How to Get to Sarajevo. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Sarajevo International Airport SJJ

Airlines and Routes

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is the main facility. It handles international and domestic flights.

Flight Details

Major Carriers: Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Air Serbia, and Pegasus Airlines serve Sarajevo.
Low-Cost: A Low-cost european airline and Ryanair operate from nearby Tuzla (TZL), with bus transfers to Sarajevo.
Typical Routes: Most flights connect to major European hubs like Vienna, Istanbul, Munich, Zagreb, Belgrade, and Budapest.

Seasonal Prices & Direct Flights

Flight availability and prices change with the seasons. Direct flights from outside Europe are limited.

Price Fluctuations

High Prices: Highest in summer (June-August) and around major holidays (Christmas, New Year, Eid). Book well in advance.
Increased Demand: Winter sports season also sees increased demand.
Lower Prices: Expect lower prices during shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) and low season (winter, outside holidays).

Affordable Flights

Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Flight Search

Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Car Rentals

DiscoverCars.com for airport car rental.

Airport Services and Transfers

Facilities

Shops: Duty-free shops are available for last-minute purchases.
Food and Drink: Cafes and concession stands provide options for meals and refreshments.
Money Services: Currency exchange offices and ATMs are present.
Lounges: A VIP lounge presents a more comfortable waiting area.

Transfers to City

Airport Bus: Centrotrans Eurolines operates a typical bus service to Baščaršija (city center). Cost: ~5 BAM one-way.
Taxi: Readily available outside the terminal. Fixed price to city center: 25-35 BAM. Confirm fare or use meter.
Car Rental: For exploring beyond Sarajevo, renting a car at the airport offers flexibility.
Public Transport: Limited but effective mass transit links to the city.

Flight Planning Advice

International Connections

Most intercontinental travelers connect through major European hubs like Istanbul, Vienna, Munich, or Frankfurt. Plan your international itinerary to include one of these hub cities for the most efficient connections to Sarajevo.

Booking Strategy

Book well in advance, especially for high season (summer) and holidays, to secure better prices and availability. Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or deals from Dollar Flight Club.

Local Airports

Consider flying to Tuzla International Airport (TZL) for low-cost carrier options, then arrange for bus transfers to Sarajevo.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings & Trains

Bosnia and Herzegovina shares borders with Croatia (an EU member), Serbia, and Montenegro. Train travel offers domestic scenic routes.

Border & Rail Details

Border Procedure: Generally straightforward for visa-exempt nationalities. Expect passport checks.
Wait Times: During peak seasons, wait times at border crossings are frequently significant.
Train Connections: Domestic connections to Mostar are available, offering a scenic journey.

Long-Distance Buses

An extensive bus network links Sarajevo to cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina and numerous international destinations.

Bus Travel Insights

Destinations: Cities in Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Germany, and Austria are reachable by bus.
Main Station: Sarajevo's Main Bus Station sits near the railway station.
Booking: Purchase tickets online or at the station. Book in advance for popular routes, especially during peak travel. For international routes, FlixBus is a prominent operator.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the region around Sarajevo. Understand the requirements before you drive.

Driving Prerequisites

Driver's License: A valid license is needed. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is practical for non-EU/EEA license holders.
Vehicle Documents: Carry vehicle registration and a green card insurance.
Credit Card: A credit card is needed for the deposit on rental cars.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads are generally good. Secondary roads, especially in mountainous areas, can be narrow and winding. Potholes are not uncommon.

Driving Safety

Safety Concerns: Local driving can be aggressive. Adhere to speed limits and traffic laws.
Winter Conditions: Snow and ice make driving challenging. Headlights must be on 24/7.
Alcohol Policy: Zero tolerance for drinks while driving is enforced.

Important Land Travel Notes

Road Quality: Main highways are generally well-maintained. Mountain roads present challenges.
Check Conditions: Always check road conditions before travel, especially outside the city or at high altitudes.
Train Limitations: International train services are very limited. Buses frequently provide better and more reliable international connections.

Bus Advantage: Buses offer a comprehensive and generally reliable way to travel throughout the Balkans.
Scenic Views: Bus journeys frequently include beautiful vistas and connect towns not served by train.
Rental Age: Minimum age for car rental is typically 21-23, with a young driver surcharge often applied for those under 25.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sarajevo is Landlocked

Sarajevo is a landlocked city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Water Travel

This section is not applicable to travel to or from Sarajevo.
The Miljacka River runs through Sarajevo but is not navigable for public transport.
All major transport to Sarajevo arrives by air or land.

Regional Context

While Sarajevo itself does not have sea or river arrivals, nearby regions connect to water routes.

Connecting to Water

Coastal Croatia, a few hours away, has ferry connections across the Adriatic Sea.
Bus services from Sarajevo frequently connect to coastal towns in Croatia and Montenegro.
Plan land travel for linking from any water-based journey to Sarajevo.

Central Location

Sarajevo's central land position is a feature.

Mountainous Terrain

Surrounded by mountains, not water bodies for transport.

Land Routes Dominant

Land travel forms the main way to arrive and depart.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

Prepare for your departure from Sarajevo to secure a smooth exit.

Departure Details

Exit Fees: No specific departure tax is paid separately by passengers at Sarajevo International Airport. It is typically included in the airline ticket price.
Timing: For international flights, arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in and security.
Check-in: Online check-in is recommended where available. Otherwise, check in at the airline counter.

Procedures & Facilities

Standard airport security procedures apply. Be aware of customs procedures for VAT refunds.

Airport Experience

Security: Standard airport security procedures apply. Follow instructions from airport staff.
Customs: If you feature goods eligible for a VAT refund, process the paperwork before security.
Dining: Restaurants and cafes exist for a meal or snack prior to your flight.

Departure Facilities

Shops

Duty-free shops are available at Sarajevo International Airport for last-minute souvenirs or gifts.

Financial Services

ATMs and currency exchange services are available for your financial needs before departure.

Station Facilities

The main bus and train stations include basic facilities, like kiosks for snacks and sometimes small cafes.

Smooth Departure Summary

Allow enough time for check-in and security, especially for international flights. Ensure all paperwork to GET vat back is processed prior to security. Make use of airport facilities for comfort before your journey.

How to Get to Sarajevo