SARAJEVO FAQ'S

How do I get to Sarajevo?

The main airport servicing the capital city of Sarajevo is the Sarajevo International Airport (also known as Butmir Airport) located 7.5 miles southwest of the city center in the Ilidza municipality, a suburb of Butmir.

If you have not booked a private transfer through us then you have a few options for reaching the city center including rental car, bus, trolley bus, and taxis.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The airport is home to several major international rental car companies including Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Dollar, Thrifty, and Sixt. The airport is connected to the Sarajevo-Zenica-Mostar highway (A1) via the nearby Stup Interchange and Brijesce Interchange.

Bus services at the airport are provided by Centrotrans Eurolines Cooperation, they provide a bus service from the airport to Bašcaršija City Center. The Bus stop can be found outside the arrivals area in the main terminal and a one-way ticket to the city costs approximately 2.50KM.

Trolleybus number 103 is operated by GRAS transport company with a service from the airport to Sarajevo city center.

Taxis can be found outside Terminal B. A taxi ride to the city center can be expensive, drivers should use the meter. The journey into the city takes approximately 20 minutes. The ride from the airport to the city center should cost around 5KM.

How do I get from the train station to my hotel?

The main train station in Sarajevo is the Glavna Željeznicka stanica Sarajevo located in the northwest portion of the city, around 1.86 miles from the city center. There are taxis available outside the station to connect you to your hotel.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

Public transportation in Sarajevo consists of trams, buses, trains, and taxis. The tram system makes a loop around the city. Tram No. 3 runs from Bašcaršija to Ilidza is a 30-minute journey and runs along the left bank of the Miljacka River. Tram No. 103 runs from Trg Austria to Dobrinja. The city buses are well connected to the outskirts of the city where the trams and trolleybuses don’t run. There are several bus routes throughout the city including Line No. 31A one of the most important that runs from Vijecnica (City Hall) to Dobrinja, the bus runs every 30 minutes. Buses to Bjelasnica, Igman, and Jahorina only run during the winter months.

The tram network is the oldest and one of the most popular forms of transportation in Sarajevo, and can often be crowded. The network makes a counter-clockwise loop around the central district, purchase tickets in advance from kiosks labeled tisak on the street, and have the ticket validated when you get on board. There is an unlimited day card that costs around 5KM. There are five trolleybus lines and seven tramway lines, from the main railway station tracks, run west and branch off in different directions.

There are two bus stations in the city, one is situated right next to the main train station and the other is in Eastern (Serb-dominated) Sarajevo on the outskirts of the city. Bus tickets can be purchased from the Eurolines office located near the cathedral between the old bazaar. Several buses a day run to and from Mostar and stop at Konjic, and Jablanica along the way.

Should I rent a car in Sarajevo?

Renting a car when staying in Sarajevo is not necessary due to the abundance of public transportation. Driving in the city can be difficult especially in Old Town where most of the streets are one way. There are several rental car companies available in the city and at the airport if you wish to rent a car and travel outside the city.

How do I call/hail a taxi?

The central taxi rank in Sarajevo is located at Latin Bridge and Hotel Kovaci. Taxis can be found outside the main railway station and bus station or hailed from the street. It is advisable to get an idea of the maximum cost for your ride before taking a taxi in the city, as drivers have been known to take advantage of tourists who are not familiar with the city. You can call 033 663 555 to order a taxi by phone. The flat rates for taxis in the city start around 1.50KM, and charge 1.62KM for each mile, all taxis use a meter.

Is Sarajevo a walking city?

The central heart of the city is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Old Town is charming to walk around with its cobblestone streets, town squares, churches, and shops to explore. Ferhadija is the main pedestrianized thoroughfare in the city passing by several points of interest. Staying in the city center allows visitors to connect on foot with several of the city’s main attractions.

Can I ride a bike in Sarajevo?

There are new bike paths in the city that run along the main boulevard, and from Ilidza to the Hrasno neighborhood. The bike paths are red and sometimes run along the tram lines, the paths are one way on each side of the main avenue. The city has a grab-and-ride bicycle program with the most useful collection/deposit station found at Trg Oslobodenja and fees are around 1.50KM per hour or 20KM per day. Pre-register at www.nextbike.ba.

Is Sarajevo a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

Sarajevo is a very safe place to visit, despite its war-ridden past, there is a low crime in the city and rarely directed towards foreigners. Petty theft, crimes, and certain scams do exist, but no different to any other major city. Practice safe street smarts when out exploring and keep your valuables close when in crowded areas. Don’t wander into unlit areas at night, stick to the crowded streets and take a taxi from your destination back to your hotel to stay safe.

What are some popular areas for shopping?

There are many fun shopping opportunities to be found in Sarajevo from the bustling bazaar to modern shopping complexes, visitors will be sure to find some great souvenirs and authentic gifts. The city is a fashion lovers dream destination offering shoppers the latest styles and accessories sold in unique boutiques along the Austro-Hungarian Ferhadija Street. The city is the host of the annual Sarajevo Fashion Week.

The BBI Center is a modern shopping center set in the heart of the city selling everything from fresh produce to clothes and chocolates. There are a plethora of restaurants and bars located here making it a great place to spend the day or night with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Bascarsija or Old Town is one of the main shopping destinations in the city where the city’s original bazaar can be found. The bustling market dates back to the 15th century with stalls selling hand-sewn blankets, crafted copper, Bosnian coffee sets, crafts, paintings, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Ferhadija is a lively street filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, it is also the epicenter of the city’s best nightlife. A lot of the city’s fashion options can be found along Ferhadija with European style clothing and unique Bosnian styles.

What is the language spoken in Sarajevo?

The official language spoken in Sarajevo is Bosnian, a South Slavic language which is spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants, and many locals speak Italian. We recommend you get a good English-Bosnian guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

What is the best time to visit Sarajevo?

Sarajevo features four distinct seasons boasting warm and hot summers and cold winters. The city is set on the mountains and can receive snow as early as mid-October and sometimes in May. The summertime features temperatures that range from 77-93 degrees Fahrenheit from July through to the end of August, with heatwaves occurring. The autumn season features cooler weather beginning in October, with snowfall in late October and November and average temperatures that rarely exceed 73 Fahrenheit. The winter months are the coldest with temperatures as low as -4 but the average temperatures range between 14-60 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter months can last as long as five months in the city. Springtime is a beautiful season in the city with cold weather still lingering in March and April, but warming up in May and June with average temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Bosnia is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM or KM). You will need to exchange your currency for BAM which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks of banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus.

What is the food like?

The cuisine in Sarajevo is a blend of tasty, and hearty Sarjevon dishes that commonly feature lamb in traditional dishes such as jagnjetina (grilled lamb), Bosanski Ionac a Bosnian pot filled with veal, vegetables and different spices, geova corba (chicken), plenty of stews made with delicious meats and fresh produce, and cevapi the ubiquitous Balkan kebab made from minced-meat sausages and served with fresh bread, raw onion, and kajmak sauce. Menus throughout the city will feature some tasty local dishes as well as some offering international variations. Burek is another popular dish sold in shops around the city, a hearty meat pie in filo pastry offered in several varieties served with traditional yogurt sauce like sour cream, and don’t forget the Baklava for dessert. There are many pasta and rice dishes available along with pizza places, burger joints, and hot dog stands.

The city has a plethora of cafes where visitors can enjoy a fresh cup of Bosnian coffee (similar to Turkish coffee) and baklava. Panini sandwiches are often served at most coffee shops. The coziest cafes can be found concentrated in the Bascarsiji district nestled along the charming cobblestone streets where coffee can be enjoyed on the beautiful outdoor terraces on Ferhadija Street.

What is the nightlife like?

The city of Sarajevo features a young, vibrant, and trendy nightlife scene with the legal drinking age set at 18. The city is filled with a happening bar scene with many themed pubs, bars, and clubs that come alive on Thursday nights which is “student night” and the weekends. Baghdad Cafe is a trendy spot, a hookah bar, and a dance club. Popular beers include Nektar, Sarajevsko, Preminger, Tuzlansko, Ozujsko, Jelen, and Lasko several are imported from different countries like Serbia and Slovenia. Rakija is made in Bosnia and comes in many varieties, "Crno vino” is red wine, ‘bijelo vino’ is white wine and they are all renowned for their excellent quality.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In case of Emergency dial 112, 122 for police, 123 for fire, 124 for an ambulance.

Hospital: Dr. Abdulah Nakas General Hospital tel. 387-33-285-100

Sarajevo University Clinical Center tel. 387-33-297-000