How to Get to Mostar on a Day Trip: Border Crossing & Transit Tips

July 3, 2026
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Whether you’re planning a day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar (or Split) and tackle the border crossing, or contemplating taking the bus or train from Sarajevo, this guide has all the information you need to make your day trip successful. From transport options to border crossing tips to things to do, here is your guide to Mostar.

Mostar is probably most famous for its Stari Most, which just means Old Bridge, as its unique bridge spans over the Neretva River. It is a reconstruction after the original 16th century Ottoman bridge was destroyed during the Croat-Bosniak war.

The bridge comes with a centuries-old tradition: diving off the 24 metre peak of the arch. It is said that back in the day, jumping was an act of bravery and a way for young boys to prove themselves. Now, it’s a tourist attraction and the jumpers go around collecting money before each dive.

There is more to this beautiful town, where you can still see history split the architecture into the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, creating a unique blend of East and West. The Bazar is also a great place for souvenirs and local crafts.

Overall, a daytrip to Mostar is enough time to see the highlights and experience this unique city. Here is how to get there from either Dubrovnik/Split or Sarajevo.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Mostar from Croatia:

There are three options for getting to Mostar from Croatia: taking a public bus (like Flixbus, Arriva or Croatia Bus), renting a car or booking a tour.

I think taking a bus is the best option if you are planning to head onwards from Mostar to Sarajevo or similar, as tickets cost between 20-30€ one-way. Otherwise, you can probably find cheaper rental cars or even tours.

When taking a bus, border crossings can take a little longer as you may be behind other tour buses. It is a good option if you want longer in Mostar though, as tours often only plan in a few hours.

A car gives you most flexibility, but parking will cost you unless you park quite far away.

Getting to Mostar from Dubrovnik

Getting to Mostar from Dubrovnik usually takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the border crossing.

By bus: I can see 2 bus companies that leave from Dubrovnik to Mostar. Arriva at 8am (30€), Flixbus at 4pm and 5.15 pm (24-30€, operated by Bus Croatia). All claim to take 3-4 hours, but again this will depend on the border crossing.

By car: Pure drive time is 2.5 hours, I would plan in an additional hour or so for the border crossing (just in case). Check out on booking.com (around 60€) or this family run business (from 30€) per day.

By tour: Most tours include Mostar and the beautiful Kravice Waterfalls, taking about 11 hours total. There are big group tours starting at around 46€, and some smaller, more private ones for around 100€.

Getting to Mostar from Split

Getting to Mostar from Split is very similar to Dubrovnik, I’d also plan in 4-5 hours, possibly less if driving (~3).

By bus: Flixbus leaves at 7.30am and 5.30pm (~28€) and seems to be the only option, I’d ask at the main bus station in Split if any other buses are going.

By car: Drive time is 3-3.5 hours, same thing applies for border crossing. Booking has deals for around 45€, this local operator from around 50€.

By tour: Tours from Split are very similar to the Dubrovnik ones, take around 12+ hours and will set you back around 80€.

Navigating the Croatia-Bosnia Border Crossing

I went as part of a tour group, and we arrived at the border around 11am and got stuck behind two big tour buses. This took a while as everyone of each bus has to get off and go through passport checks on both sides. If you are driving yourself, try and get there as early as possible to avoid any queues.

You are crossing from an EU to a non-EU country (or vice versa), so make sure anything you bring across the border is allowed. You will need your passport; don’t panic if the driver collects them if you’re on a bus/tour. This is normal and you’ll get it back once border control has checked them all.

You will need to inform your car rental place that you are crossing the border (ideally before booking, as some don’t allow this) and they will need to make sure you have all the papers. Mention the border crossing again when you pick up the car so they definitely give you all the relevant papers.

Otherwise, I’d say just bring some entertainment and snacks as wait times can get a little longer in summer time. Though it can be anything from straight through to a few hours, most of the time it’s under an hour.

How to get to Mostar from Sarajevo, Bosnia:

Getting to Mostar from Sarajevo actually has one more option other than bus, car or a tour. You can also take the train, which is a really cool way to see more of the Bosnian landscape.

By train: The train takes about 2 hours and leaves Sarajevo at 7.15am and 16.46pm for Mostar. It departs Mostar to Sarajevo at 6.36am, 17.12pm and 19.56pm (double-check these times at the official ticket office!). Ticket prices start at around 6-7€ and the ride is super scenic! I’d recommend just heading to the main station in Sarajevo or Mostar to buy your ticket.

By bus: There are multiple companies that run buses from Sarajevo to Mostar, often several times a day which allows for more flexibility with times. One of the main ones is Autoprevoz and they have around 5 departures each way for 37.5KM return (~$22, no assigned seating usually).

By car: The drive time is about 2-3 hours, once again through winding roads but also incredibly beautiful vistas. This is the best option if you want flexibility in your timings and see a bit more of Bosnia (great stops along the way are Konjic and Jablanica, you could also head further south of Mostar to visit the famous Kravica Waterfall). Booking has options from around 35€ per day, this local company has similar rates.

By tour: If you want the ease of not having to organise anything and see more than just Mostar in a day, a tour is a great option:

Transit Options: Bus, Train, Car Rental, or Guided Tour?

Taking the Bus/Train

From Croatia, I think taking a bus is a good option if you are heading one-way. For example, you go from Dubrovnik to Mostar and then Mostar onwards to Sarajevo. It’s also an option for solo travellers who don’t want to be in a big tour group or rent a car.

From Sarajevo, both train and bus are affordable and easy to navigate and a great option for your day trip to Mostar.

Keep in mind that bus times are not flexible and you will need to adjust your schedule to fit the times.

Renting a Car

I think renting a car is the best option if you are 2+ people and looking for maximum flexibility. If you leave early, you can avoid many of the crowds and tour buses and get a much quieter experience of Bosnia. It can also be cheaper than a tour or buses for several people.

If you are renting a car, I’d just keep in mind that you will stand out as a tourist. We had no issues while there, but I have heard of travellers being stopped for “speeding fines” and sorting it in cash. This may seem annoying, but it can be the quickest and easiest way to keep going. Also be aware that you need a valid International Driver’s License!

The roads tend to be fine, just windy so drives will take longer than Google says. Speed limits are pretty low too. Bosnia drives on the right.

For the border crossing, you will need your passport and vehicle documents, so make sure to let your rental agency know you are crossing the border. I’d recommend trying to cross the border as early as possible to avoid long waits in the summer.

A Guided Tour

Taking a guided tour is the easiest option and ideal if you don’t want to think about the planning or worry about things like the border crossing. I also think it’s good value for those heading back to their departure city, as buses can often cost the same.

That being said, tours have strict timings and you’ll be with all of the tourist crowds. Mostar can get pretty packed, so it’s just something to keep in mind.

It is a very safe and comfortable option though, and you often get to experience several highlights in one tour:

Where to stay in Mostar?

I think you can really see the highlights of Mostar in a day, but if you’d like to see the city when it’s not packed with tourists or just enjoy a slower travel place, there are some beautiful accommodation options in the city.

Best hostels in Mostar for backpackers:

Hostel David – super lovely, great location and help you organise tours.

Hostel Miran Mostar – central, lovely hosts and super affordable.

Hostel FM – cheap private rooms, central, lovely

Amrita Guesthouse – female dormitory room available, super lovely

Best hotels in Mostar:

$ Guest House Vanja – big rooms, good location, affordable

$$ Villa Sonata – kind staff, good location, great value

$$$ Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija – super gorgeous in a heritage building, right in the heart of Mostar

How to get around Mostar?

Mostar is pretty compact and super walkable, the city centre with the Old Bridge (Stari Most) can’t even be accessed by car. Even the train station is only about a 20-minute walk from the centre and everything within the centre is a few minutes walk away.

Is a day in Mostar enough?

Yes, in my opinion one day in Mostar is more than enough. We spent a few hours there and were able to see most of the highlights.

If you do want a slower pace or to see the city when it’s not full of tourists and tour buses, staying a night and exploring in the late evening/early morning could provide you with a whole new experience.

But other than that, Mostar is the perfect place for a day trip as it is so compact.

Is Mostar safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, I felt super safe when visiting Mostar. Bosnia in general felt very safe, including at night in the capital Sarajevo.

Everyone in Mostar was very respectful, there were always other tourists around and I felt very safe.

Can you use Euros in Mostar?

The official currency in Bosnia and hence Mostar is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM). However, in most touristy places you can actually pay with Euros, especially in cash.

In Mostar, I found myself mostly paying with card in the local currency or cash in € for those places not accepting card. Just be aware that by paying in Euros, you are agreeing to the conversion rate of that place, so best to check before sitting down what that is.