This post outlines everything you need to know about taking the bus from Mostar to Sarajevo and my personal experience and information about the alternative train route (I did both). As a solo traveller, I know it can be nice to know what to expect before travelling cross-country!
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Although the train is a highly recommended form of transport between Mostar and Sarajevo, having taken both, I have to admit I thought the bus journey was just as scenic with the added bonus of not having the early wakeup call – the train leaves before 7am, or in the evening when it’s too dark to see the scenery, but buses leave throughout the day. I highly recommend this option if you’re travelling in Autumn/Winter – there’s no point getting up early to see the scenery if the sun hasn’t risen yet!
TAKING THE BUS FROM MOSTAR TO SARAJEVO
MOSTAR BUS STATION
The correct bus station for travelling to Sarajevo is Mostar EAST Bus Station. (There is also a West bus station.) This is the same bus station where the Sarajevo bus arrives as well.
Mostar East Bus Station Address: 8RX7+796, Maršala Tita, Mostar 88000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
It’s around a fifteen-minute walk from the Old Town to the Mostar East Bus Station.
There is a small stand at the bus station to buy snacks and drinks (served by a very friendly man too) and a fast-food cafe, which I didn’t look inside.
The cafe and snacks stall at the Mostar East bus station
BUYING YOUR BUS TICKET
The easiest way to buy your ticket is from the station! The ticket office is easily noticeable and signed in English. They have a basic understanding of English and will understand you are going to Sarajevo.
Mostar to Sarajevo bus ticket price: The ticket from Mostar to Sarajevo costs 21BM.
They will tell you which ‘platform’ your bus goes from – mine went from platform 3, which is directly in front of the ticket office. The numbers are easy to spot and all next to the ticket office. The bus is also clearly marked ‘Sarajevo,’ but check with the driver as you get on if you’re paranoid about going the wrong way, haha.
You don’t need to get there super early, but I was glad to arrive around 20 minutes early as it meant I could wait on the platform and get a window seat! I got on the 11am bus, and there were not many spare seats.
You can also buy your tickets in advance here if you prefer: https://getbybus.com/en/bus-mostar-to-sarajevo There is no assigned seating that I could tell.
The ticket office was a stone’s throw from the bus which took me from Mostar to Sarajevo.
LUGGAGE
It cost an additional 1BM to stow my main bag in the hold.
I was surprised by the organisation regarding luggage. Each piece of luggage was given a tag before being stowed, and a section was torn off and given to the individual who owned the luggage.
After climbing aboard, I realised there was also a small space to stow carry-on bags overhead inside as well.
THE MOSTAR TO SARAJEVO BUS JOURNEY
The bus seats were modern and comfortable. The back of each seat came with a small table and a pouch to store snacks/water etc.
Try and get a window seat, as this is one scenic journey! Thankfully the views switched from side to side, so no matter where you’re sitting, you should get some incredible scenery. The mountains, blue river, and Autumn colours lighting up the forests made for great onboard entertainment.
Grainy photos from through the bus window. 🙂
Despite the winding mountain path, the roads are in good condition. It felt a lot safer than some of the crazy bus journeys I’ve done across Southeast Asia, for example!
These photos were taken from the lefthand window.
The journey is around 123km and takes about 2 hr 45 minutes (give or take).
Photos from inside the comfortable Mostar to Sarajevo bus
ARRIVING IN SARAJEVO
You will arrive in Sarajevo, a short walk to the tram station. It took about 20 minutes to get from the Sarajevo bus station (Autobuska Stanica Sarajevo) to my central accommodation via tram line 1.
Sarajevo Bus Station Address: Put života 8, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
TIP FOR TAKING THE TRAM IN SARAJEVO…
ALWAYS PUNCH YOUR TICKET!!
The ticket inspectors are aware not all tourists punch out after buying their ticket and can fine you if you don’t. Punch your ticket in this machine pictured below directly after buying it. Thankfully I knew this in advance, as it did get checked during my journey! It goes in the machine the white side up.
Taking the tram in Sarajevo? Buy your ticket from the driver, then punch your ticket in the green machine
In Mostar, I could easily walk from the bus station to my accommodation.
MOSTAR TO SARAJEVO BUS TIMETABLE
MOSTAR TO SARAJEVO – BUS DEPARTURE TIMES
6:00
07:00
09:00
11:00
15:00
18:15
SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR – BUS DEPARTURE TIMES
06:00
09:00
11:30
12:30
15:30
18:00
19:55
I recommend taking the bus journey in the daylight to enjoy the views.
Ps. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe taking the Mostar to Sarajevo bus journey. It was primarily locals onboard and a variety of people, no need to be worried, especially in daylight.
TAKING THE TRAIN FROM SARAJEVO TO MOSTAR
The other option is to take the train.
The train departs Sarajevo (to Mostar) at 07:15 or 16:49.
The train departs Mostar (to Sarajevo) at 06:39 or 17:05.
SHOULD YOU TRAVEL BETWEEN
SARAJEVO AND MOSTAR BY BUS OR TRAIN?
The train journey is highly recommended by locals and is indeed very scenic – I took it in the direction of Mostar. If you are travelling in high/shoulder season, when the sun rises early enough, it will be a beautiful and scenic journey.
Admittedly… I actually enjoyed the bus journey more than I expected! The train is a little smoother, but travelling in late October, the sun very bright, lighting up the marks on the windows rather than the view. Other sections of the journey were misty. Honestly, it was still beautiful, and that’s barely a complaint, but something to bear in mind.
Most importantly… I honestly don’t think you will miss out on any of the scenery if you take the bus! So don’t feel bad if you want to avoid the early wake-up call. If you got caught in bad traffic, that’s the only significant disadvantage I can think of.
Either way, I think both the bus and train routes between Mostar and Sarajevo are comfortable and scenic.
TIPS FOR TAKING THE TRAIN
BETWEEN SARAJEVO AND MOSTAR
You can buy a ticket directly at the Mostar or Sarajevo train station, and it’s recommended to sit on the left-hand side if going from Sarajevo or the right-hand side if travelling from Mostar. This way, you get the best river reviews.
Sarajevo to Mostar train ticket price: The train costs 11.90 BAM each way, with a 20% discount if you get a return ticket. There is also a 2 BAM seat reservation, but it didn’t look like anyone paid attention to the specified seats, so enjoy a window seat!
This photo is from the 2nd class carriage. The trains have been renovated recently, making for a comfortable journey.
If you’re getting up early, you’ll be glad to hear at Sarajevo station, there are already cafes open selling coffee and snacks, which you can purchase before your train ride.
A photo from my Sarajevo to Mostar train journey
Again, I felt safe on my train journey, travelling solo. Although I was initially apprehensive about getting the tram so early while it was dark, thankfully the tram stop was just a minute walk from my hostel, and there were already people about.
I hope this guide is helpful and that you have a great trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina!
