Getting To and From: Mostar

Air Travel Options

Mostar & Sarajevo Airports

Mostar International Airport (OMO), 7 km from the city, mainly handles seasonal charter flights and limited scheduled routes. Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), 130 km north, is the main international airport, with connections via Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.

No Direct Global Flights

No direct flights from North America, Asia, or other major global hubs.
Travelers connect through major European cities like Vienna, Munich, Istanbul, or Zagreb.
Seasonal flight availability affects travel. OMO sees an increase in summer.

Croatian Airport Alternatives

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), 140 km south, and Split Airport (SPU), 170 km west, serve as viable Croatian airport options for Mostar. Both are popular for combining Mostar with a Croatian coast trip. A wide range of European carriers serve DBV and SPU year-round, with increased schedules in summer.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

OMO: Basic facilities (cafe, duty-free, car rental).
SJJ, DBV, SPU: More comprehensive services (restaurants, shops, currency exchange).
Transfers: Taxis (OMO), buses/trains/rentals/private transfers (SJJ, DBV, SPU).

Flight Deals

Check Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Compare Flights

Use Skyscanner for comparing flight options.

Book Ahead

Booking flights in advance, especially for summer travel, secures better rates.

Airport Transfers Overview

From Mostar Airport OMO

Taxis outside terminal, 15-20 BAM to city center.
Private transfers pre-booked.
Limited direct international connections.
Mainly seasonal charter flights.

From Sarajevo SJJ & Croatian Airports DBV, SPU

Frequent direct bus services to Mostar from Sarajevo.
Scenic train route connects Sarajevo and Mostar.
Rental cars available; check cross-border policy.
Private transfers for direct travel.

Land Travel Essentials

Border Crossings

Prepare for immigration procedures, expect potential queues at peak times.

Train Travel

A scenic domestic train route connects Sarajevo and Mostar. No direct international train services to Mostar.

Car Rental

Valid national driving license and International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU/EEA citizens. 'Green card' insurance is mandatory.

Land Transportation

Bus Travel

Long-distance bus options are the most common and used mode of transport. Frequent domestic connections link Mostar to Sarajevo, Konjic, Jablanica, and other BiH cities. International routes connect to Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro.

Mostar Bus Stations

Mostar - Zapad (West): Most international and intercity lines.
Mostar - Istok (East): Mainly local and some regional routes.
Buy tickets in advance for popular routes.

Driving in Mostar

Road conditions vary. Main roads (e.g., M-17 Sarajevo-Mostar) are generally good. Secondary and rural roads vary. Driving on the right side. Headlights on at all times. Seatbelts mandatory. Legal blood alcohol limit 0.03%.

Driving Regulations

Speed limits enforced: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h open, 130 km/h motorways.
Local drivers sometimes drive aggressively; caution.
Be aware of residual landmine risks in very remote, unmarked areas. Stick to paved routes.

Car Rental Specifics

Minimum rental age usually 21 (sometimes 23-25 for certain vehicles). Valid national driving license and IDP for non-EU/EEA citizens. Credit card for security deposit.

Cross-Border Driving

Inform rental company if crossing borders (e.g., Croatia, Montenegro).
Additional fees may apply.
Mandatory 'green card' insurance documentation.

Train Travel Highlights

Željeznice Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine (ŽFBH) operates the Sarajevo-Mostar route, typically 2-3 daily departures. This journey presents breathtaking views, especially through the Neretva Canyon.

International Train Links

No direct international services to Mostar.
International rail travel typically involves connections via Zagreb or Belgrade to Sarajevo.
From Sarajevo, take a domestic train to Mostar.

Safety Alert

Stick to marked roads and trails, especially in rural or war-damaged areas.
Never touch suspicious objects.
Extreme heat in summer is a regular hazard.

Local drivers can sometimes drive aggressively; caution.
Roads can be slippery in wet or icy conditions.
Residual landmine risks in very remote, unmarked areas off main roads.

Sea/River Arrivals

Mostar: An Inland City

Sea or river arrivals do not apply to Mostar for intercity travel. Mostar is an inland city located on the Neretva River.

River Activities

Small traditional boats offer short scenic rides below the Old Bridge.
These rides are for unique views and photographic opportunities.
Not for point-to-point transportation.

Irrelevant Sea Procedures

Immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for a visit to Mostar. Connections to land transportation from sea arrivals are also not a factor for this destination.

Travel Focus

Main travel modes are road and air.
River activities are recreational, not transport.
Focus on land and air connections for arrival/departure.

Departure Information

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes for air or land travel departing Bosnia and Herzegovina for tourists.

Arrival Times

OMO: 1.5-2 hours before departure. SJJ: 2-3 hours for check-in and security. Bus/Train: 30 minutes before departure.

Station Facilities

OMO: Basic (cafe, duty-free). SJJ: Extensive (restaurants, shops). Mostar bus stations: Kiosks, cafes, seating.

Departure Checklist

Confirm departure times and transportation options the day before you leave. This simple step avoids last-minute surprises.

Getting To and From Mostar