Europe > 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Banja Luka | BNX |
Should You Rent a Car in Bosnia and Herzegovina? 🚗🏞️
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a land of mountain roads, emerald rivers, Ottoman bridges, and charming historic towns. While the cities are compact and walkable, many of the most breathtaking places lie between them, tucked into valleys and countryside. So, should you rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Let’s explore your travel style and see what works best.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you plan to visit just the main cities and take scenic trains or buses, you can comfortably explore without driving.
✅ Ideal No-Car Situations
| Destination | Why a Car Isn’t Necessary | Best Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| Sarajevo | Walkable old town, trams available | Tram, walking, taxi |
| Mostar | Compact historic center | Walking, taxi |
| Train route (Sarajevo–Mostar) | One of Europe’s most scenic rides | Train |
| Day tours | Organized transport included | Guided minibus tours |
➡ City-hopping by train or bus works well if you stay on main routes.
🚗 When Renting a Car Enhances Your Trip
Once you leave the city, public transport becomes limited. A car gives you full freedom to explore mountain villages, waterfalls, lakes, and heritage trails at your own pace.
✅ Reasons to Rent a Car
| Benefit | What You Can Experience |
|---|---|
| Flexibility | Stop at viewpoints and rivers along the way |
| Hidden gems | Visit towns like Pocitelj, Blagaj, Travnik |
| Nature access | Reach Kravice Waterfalls and Sutjeska National Park |
| Scenic adventure | Drive through mountains and valleys |
🌍 Top Places Best Explored with a Car
| Destination | Highlight | Distance from Sarajevo |
|---|---|---|
| Kravice Falls | Stunning turquoise cascades | 2 hours |
| Jajce | Medieval town with waterfall | 3 hours |
| Blagaj Tekke | Monastery at cliffside spring | 1.5 hours from Mostar |
| Una National Park | Rivers, rafting, waterfalls | 4 hours |
➡ These destinations often lack direct transport, so renting makes the journey smoother.
🚦 Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Roads are generally in good condition
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Fuel is affordable compared to Western Europe
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Mountain roads are winding but scenic
-
Parking is easy in smaller towns and public lots
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buses | City-to-city travel | Frequent and cheap |
| Trains | Limited routes | Very scenic journey |
| Group tours | Day trips | Good for solo travellers |
| Taxis/private transfers | Comfort and convenience | Good for shorter distances |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City explorer | ❌ No | Sarajevo and Mostar are walkable |
| Scenic train lover | ❌ No | Train between Sarajevo and Mostar is ideal |
| Nature and village explorer | ✅ Yes | Many spots lie off the main routes |
| Family or group traveller | ✅ Yes | Renting is cost-effective and flexible |
| Adventure seeker | ✅ Yes | Driving offers stunning mountain experiences |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
👉 Yes, if you want to explore waterfalls, mountains, and rural heritage sites beyond the main cities.
👉 No, if your itinerary sticks to Sarajevo, Mostar, and the scenic train route—public transport already covers those perfectly.