The drive from Sarajevo to Mostar is one of the most scenic routes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It follows the Neretva River through mountains, tunnels, and small historic towns. Trains connect the two cities and offer beautiful views, but they run on fixed schedules. Plus, many of the most interesting viewpoints and cultural sites are beyond walking distance from railway stations.
Renting a car in Sarajevo gives you full control over timing and stops. The distance can be covered in a few hours, but adding short detours can provide more highlights to your journey. Our guide outlines the best stops between Sarajevo and Mostar and provides tips for planning the route.
The main corridor between Sarajevo and Mostar is the M17 main road. Mostar also sits on the E73 route, which links central Europe to the Adriatic. The total distance is around 127 to 130 kilometres. The drive usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours without stops. However, it also depends on traffic, roadworks, and your exact starting point.
The Sarajevo to Mostar route is popular because there is varied scenery over a short distance. You begin near Sarajevo’s mountain edges, then follow the Neretva valley south, and finally approach Herzegovina’s historic stone towns. It is one of the most scenic drives in Bosnia and Herzegovina because of the constantly changing landscape. Outside Sarajevo, there are very few dual carriageways. This is why the journey can take longer than the distance suggests.
If it is your first time, follow the M17 south for the most direct and efficient route. The road naturally passes through Konjic and Jablanica, which are ideal places to stop. Keep detours near the beginning, such as Vrelo Bosne, or near the end, such as Blagaj, to avoid losing time mid-journey.
Choose one cultural stop and one scenic stop. Konjic offers riverside charm and heritage. Jablanica provides history and lake views. Počitelj offers a storybook stone-village experience before you reach Mostar.
Most of the stops listed below sit directly along the Sarajevo to Mostar route, so you do not need long detours or side roads to reach them. They are easy to access from the main M17 corridor.
Vrelo Bosne is a peaceful nature stop near Ilidža, perfect for a break before driving from Sarajevo to Mostar. It is known for clear streams, small wooden bridges, and natural springs that rise at about 492 metres above sea level. You can walk along Velika Aleja, a 3.5-kilometre tree-lined avenue planted in 1892, or take a traditional carriage ride.
Konjic marks your entry into the Neretva valley and is one of the most rewarding stops on this drive. The highlight is the Old Stone Bridge. After taking photos, enjoy a drink by the river and walk along both banks for different viewpoints. Tito’s Bunker near town requires advance booking and guided entry. Rafting on the Neretva is popular but better suited to a 2-day trip than a short roadside stop.
At Jablanica, the main historical attraction is the Museum “Battle for the Wounded on Neretva River.” Its memorial complex marks the 35th anniversary of the battle. Jablanica Lake offers calm reservoir views shaped by hydropower development on the Neretva. The town is also known for its restaurants serving roasted lamb.
This stretch is what makes the drive truly memorable, even if you do not stop anywhere else. You will often see the Neretva River far below, glowing green or turquoise depending on light, season, and recent rainfall. Instead of searching for one perfect viewpoint, take safe photo opportunities as they naturally appear along the road.
Parts of the M17 can experience rockfall or temporary one-lane traffic after storms. Before pulling over, check that the shoulder is wide enough, that approaching drivers can see you clearly, and that you can safely rejoin traffic. If not, continue driving and wait for a better spot.
Počitelj is like an open-air museum village and is one of the most photogenic stops on this route. Located about 30 kilometres from Mostar on the left bank of the Neretva, it is known as the “City of Stone”. Its layered history includes a fortress built in 1383 under King Tvrtko and later Ottoman influence, with visible monuments. When visiting, you can either climb to the fortress for panoramic valley views or explore the lower stone streets, studios, and small shops.
After completing the Sarajevo to Mostar drive, Mostar welcomes you with one of the most iconic historic centres in the region. The Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar is UNESCO-listed, and UNESCO notes that the Old Bridge was rebuilt in 2004 after major destruction during the 1990s conflict. The reconstruction also included the restoration of surrounding historic buildings with expert involvement.
The historic centre around the bridge is largely pedestrian. You will normally park outside the core and walk in through small stone streets that lead you toward the main landmark.
Start at the Old Bridge, Stari Most. Even if you have seen it in photos, it feels very different in person. The arch rises high above the river, and the stone lanes naturally funnel you toward the crossing. In warmer months, you may see local divers preparing to jump from the bridge.
Next, walk down Old Bazaar Street, Kujundžiluk. It is one of the oldest parts of the city. Today, you will find craft shops, small galleries, and traditional restaurants.
This route is manageable for confident drivers. You will pass through towns, encounter slower vehicles, and drive bends close to river edges. Patience is your best safety tool. Avoid unnecessary overtaking and only pass when visibility is good.
General speed limits, unless signs state otherwise, are typically 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas, 80 kilometres per hour outside built-up areas, up to 110 kilometres per hour on certain roads for motor vehicles, and up to 130 kilometres per hour on motorways.
From 1 November to 1 April, winter equipment is mandatory nationwide, regardless of the weather on that day. If renting in winter, confirm the vehicle meets legal requirements before departure.
Check road conditions from Sarajevo to Mostar, especially after heavy rain or snow. Rockfalls and temporary one-lane traffic sections can occur, particularly on the stretch between Jablanica and Mostar. Slow down early if you see warning signs or cones.
For a simple estimate, calculate trip fuel cost as distance divided by 100, multiplied by your car’s litres per 100 kilometres, multiplied by the fuel price per litre.
If you drive on the M17 for the entire journey, you can avoid motorway tolls. If you use sections of the A1 motorway, tolls apply based on distance and vehicle category, and payment is made at exit stations.
You will normally need your driving licence, passport, or identification. If you are unsure whether you require an International Driving Permit, check your country’s official guidance and confirm requirements with your rental provider before travelling.
Driving from Sarajevo to Mostar is a journey through changing landscapes, riverside towns, and layers of history that unfold. In just over 120 kilometres, you pass from mountain scenery. Download offline maps before you leave Sarajevo, as the mobile signal can occasionally weaken in canyon sections.
Rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Final Rentals to explore your ideal stops on the most scenic routes. 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 is generally safe if you drive calmly and follow local rules, but you should treat it as a main road with changing conditions. Check updates for closures, one-lane control, flooding, or rockfall warnings before you leave.
If you only have one day, visit Konjic for the bridge and river views, continue to Jablanica for museum and history experiences, and stop at Počitelj for the stone village scenery. This combination keeps detours short while giving you nature, history, and classic Ottoman-era townscapes.
Fuel cost depends on your car’s consumption and the fuel price. Use a simple litres-per-100-km estimate and check the official updated fuel price information before you drive. If you stay on the M17, you can avoid motorway tolls. If you use A1 sections, you pay tolls based on distance and vehicle class.
