy and vice versa.
Jadrolinija">Jadrolinija
Jadrolinija is owned by the state of Croatia and was founded in the middle of the 20th century. Its main purpose is to connect tourists with the Croatian islands and a large number of its passengers are domestic tourists.
VeneziaLines">Venezia Lines
As the name suggests, Venezia Lines operates out of Venice. Like SNAV, it is an Italian operator that provides connections to Croatia, including the Croatian city of Porec. It also serves Slovenia and runs high-speed ferries across all of its routes.
Croatian Ferry Map – The Ferry Network in Croatia and Major Connections
The ferry network in Croatia is incredibly busy, with routes crisscrossing all over the Adriatic Sea. The majority of routes that leave and enter the country are domestic, which means they connect one Croatian port with another. But there are international ones too, many of which link to Italy.
Domestic Ferry Routes in Croatia
Ferries are a handy way to explore the Croatian islands and see more of the country in general. The journeys are often scenic and they can be very quick and cheap as well. The ferry from Split to Hvar is a great example, as it takes less than an hour.
The ferry from Split to Hvar is just one example of what makes the domestic setup so handy in Croatia. As discussed at the start of this guide, there is also a Split to Dubrovnik ferry, taking passengers between two big cities that can also feel like small towns due to their old town areas and abundance of Roman and Medieval architecture.
Dubrovnik to Split will take you the other way and there are a few other domestic routes to consider:
Click the links to discover more about these ferry routes and see if there is a cheap ferry ticket to book right now. If you have another Croatian island or city in mind, use our search feature at the top of the page.
International Ferry Routes from Croatia to Other Countries
As mentioned above, the unique geographical position of Croatia means that most of its international routes go to Italy. It’s just a hop over the Adriatic, after all, and that’s much more accessible than sailing around the Italian peninsula and heading for popular tourist destinations in Spain or North Africa.
Still, Italy is one of the most-visited countries in the world. It’s a country of great diversity, from fashion capitals like Milan to food and wine regions like Tuscany and Naples, and more.
Some of the most popular international connections utilized by Croatian companies include:
If you like the sound of these international ferry crossings, click on the link you like the most and you’ll see a list of all available ferries right now. Bear in mind that there might be nothing available if you are checking during the winter. If you find a route, just click, check your ticket options, and then progress to the next page to enter your personal details and complete your booking.
Dubrovnik. Credit: Pixabay
Ferry travel tips for Croatia
Whether you’re taking a ferry from Venice to Croatia, a split to Dubrovnik ferry, or the ferry from Split to Hvar, keep the following ferry travel tips in mind for a smooth and hassle-free trip:
- Book early and book online to save time and money.
- Check requirements regarding cars and luggage.
- Make sure you have your travel documents in order.
- Check where the ferry is taking you and make arrangements. You won’t be in the center of the city and might need to take a train or bus to get there.
FAQs
It depends on the provider, as the rules differ from company to company. Many ferry companies, including both Krilo and TP Line, let you use an electronic ticket. The ferry ticket will be emailed to you as a PDF after purchasing from Omio. You can also access it via your Omio account. Some other ferry companies insist on printed tickets, and you can print them at the station/port using your Omio booking number. We always strive to provide you with the simplest option, though, and it is displayed clearly on the booking page. What’s more, our customer support team can provide assistance if you have any questions about the process.
Ferry companies have different rules regarding luggage allowances, but they are typically quite relaxed. They usually have plenty of luggage storage space and you can also take small bags with you. Check the requirements on the provider’s website before you book if you are planning on taking lots of heavy bags.
Most ferry companies will let you take a dog on board, but there are a few considerations. Firstly, there may be some additional requirements if you are visiting another country. Secondly, a muzzle may be required, even if you insist that your dog is friendly and harmless. Krilo ferries require muzzled dogs, for instance. Finally, dogs are not allowed if they are considered to be a threat to the health of other passengers, such as if they are aggressive. The rules are more relaxed for guide dogs, but you should still check the rules in advance.
Yes. Italy’s close proximity to Croatia means there are many ferries that connect the two. Most of these leave from the Italian mainland and connect to cities like Split and Dubrovnik, as well as to the many Croatian islands. We discussed some of these routes in the guide above, including the ferry from Venice to Croatia, which enters via a number of ports.
The most popular routes within Croatia usually run throughout the year. Such is the case for the ferry from Split to Hvar, a route that is covered by companies like Krilo using very fast boats. The seasonal routes are, unsurprisingly, the busiest. This is when ferry services make their money in Croatia. They usually start running routes from around April/May to the end of October.
Ferries are a very cheap way to travel, and if you are hopping Croatian islands, they might be the only way to travel. Some of the shortest domestic routes are available for just a few Euros. Obviously, the price can vary considerably. You will pay more during the high season, which usually begins in the Spring and runs through the Summer. Use Omio to compare cheap Croatian ferry tickets and ensure you get the best price every time.
When you book your cheap ferry ticket through Omio, it will be made clear what type of ticket you are buying and whether it is possible to refund or exchange it. The options vary by provider and route type. Some can be exchanged and refunded in full while some are semi-refundable, which means you will pay a small fee (expressed as a percentage of the ferry ticket price) to process a refund. If you need more information or clarity, contact our customer support team.
There are several ways to make this connection, including the ferry from Split to Ancona, which takes anywhere from 11 to 12 hours on average. It means that if you board the ferry during the evening, you can spend the night there and arrive at your destination when you wake. These overnight journeys are one of the biggest appeals of ferry crossings, along with the low price.
You can if you want, but it is not a prerequisite. There are a couple of potential benefits of booking early, including securing the room you want or making sure there will be space in the garage for your car. Secondly, it could save you some money. Early ferry tickets are usually not much cheaper, but they can be. With Omio, it’s possible to book on the day that you travel and many months in advance, so do what’s more comfortable for you, and don’t be afraid to run a few comparison searches until you find something that works for you.
Groznjan. Credit: Pixabay
Main Ferry Ports in Croatia
You will find busy ferry ports in all major Croatian islands, as well as along the country’s sizable coastline. The biggest and most active of these Croatian ports include:
- Port of Rijeka: The main port in Croatia dates back to the late 13th century. It’s a major cargo and passenger port that sits not too far from the border with Slovenia.
- Port of Split: Split is home to the country’s biggest passenger port, with millions of visitors passing through every year. It serves as a key port for both domestic and international routes, including the previously mentioned ferry from Split to Hvar.
- Port of Zadar: A major passenger port that sits in Zadar and handles many domestic and international routes along the Adriatic Coast.
- Port of Dubrovnik: A major port that welcomes passengers from across Croatia and Italy. It can handle passenger ships of most sizes.
For cheap ferry tickets in and out of these Croatian ports, stick with Omio. We partner with providers offering cheap ferry tickets throughout Croatia. You can compare and book your ferry tickets in seconds and prepare for your Balkan vacation before the day is out!
Ferry types in Croatia
There are two main types of ferries in use on Croatian ferry routes: catamarans and car ferries.
Catamarans are boats that have two parallel hulls. When most people think of a catamaran they think of the small, high-speed craft used in sailing races and often operated by a single person. Ferry catamarans are built on much the same principle, they’re just a lot bigger and more powerful, and you don’t need to constantly swing from side to side to turn them!
Ferry catamarans have similar parallel hulls, allowing them to cut through the water with speed. They have high-powered engines, not sails, and there is typically enough room for several hundred passengers. Some of the biggest ferry operators in Croatia rely almost exclusively on these boats. It’s all about getting passengers across the Croatian islands and coast as quickly as possible.
As for car ferries, they are simply ferries that have a large garage built into the hull, allowing them to store cars. These ferries are also known as roll-on, roll-off ferries, as the passenger can simply drive on and then drive off.
You may also see much smaller passenger ferries known as water taxis on your journey through the Croatian islands. As the name suggests, these watercraft operate like taxis, making multiple stops at various locations and helping passengers get to where they need to go. They come in different shapes and sizes. They are very common in Venice, a city famed for its waterways and lack of cars, but you may also spot them in Croatia.
When you book a ferry to Croatia or a ferry in Croatia using Omio, we will tell you whether you are allowed to take a car or not. You can even change the search filters to include only ferries that allow cars, just click the option for “Inc. Cars”.
We’ll also show you the average travel time, so you have a good idea of how fast the route is and how long you’ll need to wait.
More Information about Ferries in Europe
Ferries are a unique way to travel, as they provide an experience that you can’t get with any other form of travel. Sure, a plane is quicker and a bus is usually cheaper, but unless you’re paying a small fortune or own a private jet, you don’t get your own private bathroom on a plane and you can’t dine in a restaurant one minute and then play some games in the arcade the next. And that’s before you think about the view—a vast expanse of beautiful blue sea that you can watch from a balcony as the summer sun beats down on you.
Europe is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines and islands in the world, from the aforementioned Croatian islands and cities like Dubrovnik to gorgeous Greek islands like Santorini and Crete, places where millennia-old Greek myths were born. All of these are accessible by ferry, and in many cases, it’s not just the best way to visit, it’s the only way.
If you want the journey to be as memorable as the destination, book a ferry ticket through Omio. We partner with top providers all over Europe to help you book cheap ferry tickets for destinations across the continent.
Popular Journeys
A couple of decades ago, tourism numbers in Croatia were fairly modest and limited to visitors from neighboring countries. But then something changed, and the world woke up to just how beautiful this country is. In 1995, for instance, tourism accounted for less than 6% of the country’s GDP. By 2019, that number had increased to nearly 20%. One look at cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik and it becomes obvious why so many people visit the country. It also begs the question, why did the world sleep on the beauty of Croatia for so long? After all, while Croatia is a little more tourist-centric these days, those Roman buildings, medieval architecture, and lush turquoise coasts haven’t changed since the 1990s.
If you’ve been to the country already, you’ll have first-hand experience of this. If not, you’re missing out, just like the millions of tourists in the 1990s who skipped Croatia in favor of more marketable destinations like Greece and Italy. It’s time to change that and book a cheap ferry ticket to Croatia today! Use the Omio search function to get started and plot your route.
