Getting Around Bosnia and Herzegovina
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use buses and trams for Sarajevo and Mostar. Rural: Rent a car for Herzegovina countryside exploration. Mountains: Buses and shared taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Sarajevo to your destination.
Train Travel
ŽFBH & ŽRS National Rail
Limited but scenic train network connecting Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka with infrequent services.
Cost: Sarajevo to Mostar €5-10, journeys 2-4 hours on narrow-gauge lines.
Tickets: Buy at stations or online via official sites, cash preferred, no mobile tickets widely available.
Peak Times: Weekends busier for tourists, book ahead for summer scenic routes.
Rail Passes
Day passes available for €10-15 unlimited travel on select lines, ideal for short explorations.
Best For: Scenic trips like Sarajevo to Konjic, savings for multiple short journeys.
Where to Buy: Major stations in Sarajevo and Mostar, valid for one day only.
International Connections
Trains link to Croatia (Zagreb) and Serbia (Belgrade), with border checks.
Booking: Reserve in advance at stations, prices €15-30 for cross-border trips.
Main Stations: Sarajevo Railway Station central, Mostar for Herzegovina routes.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for Herzegovina's rural roads and national parks. Compare rental prices from €25-40/day at Sarajevo Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended for non-EU), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to mountain roads, verify cross-border options.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100-130 km/h motorways.
Tolls: Minimal on main routes like M-17, pay at toll booths €1-5 per section.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in rural areas, €1-2/hour in cities like Sarajevo old town.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available €1.20-1.40/liter for petrol, €1.10-1.30 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas.
Traffic: Light outside Sarajevo, watch for potholes on secondary roads.
Urban Transport
Sarajevo Trams & Trolleybuses
Historic tram network in Sarajevo, single ticket €1.60, day pass €4, 10-journey card €10.
Validation: Validate tickets onboard, fines for non-compliance are €50.
Apps: GRAS app for Sarajevo routes, schedules, and e-tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing limited in Sarajevo and Mostar, €5-8/day from tourist centers.
Routes: Flat paths along Neretva River in Mostar, hilly in Sarajevo.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours for mountains, available in national parks.
Buses & Local Services
Centrotrans and local operators run buses in cities and intercity routes.
Tickets: €1-2 per ride, buy from kiosks or onboard with cash.
Shared Taxis: Centar taxis connect cities like Sarajevo to Lukavica, €2-5/person.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Sarajevo or Mostar Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Sarajevo Film Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable mountain weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in cities and main roads, 3G in rural mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €4 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
BH Telecom, m:tel, and HT Eronet offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with solid coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, kiosks, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for €10, 10GB for €20, unlimited for €25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist sites in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Bus stations and squares in Sarajevo have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally decent (10-50 Mbps) in cities, slower in remote villages.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Sarajevo Airport 10km from city center, bus €2 (30 min), taxi €15, or book private transfer for €20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (€3-5/day) and tourist offices in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains have limited access, urban trams in Sarajevo are wheelchair-friendly.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large €5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses for €2, trains may require extra fee off-peak.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): Primary international gateway, 10km west of city with bus connections.
Mostar Airport (OMO): Seasonal flights 120km south, taxi to Mostar €30 (1 hour).
Banja Luka Airport (BNX): Regional airport with European flights, convenient for northern Bosnia.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Zagreb or Dubrovnik and taking bus to Bosnia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Pegasus serve Sarajevo with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €1-3, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay growing in urban spots, Apple Pay and Google Pay limited.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and small cafes, keep €50-100 in small denominations (BAM).
- Tipping: Not mandatory, round up or add 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.