Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA)

Yellow metered taxis are available in all cities. Always insist the meter is started at the beginning of the journey. Standard Sarajevo rates: KM 2 base + KM 0.80–1.20/km. Airport to city centre: fixed rate KM 25 (confirm before entering). Avoid unlicensed touts at Sarajevo airport and tourist areas — these typically charge 3–5× the metered rate. Licensed taxis display company logos, a meter and a visible rate card. Radio-dispatch companies (Sarajevo: Yellow Cab, Sarajevo Taxi) are reliable. Always ask for a receipt (priznanica) for business travel.

Bolt is the dominant app-based ride service operating in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar and Tuzla. Download the app before arrival — price is confirmed before booking, eliminating overcharging risk. Yango (Yandex) also operates in Sarajevo. Both apps accept card payment. Bolt in Sarajevo: typical KM 4–10 for central journeys; KM 12–20 for airport. No Uber operation in BiH. BlaBlaCar is used for intercity shared rides — common for Sarajevo–Mostar and Sarajevo–Zagreb routes at competitive prices.

Urban cycling infrastructure in Sarajevo is limited but improving. The Miljacka riverside path offers car-free cycling through the city centre. Mountain biking (MTB) is growing rapidly — Trebević mountain above Sarajevo has excellent trails accessible via cable car (gondola). No formal cycling registration or licence is required. Helmets are recommended but not legally mandatory for adults (mandatory for children under 12). Bolt electric scooters are available in Sarajevo city centre. Road cyclists should avoid major arterial roads during rush hours. No inter-city cycling infrastructure exists between cities.

BiH has two separate rail companies: Željeznice Federacije BiH (ŽFBiH, zfbih.ba) and Željeznice Republike Srpske (ŽRS, zsrs.net). The network is scenic but slow — trains are generally slower than buses. The Sarajevo–Mostar–Ploče route through the Neretva canyon is one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the Balkans (2.5 hrs). Sarajevo–Banja Luka–Zagreb is the main international connection (6–7 hrs to Zagreb). Frequency is limited (3–5 daily departures on main routes). Tickets are cash-only at station ticket offices. Buses are faster and more frequent for most intercity routes.

Driving is the most practical transport option for smaller towns, villages and mountain areas not served by public transport. BiH drives on the right. Corridor Vc motorway (Sarajevo–Zenica–Doboj) is complete to EU standard; Sarajevo–Mostar is partially 2-lane. Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural roads, 100 km/h arterial, 130 km/h motorway. BAC limit: 0.03% (stricter than EU 0.05% — effectively zero tolerance). Motorway tolls (cestarina) apply on completed sections — payable cash or card. Winter tyres mandatory 15 November–15 April or in snow/ice. BIHAMK (1282) provides roadside assistance. Traffic police checks are frequent — always carry driving licence, registration (saobraćajna dozvola), insurance and ID.

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is 8 km from Baščaršija. No rail connection — access by bus (Line 36 shuttle, KM 2.20) or taxi (KM 25 fixed rate to centre) or Bolt (KM 12–20). Airlines serving SJJ: Air Bosnia, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian, Wizz Air, Ryanair (seasonal), flydubai. Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) is 23 km from the city; taxi only (KM 35–50). Mostar Airport (OMO) is 8 km from Mostar; seasonal charters and limited scheduled service — flying to Sarajevo or Split is often more practical.