The islands are closer to Kaštel Stari than most people think. The trip to Split harbour is short, and the crossing to Brač takes under an hour. What makes the day easy or stressful is a few decisions beforehand: catamaran or car ferry, when to book, how to get to the port.
Getting to the port: take the train
Our favourite tip: from Kaštel Stari station the train takes about 10 to 15 minutes to Split. Split station is right next to the ferry port. You step off, walk a few metres and you're at the terminal.
You can drive, but plan for it. There's no day parking at the port itself, and the car parks and garages nearby fill up quickly in summer. If you're not taking the car to the island, the train or an Uber is the easier option.
Catamaran or car ferry?
- Catamaran: foot passengers only, faster, assigned seats. Often sold out in July and August.
- Car ferry: slower, takes cars, and you can sit out on deck. In summer it runs very often to Supetar on Brač.
Most routes are run by Jadrolinija, some also by Kapetan Luka (Krilo).
Where to and how long
- Brač, Supetar: car ferry, about 50 minutes. The easiest island trip.
- Brač, Bol (Zlatni Rat beach): catamaran, about an hour.
- Hvar Town: catamaran, about an hour.
- Hvar, Stari Grad: car ferry, just over two hours, then about 20 minutes on to Hvar Town.
- Vis: catamaran about 1.5 hours, car ferry just over 2 hours.
- Šolta, Rogač: car ferry, about an hour.
Timetables and fares change every season, so always check the operators' websites.
Tickets: when to book
For catamarans in July and August we usually tell guests to book four to six weeks ahead, online, with a QR code on the phone. For the car ferry to Supetar, a day or two ahead is normally enough. Buying at the port often still works for Supetar, much less so for Hvar in high summer.
Your ticket shows the pier. Catamarans usually leave from the outer piers, car ferries from the main ones. Display boards in the port show what leaves where.
With a car in high season, be there 60 to 90 minutes early. On foot, 30 to 45 minutes is enough.
What we honestly recommend
- Brač is the best day trip: short crossing, lots of sailings, easy with kids.
- Hvar as a day trip only without a car, on the catamaran to Hvar Town.
- Vis is a long way out. Book a boat tour instead, or stay a night on the island.
- The Blue Lagoon near Drvenik is easiest on an excursion boat from Trogir.
In strong wind, catamarans are sometimes cancelled. Check the app in the morning before you set off. If you get seasick easily, sit low down and in the middle.
More ideas are in Day trips from Split, Trogir and Kaštela and on our page about island trips to Hvar and Brač.
And back in Kaštel Stari in the evening, your own pool is waiting. Here are our three villas.
