Sarajevo to Mostar transport guide
Sarajevo: Tour to Mostar, Blagaj, Počitelj & Kravice Falls
What is the best way to get from Sarajevo to Mostar?
By bus (2h30, 20-25 BAM) or car (2h30 via the Neretva canyon). The panoramic train is a seasonal option worth taking for the scenery. Guided day trips are the easiest option for first-timers.
The Sarajevo–Mostar corridor is the most travelled route in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Almost every visitor to the country makes this journey at least once, whether for a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary. You have four main options: bus, car, seasonal train or guided tour. Here is a detailed breakdown of each.
Option 1: Bus from Sarajevo to Mostar
The bus is the most practical and flexible option for independent travellers.
Route: Sarajevo East Bus Terminal (Autobuska stanica Sarajevo Istok) → Mostar Bus Station
Journey time: approximately 2h20-2h45 depending on the operator and number of stops
Cost: 20-25 BAM one way (€10-13)
Frequency: roughly every 30-60 minutes from early morning to late afternoon
Multiple operators run the Sarajevo–Mostar route including Centrotrans and smaller regional companies. Buses fill up on summer weekends — buy your ticket at the station in advance if possible.
Mostar’s bus station sits on the east bank of the Neretva, about 700 metres from Stari Most. From there, the walk to the old bridge is about 10-12 minutes through the old town.
What to expect: Air-conditioned modern buses on most services. The road is winding and some passengers prone to motion sickness should sit near the front. No toilet on board — there is usually one rest stop at a petrol station on the way.
Option 2: Driving from Sarajevo to Mostar
Driving gives you freedom to stop at viewpoints, explore side valleys and arrive on your own schedule.
Main route: M-17 highway through the Neretva canyon
Distance: approximately 130 km
Journey time: 2h30-3h (do not trust GPS estimates, which underestimate due to the winding road)
The M-17 is one of Bosnia’s most dramatic roads. From Sarajevo, it descends into the Neretva valley past Konjic and then follows the river all the way to Mostar. The canyon scenery — steep limestone walls, emerald water, watchtower ruins — is reward for the slower pace.
Konjic makes an excellent stop. The old stone bridge over the Neretva, the woodworking market and the access point for Tito’s Bunker (ARK D-0) are all worth 1-2 hours. Konjic is also the base for Neretva rafting.
There is no motorway on this route — the road is two lanes throughout, with heavy truck traffic and limited overtaking opportunities. Drive calmly and enjoy the scenery.
Fuel note: Fill up before leaving Sarajevo. There are stations in Konjic and Jablanica, but spacing can be large in some sections.
Option 3: The scenic train (seasonal)
The Sarajevo–Mostar–Ploče railway is arguably one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the Balkans, and one of the best-kept secrets for visitors to Bosnia. The line was built by the Austro-Hungarians in the early 20th century and winds through gorges and over viaducts that buses and cars simply cannot match.
Route: Sarajevo Main Station (Željezničká stanica) → Mostar
Journey time: approximately 2h45-3h
Cost: roughly 15-20 BAM one way
Seasonal availability: Services run year-round, but frequency is greatly reduced in winter. The full scenic service (with panoramic views in the canyon section) is best in spring, summer and autumn. Check the Željeznice FBiH (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Railways) website for current timetables before travel.
Why take the train? The highlight is the long section through the Neretva canyon, where the line hugs the cliff face and passes through numerous tunnels. The train moves slowly enough to photograph the emerald river and limestone walls. On clear days in spring and autumn, this is one of the most photogenic journeys in the western Balkans.
Practical note: The train is slower than the bus and has fewer departures. It is not the right choice if you need to be in Mostar by a specific time. But if you have flexibility, taking the train one way and the bus the other is an excellent combination.
Sarajevo Main Station is located near the city centre — a short tram or taxi ride from Baščaršija.
Option 4: Guided day trip from Sarajevo to Mostar
A guided day trip solves the logistics entirely. Pick-up from your accommodation, transport, a guided tour of Mostar’s old town and return to Sarajevo — all included. Most full-day tours also visit Blagaj Tekke, Počitelj and Kravice Waterfalls, which are difficult to reach by public transport.
Book the Sarajevo to Mostar, Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravice tourThis type of organised tour makes particular sense if you only have one day for the region, want local commentary on Stari Most and the war history, or prefer not to navigate unfamiliar roads. Tours typically leave Sarajevo at 8-9 AM and return around 7-8 PM.
Comparison table
| Option | Duration | Cost (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 2h30 | 20-25 BAM | Budget travellers, flexibility |
| Car | 2h30 | fuel + rental | Groups, freedom, side trips |
| Train | 2h45-3h | 15-20 BAM | Scenery, experience |
| Guided tour | full day | 60-100 BAM pp | First-timers, no-fuss day trip |
What to do once you reach Mostar
Give yourself at least half a day in Mostar, ideally a full day. The essential sights are concentrated in a compact old town:
- Stari Most (Old Bridge) — rebuilt after wartime destruction, now a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Kujundžiluk bazaar street — Ottoman coppersmith quarter
- Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque — panoramic minaret view over the bridge
- The west bank Croat quarter for a different perspective on the divided city
If you have extra time, the Herzegovina day trip circuit — Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravice Falls — adds a full day and is best done by car or tour.
Combining Sarajevo–Mostar with other destinations
Most travellers combine the Sarajevo–Mostar route with an overnight stay in Mostar, then continue to Dubrovnik or Split via the Dalmatian coast. The one-way journey — Sarajevo → Mostar → Dubrovnik — takes about 5-6 hours total by bus (with a change in Mostar) or by private transfer.
Guided one-way transfers along this corridor are available and are a comfortable option: transfer routes from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik via Mostar and Konjic are operated by several GYG-listed companies.
Frequently asked questions about Sarajevo to Mostar transport
Is there a direct train from Sarajevo to Mostar?
Yes. The Željeznice FBiH train runs directly from Sarajevo Main Station to Mostar. It is a scenic, slow journey — budget at least 3 hours. Check the current timetable as departure times change seasonally.
Can I get from Sarajevo to Mostar without a car?
Easily. Buses run frequently throughout the day. The train is a slower but scenic alternative. Guided tours include transport.
How do I get from Sarajevo airport directly to Mostar?
There is no direct bus from Sarajevo Airport to Mostar. Your options are: take a taxi or trolleybus 103 to Sarajevo city centre and pick up a Mostar bus, rent a car at the airport and drive directly, or pre-book a private transfer from the airport to Mostar (around 100-150 BAM for a saloon).
What is the last bus back from Mostar to Sarajevo?
Late afternoon to early evening departures are typically available (roughly until 7-9 PM), but times vary by season. Confirm at Mostar’s bus station on arrival. Missing the last bus is easy in summer when you lose track of time — set a reminder.
Can I take a bicycle on the Sarajevo–Mostar train?
Bicycles can be taken on the Željeznice FBiH train with advance booking, but space is limited. Contact the railway company directly. The cycling community does use this route occasionally as part of longer touring itineraries.
Frequently asked questions about Sarajevo to Mostar transport
How long does the journey from Sarajevo to Mostar take?
How much does the bus from Sarajevo to Mostar cost?
Does the train run from Sarajevo to Mostar?
Can I do Mostar as a day trip from Sarajevo?
Is driving from Sarajevo to Mostar difficult?
Top experiences
Bookable activities with verified prices and instant confirmation on GetYourGuide.
