Split to Korcula

How to get from Split to Korcula?

If you are driving from Split to the island, there are two direct car ferries to access it – one from Split to Vela Luka (Korcula Island) and another one from Orebic to Korcula town.
If you are a foot passenger, the best, easiest, cheapest, and most convenient way to arrive here is to take a direct fast passenger (catamaran) ferry from the Split ferry terminal. Other alternatives are buses, private transfers, taxis, Uber, and water taxis. The only way to get to Korčula island is by ferry. There is no bridge to the island, no flights, and no trains.

6 Ways to get from Split to Korčula

The distance between Split and Korcula town across the sea is 57 nautical miles (106 km). The easiest way to travel is by fast passenger ferry also called a catamaran. Here are the details:

By Passenger Ferry (Catamaran)

Schedules, Tickets & Booking:

Jadrolinija, Krilo (Kapetan Luka), and TP Line are the companies that run passenger ferries from Split to Korcula Island, one to Vela Luka and the other to Korcula Town. Both companies depart from the same spot in the Split ferry port, which is situated right in the city center. They arrive at Korcula port after stopping in Hvar. Here is the Split Ferry terminal location:

Important Note: These fast passenger ferries are not sailing in case of bad weather. In such circumstances, take instead a slow(er) car ferry to Vela Luka (see car ferries info below) which very rarely does not sail due to the bad weather.

By Car Ferry

Jadrolinija is the only company that runs a car ferry from Split to Korcula island. Car ferry arrives in Vela Luka, which is a small town located on the west side of the island. The duration of the travel is 3 hours. The ferry departs from the Split ferry port, which is situated right in the city center. See the above map of the Split car ferry terminal location.

Car ferry Schedules, Tickets & Booking:

Car ferry travel tips

• If you are traveling by car, buying advance tickets will also book a place on the ferry for your car. Be in port at least 45 minutes before departure.
• If you are driving towards Korčula Town from Vela Luka, it will take you 45 minutes to reach the town, by road D118.
• If you are a foot passenger, no need to buy a ticket in advance. Get it in the port before your departure.
• If you are a foot passenger and traveling further towards Korcula Town (40 km away), make sure you get the bus as soon as you leave the ferry as buses are not frequent (check & book here). The alternative is to take a taxi.

Video of fast passenger ferry

Driving from Split to Korcula

If you are driving, you have just 2 options:

1. take the car ferry from Split to Vela Luka (as explained above) or
2. drive from Split via Orebic to Korcula

Using the shortest and the fastest driving route, you can reach Korcula town from Split in 3.5 hours. The driving distance is 165 km via road E65 (see map below).

Driving from Split via Peljesac Peninsula to Korcula

For this alternative, you have at least 3 options:

Popular Routes: Split to Korcula, Korcula to Split, Dubrovnik to Korcula, Korcula to Dubrovnik

1. Split > Ploce > Trpanj > Orebic > Korcula
2. Split > Peljesac Bridge > Orebic > Korcula
3. Split > Ploce > Neum > Doli > Ston > Orebic > Korcula

Split – Ploce – Trpanj – Orebic- Korcula Route

This is the standard and popular driving option, often used by experienced locals. The main point about this option is to start your drive from Split in a good time to reach Ploce early enough to get on the ferry to Trpanj (info here). Bear in mind that you can not reserve your place on this ferry in advance, so you have to come early enough to get your place in the queue. The ferries run 4 to 7 times a day. Once in Trpanj, drive to Orebic and get a car ferry to the island. Although this option includes two ferry crossings, if you plan well in advance, you can be in Korcula within 3.5 hours.

Split – Peljesac Bridge – Orebic – Korcula Route

This is a brand new driving route via Peljesac Bridge (open for traffic from July 2022). If you use this route drive all the way to Komarna (map/location) where you cross the bridge and drive a further 40 km from Brijesta to Orebic (map/location). From Orebic, cross by car ferry to Korcula.

Using this route your driving time will be:

Once the Bridge is opened, this will be the best, shortest, and most convenient driving option that includes only one ferry crossing.

Split – Ploce – Neum – Doli – Ston – Orebic – Korcula Route

This is the slowest driving route as you will have to do two border crossings with Bosnia&Herzegovina which slows down traffic significantly. Depending on traffic jams, the shortest time to expect on this driving route is about 4.5 hours.

Driving tips

If you are driving from Split to Korcula in the warmer parts of the year, as you are driving towards the South-East, choose the afternoon drive instead of the morning one. You will avoid sunshine from getting straight into your eyes. For Korcula to Split drive, as you will be heading towards the North-West, the morning drive is cooler with more shade.

Split to Korcula by Bus

The bus ride from Split to Korcula Town is 5.5 hrs. It is a daily bus service. The timing is not convenient (night bus), the duration is too long but can be useful if you miss all other public transport options. The bus departs from Split main bus station arrives in Korčula town and drives off all the way to Vela Luka.

By Private Boat Transfer

A private boat transfer is probably the quickest way to get to the island. It can be really good if money is no object and the weather is perfect. It is also a good option for a larger group of travelers. However, due to unpredictable weather out of season, mainland transfers are more reliable. Get in touch with a local water taxi.

By Private Car Transfer, Taxi, or Uber

A taxi or Uber ride between Split and Korcula will take you to your destination in about 3.5 hours. The current price quoted by Uber is between 2500 Hrk (330 Euro). This is a good option if 3 or more people travel together and share the costs. If you need a taxi to pick you up in Split get in touch.

Map

This is a map of how to get from Split to Korčula showing all transportation options including passenger and car ferry routes as well as driving options via Trpanj and Peljesac Bridge.

FAQ

See how to get to Korcula article & For detailed ferry schedules check croatiaferries.com