Planning a road trip in Bosnia and Herzegovina often involves dealing with road conditions, vehicle availability, and rental costs. Most routes will take you through narrow city streets, up mountain roads, and longer drives between towns, so the type of car matters more than in other places. So, is it better to rent automatic or manual car in Bosnia? Our guide explains the real differences between them.
In Bosnia’s rental market, both options are available, but manual cars dominate due to the local driving culture.
Tourists in Bosnia and Herzegovina usually choose a transmission based on what they know best. Many visitors from nearby European countries are comfortable driving manual cars, as this is standard across Europe and often cheaper to rent.
Manual vehicles are widely available and are the default option in the local market. If you are travelling from regions such as North America, where automatics are more common, you may prefer automatic car hire in Bosnia for added ease and confidence on unfamiliar roads. Rental companies in major tourist areas usually have both options. The right choice depends on your driving experience, comfort level, and budget.
If you feel uneasy changing gears, a manual car can add stress in unfamiliar places or challenging conditions. Cities such as Sarajevo have hilly streets and heavy traffic. Meanwhile, an automatic allows you to focus on steering and awareness instead of constant gear changes. On longer journeys or mountain routes around Mostar, or in rural areas, use the transmission you know best to reduce fatigue and avoid accidents.
Bosnia’s car rental fleets are largely stocked with manual vehicles because it is the local preference of the broader European market. Automatic car availability in Bosnia is improving, especially in major tourist areas, but they remain a smaller portion of the fleet. If you want an automatic, plan ahead and book early to secure one.
Most rental agencies offer mainly manual vehicles because they are the standard choice for local drivers across Europe. In places like Sarajevo, Mostar, and smaller towns, staff often assume you want a manual unless you request otherwise. In rural or less tourist-focused areas, manual car rental in Bosnia is especially common, and some companies provide only this option.
Automatic cars are available to rent in Bosnia, but they are mainly offered by larger rental providers in major cities and tourist centres. Automatic car hire in Bosnia is most common in Sarajevo.
If you fly into Bosnia and plan to rent a car, availability can differ between airports and city locations. At Sarajevo International Airport, rental agencies expect international visitors, so you are more likely to find an automatic there than in town.
One of the biggest differences between automatic and manual rentals in Bosnia is the cost. Generally, manual cars have a lower daily rate, whereas automatics are considered a speciality and are often priced higher. Here, we’ll compare typical costs for manual vs automatic.
Manual rental cars are widely available across economy, compact, and standard categories. Their prices typically range from €55 to €85 per day for short-term rentals, depending on vehicle size and season.
Automatic cars in Bosnia and Herzegovina are less common. They are often larger or higher-category vehicles, which raises their average price. While some entry-level automatics can be priced close to manual cars, most automatic rentals fall into higher daily rate brackets. Intermediate automatic vehicles commonly cost around €53 per day, while SUVs and larger vehicles often reach approximately €145 per day. Luxury vehicles and large passenger vans with automatic transmission can exceed €230 per day.
If you fall into any of these categories, you may benefit from paying a bit extra for an automatic.
If this is your first visit to Bosnia or the Balkans, renting an automatic car can make driving much easier. You will be adjusting to unfamiliar roads, new traffic signs, driving on the right side, and local habits. With busy itineraries and long sightseeing days, saving mental energy matters. An automatic allows you to feel confident sooner and enjoy the journey rather than stressing about the drive.
If you usually drive automatics at home or have not used a manual for years, choosing an automatic in Bosnia is the safer option. Struggling with hill starts or stalling in traffic can be stressful and unsafe. An automatic removes that risk and lets you focus on the road.
Are you visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina for only a few days, or are you planning to stay mostly in a city? If so, renting an automatic could be the more convenient option. For short trips, paying a bit more for 2 or 3 days of convenience is easier to justify than it might be for a month-long rental.
Manual cars are the standard in Bosnia, and they are a great choice for many travellers as well. In this section, we’ll highlight who benefits most from renting a manual.
If you are travelling on a budget, choose a manual car rental in Bosnia. Manual cars usually cost less per day than automatics. For backpackers, students, or anyone watching costs, these savings can be meaningful. Manuals can also be more fuel-efficient when driven well.
When gear changes feel natural, you can handle steep hills, winding mountain roads, and rural routes with confidence. Roads in Sarajevo and Herzegovina are best suited for drivers who know how to downshift before bends and use engine braking on descents. Manuals also give you greater control and feedback. If you have driven in Europe or the Balkans before, the local driving stle will feel familiar.
Choosing between an automatic and a manual car rental in Bosnia and Herzegovina depends on your personal comfort, budget, and travel plans. Manuals are common, cheaper, and readily available. On the other hand, automatics are best for newcomers, new drivers, or anyone who wants a stress-free experience on Bosnia’s roads.
Rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Final Rentals to access a wide selection of manual and automatic vehicles. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Sarajevo International Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
It depends on your needs and comfort. If you’re more comfortable with an automatic or want an easier drive in city traffic and hills, an automatic is better. If you’re confident with a manual transmission and want to save money on rental and fuel, a manual car can be a great choice in Bosnia.
Yes, automatic cars are available for rent in Bosnia, especially in major cities and airports. However, manual cars are more common in rental fleets. Automatics can be limited in supply, so book in advance if you need one, particularly during the busy summer season.
Manual car rentals usually have lower daily rates than automatics in Bosnia. Manual cars in the economy and standard categories typically cost around €55 to €85 per day, while automatic cars are more often priced in higher daily rate brackets, commonly around €90 per day for intermediate vehicles and €145 per day or more for larger or higher-end automatic options.
