Sarajevo to Mostar for the day, by train or car
Leave in the morning, spend the middle of the day around Stari Most and return in the evening.
Mostar is about 118 km from Ilidža: about 2 hours 10 minutes by car through Konjic and the Neretva valley, or roughly two hours by train from Sarajevo’s main station. Leave in the morning, spend the middle of the day around Stari Most and the old town, and return in the evening. Check the ŽFBH timetable for train times.
From River Walk in Ilidža
Mostar118 km
Car or taxiabout 2 h 10 min
In this guide
By train
The railway to Mostar follows the Neretva through tunnels and over viaducts and is the most scenic way to go. ŽFBH currently runs a morning and a late-afternoon train in each direction, which makes a day trip possible. Check the timetable for your date in both directions and buy tickets at the station, as online sales have not always been available. Sarajevo’s main station is about 10 km from River Walk, about 15 minutes by taxi.
By car
From Ilidža you are already on the right side of the city. Join the A1 at Sarajevo Zapad for the tolled section to Tarčin, then follow the main road through Konjic and Jablanica to Mostar. Allow about 2 hours 10 minutes without stops. In winter, check road conditions with BIHAMK before you leave. In Mostar, use a paid car park and walk into the old town.
What to see in Mostar
Stari Most, the sixteenth-century Ottoman bridge over the Neretva, was destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt in 2004; the old bridge area is a UNESCO World Heritage property. Walk across it, follow the bazaar street on both banks, go down to the river for the view from below and eat lunch within sight of the bridge. Half a day on foot covers the old town.
Stops on the way
Konjic, about 49 km and about 48 minutes from Ilidža, has a stone Ottoman bridge over the Neretva and makes a good coffee stop. With a car and an early start you can add Blagaj, about 12 km beyond Mostar, where a dervish house stands beside the source of the Buna.
Sarajevo or Mostar as a base
Sarajevo has more for a stay of several days: the old town, museums, Ilidža and Vrelo BosneThe springs where the Bosna River begins. Paths and small bridges cross the channels under the trees, with benches and a children’s playground.3.8 km · about 51 min on foot · about 9 min by car, and the mountains. Mostar’s old town is small enough to see in a day. Most visitors stay in Sarajevo and visit Mostar for the day or for one night.
Coming back to Ilidža
Returning by car, you reach River Walk before the city traffic and park for free. Returning by train, take a taxi from the station. Keep the next morning light.
Questions
How long does it take to get from Sarajevo to Mostar?
About 2 hours 10 minutes by car from Ilidža, and roughly two hours by train from Sarajevo’s main station.
Can I visit Mostar as a day trip from Sarajevo?
Yes. Leave in the morning and return in the evening; half a day on foot covers Mostar’s old town.
Is the train or the car better for Mostar?
The train is more scenic and needs no parking. The car is more flexible and lets you stop in Konjic or continue to Blagaj.
Can I buy Sarajevo–Mostar train tickets online?
Online sales have not always been available. Buy at the station, and check the ŽFBH site for the current timetable.
Sarajevo or Mostar: where should I stay?
Stay in Sarajevo if you have several days, and visit Mostar for the day or one night.
