Before you set off

• All times below are approximate and assume normal traffic. Mountain roads are narrow and winding, so allow extra time.
• Keep dipped headlights on, day and night. It's the law all year.
• Carry some cash in convertible marks (KM). Small car parks and village cafés often don't take cards. One euro is about 1.96 KM.
• Check opening times and ticket prices for attractions before you go, as they change by season.

New to the local roads? Read our guide to driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina first.

South to Herzegovina: the Neretva valley

The most popular day out heads south-west towards Mostar. The road crosses a mountain pass, then follows the green Neretva river through a deep valley. The stops below are all on or near this route.

Konjic: about 1 hour

Konjic is a small town on the Neretva, roughly 60 km from Sarajevo. It has a pretty Ottoman-style stone bridge and riverside cafés, and it's a centre for rafting in the warmer months.

Nearby is Tito's bunker (ARK D-0), a secret Cold War nuclear shelter built for Yugoslavia's leadership and now open to visitors. Visits are by guided tour only, so check the current tour times and book ahead.

Jablanica: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Jablanica is famous for its broken railway bridge over the Neretva. It was blown up during the Second World War's Battle of the Neretva and left in the river as a memorial. There's a museum next to it.

Jablanica is also known for spit-roasted lamb. The roadside restaurants here are a classic lunch stop on the way to Mostar.

Mostar: about 2 to 2.5 hours

Mostar, roughly 130 km from Sarajevo, is the highlight of most trips. The Old Bridge (Stari Most) dates from the 16th century. It was destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In summer you may see divers jumping from the bridge into the river.

The old town is for pedestrians only. Leave the car in one of the paid car parks nearby and walk in. The cobbled streets are steep and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.

Blagaj: about 15 minutes from Mostar

Just south-east of Mostar, Blagaj's dervish house, the Tekke, stands at the foot of a tall cliff where the Buna river flows out of a cave. It's a peaceful spot with riverside restaurants.

The Tekke is a religious site, so dress modestly. Parking close to the Tekke is limited and fills up in summer, so arrive early or be ready to walk a little.

Počitelj: about 30 minutes from Mostar

Počitelj is a walled Ottoman-era village on a hillside above the Neretva, south of Mostar. Climb the stone steps to the old tower for wide views over the valley. The steps are uneven, so take your time.

Kravice waterfalls: about 45 minutes from Mostar

The Kravice waterfalls, near Ljubuški, are a wide horseshoe of cascades in a green bowl. Spring is when the water is at its fullest. In summer, people come to cool off. Check the current rules on swimming and entry before you go. From the car park it's a steep walk down to the falls, and back up again.

Making a day of it

Konjic, Jablanica, Mostar and Blagaj make a full but very doable day. Adding Počitelj and Kravice is better spread over two days, with a night in Mostar.

North and west: central Bosnia

Visoko: about 40 minutes

Visoko, roughly 30 km north-west of Sarajevo, is an easy half-day by motorway (the A1 has toll booths). The town is known for its leather trade and for the much-publicised "Bosnian pyramids". Scientists don't accept that they are man-made, but the site attracts many visitors.

Travnik: about 1.5 hours

Travnik was once the seat of the Ottoman viziers of Bosnia and is the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning writer Ivo Andrić. See the fortress, the painted Coloured Mosque and the cool Plava Voda spring, where cafés and grill restaurants sit by the water. Try the local Travnik cheese.

Jajce: about 2.5 hours

Jajce, roughly 160 km from Sarajevo, has a waterfall right in the town centre, where the Pliva river drops into the Vrbas. A short drive away are the Pliva lakes and a row of small wooden watermills, one of the most photographed sights in Bosnia.

Jajce also has a medieval fortress and the AVNOJ museum, where a key 1943 meeting laid the foundations of post-war Yugoslavia. Park near the centre and explore on foot.

Travnik and Jajce are on the same road, so they combine well into one long day.

Into the mountains: Lukomir

Lukomir is a remote village high on Bjelašnica mountain, at around 1,500 metres. Stone houses with steep roofs sit on the edge of the Rakitnica canyon, and the views are huge. It's about 50 km from Sarajevo but takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, as the last part of the road is unpaved and slow.

The road is usually only passable from late spring to autumn, and snow closes it in winter. Check conditions locally before you go. A crossover with more ground clearance is more comfortable here. You can combine Lukomir with the Olympic mountain itself; see our guide to driving to Jahorina and Bjelašnica.

A quick one near the airport: Vrelo Bosne

Short on time? Vrelo Bosne, a park at the spring of the Bosna river in Ilidža, is about 15 minutes from the airport. Clear streams, little bridges and a long tree-lined avenue make it a lovely first or last stop.

When to go

• Spring (April to June): green valleys, full waterfalls and fewer crowds. Our favourite time for these trips.
• Summer (July and August): busy, and Herzegovina can be very hot, often well above 30°C. Start early and see Mostar in the morning or late afternoon.
• Autumn (September and October): warm days, autumn colours and quieter roads.
• Winter: quiet and atmospheric, but the mountain pass towards Konjic can have snow and ice. Winter tyres are required by law from 15 November to 15 April.

Which car to choose

For two people, an economy car like a VW Polo or Seat Ibiza is easy to park in narrow old towns. For families, a compact crossover such as a Skoda Kamiq or Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid gives more space and a higher seat for mountain views. Groups of up to seven can travel together in a Seat Tarraco. Browse our rental cars to compare.

All TRIO rentals come with unlimited mileage, so long days out won't cost extra.

FAQ

Can I visit Mostar as a day trip from Sarajevo?

Yes. Mostar is about 2 to 2.5 hours away by car. Leave early and you can see Konjic or Jablanica on the way down and Blagaj before driving back.

Do I need a special car for these trips?

No. All the main routes are paved roads that any car can handle. A crossover is more comfortable on the unpaved final stretch to Lukomir.

Are there tolls on the way?

The A1 motorway has toll booths, which you may use on parts of the routes to Visoko, Travnik or towards Mostar. Most of these trips use main roads without tolls. Check current toll prices before you go.

Can I pick up the car at the airport and start straight away?

Yes. Our desk is in the terminal of Sarajevo International Airport, open every day from 08:00 to 21:00. See our airport location and map.

Plan your day trips from Sarajevo

The best of Bosnia and Herzegovina is just a short drive from the capital. Pick up your car at the airport, or have it delivered in downtown Sarajevo, and pay on collection by card or cash. Check availability and book your rental car in a couple of minutes, or contact our team on +387 61 922 307 (phone and WhatsApp) if you'd like help planning your route.