How to get from Sarajevo to Mostar (& Vice Versa): Train, Bus, Car & More

If you’re planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’re most likely going to visit Sarajevo or Mostar, the two most popular cities in the entire country … and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to visit both!

However, with so many options, it can be hard to figure out the best way how to travel from Sarajevo to Mostar (or vice versa). 

Whether it’s renting a car, going by bus, or taking the Sarajevo to Mostar train — which, by the way, is one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe! — there’s an option that will work with your Balkan itinerary. 

If you’re still unsure of how to get from Sarajevo to Mostar (or Mostar to Sarajevo), this practical guide will help you make the right decision. :) 

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THE SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR TRAIN

We chose to take the train from Sarajevo to Mostar (and the bus on the way back) and I’m so glad we did. I planned to do some work and read a book on the 2-hour ride, but a few minutes into the trip, the most gorgeous views started to peek out from the window and I was mesmerized! 

Apparently the Sarajevo-Mostar train route is famous for being one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe — and, I’d argue, in the entire world. After you leave the station, you’ll get to see emerald green rivers, cute little villages, and lush mountains peeking behind lush forests.

The train itself is fairly modern and has all of the typical comforts, including spacious overhead storage for your luggage, large seats, foldable tray tables, and even outlets to charge your electronics! There was also WiFi on board, but unfortunately it didn’t work when we were there — I hope you have better luck.

There’s the option to choose between first and second class (the difference is only a few dollars), but I was really happy with our second class ticket. 

Here’s the timetable:

Train to Mostar:
Train # 723  Leaves Sarajevo @ 7:15   |   Arrives Mostar @ 9:10
Train # 721  Leaves Sarajevo @ 16:49 |   Arrives Mostar @ 18:48

Train to Sarajevo:
Train # 720  Leaves Mostar @ 6:36   |   Arrives Sarajevo @ 8:35
Train # 722  Leaves Mostar @ 17:09  |  Arrives Sarajevo @ 19:04

TRAVEL TIP: If you know your itinerary ahead of time, I recommend buying a round-trip ticket straight away — you’ll get a 20% discount! 

You can book tickets at the train station or on the official ŽFBH website. Don’t forget to come to the train station ahead of time to collect your ticket if you buy online. Be sure to bring your passport and a copy of the email you received after booking tickets (a screenshot is fine — they look at the order number). 

SARAJEVO STATION:
ADDRESS: Željeznička Stanica Sarajevo, Put Života 2
The main railway station in Sarajevo is located just outside the main tourist area in the center (it’s a short walk from the famous Avaz Twist Tower!). 

The building gives off a retro socialist vibe, but it has everything you need, including a cafe and restaurant (Ćevabdžinica Zmaj is highly recommended!), paid toilets, and an ATM. The easiest way to get from the railway station to the center is by taking the #1 tram route.

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THE SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR BUS

If the train is sold out (or the times don’t work for your itinerary), the next best option is to take the Sarajevo to Mostar bus. 

There are a dozen or so buses that drive this route every day, which is great if you need flexibility or prefer to leave at a certain time. The total travel time is around 2.5 hours (so slightly longer than the train), but you’ll get the same amazing views and comfort. 

Speaking of comfort — we took the bus from Mostar to Sarajevo and were lucky enough to get Autoprevoz as our company. I read conflicting stories about the route and apparently some companies have old-school busses that weren’t very comfortable. 

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SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR BY CAR

If you’re the spontaneous type that loves to have the freedom to stop whenever and wherever you want, then consider renting a car to get from Sarajevo to Mostar. 

The ride is around 2.5 hours long (if there’s no traffic 😅) and there’s plenty to see along the way. 

Here are some places to check out, in order by distance to Sarajevo: 

📍 Vrelo Bosne: Located some 15km from the center of Sarajevo is this serene park, featuring woodlands, a lake, walking paths, and more. It’s the perfect place to visit if you have an extra hour or so on your journey.

📍 Konjic:  One of the oldest settlements in the country that’s famous for its traditional wood carvings and the Old Stone Bridge (the best-preserved Ottoman bridge in Bosnia!). Don’t forget to buy yourself a gorgeous souvenir while you’re here. :) 

📍 Tito’s Bunker (above): Just a few minutes from Konjic is one of Yugolasvia’s biggest secrets: Tito’s Bunker. To say this place was huge is an understatement, especially considering that it’s nearly 300 meters (900 ft) below ground.

The bunker is around 6,400 sq m (nearly 69,000 sq ft) in size and has more than 100 rooms that could house all 350  members of the Yugoslav parliament (and then some). Ironically, the bunker was built in case of a nuclear attack, although it was never put to use — and locals only found out about its existence in the 1990s. 

Nowadays, tourists can check out Tito’s Bunker for themselves, as long as they book a tour in advance through the ticket office. Click here to check out the official site. 

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SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR ON A TOUR

Last but certainly not least, there’s always the option to book a guided tour from Sarajevo to Mostar (or vice versa). 

The upside is that everything is already planned for you, there’s no need to stress about transportation, and you won’t need to spend extra money on finding accommodations for the evening. :) 

This option would be best suited for those who are short on time, prefer ready-made trips, and want to learn in-depth information from a knowledgeable tour guide. 

Here are some Sarajevo to Mostar guided tours to check out:

FROM SARAJEVO:
📍 Mostar and Cities of Herzegovina Day Tour
📍 Guided Day Trip to Mostar and Herzegovina
📍 Full-Day 5 Cities Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina 
📍 Mostar and Four Pearls of Herzegovina Tour from Sarajevo
📍 Mostar and Herzegovina 4 Cities – Full Day Tour
📍 Private Mostar, Blagaj and Kravice Waterfalls Tour 
📍 Mostar, Blagaj Dervish House, Počitelj, Jablanica & Konjic Day Tour 

FROM MOSTAR: 
📍 Herzegovina Cities & Waterfall Day Tour
📍 Sarajevo Grand Tour with Tunnel of Hope Museum

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WHERE TO STAY 

THE BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN SARAJEVO & MOSTAR

Before I leave you on your merry way — hopefully with some new information and less stress! — I figured you might also be looking for accommodations in either Sarajevo or Mostar. 

No worries, here are some of the best hotels, apartments, and hostels in both cities (including places with views of the beautiful Old Bridge in Mostar!) 

WHERE TO STAY IN SARAJEVO

HOTELS

📍 Ibis Styles — Is this not one of the most stylish hotels you’ve ever seen? They’ve really got the branding on point, that’s for sure 😅

Modern design meets Bosnian motifs at Ibis Styles, which is decorated from head to toe (or rather, lobby to terrace) in traditional details. 

At the breakfast lobby guests can marvel at the ornate copper dishes, the suites have LED signs with local slang (such as vozdrav, a pig latin expression of saying hello), and the lobby is decked out in colorful rugs and Vucko paintings.

BOOK HERE: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

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📍 Hotel Hecco Deluxe — Located in the heart of Sarajevo and just a few meters from the city’s most prominent pedestrian street (Sarači), Hecco Deluxe is one of the best hotels if you want to be in the center of all the attractions. 

For an even more ✨deluxe✨ stay, book one of the upper rooms, which have sweeping views of Sarajevo’s skyline (and some even have balconies!) 

BOOK HERE: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

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WHERE TO STAY IN MOSTAR

HOTELS

📍 Shangri La Mansion — From the moment I saw Shangri La Mansion, I knew it had to be included on this list. Just look at that beautiful Old Town view! 

Besides the jaw-dropping scenes from the spacious terrace, Shangri La is truly a luxurious mansion — without the $$$ price tag. Each of the 8 rooms are beautifully decorated in modern furniture and colors, and the hotel is located right in the center of Mostar.

Thanks to this, it’s no wonder why Shangri La has more than 300 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor! 

BOOK HERE: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

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📍 Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija — If you want to truly experience the historic atmosphere of Mostar, the best way to do so is by staying in a heritage-listed hotel!

Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija, which is located just steps from the Crooked Bridge (the hotel is named after the famous bridge!), is set in an authentic historical house that offers 28 rooms of various sizes.

Although the building may be old, the interior design and amenities are modern. Each room combines the beauty of the past — like wooden doors and exposed stone walls — with contemporary comforts such as plush mattresses and air conditioned rooms. 

BOOK HERE: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

 

APARTMENTS

📍 Old Bridge Terrace Apartment — If you were inspired to travel to Mostar after seeing its magnificent Old Bridge, I have just the place for you!

Old Bridge Terrace Apartment is located just 50 meters away from the bridge and features the most stunning view of the Old Bridge. Seriously, it doesn’t get better than sipping Bosnian coffee on the terrace and looking out to the Neretva River (and maybe even seeing the famous bridge jumpers doing their thing!)

BOOK HERE: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com

📍 Apartment Smile — This is where we stayed during our trip to Mostar, and I couldn’t be happier that we booked this apartment! The owner was such a wonderful lady and offered us complimentary snacks and acquainted us with Mostar. Likewise, this was probably the most well-stocked apartment I’ve ever stayed at, as it had everything you could possibly need (and more!), including makeup wipes and organic shampoo.    

BOOK HERE: Booking.com | Agoda  

HOSTELS

Hostel Taso’s House — Taso’s hostel is legendary across Balkan travel groups on Facebook, especially since the owner is extremely friendly and has a well-run hostel. There are 4- and 6-bed dorm rooms and private twin rooms as well (with breakfast included!) 

BOOK HERE: Booking.com | Agoda