Travel Guide to Transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo Airport, Intercity Buses, and Scenic Trains
How to get around after visa-free entry? A complete guide to reaching Sarajevo city center from the airport, choosing between trains and buses, scheduling a day trip to Mostar, and driving tips—all in one place.
Arrival and Getting into the City from the Airport
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) does not have direct flights from many parts of the world. Common transit hubs include Istanbul, Vienna, Munich, Zagreb, and Belgrade. The airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center. Trams and buses take around 30 minutes to reach the city (approximately 2 KM), while taxis cost around 10–15 KM. Interestingly, the Tunnel of Hope Museum is right next to the airport, making it a convenient stop on arrival day.
Entering overland is also popular: you can cross from Dubrovnik in Croatia via the Neum Corridor into Herzegovina, or take an international bus from Belgrade to Sarajevo (about 5–6 hours).
Intercity Transportation
| Route | Transport Type | Duration / Approximate Price |
|---|
| Sarajevo — Mostar | Train / Bus | About 2–2.5 hours, 10–20 KM |
| Sarajevo — Jajce | Bus | About 3 hours, 20 KM |
| Sarajevo — Banja Luka | Train / Bus | About 2 hours (train), 25 KM |
| Sarajevo — Trebinje / Montenegro | International Bus | 3–5 hours, 25–35 KM |
Sarajevo has one of Europe’s oldest permanent electric tram systems (opened in 1885). City trams and buses share a low, unified fare. Intercity buses are mainly located at the bus station east of the Old Town, with frequent departures—but it’s wise to book tickets in advance during peak hours.
Trains and Scenic Routes
- The Sarajevo–Mostar train runs through the Neretva River Valley and gorges, one of the most beautiful rail sections in the Balkans; sitting on the left side by the window offers the best views.
- Train tickets are slightly cheaper than buses and the service is more punctual. It’s recommended to buy tickets half a day in advance during weekends in the high season.
- Trains heading north or toward Republika Srpska are mainly centered around Banja Luka, and have fewer services than buses.
Driving and Practical Tips
- Car rentals cost around 30–50 euros per day. Most companies accept a foreign driver’s license with a translation. There are many mountain roads and tunnels—drive cautiously at night.
- Driving across the entities (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska) requires no additional formalities, but some roads in Republika Srpska have strict speed enforcement.
- City taxis are inexpensive, with fares for short trips within the city ranging from 5–15 KM. Always confirm the meter is turned on before starting the ride.
- Some border sections toward Una National Park and the direction of Užice have restrictions for large trucks—allow buffer time when driving.
- Google Maps is reliable for navigation, but download offline maps in advance for mountainous areas. Gas stations are readily available in main towns.
- Sarajevo trams and buses cost about 1.8 KM per ride. If paying the driver directly, have small change ready.