🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Bosnia and Herzegovina
✈️ Flying to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Main Airports
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) - The country's main international gateway, 12km southwest of Sarajevo city center. Modern terminal serving European and Middle Eastern destinations.
Other International Airports:
- Mostar International Airport (OMO) - Small airport in Herzegovina, mainly seasonal flights
- Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) - Serves northern Bosnia, Ryanair hub
- Tuzla International Airport (TZL) - Low-cost carriers, mainly Wizz Air routes
💡 Insider Tip
Check flights to neighboring airports: Split (Croatia), Dubrovnik (Croatia), or Belgrade (Serbia). Often cheaper with easy bus connections to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
🚆 From Sarajevo Airport to City Center
Airport Bus (Cheapest)
Centrotrans Eurolines runs direct buses from terminal to Baščaršija (Old Town). Journey time: 30-35 minutes. Ticket: 5 BAM single, 8 BAM return. Runs 8-9 times daily, aligned with flight arrivals.
Trolleybus Alternative
Walk 10 minutes to Dobrinja neighborhood. Trolleybuses 103 and 107 run to city center every 5-20 minutes. Ticket: 1.60 BAM (kiosk) or 1.80 BAM (from driver). Slower but very cheap.
Taxi
Fixed-price taxis available at airport. Journey time: 20-25 minutes. Cost: 20-25 BAM to city center. Use official airport taxis only.
🚌 Other Ways In
Bus from Croatia—Split or Dubrovnik to Mostar (2-4 hours, around 15-30 BAM). Popular coastal route. Regular daily services. Scenic drive along coast then mountains.
Bus from Serbia—Belgrade to Sarajevo (7 hours, around 30-40 BAM). Overnight buses available. Frequent connections. Border crossing usually smooth.
Bus from Montenegro—Kotor to Sarajevo via Mostar (6-7 hours). Scenic mountain route. Daily services. Popular backpacker route through Balkans.
Land borders: Open crossings with Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. No delays at EU borders (Croatia). Non-EU borders straightforward—passport check, no visa needed for most nationalities.
Train service limited—domestic routes only, no international connections. Buses are the main overland option.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Bosnia and Herzegovina is NOT part of the Schengen Area. However, US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and EU passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days.
If you have a valid Schengen visa, you may enter Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina →🚗 Getting Around Bosnia and Herzegovina
Buses (Main Option)
Extensive bus network connects all cities and towns. Main operators: Centrotrans, Autoprevoz, Globtour. Sarajevo-Mostar 2.5 hours, 15-20 BAM. Book at bus stations or online. Reliable and affordable.
Trains (Limited)
Scenic but slow. Main route: Sarajevo to Mostar via beautiful Neretva canyon. Worth taking for the views. Around 10 BAM. Check schedules at zfbh.ba
Rental Car (Best for Flexibility)
Recommended for exploring. Roads generally good, signage clear. International companies available at airports. Essential for remote areas and national parks. Freedom to stop at viewpoints.
🎫 Travel Tip
Buses fill up fast in summer. Book one day ahead at bus stations or arrive early. No online booking for most routes—buy at station.
🚋 Local Transportation in Sarajevo
Trams, trolleybuses, and buses cover the city. Simple system, easy to navigate.
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: 1.60 BAM (kiosk) or 1.80 BAM (driver)
- Day ticket: 5.30 BAM (unlimited travel 24 hours)
- Buy at: Kiosks near stops or from driver
Trams run through the center. Trolleybuses connect outlying areas. System reliable and cheap. Validate ticket on board.
🚙 Renting a Car
Highly recommended if you want to explore beyond Sarajevo and Mostar. Mountain villages, national parks, waterfalls—all easier by car.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Roads good in cities, variable in mountains—some narrow
- Watch for unmarked speed bumps in villages
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80 km/h (rural roads), 120 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies available at Sarajevo and Banja Luka airports
⚠️ Mountain Driving
Mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Drive carefully on routes to Lukomir, Sutjeska, and remote areas. Beautiful views but demanding roads.
🚗 Book a Rental Car in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Bus over taxi: Local transport very cheap—use it
- Fly into Split or Dubrovnik: Sometimes cheaper with bus connection
- Book rental car in advance: Better rates online than at airport
- Day tickets save money: If making multiple trips in Sarajevo
- Share taxis: Airport taxis can split cost with other travelers