Sarajevo airport is close to the city, which keeps transport costs low compared to most European capitals. Here is what each option costs, based on the official taxi tariff and public transport fare — private transfer prices are set individually by each company, so those you'll need to check at booking.
To Bascarsija (Old Town) and City Center
This is where most tourists stay, and it is about 12 km from the airport. The old town's narrow streets and pedestrian zones mean your driver will drop you as close as possible, but you may need to walk a short distance to your hotel's front door.
Fixed-price private transfer
SJJ Sarajevo City Center
From€35for 2 passengers
Other destinations
- Private transfer: priced individually by each transfer company. The driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your accommodation. For hotels deep in the old town, they know where to park and where to drop you.
- Taxi (metered): priced on the official Canton Sarajevo taxi tariff. Insist on the meter and ask the driver to confirm the current opening fare and per-km rate for the 12 km trip.
- Trolleybus 103: 2.20 KM (just over 1 EUR), per GRAS, the city transport operator. Takes 30-40 minutes, runs daytime only.
Tariffs are revised periodically — confirm the fare on the meter or ask the driver before you set off.
To Ilidza
Ilidza is a western suburb known for the Vrelo Bosne park and several spa hotels. It is actually closer to the airport than the city center — about 5-6 km.
- Private transfer: priced individually by each transfer company
- Taxi: same metered tariff as above, for the shorter distance — confirm the current rate with the driver
- Trolleybus: The 103 line passes through Ilidza on its way to the city center
To Jahorina or Bjelasnica (Ski Resorts)
If you are heading directly to the mountains from the airport, the drive is 30-60 minutes depending on the resort and road conditions. Private transfers are available to both resorts; prices are set individually by each company for a route this length, so compare quotes when booking. There is no public transport to the ski resorts from the airport, so a private transfer or rental car is necessary.
Currency Notes
Bosnia uses the convertible mark (BAM), pegged to the Euro at roughly 1.96:1. Most drivers and businesses accept Euros, but you will receive change in BAM. ATMs at the airport dispense BAM — withdraw some for taxis and small purchases.
Credit cards are accepted by pre-booked transfer services and rental companies. Taxis and the trolleybus require cash.
Is It Worth Pre-Booking?
For the city center, a metered taxi runs on a known, government-regulated tariff, while a private transfer's price depends on the company — ask the taxi driver to confirm the current metered rate so you can compare it against an actual transfer quote before deciding. The advantage of pre-booking is convenience — someone waiting for you by name, no need to find the taxi rank, and door-to-door service. For the ski resorts or Mostar, pre-booking is strongly recommended since taxis may not agree to the longer journey, and there is no public option.
The trolleybus is excellent value if you are traveling light and arriving during the day. There is no shame in taking public transport — many locals use it daily.