Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina is straightforward for most visitors. You drive on the right, road signs use the Latin alphabet (with Cyrillic too in some areas), and the rules are much like the rest of Europe. A few things catch people out, though: headlights on all day, a low alcohol limit, winter tyres from mid-November and some narrow mountain roads. This guide covers what you need to know before you set off.
Sarajevo is a great base for exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within two or three hours you can stand on Mostar's Old Bridge, swim below a waterfall or walk through a mountain village that has barely changed in centuries.
With a car you set your own pace, stop where the views are and fit two or three places into one day. Here are the best day trips from Sarajevo by car, with rough drive times and practical tips.
Sarajevo is one of the few European capitals with real ski resorts less than an hour away. Jahorina and Bjelašnica both hosted events at the 1984 Winter Olympics, and today they're popular with skiers from across the region and beyond.
Driving yourself is the most flexible way to get there. You can leave when you like, carry all your gear and try both mountains in one trip. This guide covers distances, routes, winter driving, parking and which car to pick.
Parking in Sarajevo is manageable once you know how it works. The centre has paid street parking zones, there are several public and shopping-centre garages, and many hotels and apartments have their own parking. The easiest approach is simple: ask your accommodation about parking, leave the car there, and explore the old town on foot.
Sarajevo sits at the heart of the Western Balkans. From here, the Adriatic coast, the Bay of Kotor and Belgrade are all within a day's drive. With a rental car you can build your own route, stop wherever you like and see the landscapes in between.
This guide covers the most popular road trips from Sarajevo, with rough distances and drive times, border tips and the paperwork you'll need to take a TRIO car abroad.
Sarajevo International Airport is about 12 km from the city centre and the old town, Baščaršija. By car or taxi, the journey takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You have three main options: a rental car, a taxi or the airport shuttle bus. Which one is best depends on your plans for the rest of your trip.
