Jadrolinija launches new fast ferry route to island of Silba

by croatiaweek
May 7, 2025
in News

Jadrolinija

Starting from 20 June, travellers in Croatia will have access to a brand new seasonal fast ferry service to the island of Silba.

The new route, which will commence on 20th of June and operate until 1st of September, is an extension of the existing fast ferry line which connects Rijeka, Rab and Novalja (Pag).

On Fridays, the catamaran will continue its journey from Novalja to Silba at 8:00 PM, offering a convenient option for those looking to explore one more Adriatic gem after arriving in Novalja.

The return trip from Silba to Novalja is scheduled for early Monday morning at 5:00 AM, making the line ideal for weekend getaways. This allows passengers to enjoy a relaxing island escape without missing the start of the working week.

Tickets are available through all Jadrolinija sales points as well as online via the company’s website, giving passengers the opportunity to start planning their summer travels with ease.

The price of a one-way ticket on the Novalja – Silba route is €18 per person.

The new service was introduced in response to feedback from island residents and visitors, Jadrolinija said.

Developed through ongoing communication with local island communities and based on numerous passenger requests, the route aims to strengthen inter-island connectivity during the summer months.

Silba, a car-free island off the northern Dalmatia coast, spans 15 square kilometres and is home to a few hundred residents, mostly retirees, with tourist numbers swelling in summer.

Silba Island included in new Jadrolinja fast ferry service The small island of Silba will now be part of a new fast ferry line, which will connect the cities of Rijeka and Zadar, as well as nearby islands, national shipping company Jadrolinija announced. Initially the route was Rijeka – Rab – Veli Lošinj (Lošinj) – Novalja (Pag) – Zadar, but now Silba has been included in the route which will start on 1 July. Silba, located south-east of Lošinj, is a car-free island. The whole island, which is roughly 15 square kilometres in size, is a pedestrian zone, no traffic is allowed on the island with the exception of vehicles supplying the local businesses. On Mondays, the ferry will depart from Rijeka at 7:00 AM, passing through Rab and Novalja, and arriving at Silba at 11:00 AM. The return journey will depart from Silba at 5:00 PM and arrive in Rijeka. On Thursdays, the line will also depart at 7:00 AM, skipping Novalja and stopping at Rab, Veli Lošinj, and Silba before continuing to Zadar. The return from Silba to Rijeka is at 6:15 PM. There will be an additional line for Sunday, June 25th The departure from the port of Silba is at 4:25 PM, arriving in Zadar at 5:35 PM. The ferry then departures Zadar and heads towards the islands at 6:00 PM. The ferry will depart from Silba at 7:35 PM, arriving in Zadar at 9:00 PM. This fast ferry line will be serviced by the Jadrolinija catamaran “Dubravka” and is expected to be operational until 31 August, with the possibility of operating past that date, Jadrolinija said.

Silba (Photo credit: Msablic/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Key attractions include the pedestrian-only village, the main beach Sotorišće near Mul harbor, pebbly beaches at Žalić, and the iconic Toreta tower offering panoramic views from Silba’s High Street.