All the essentials you need to know on how to get from Jelsa to Hvar town by bus. Including where to find the bus, schedules, the cost, PLUS some bonus tips on the best things to do in Jelsa.
The town of Jelsa is one of the most picturesque spots on the entire island of Hvar. Possibly in all of Croatia. It is charmingly small, shockingly beautiful and has the cutest little “city” centre. On top of that, the pizza is delicious and the ice cream is to die for. What else could you ask for?
If Jelsa has made its way onto your itinerary, then chances are you are spending some time in Hvar town as well.
Whether Hvar town is the next stop on your itinerary or you are simply taking a day trip to Jelsa, here is exactly how to get from Jelsa to Hvar town.
If you are visiting Croatia you may also want to check out the beautiful city of Omis. Read about one of the best things to do there: How to hike the Omis Fortress Hike (Starigrad Fortress)
How to Get From Jelsa to Hvar Town by Bus
There are two ways to get from Jelsa to Hvar town. The first and most obvious is to drive if you intend on renting a car. And the second, and just as easy of an option, is to take the bus.
There is a direct bus that runs from Jelsa to Hvar town that does not require any transfers. The bus schedule for the peak season (around the summer months) can be found here.
How Often Do Buses From Jelsa to Hvar Town Run?
The buses run roughly once every hour (although the schedule is somewhat erratic) starting at 6:40 am. The last bus back to Hvar Town leaves Jelsa at 21:45.
The Jelsa to Hvar bus ride takes about 45 minutes. Don’t be fooled by the bus schedule saying it will only take 25 minutes. It definitely takes at least 45 and sometimes slightly more depending on how many stops/delays.
Bus Schedule in Off-Season
If you are visiting during the off season there will be only 3 bus times running. One early morning, mid morning and then in the afternoon. You can check the time that the bus is leaving on the timetable posted at the bus station.
Where to Catch the Bus From Jelsa to Hvar Town
The bus station can be found right at the entrance to the town and a short walk from the town’s centre. It does not immediately stand out as a bus station. You can find it on Google Maps here.
You will know you are in the right place if you see a row of superlong parking spots reserved for the buses. There is also usually one other bus parked there and a sign posted on the wall that shows the bus times for each of the different destinations.
Which Bus to Catch to Get From Jelsa to Hvar Town
To catch the bus from Jelsa to Hvar town, look out for a sign saying “Hvar Town” in the front window. The sign is not always visible, so if a bus shows up around your departure time, just ask the bus driver if it is going to Hvar.
Sometimes, the buses don’t actually pull into the parking spaces and will be across the lot or on the road. When you see one stop, just walk over to it and see if it is your bus.
Where to Buy Tickets and the Cost to Get From Jelsa to Hvar Town
You can buy tickets for the bus ride directly on the bus with the driver. You will need cash and smaller denomination bills are always better. Especially if you want to get proper change back.
The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Jelsa to Hvar town is 33 kuna (or 66 kuna roundtrip).
Other Useful Things to Know About Bussing From Jelsa to Hvar Town
- The buses have air conditioning.
- The bus makes several stops on its way to Hvar town. If there are a lot of stops, this can cause some delays, so make sure to budget extra time for this.
- The ride can be a little nerve-wracking at times, especially if you are scared of heights. There are portions of the journey with winding downhill roads with a mountain on one side and a drop-off on the other. There are guard rails of course, but if you get nervous with this sort of thing it is good to be mentally prepared.
- The bus will let you off in a parking lot just outside the entrance to the main centre of Hvar town. This is where you can catch the buses to go to Jelsa as well.
Bonus Tips: 5 Great Things to Do in Jelsa
1. Swim at Bočić Beach
For such a small town, Jelsa has many beaches and swimming spots to choose from. My personal favourite was Bočić Beach. It is just a 5-minute walk from the city centre but is located in a spot where you can enjoy amazing views of Jelsa while swimming in the crystal clear water.
There is a dock-like platform from which you can jump into the deep water, or you can use the smaller spot off to the side that lets you walk out. There is a small changing area and lots of shade under the trees nearby.
On a hot summer day in Jelsa, this is the perfect activity to get some amazing views while staying sane in the heat.
2. Cool Off with Ice Cream from the Jelsa Gelateria
Besides taking a dip in the ocean, another great way to cool off is by getting ice cream. And there’s no better place to do so than the Jelsa Gelateria.
They have a ton of unique and delicious flavours and the ice cream is to die for. You’ll see everyone walking around with an ice cream cone in hand during the summer.
💡 Pro tip: Try the lavender flavoured ice cream. Hvar island is known for its abundance of sweet-smelling lavender fields.
3. Stroll the Town and Wander Jelsa’s Adorable Streets
One of the best things to do in Jelsa is to wander its streets. The town is really small so this won’t take very long. You can easily get a feel for the entire town in a single afternoon. The streets are wonderful and there are tons of great spots to take photos that capture Jelsa’s charm.
4. Eat Delicious Pizza at the Restaurant Pizzeria Jelsa
Out of all the pizzas I ate in Croatia, Jelsa’s Restaurant Pizzeria had the best! The food is delicious and reasonably priced for Croatia’s tourist prices.
The patio is also conveniently located right in the heart of Jelsa’s “downtown,” so you can enjoy views of the harbour and the cute twinkling lights in the evenings.
5. Take a Boat Cruise to Neighbouring Island, Brac
If you are staying in Jelsa for a few days, a great activity to occupy some time is to take a boat cruise to Brac. The neighbouring island to Hvar, Brac is known for being gorgeous and adventure filled. It has amazing beaches and fantastic hiking as well.
In the Jelsa town centre, you’ll find signs advertising different boat tours and the trips to Brac are amongst the most common to find.
Final Thoughts on How to Get from Jelsa to Hvar Town This Summer:
While the easiest way to get from Jelsa to Hvar town is by car, it is not always the best option for everybody. A rental car certainly was out of my budget. For a small island, Hvar’s public transportation is actually quite good and you can easily catch a bus from Jelsa to Hvar town. It is the cheapest and a really easy way to travel around the island. With the information from this post you’ll be all set to have an amazing and hassle-free time on Hvar.
Happy adventuring!
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This is interesting, love the view of this trip going by bus. Enjoy some good views on the way. Thank you for sharing!