Last checked: November 2026
The easiest way to travel inside Bosnia and Herzegovina is by intercity bus, with a train on the Sarajevo to Mostar line and a car for villages and mountains. Distances are short, but mountain roads and border queues slow trips down. Allow about two hours between Sarajevo and Mostar, and four to five hours to the north or west.
Use buses for most city-to-city trips, the Talgo train for the scenic Sarajevo to Mostar ride, and a rental car for waterfalls, villages and mountain areas. Sarajevo has trams, trolleybuses and buses, and there are no scheduled domestic flights. Check timetables locally, because services change by season.
What are the main ways to travel inside Bosnia and Herzegovina?
- Intercity buses: the main public transport. Services link Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, Jajce, Bihać and most towns.
- Trains: limited. The most useful line runs from Sarajevo through Mostar to Čapljina.
- Car rental: the best option for villages, waterfalls and mountain areas with little public transport.
- Taxis: useful in cities and for short transfers.
- City transport: Sarajevo has trams, trolleybuses and buses. Other cities rely mostly on buses and taxis.
- Domestic flights: current route listings show no scheduled domestic services, so plan on road or rail.
This guide covers travel inside the country. For airport arrivals and transfers from each airport, see our guide to flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How long do journeys between the main cities take?
| Route | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Sarajevo to Mostar | 129 km | About 2 hours by car or train, about 2 hours 20 minutes by the fastest bus |
| Sarajevo to Banja Luka | About 194 km (shortest route) | Bus about 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes |
| Mostar to Banja Luka | About 233 km (shortest route) | Bus about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 35 minutes |
| Mostar to Jajce | About 162 km by road | Bus about 4 hours |
| Sarajevo to Bihać | About 285 km by road | Car about 5 hours, bus about 6 hours 40 minutes |
These are typical times from operators and route planners, not guarantees. Weather, roadworks and summer traffic add time, so confirm departures with the bus station or operator.
Which transport should you choose?
- Choose the bus if you want the cheapest and most flexible option between cities.
- Choose the train if you want the most scenic ride, from Sarajevo to Mostar along the Neretva valley.
- Choose a car if you want to reach waterfalls, villages and stećci sites at your own pace.
- Choose a taxi or private transfer if you arrive late, carry heavy luggage or travel with a group.
Is there a train from Sarajevo to Mostar?
Yes. Željeznice Federacije BiH (ŽFBH) runs Talgo trains from Sarajevo through Mostar to Čapljina. In the 2026 timetable, trains leave Sarajevo at 07:15 and 16:46, and the ride to Mostar takes about two hours. The morning train and the late-afternoon return make a day trip possible, but one or two nights in Mostar is more relaxed.
A seasonal international train between Sarajevo and Ploče in Croatia ran from 26 June to 27 September 2026, and it was not listed after that date at the last check. Services in Republika Srpska are limited and were reduced in 2026, and passenger trains no longer run to Tuzla. Timetables change in December, so check the operator website, Željeznice Federacije BiH, before you plan around a train.
How do intercity buses work?
Buses are frequent between the larger cities and less frequent to small towns, especially on weekends and late in the evening. Sarajevo has more than one bus station, and some services to Republika Srpska leave from Lukavica in East Sarajevo. Check which station your ticket names before you travel.
- Buy tickets at the station or from the operator, and keep some convertible marks for small stations.
- Arrive early in summer, when popular routes fill up.
- Confirm the last departure of the day, because evening services are limited.
The national tourism portal lists bus stations and routes by city.
What are the driving rules?
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left. Seat belts are mandatory.
- A valid national licence is normally accepted. The UK FCDO says a UK licence or an International Driving Permit can be used for short visits, and rental desks often ask for a permit, so confirm before you travel.
- Between 15 November and 15 April, winter equipment is required by law. Check the tyres and chains on a rental car before you leave, especially for mountain routes.
- Stay on paved roads, because landmines remain in some rural areas.
The UK FCDO advice warns of significant delays at crossings with Croatia because of the EU Entry/Exit System, and says the Gradiška border crossing has moved to a new facility. Allow extra time if you cross by road, and read our Bosnia and Herzegovina visa guide for entry documents. For winter road conditions, see the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina guide.
How do taxis and ride-hailing apps work?
Taxis are easy to find in Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka. Use a marked, licensed taxi, ask for the meter and agree the price before you set off if there is no meter. Ride-hailing coverage varies by city, so check whether an app works where you are before you rely on one.
How does public transport work in Sarajevo?
Sarajevo’s city transport is run by GRAS, with trams, trolleybuses and buses, and a private company, Centrotrans, runs some bus and minibus lines. The tram runs east to west between the Baščaršija old town and the suburb of Ilidža, with a short branch to the main railway station. Tickets are sold at kiosks and by drivers, and you must validate your ticket when you board.
Tickets from one company are generally not valid on the other company’s vehicles. Fares and ticket types change, so check the official operator, GRAS Sarajevo, or the city’s tourism site, Visit Sarajevo.
Common mistakes
- Using an unmarked car instead of a licensed taxi.
- Assuming a train or bus runs late at night or on every day of the week.
- Relying on an old timetable, since schedules change each season.
- Not allowing extra time at the Croatian border in summer.
- Leaving paved roads to take photos in rural areas.
Quick checklist
- Confirm the train or bus timetable on the day before you travel.
- Carry some convertible marks for bus tickets and small shops.
- Download an offline map, because mobile coverage can be patchy in mountains.
- Check winter equipment on rental cars from 15 November.
- Use our Bosnia and Herzegovina itineraries and the best places to visit guide to avoid long, unnecessary transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Sarajevo to Mostar?
Yes. Željeznice Federacije BiH runs Talgo trains from Sarajevo toward Čapljina via Mostar, with a morning and a late-afternoon departure in the 2026 timetable. The ride takes about two hours. Timetables change each December, so check the operator website before you travel.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
The UK FCDO says a valid UK licence or an International Driving Permit can be used for short visits. Rental desks often ask for a permit, and rules depend on your licence country, so confirm with your rental company and the Bosnian authorities before you travel.
Are winter tyres required in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Winter equipment is legally required from 15 November to 15 April. Rental cars should be fitted, but check the tyres and chains before you leave the pick-up point, especially if you plan to drive in the mountains or on roads that may be snowy.
Is it easy to travel without a car?
Yes for Sarajevo, Mostar and the main towns, using buses and the Sarajevo to Mostar train. Villages, waterfalls and mountain areas are harder to reach, so many visitors join a tour or arrange a transfer for those stops.