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Navigating Mostar

Navigating Mostar

Southern Bosnia And Hercegovina, Bosnia And Hercegovina

Public Bus System

Mostar has a limited public bus system. The city lacks a metro or tram network. The city center and Old Town are highly walkable areas, meaning public buses serve mostly specific trips.

Bus Routes & Tickets

  • Routes mainly serve local residential areas, connecting to the city center.
  • Tickets purchased directly from the driver upon boarding. Cash only (BAM).
  • Buses operate early morning (6:00 AM) until late evening (10:00 PM). Reduced frequency on weekends.
  • Accessibility: Most public buses are not wheelchair accessible.

Walk the Old Town

For the Old Town, walking is the most efficient and enjoyable method. You see more of the city's charm on foot.

Bus for Outlying Areas

Public buses prove most useful for destinations slightly outside the core walking area, like Blagaj or the Mostar West Bus Station.

Route Navigation

Route maps are not always readily available in English, making planning challenging without local assistance.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services
  • Licensed taxis are white or yellow, with a 'TAXI' sign.
  • Hail on street, find at stands, or call by phone.
  • Fares 5-10 BAM for short rides. Agree on fare or use meter. Cash only.
App-Based Rides
  • Major international ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt) are not widely operational or popular.
  • Local taxi companies are the main option for on-demand rides.
  • Always use licensed taxis for safety.

Rental Choices

Car Rentals

Major companies (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar) and local agencies in Mostar.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common, some local agencies offer during summer.

Bicycle Rentals

Some hostels/guesthouses offer, good for exploring nearby areas like Blagaj.

Driving Laws

Drive on right. Headlights on always. Seatbelts mandatory. 0.03% blood alcohol limit.

Car Rental Specifics

Car rental procedures typically include a minimum age of 21. A credit card for a security deposit is usually required.

Requirements

  • Valid national driver's license.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU/EEA citizens.
  • Credit card for security deposit.
  • Minimum age for rental (usually 21+).

Cross-Border & Parking

  • Inform rental company for cross-border travel; 'green card' insurance needed.
  • Parking near Old Town challenging; check for meters or attendants.
  • Many accommodations offer private parking.
  • Main roads good; rural roads vary and can be unpaved.

Driving Warnings

  • 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.
  • Stick to paved and well-used routes for safety.
  • Driving on the right side of the road.
  • Headlights must be on at all times, day and night.

Safety Tips for Driving

Legal Limit

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%, effectively a zero-tolerance policy.

Speed Limits

Enforced: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, 130 km/h on motorways.

Road Conditions

Main roads generally good, smaller rural roads vary and can be less maintained.

Walking & Cycling Mostar

Walking is the ideal way to experience Mostar's charm, especially in the historic center. The Old Town, including Stari Most, is entirely pedestrianized.

Walking Tours & Safety

  • Cobblestone streets necessitate comfortable and sturdy footwear with good grip.
  • Numerous walking tour options, guided and self-guided, are available.
  • Avoid venturing into derelict or war-damaged buildings due to unexploded ordnance risk.
  • Stick to marked, well-maintained roads and paths for safety.

Cycling Mostar

  • Bicycle infrastructure is limited; no dedicated cycling lanes.
  • Bicycles good for exploring flatter areas outside Old Town or routes to Blagaj.
  • Some hostels, guesthouses, or bike shops offer bicycle rentals.
  • Blagaj offers pleasant cycling routes.

Specialized Transport

Mostar lacks hop-on-hop-off bus services like larger European cities.

Organized Day Trips

Excursions to Blagaj, Kravice Waterfalls, Počitelj use mini-vans or small tour buses.

Scenic River Rides

Small traditional boats offer short scenic rides on the Neretva River below the Old Bridge.

Accessibility & Other Transport

Accessibility Challenges
  • Accessibility services for travelers with mobility needs are generally limited.
  • Old Town's cobblestone streets and numerous steps make navigation challenging for wheelchairs.
  • Taxis might be the most flexible transportation option for those with mobility challenges.
No Unique Systems
  • No cable cars or funiculars.
  • No other unique local transport systems in Mostar.
  • Planning your itinerary with accessibility in mind is important for a comfortable trip.

Local Transport Summary

Mostar's charm is best experienced on foot, especially in the Old Town. Public buses serve the wider city, and taxis stand ready for convenience. Renting a car suits broader regional exploration.

Be mindful of specific safety advisories, notably regarding war-damaged areas and driving conditions. Thoughtful choices around local transport options lead to a smooth Mostar visit.