How parking works in central Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a long city built along a narrow valley. The centre is compact and busy, and space for cars is limited. Most visitors use a mix of three options:

• Paid street parking in marked zones
• Public garages and shopping-centre car parks
• Parking at your hotel or apartment

Paid parking zones

Streets in and around the centre are divided into paid parking zones. Zones closer to the centre usually cost more and may have a maximum stay. Signs at the start of each street or car park show the zone, hours and rules.

You can usually pay in one of these ways:

• At a parking machine or ticket kiosk nearby
• To a parking attendant at some car parks
• By SMS, sending your registration number to the number shown on the sign

Paying by SMS usually needs a local SIM card, as foreign numbers often do not work. If you are using a foreign SIM, plan to pay at a machine or kiosk instead. Some machines only take coins, so it helps to carry some convertible marks (KM) in small change.

Fees, hours and zone rules change, so always check the sign where you park. Do not rely on a price you read online.

Tips for street parking

• Read the sign before you leave the car, including the hours that apply.
• Put the ticket where it can be seen through the windscreen, if the machine gives you one.
• Note your zone and the time you need to be back.
• Outside paid hours, parking may be free, but check the sign to be sure.

Garages and car parks

Sarajevo has several public garages and car parks, plus large garages at shopping centres. They are a good choice if you want to leave the car for a few hours and not worry about time limits. Shopping-centre garages are also handy in bad weather.

• You usually take a ticket on entry and pay before you leave, at a machine or a cashier.
• Some garages close at night, so check the opening hours if you plan to return late.
• Prices vary between garages, so check current prices at the entrance.

Parking at your hotel or apartment

This is often the easiest option. Many hotels and apartments in Sarajevo offer parking, either on site or at a nearby garage. Some charge for it, and spaces can be limited.

Ask before you arrive:

• Is there parking, and does it cost extra?
• Do you need to reserve a space?
• Is the entrance easy to find? Some are on narrow side streets.
• Is the space suitable for a larger car, such as an SUV or a 7-seater?

If you are staying in the hills above the old town, ask about the road too. Some streets are steep and very narrow, so a smaller car can be easier. Browse our rental cars, from compact city cars to 7-seat SUVs, to pick the right size.

Parking near Baščaršija

Baščaršija, the old town, is mostly pedestrian. You cannot drive through its streets, and parking right next to it is limited and in high demand.

The best plan is to park a little further away, in a garage or a paid zone, and walk or take a tram. Trams run along the main avenue to the old town, so you can also leave the car near your hotel and travel in by tram.

Where not to park

Parking rules are enforced in Sarajevo, and illegally parked cars can be towed away. Getting a car back costs time and money. Avoid these mistakes:

• Do not park on pavements or pedestrian crossings.
• Never park on or next to the tram tracks, even for a moment.
• Do not block driveways, garage entrances or bus stops.
• Do not park in spaces reserved for residents, taxis, deliveries or disabled drivers.
• Do not park where the road is too narrow for other cars to pass, especially on steep hill streets.

If your rental car is towed or fined, contact us and we will help you work out what to do. Any fines are the driver's responsibility, as set out in our rental terms and conditions.

Parking on hills and in winter

Many residential streets around Sarajevo are steep. When you park on a slope:

• Use the handbrake firmly.
• Leave the car in gear (manual) or in Park (automatic).
• Turn the wheels towards the kerb when parking downhill.

In winter, streets can be icy and snow can narrow the road. Winter tyres are required by law from 15 November to 15 April, and cost €13 per rental with TRIO. For more on local rules, read our guide to driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Parking at Sarajevo Airport

If you rent with TRIO, you will not need airport parking. You collect your car at our desk inside the terminal and return it there at the end of your trip. See our airport location and map. Our desk is open every day from 08:00 to 21:00, and out-of-hours pick-up or return can be arranged for €23.40.

Do not want to drive in the city at all? You can spend your first days in Sarajevo on foot, then have the car delivered to your hotel in downtown Sarajevo for €23.40 when you are ready to explore further. Read our guide to getting from Sarajevo Airport to the city centre to compare the options.

FAQ

Is it easy to find parking in Sarajevo?

Outside the centre, usually yes. In the centre and near Baščaršija, spaces are limited, especially in the daytime. Use a garage or your hotel's parking to save time.

How do I pay for street parking in Sarajevo?

Pay at a nearby machine or kiosk, to an attendant at some car parks, or by SMS. SMS payment usually needs a local SIM card. Always check the sign for current fees and hours.

Can I drive into Baščaršija?

No. The old town is mostly pedestrian. Park nearby in a garage or paid zone and walk, or take the tram.

What happens if I park illegally in Sarajevo?

You can be fined, and your car can be towed. Never park on pavements, crossings or tram lines.

Does my hotel have parking?

Many hotels and apartments in Sarajevo do, but not all. Ask before you arrive, and check whether you need to reserve a space.

Planning to explore Sarajevo and beyond by car? Check availability and book your rental car, with pick-up in the terminal at Sarajevo Airport and no online prepayment. If you have any questions about parking or your booking, call or WhatsApp us on +387 61 922 307.