Car Rental in Sarajevo

Where to drive

• Mostar and the Old Bridge: A classic day trip, approximately 2.5 hours (130 km) south of Sarajevo, offering stunning Ottoman architecture and the iconic Stari Most.
• Jajce and Pliva Lakes: Journey northwest for about 2 hours (150 km) to see the beautiful waterfall in the town center and the historic watermills on Pliva Lakes.
• Olympic Mountains (Bjelašnica, Jahorina): Just 30-45 minutes (30-40 km) from Sarajevo, these mountains offer hiking in summer and skiing in winter, easily accessible by car.
• Travnik and Visoko: Explore the Ottoman-era charm of Travnik (approx. 1 hour, 90 km northwest) and the intriguing 'pyramids' of Visoko (approx. 30 minutes, 30 km northwest) in a single trip.
• Una National Park: For nature lovers, a longer drive (approx. 3.5-4 hours, 250 km) to the far west rewards you with breathtaking waterfalls and pristine rivers, best enjoyed with your own vehicle for flexibility.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you typically need a valid national driving license held for at least one or two years, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, and often required by rental agencies, especially if your license is not in a Latin script. The minimum driving age is usually 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Sarajevo vary significantly by season and vehicle class. You can find economy cars starting from around 20-25 EUR per day during the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from 50 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Summer months (June-August) typically see the highest prices due to increased demand, with winter also seeing a bump for ski season. Always book in advance for the best rates.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, and 130 km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, throughout the year. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 12 must use appropriate child seats or boosters and cannot sit in the front passenger seat.

Parking

In Sarajevo, parking in the city center is mostly paid. There are various zones with different hourly rates, usually paid via parking meters, SMS, or mobile apps. Look for signs indicating parking zones (Zone I, II, III). Free parking can be found further away from the center or in designated parking lots, but these fill up quickly. Always check signage carefully to avoid fines or towing.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol/gasoline and diesel) is readily available across Bosnia and Herzegovina, with numerous petrol stations in and around Sarajevo and along main routes. Prices are generally competitive and comparable to other Balkan countries, typically paid in Bosnian Convertible Marks (BAM) or by credit/debit card. It's advisable to fill up before long journeys into more rural areas, though stations are generally frequent.

Which car to choose

For city driving and exploring nearby attractions around Sarajevo, a compact or economy car is perfectly adequate, making it easier to navigate narrow streets and find parking. If you plan to venture into the mountains or take longer road trips, especially during winter or to more remote areas, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance is highly recommended for comfort and safety on varied terrain. Manual transmission is more common, but automatics are available.

Frequently asked questions