The only way to reach Vis is by ferry from Split. Jadrolinija runs car ferries (2 hours 20 minutes) and Krilo runs faster passenger-only catamarans (1 hour 20 minutes) several times daily in summer and twice daily in winter. Both dock at Vis town on the eastern side of the island. Book ahead for cars in July and August; foot passengers can usually walk on without difficulty.
There is no airport on Vis. Closest is Split (SPU), an hour from the ferry port by taxi or bus. Some summer boat operators run private transfers from Hvar and Split for guests of specific hotels; otherwise Vis remains pleasantly hard to reach on a whim, which is part of its charm.