Thinking of renting a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Good choice. Driving is one of the best ways to explore the country, from the cobbled streets of Sarajevo to the winding mountain passes of Sutjeska National Park. But before you grab the keys and hit the road, here’s what every traveller should know about driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Is It Safe to Drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes – in fact, it’s one of the most underrated driving destinations in Europe. Roads are generally safe and well-paved between major cities like Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka. In more rural or mountainous areas, conditions can vary, but the views make it worth it. Just take it slow, especially at night or during winter, and avoid mountain passes if you’re not confident in icy conditions.
Road Conditions and Types
Highways (Autoput): Limited but expanding. Tolls apply on major routes like Sarajevo–Zenica. Main Roads: Well-maintained between major towns. Expect sharp curves and slower traffic. Rural Roads: Scenic, narrow, and sometimes bumpy. Be alert for farm vehicles or occasional livestock. Urban Traffic: In Sarajevo or Tuzla, traffic can be slow at rush hour. Street parking is limited in city centres.
Driving Rules You Should Know
Drive on the right-hand side Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day Mobile phone use is prohibited unless you’re hands-free Speed limits:
- Cities: 50 km/h
- Open roads: 80 km/h
- Highways: 130 km/h Fines can be issued on the spot, so keep your documents with you.
What Documents Do You Need to Drive?
To legally drive and rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ll need: A valid driver’s licence (held for at least 1 year) An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not in Latin script A passport or national ID A rental agreement and green insurance card (provided by Yes.ba for cross-border trips)
Should You Rent a Car as a Tourist?
Absolutely. Renting a car gives you access to places tour buses don’t reach, like remote waterfalls, hilltop fortresses and untouched nature. With Yes.ba, it’s even easier. We offer:
- Airport and city pickup
- One-way rentals
- Cross-border travel
- Automatic and manual options
- Local support in English, Bosnian, German, Italian, French, Turkish and Arabic Ready to drive your own adventure? Book your rental now
Pro Driving Tips from Locals
Keep some cash for tolls and parking – not everywhere accepts cards Fuel stations are frequent, but top up before entering remote areas Don’t fully rely on Google Maps – bring offline maps or use Waze in cities Flashers = danger ahead – locals use hazard lights to warn of road issues
Can You Drive to Neighbouring Countries?
Yes.ba makes cross-border travel simple. You can drive into Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia as long as you book a cross-border rental and carry the right documents. Just let us know during booking and we’ll handle the paperwork.
Final Word
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t just doable – it’s the best way to see the country. From the open roads to the hidden valleys, a rental car gives you total freedom to explore without rushing or waiting. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just want flexibility, renting a car with Yes.ba is the smartest way to go. Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina your way. Find your car and hit the road.