Car Hire at Sarajevo Airport – Explore Bosnia at Your Own Pace
Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) is just 6km from the city centre — one of the closest airport-to-city distances in Europe. Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall and you can be in Sarajevo’s famous Baščaršija old bazaar in under 15 minutes. We compare all suppliers at Sarajevo Airport to find you the best rate.
Why Rent a Car at Sarajevo Airport?
- Fastest way into the city — no waiting for buses or negotiating taxis
- Bosnia is best explored by car — public transport between cities is slow
- Mostar is 2 hours south (one of Europe’s most beautiful towns)
- Easy day trips to Jahorina ski resort, Trebinje, Jajce waterfalls
- Cross-border flexibility — drives to Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Serbia all doable
Where to Drive from Sarajevo
- Sarajevo city (15 min) — Baščaršija bazaar, Sebilj fountain, Latin Bridge (where WWI started), excellent food scene
- Mostar (2 hrs) — the iconic Stari Most bridge, Turkish-era old town, best day trip from Sarajevo
- Kravice Waterfalls (2.5 hrs) — hidden gem near Mostar, stunning swimming spot in summer
- Jahorina (45 min) — ski resort, Olympic-quality slopes, much cheaper than Austrian Alps
- Jajce (2.5 hrs northwest) — medieval walled town with a waterfall in the city centre
- Trebinje (2.5 hrs south) — beautiful small town near the Croatian border, Herzegovinian wine region
- Dubrovnik (3.5 hrs via Neum) — yes you can drive to Croatia from Sarajevo. Stunning route through Herzegovina.
Driving in Bosnia
- Roads are generally good on main routes but can be narrow and winding in mountain areas
- Fuel is slightly cheaper than Croatia and Western Europe
- Speed limits: 50 city / 80-100 regional / 130 motorway
- The A1 motorway connects Sarajevo to Mostar — fast, well-maintained
- Winter driving: mountain roads can be snowy from November to March — check conditions and consider winter tyres (usually included in Bosnian rentals Nov-Mar)
- Border crossings to Croatia and Montenegro are generally quick
Cross-Border Travel from Sarajevo
- Bosnia borders Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia — all reachable within 3-4 hours
- Declare cross-border plans at booking — additional insurance may be required
- Most major suppliers allow cross-border travel in the Balkans
- The Neum corridor (Bosnia’s tiny coastline) sits inside Croatian territory — you’ll cross the Croatian border twice on the Sarajevo-Dubrovnik route
How far is Sarajevo Airport from the city centre?
Just 6km — about 10-15 minutes by car. It’s one of the closest airport-to-city distances in Europe. With a rental car you can be checking into your hotel within 20 minutes of collecting your keys.
Can I drive from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik?
Yes — the drive takes about 3.5 hours via the A1 motorway and coastal route through Neum. It’s a spectacular journey through Herzegovina. Note that you’ll briefly enter Croatia via the Neum corridor, so carry your passport and ensure your rental insurance covers Croatia.
Is Bosnia safe to drive in?
Yes, Bosnia is safe for tourists and driving conditions are generally fine on main routes. Mountain roads can be challenging in winter — if visiting between November and March, check conditions and confirm your rental includes winter tyres (most Bosnian suppliers do as standard in winter months).
Are there toll roads in Bosnia?
The main A1 motorway (Sarajevo-Mostar corridor) has tolls — typically a few euros for the full stretch. Pay by card or cash. Most other roads in Bosnia are toll-free.
