If you land at Sarajevo International Airport and have a layover, you can see much more than the terminal. Here is the guide for what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of every hour. No marketing fluff, just real advice.
At a glance: Time and cost from airport to the city
Taxi or private transfer to Old Town takes about 20 minutes. The usual price is 10 to 12 EUR. Airport bus is about 30 to 35 minutes and costs 5 KM one way. It runs every 30 minutes from early morning until almost midnight. Always plan to be back at the airport two hours before your next flight. Add extra time if you fly in summer or on a weekend.
Four-hour layover: Baščaršija express
Step 1: Arrive and clear passport control
If you checked your bag through, you can leave the airport right away. There are no lockers at Sarajevo Airport, so pack light. If you have heavy bags, you will need a taxi, not the bus.
Step 2: Get into the city
Grab a taxi from the official rank outside arrivals or pre-book a private transfer at transfers.ba. Tell the driver Baščaršija, which is the main square in the old town. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
Step 3: See Sarajevo’s essentials
Walk the cobbled streets, check out the copper shops, and have a Bosnian coffee at Morića Han. Take a photo at Sebilj Fountain and visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
Step 4: Eat and return
Order ćevapi at Željo, Petica, or any grill in Baščaršija. For a sweet snack, grab baklava from a local bakery. Plan to leave the city centre at least 90 minutes before your boarding time.
Eight-hour layover: See more, eat better
Do everything in the four-hour plan, then go a bit further.
Walk up Ferhadija Street to the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian border marker. Visit the Latin Bridge, site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination. Take the cable car (Trebevićka žičara) up to Mount Trebević for views of the city. If you have the energy, walk the old Olympic bobsled track and stop for a drink at one of the mountain cafes. For lunch, try a traditional aščinica in the old town or grab burek from Buregdžinica Bosna.
Give yourself at least two hours to return to the airport, allowing for possible traffic.
Overnight or full day: Sarajevo at your pace
Book a hotel with late check-out on stay.ba. After dark, have dinner by the river or in the bazaar. Listen to live sevdah music at Sevdah Art House or Sloga Club. Walk the Miljacka river with locals at sunset. In the morning, stop at Markale market or pick up pastries from a local bakery. If you want something unique, visit the Tunnel Museum (Tunel spasa) for a look at Sarajevo’s siege history. Traffic is lighter before 8 am, but gets busy after. Use a taxi or pre-booked transfer to return.
Luggage and late arrivals
There is no luggage storage at the airport. If you have big bags, some hotels offer day-use luggage holding for a small fee. Always call ahead. Late arrivals should always pre-book a transfer (transfers.ba) or use an official taxi from the rank. The airport bus does not run after 23:30. Check with your airline about check-through and bag rules for layovers.
Sample costs (July 2025)
Taxi from airport to city centre: 10 to 12 EUR Airport bus: 5 KM one way Cable car: 20 KM for a return ticket Coffee: 3 to 4 KM Basic lunch: 10 to 15 KM
FAQ
Can I pay by card for taxis or bus?
Most taxis are cash only, some accept cards. The bus is cash only.
Where does the bus stop in the city?
Baščaršija, Old Town. Most hotels are a short walk.
What if I miss the last airport bus?
Only taxis and pre-booked transfers run late. Always use the official taxi rank.
Are there luggage lockers?
No lockers at present. Travel light or ask your hotel.
How much buffer time should I allow?
Be back at the airport two hours before your next flight. Security is usually fast but do not risk missing your check-in.
Useful links: Sarajevo Airport Transport Guide Find a hotel Book a local tour
Sources: Sarajevo Tourism Board, local taxi rates, airport partners. All prices checked July 2025.
