Mostar

How to Get to Mostar

Mostar is a compact, walkable city. Whether you are arriving by air or navigating from the city center, here is how to reach your destination.

From Mostar Airport (OMO) Mostar International Airport is small and located approximately 7–8 km from the city center.

• Airport Shuttle Bus: A dedicated shuttle bus operated by J.P. Mostar Bus meets scheduled international flights. It departs directly in front of the terminal shortly after arrival. The fare is 10 KM (~€5.10), payable in cash to the driver (BAM or EUR). The journey takes 15–20 minutes, stopping at key locations including the Bus and Train Station, Hotel Mepas, and Spanish Square.
• Taxi: Official taxis are available at the rank outside the terminal. The journey to the city center takes 12–15 minutes. Expect to pay €8–€13 (15–25 KM). Important: Always agree on the fare with the driver before starting the trip to avoid surprises. Cash (BAM or EUR) is the standard payment method; card acceptance is rare.

From City Center Mostar’s historic heart, including the famous Old Bridge (Stari Most), is best explored on foot.

• Walking: Most hotels and landmarks are within a 10–20 minute walk of each other.
• Local Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and affordable for getting to the bus or train station if you have heavy luggage. A short ride within the city generally costs €3–€6.
• Public Bus: While Mostar has local bus lines, they are rarely needed for tourists staying near the center. If required, check local schedules at bus stops, but taxis remain the most practical option for visitors.

By Taxi

• Reliability: Use licensed, marked taxis. For a stress-free experience, ask your hotel reception to book a reputable company like "MojTaxi" if you need a pick-up.
• Payment: Keep small denominations of BAM or EUR ready, as many drivers do not carry large amounts of change and card terminals are not standard.

Platform Guide & Layout

Mostar railway station is a straightforward, functional transit point that serves as the primary rail gateway to the city’s famous Stari Most (Old Bridge). Unlike massive international hubs, this station features a simple, single-level layout with only two main platforms serving standard-gauge tracks. Think of it as a small, compact terminal where the physical footprint is easy to grasp within moments of your arrival.

The station is a through-station, meaning trains arrive from one direction—typically Sarajevo—and continue toward the southern terminus at Čapljina. Because there are only two platforms, you will not encounter the complex numbering systems or hidden levels found in larger European capitals. Access to both platforms is provided directly from the main station hall. To reach the second platform, you will need to cross the tracks at the designated ground-level crossing point.

Navigation here is uncomplicated, but first-time visitors should be aware of a few local quirks. The station building itself is an older, Brutalist-style structure, and signage can be sparse or absent compared to modernized stations. There are no electronic departure boards of the type you might expect in major tourist hubs, so it is vital to listen for announcements or observe where other passengers gather. If you are catching the popular train to Sarajevo, you will typically find passengers congregating on the platform shortly before departure.

Given the small size of the station, walking times are negligible; moving between the station hall and the furthest end of either platform takes only a minute or two, even with luggage. The most common point of confusion for travelers is the lack of visible, real-time information. If you are unsure which platform your train is departing from, look for the station staff or follow the local flow of passengers.

Finally, please note that the Mostar bus station is located immediately adjacent to the railway station complex. If you are arriving by train and planning to transfer to a bus to reach the historic Old Bridge area, you will find the bus bays just outside the main station doors. This is a very small site, so you can easily orient yourself within minutes of stepping off your train.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Mostar Railway Station

Navigating the Mostar railway station is straightforward once you know the ropes. I wish someone had told me these specifics before I arrived, as they would have saved me some stress. Don’t worry—the station is small and manageable, but it helps to be prepared.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• Ticket Strategy: You can book online via the official ŽFBH website, but note that this only gives you a reservation. You must visit the ticket office at the station to exchange your confirmation for a physical paper ticket. Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before departure to avoid the queue, especially during peak season.
• Round-Trip Savings: If you know your itinerary, buy a round-trip ticket immediately. You will receive a 20% discount compared to buying two one-way tickets.
• Know the Schedule: Trains are limited, running only twice daily. Double-check the departure times, as missing your train will likely mean waiting until the next day.

AT THE STATION

• Payment Reality: Do not rely on credit cards at the ticket office. Many travelers report they only accept cash (Bosnian Convertible Marks - BAM), so have local currency ready.
• Facilities: The station is quite basic. While there is a small ticket office and nearby kiosks for snacks, do not expect extensive amenities. Public toilets are available but have a reputation for being poorly maintained; carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
• Luggage & Access: The station is a concrete, socialist-era building. There are two platforms; the second is reached by crossing the tracks. Be prepared to handle your luggage manually as there are no escalators.
• Connectivity: While some sources mention WiFi, it is often unreliable or non-existent. Plan to use your own mobile data.

COMMON MISTAKES

• Assuming Credit Card Acceptance: Expecting to pay by card at the station is a common mistake that can lead to missing your train while scrambling for an ATM. Always have cash.
• Ignoring Seat Selection: There are no assigned seats on the Talgo trains. For the best views of the Neretva River, sit on the right side when traveling from Mostar to Sarajevo, and the left side when traveling from Sarajevo to Mostar.
• Mixing Up Stations: Ensure you are at the correct station. Mostar has a main train station located next to the bus station, which is about a 10–15 minute walk from the Old Town. Don't confuse it with other local bus stops.

Through station serving Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Originally opened in 1885, the current Brutalist-style terminal was rebuilt and inaugurated in 1966 as part of the modernization of the Sarajevo–Ploče railway line. This station functions as a regional hub for local and intercity services, notably connecting the capital, Sarajevo, with the southern coast.

Is this station huge and confusing? You should expect a straightforward, manageable experience. The station features three platforms and a simple layout that is easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors. While it serves as a significant transit point for the region, it is not a massive or complex hub.

Travelers should note that platform assignments can change closer to departure; it is recommended to check the station display boards 30 to 60 minutes before your train is scheduled to leave. The facility includes basic amenities, such as ticket offices and waiting areas, and is well-integrated with local bus services. Allow yourself a little extra time to orient yourself upon arrival, but rest assured that the station’s size makes it far less intimidating than major international rail centers.