Automatic Car Rental in Sarajevo: Manual vs Automatic Compared (2026)
Should you rent a manual or an automatic in Sarajevo? A side-by-side comparison for hills, city traffic and mountain roads, what an automatic costs, and how to get one at the airport.
Photo: @ab_rent_car
If you don't drive a manual every day at home, rent an automatic in Sarajevo. The city sits in a valley with steep streets on every side, traffic in the centre is stop-and-go, and most trips out of town go over winding mountain roads. An automatic makes all of that much easier.
At AB Rent a Car, every car in our fleet is automatic, from small hatchbacks to 7-seat family cars and vans, so you don't have to choose. This guide explains why it matters in Sarajevo and what to look out for when you book.
In this guide
- Manual vs automatic in Sarajevo: side by side
- Why an automatic makes sense in Sarajevo
- When a manual is still fine
- What an automatic costs
- How to rent an automatic in Sarajevo
- Frequently asked questions
Manual vs automatic in Sarajevo: side by side
| Manual | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Steep streets and hill starts | Needs practice, easy to stall | Easy, no clutch to manage |
| Stop-and-go city traffic | Tiring | Relaxed |
| Mountain roads (Igman, Jahorina, Mostar road) | Constant gear changes | Smoother, less tiring |
| Snow and ice in winter | Needs experience | Easier to control at low speed |
| Availability in Bosnia | Most common with many rental companies | Fewer cars at many companies, book early |
| Price | Usually a little cheaper | Usually a little more expensive |
| Best for | Drivers who drive manual every day | Everyone else |
Why an automatic makes sense in Sarajevo
The hills
Sarajevo is surrounded by hills, and many streets in residential areas and around the old town are steep and narrow. Starting on a hill with a manual, with a car behind you and luggage in the boot, is where most visitors struggle. With an automatic you just press the brake and the accelerator.
City traffic
The main road through the city is busy at rush hour, roughly 7:30–9:00 and 15:30–18:00 on weekdays. Constant clutch work in slow traffic gets tiring fast, especially after a flight.
Mountain roads
Most of the best day trips, like Mostar, Jahorina, Bjelašnica, Igman and Konjic, mean long climbs and lots of curves. An automatic lets you focus on the road and the view instead of the gears.
Winter
From November to March, snow and ice are common in and around Sarajevo. An automatic with winter tyres is easier to control at low speed on slippery hills. All our cars have winter tyres in the winter months.
When a manual is still fine
If you drive a manual every day and you're comfortable with hill starts, a manual is perfectly fine for Bosnia. It's usually a little cheaper with companies that offer both. But if you're used to an automatic, Sarajevo is not the place to relearn the clutch.
What an automatic costs
With many rental companies in Bosnia, automatics cost a little more than manuals and there are fewer of them, so they sell out first in summer and over the holidays.
At AB Rent a Car every car is automatic, so there's no extra charge for an automatic. Prices start from about €40 a day for a small car such as a Hyundai i20 or Škoda Scala, and change with the season. Every price includes full insurance, unlimited kilometres in Bosnia and Herzegovina and 24/7 roadside assistance.
See live prices for your dates on our fleet page.
How to rent an automatic in Sarajevo
- Book early for July, August and the New Year holidays, when demand is highest.
- Choose your pickup place. Sarajevo Airport and our office are free, and delivery to an address in Sarajevo costs 29.34 KM (about €15) each way.
- Bring your documents: a valid driving licence and a passport or ID card. You must be at least 20. Read our driving documents checklist.
- Leave the cash deposit, from €200 depending on the car. No credit card is needed.
- At pickup, check the car together with our team and ask any questions about the gearbox. If you've never driven an automatic, it takes only a few minutes to get used to.
For everything else, from insurance to cross-border trips, read the complete guide to renting a car in Sarajevo.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to drive a manual in Sarajevo?
It can be if you're not used to it. Steep streets, hill starts and stop-and-go traffic are the hardest parts. If you don't drive a manual every day, choose an automatic.
Are your rental cars automatic?
Yes. Every car in our fleet is automatic, from small hatchbacks to 7-seat cars and 9-seat vans.
Is an automatic more expensive in Sarajevo?
With many companies, yes, a little. With us there's no extra charge, because every car is automatic. Prices start from about €40 a day and change with the season.
Can I rent an automatic at Sarajevo Airport?
Yes. Pickup at Sarajevo Airport is free, and our team meets you there with the car.
Do I need to book an automatic early?
In summer and over the New Year holidays, yes. Booking a few weeks ahead gives you the best choice of cars.
Ready to book? See our automatic cars and prices, or message us on WhatsApp at +387 62 046 142.
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