Best road trips from Sarajevo: Mostar, Jajce and the Una valley

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country best explored by car. Distances are short, the scenery changes every hour and many of the most beautiful places are simply not well served by public transport. If you pick up a car at Sarajevo Airport, three classic road trips are within easy reach.

Sarajevo to Mostar through the Neretva valley

The drive south to Mostar is about 130 km and takes about 2.5 hours without stops, but you will want to stop. The road climbs out of Sarajevo, passes Konjic and then follows the emerald Neretva river through a dramatic canyon.

• Konjic: a small town with an Ottoman-era stone bridge and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
• Jablanica: famous for the partly destroyed railway bridge from the Second World War and for roadside restaurants serving spit-roasted lamb.
• Mostar: the Old Bridge (Stari most), the cobbled bazaar and, in summer, the bridge divers.

With a full day you can add a short loop south of Mostar. The dervish house at Blagaj sits at the source of the Buna river, Počitelj is a stone village climbing a hillside, and the Kravice waterfalls are a popular swimming spot in warm months.

Sarajevo to Jajce via Travnik

Head north-west for about 160 km, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The route crosses gentle hills and farmland before reaching Travnik, the former seat of the Ottoman viziers. Stop for coffee by the Plava voda spring below the old fortress and try the local cheese.

Another hour or so brings you to Jajce, a medieval royal town where the Pliva river drops over a waterfall right in the town centre. Just outside town, the wooden watermills on the Pliva lakes are one of the most photographed sights in the country. This trip works well as a relaxed day out.

Una National Park near Bihać

For a bigger adventure, drive to Una National Park in the far north-west. It is about 300 km or more each way, so plan a very long day or, better, an overnight stay in or around Bihać.

The highlight is Štrbački buk, a wide cascade of waterfalls on the Una river. Martin Brod offers smaller falls, quiet villages and clear water. You can combine Una with Jajce to make a two-day loop.

Practical tips for driving in Bosnia

• Start early. Roads get busier in the afternoon, and summer parking near the main sights fills up fast.
• Expect mountain roads. Many routes are two-lane, winding and slow. Allow extra time and overtake only when it is clearly safe.
• Plan fuel stops. Stations are frequent on main roads but scarce in rural areas, so fill up before heading into the countryside.
• Carry some cash. Small cafés, parking lots and village shops may not accept cards.
• Use paid parking. In Mostar and Jajce, look for official car parks rather than leaving the car on narrow streets.

Choose the right car

A compact car is perfect for Mostar and Jajce, while a larger or more powerful vehicle makes the long drive to Una more comfortable. Browse our fleet to find a model that fits your trip and budget. Whether you need a quick rent a car Sarajevo booking for a day trip or cheap car rental in Bosnia for a whole week, our Sarajevo Airport location lets you land, collect the keys and be on the road within minutes.