Last checked: November 2026
A good Bosnia and Herzegovina itinerary uses Sarajevo and Mostar as bases and adds day trips. For 3 days, stay in Sarajevo. For 5 days, add Mostar. For 7 to 10 days, add central Bosnia, the northwest or the mountains. Sarajevo to Mostar is about 129 km, which takes roughly two hours by car, bus or train.
How long do you need in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Three days is enough for Sarajevo. Five days lets you add Mostar and a nearby village or waterfall. Seven days adds one more region, and ten days suits travellers who want nature and a slower pace. Mountain roads can be slow, so add buffer time between stops, especially in winter.
How do you travel between cities?
- Bus: frequent buses link Sarajevo with many towns. Sarajevo to Mostar takes about two to two and a half hours.
- Train: a scenic train links Sarajevo and Mostar. Services are limited, so check the timetable first.
- Car: useful for villages, waterfalls and mountain areas. Drive carefully on regional roads, and stay on paved roads because of landmine risks.
- Tours and transfers: good for places with poor public transport, such as some waterfalls and stećci sites.
3 days: Sarajevo
- Day 1: Arrive and walk the Baščaršija bazaar and the Latin Bridge. Try ćevapi and Bosnian coffee.
- Day 2: Visit museums about the 1992 to 1995 siege and the city’s Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history.
- Day 3: Take a short trip to the nearby mountains, or spend time in cafés and markets before your flight.
5 days: Sarajevo and Mostar
- Days 1 and 2: Sarajevo, as above.
- Day 3: Travel to Mostar by train, bus or car. It takes about two hours. Walk the Old Town in the evening.
- Day 4: Day trip to Blagaj and Počitelj, or to Kravice Waterfalls if the weather is warm.
- Day 5: Morning in Mostar, then onward to the airport or to Dubrovnik or Split by bus. Allow three to four and a half hours for the Croatian coast, depending on the border.
7 days: Sarajevo, Mostar and central Bosnia
- Days 1 to 3: Sarajevo.
- Days 4 and 5: Mostar, with one day trip.
- Days 6 and 7: Travnik and Jajce for fortresses and a waterfall in town, then return to Sarajevo or continue north. Check bus connections, because you may need extra time.
This plan covers a lot of ground. If you’d like fewer transfers, spend the extra days in Sarajevo and Mostar.
10 days: add nature in the northwest
- Days 1 to 3: Sarajevo.
- Days 4 to 6: Mostar and day trips.
- Days 7 and 8: Jajce and Travnik.
- Days 9 and 10: Bihać and Una National Park, with rafting or walks, then travel home from a nearby airport or return to Sarajevo.
Allow extra time between Jajce and Bihać, because direct public transport is limited. Confirm schedules locally.
Which itinerary should you choose?
- Choose 3 days if you want one city, museums and food, and time is short.
- Choose 5 days if you want two contrasting cities and one nature stop without long drives.
- Choose 7 days if you enjoy fortress towns and can accept one longer bus ride.
- Choose 10 days if you want rivers, rafting and a slow pace in the northwest.
For bus, train and driving details, including winter equipment rules, see our guide to getting around Bosnia and Herzegovina. To compare stops before you commit, read the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Planning tips for any itinerary
- Check your entry rules first. See our Bosnia and Herzegovina visa guide.
- Pick dates with our best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina guide, especially in winter.
- Stay on marked roads and paths, and read the safety notes in our Bosnia and Herzegovina guide.
- Book accommodation early for summer weekends, using our guide to where to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Download offline maps, and carry some local currency for small towns and bus stations.
Common mistakes
- Trying to do Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce and Bihać in five days.
- Assuming trains and buses run late at night.
- Using the euro instead of the convertible mark in small shops.
- Leaving the road to take photos near unmarked areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes, for Sarajevo and Mostar with a day trip. You’ll see two very different cities and a village or waterfall, but won’t reach the northwest or the central Bosnian fortresses.
Should I rent a car?
A car helps with villages and waterfalls, but it isn’t needed for Sarajevo or Mostar. Be careful on mountain roads, follow local rules, and don’t drive on unpaved tracks in unfamiliar rural areas.
Can I combine Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia?
Yes. Many travellers pair Mostar with Dubrovnik or Split, which are three to four and a half hours away by bus depending on the border queue. Check entry rules for both countries.
Can I do a day trip from Sarajevo to Mostar?
You can, since it’s about two hours each way, but it leaves little time in Mostar. One or two nights is more relaxed.