Sarajevo to Mostar by Car: Route, Best Stops and Parking (2026)
The drive from Sarajevo to Mostar is one of the most beautiful in the Balkans. Here's the route, how long it takes, the best stops on the way, where to park in Mostar, and what to add nearby.
Photo: @amina__cengic
The drive from Sarajevo to Mostar takes about 2 to 2.5 hours for around 130 km, and it's one of the most beautiful drives in the Balkans. The road follows the Neretva river through a deep green canyon, past lakes, old bridges and mountain villages. There's no border on the way, because both cities are in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With a car you can stop wherever you like, add Blagaj or the Kravice waterfalls, and do it all in one day. This guide covers the route, the best stops, parking in Mostar and practical tips. It's written by the AB Rent a Car team, and it's the day trip our customers ask about most.
In this guide
- The route at a glance
- Best stops on the way
- Parking in Mostar
- What to see in Mostar
- Add Blagaj, Počitelj or Kravice
- Tips for the drive
- Frequently asked questions
The route at a glance
| Distance | About 130 km |
| Driving time | About 2–2.5 hours without stops |
| Road | A1 motorway for part of the way, then the M17 main road along the Neretva |
| Tolls | Only on the A1 motorway sections. Pay at the toll booth, by cash or card |
| Border | None, both cities are in Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Best time | Spring and autumn. Summer is hot in Mostar and busy on the road |
Leave Sarajevo on the A1 motorway, then continue on the M17 main road through Konjic and Jablanica, and along the Neretva canyon to Mostar. Your navigation app will choose the fastest mix of motorway and main road.
Best stops on the way
Konjic (about 45 minutes from Sarajevo)
A small town on the Neretva with a rebuilt Ottoman stone bridge and woodcarving workshops. A good first coffee stop.
Jablanica (about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Sarajevo)
Famous for two things: the bridge on the Neretva, destroyed and left in the river during the Second World War and now part of a museum, and lamb roasted on the spit at the roadside restaurants. Many locals plan their lunch here.
The Neretva canyon
South of Jablanica the road runs through the narrowest, most dramatic part of the canyon, with emerald-green water below. There are a few places to pull over safely for photos. Don't stop on the road itself.
Parking in Mostar
The old town around the Old Bridge (Stari most) is pedestrian, so park nearby and walk.
- Use a paid car park within walking distance of the old town. There are several, and the walk to the Old Bridge takes 5–10 minutes.
- Arrive before 10:00 in summer. Tour buses arrive from late morning, and the closest car parks fill up.
- Don't park on the narrow streets around the old town. Fines and towing are common.
- Keep some cash (KM or euro), as not every car park takes cards.
What to see in Mostar
- The Old Bridge (Stari most): rebuilt after the war and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In summer you can watch the bridge divers jump into the Neretva.
- The old bazaar (Kujundžiluk): cobbled streets with copper workshops and small shops on both sides of the bridge.
- Koski Mehmed-pasha Mosque: climb the minaret for the best view of the bridge.
- The riverbank: walk down to the river for the classic photo of the bridge from below.
Plan 2–3 hours in Mostar, or more if you want to have lunch with a view of the bridge.
Add Blagaj, Počitelj or Kravice
With a car, you can add one or two of these to the same trip:
| Place | From Mostar | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Blagaj | About 20 minutes | The dervish house (Tekija) at the source of the Buna river, under a cliff |
| Počitelj | About 30 minutes | A small fortified stone village on a hill above the Neretva |
| Kravice waterfalls | About 45 minutes | Wide waterfalls and a lake. Swimming in summer, entry fee in season |
Full-day route: Sarajevo → Konjic → Jablanica (lunch) → Mostar → Blagaj → back to Sarajevo. Start early and plan to drive back before dark.
Want to stay longer? Spend a night in Mostar and continue to the Adriatic coast the next day. With cross-border travel added, you can drive on to Dubrovnik or Montenegro. You can even return the car at another airport, such as Tivat near Kotor, for an extra fee.
Tips for the drive
- Leave early, especially in summer, to avoid the heat and the crowds in Mostar.
- Fill up before you leave. We recommend HIFA stations, and our customers get a HIFA card with a fuel discount.
- Headlights on at all times, and watch your speed. Police checks are common on the M17.
- Expect slow trucks on the canyon road. Only overtake where you can see far ahead.
- In winter, the road can be icy near Sarajevo and Konjic. Our cars have winter tyres from 1 November to 1 April.
- An automatic helps. The canyon road has many curves, and all our cars are automatic.
For road rules and parking in Sarajevo, read our guide to driving and parking in Sarajevo.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Sarajevo to Mostar?
About 2–2.5 hours for around 130 km, without stops. With stops in Konjic and Jablanica, plan 3–4 hours.
Is the drive from Sarajevo to Mostar scenic?
Yes. It's one of the most beautiful drives in the Balkans, along the Neretva river canyon.
Is there a border between Sarajevo and Mostar?
No. Both cities are in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Where can I park in Mostar?
In one of the paid car parks within a 5–10 minute walk of the Old Bridge. The old town itself is pedestrian.
Can I do Mostar as a day trip from Sarajevo?
Yes. Leave early, stop in Konjic and Jablanica, spend 2–3 hours in Mostar, and add Blagaj if you have time.
Is there a toll on the road to Mostar?
Only on the A1 motorway sections. The M17 main road through the canyon is toll-free.
Ready for the drive? See our automatic cars and prices, or read the complete guide to renting a car in Sarajevo.
Sarajevo to Mostar by carSarajevo Mostar driveparking in MostarMostar day trip from SarajevoKonjicJablanicaBlagajKravice
