Driving in Sarajevo: Parking, Road Rules and Local Tips (2026)
A practical guide for tourists: where to park in Sarajevo and what it costs, the road rules you must know, how locals drive, winter driving, and who to call in an emergency.
Photo: @ab_rent_car
Driving in Sarajevo is easier than most visitors expect. The roads are good, signs in Sarajevo use the Latin alphabet, and the rules are the same as in the rest of Europe. The two things that catch tourists out are parking, which is paid around the clock in the centre, and the steep, narrow streets on the hills around the old town.
This guide covers both, plus the road rules that matter, winter driving, and what to do if something goes wrong. It's written by the AB Rent a Car team, based on what we tell our own customers when they pick up a car.
In this guide
- Parking in Sarajevo: zones, prices and where to park
- Road rules you must know
- How locals drive
- Driving in the old town and on the hills
- Rush hour
- Winter driving and mountain roads
- Fuel and paying
- Emergencies and breakdowns
- Frequently asked questions
Parking in Sarajevo: zones, prices and where to park
Street parking in the centre of Sarajevo (the Stari Grad and Centar municipalities) is divided into zones. Street parking is now paid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Sundays and holidays. Older guides that say parking is free in the evening or on Sundays are out of date.
| Zone | Where | Time limit | How to pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | The most central streets around Baščaršija and the old town | Maximum 2 hours | Parking meter or contactless card |
| Zone 1 | Central streets in Stari Grad and Centar | Paid by the hour | Parking meter or contactless card |
| Zone 2 | Streets a little further from the centre | Paid by the hour | Parking meter or contactless card |
What it costs: prices went up on 27 July 2026 and are now about 2–3 KM per hour, depending on the zone. The exact price for each zone is shown on the parking meter.
How to pay:
- Parking meters (parkomat) are installed on every public parking street
- On the main streets, meters accept contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), up to 30 KM per payment
- Keep a few coins (KM) in the car in case a meter only takes cash
Don't risk it: cars parked where parking isn't allowed get fined and can be towed. Getting a towed car back costs 200 KM plus the fine. Any traffic fines during your rental are the driver's responsibility.
Where to park in Sarajevo
- Best for the old town: the parking across from the City Hall (Vijećnica). It's right next to Baščaršija, so you can walk into the old town in a couple of minutes. This is the one we recommend most.
- Underground garages are the easiest choice for a few hours or a whole day: BBI Centar, Sarajevo City Center (SCC) and Hotel Europe are all close to the centre.
- Visiting Baščaršija and the old town? Park once in a garage or a Zone 1/2 street and walk. The old town is small, mostly pedestrian, and much nicer on foot.
- Staying in an apartment? Ask your host before you arrive whether parking is included. Many apartments in the old town don't have any.
Is there free parking in Sarajevo? Not on the street in the centre anymore. Outside the paid zones you'll find free street parking, but always check the signs. Shopping centres and some hotels have parking for their customers.
Road rules you must know
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Speed limit in towns | 50 km/h |
| Speed limit outside towns | 80 km/h |
| Expressways | 100 km/h |
| Motorway (A1) | 130 km/h |
| Headlights | Dipped headlights on at all times, day and night, all year |
| Alcohol limit | 0.03% (0.3 per mille). The safe choice is not to drink at all |
| Winter equipment | Required from 1 November to 1 April |
| Seatbelts | Required for everyone in the car |
| Phones | Only hands-free while driving |
Speed limits are signposted and can be lower on mountain roads and near schools. Police checks are common, especially on the roads into the city, so keep your driving licence, passport and rental papers in the car.
Do you need an International Driving Permit? It isn't required by law to rent a car with us, but we recommend one, especially if your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet. Read more in our guide to driving documents in Bosnia.
How locals drive
- Roundabouts: cars already in the roundabout have right of way. Locals enter quickly and leave small gaps, so be decisive, but never force your way in.
- Flashing headlights: a driver flashing at you usually means "go ahead". An oncoming driver flashing can also be a warning about something on the road ahead.
- Horns: short beeps are common and usually aren't aggressive. Locals use them to say "the light is green" or "thanks".
- Trams: trams run through the middle of the city along the main east–west road. Give them priority, never stop on the tracks, and watch for passengers crossing the road at tram stops.
- Pedestrians: people often cross away from crossings in the centre, especially near Baščaršija. Drive slowly there.
Driving in the old town and on the hills
Sarajevo sits in a valley, and many residential streets climb steeply up the hills on both sides. These streets are often narrow, sometimes one-way, and can have cars parked on both sides.
- Follow your navigation app, but don't take shortcuts up into the hills if you're not staying there. Streets can get too narrow to turn around.
- On steep streets, use the handbrake every time you stop. All our cars are automatic, which makes hill starts much easier. See our automatic vs manual guide.
- When parking on a hill, turn your wheels towards the kerb when facing downhill, and away from the kerb when facing uphill.
- In winter, hillside streets ice over first. If it's snowing, park lower down and walk the last part.
Rush hour
Traffic is heaviest on weekdays roughly from 7:30 to 9:00 and from 15:30 to 18:00, and Friday afternoons are usually the busiest. The main east–west road through the city gets slow at these times. If you're driving to the airport for a flight, leave extra time during rush hour. Snow can double journey times.
Winter driving and mountain roads
- Winter equipment is required from 1 November to 1 April. Our cars always have winter tyres in this period.
- The roads to the Jahorina and Bjelašnica ski resorts can need snow chains during heavy snowfall. Follow the road signs and check road conditions before you leave.
- Fog often sits in the valley in the early morning in autumn and winter. Slow down and use your fog lights.
- Summer storms can flood low streets quickly. Avoid driving through deep water.
Planning a trip out of the city? See our best places to visit by car.
Fuel and paying
- Our tip: fill up at HIFA stations. With your rental you get a HIFA card, which gives you a discount on fuel at HIFA petrol stations. Ask us for it at pickup if you don't see it in the car.
- Fuel stations are easy to find in and around Sarajevo, and most are open long hours. Large stations accept cards.
- In villages and on mountain roads, stations are further apart, and smaller ones may only take cash. Fill up before you leave the city and carry some convertible marks (KM).
- Fuel is sold per litre. Petrol is 95 (sometimes also 98 or 100), and diesel is marked "dizel" or "D".
- Check which fuel your car needs before you fill up. It's shown on the fuel cap and in your rental documents. If you put in the wrong fuel, don't start the engine and call us.
- Return the car with a full tank.
Emergencies and breakdowns
Save these numbers in your phone when you arrive:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 122 |
| Fire | 123 |
| Ambulance | 124 |
| BIHAMK roadside assistance | 1282 |
| AB Rent a Car (24/7, WhatsApp) | +387 62 046 142 |
If you have a breakdown or a warning light comes on, stop somewhere safe and call us first. We'll tell you what to do and arrange help.
If you have an accident:
- Make sure everyone is safe, and put on the hazard lights and a high-visibility vest.
- Call the police on 122. A police report is required for the insurance.
- Call us on +387 62 046 142.
- Take photos of the cars, the road and the other driver's documents.
Mobile coverage can be weak in the mountains, so tell someone your route if you're driving somewhere remote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to drive in Sarajevo?
No. The roads and signs are like the rest of Europe. The hardest parts are finding parking in the centre and the narrow, steep streets on the hills. Park once and walk around the old town.
Where can I park in Sarajevo?
The parking across from the City Hall (Vijećnica) is the best choice for visiting the old town. Underground garages at BBI Centar, Sarajevo City Center and Hotel Europe are the easiest. Street parking in the centre is paid by zone at the parking meters.
Is parking free in Sarajevo on Sundays or at night?
No. Street parking in the paid zones now costs money 24/7, including Sundays and holidays.
How much does parking cost in Sarajevo?
About 2–3 KM per hour, depending on the zone (prices from 27 July 2026). Zone 0, the most central zone, has a 2-hour limit. Check the meter for the exact price.
What is the speed limit in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside towns, 100 km/h on expressways and 130 km/h on the motorway. Unless road sign shows otherwise
Do I need winter tyres in Bosnia?
Yes. Winter equipment is required from 1 November to 1 April. All our cars have winter tyres in this period.
Do I need to keep my headlights on during the day?
Yes. Dipped headlights must be on at all times in Bosnia and Herzegovina, day and night.
Ready to explore? See our automatic cars and prices, or read the complete guide to renting a car in Sarajevo.
driving in Sarajevoparking in SarajevoSarajevo parking zoneswhere to park in SarajevoBosnia driving ruleswinter driving Bosnia
