Quick answer
Drive on the right with dipped headlights on day and night, use winter tyres in the winter months, respect a motorway limit of 130 km/h and lower limits elsewhere, and do not drink and drive. Carry your licence, an International Driving Permit if your country requires one, the vehicle documents and proof of insurance. Roads are mostly two-lane and mountainous, so plan for slower journeys.
Documents to carry
- Driving licence, plus an International Driving Permit if required for your licence (see the FAQ).
- Passport and the vehicle registration and rental documents.
- Proof of insurance. Driving without at least third-party insurance is illegal; border police can ask for printed proof. If your own car's insurance is not valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina, border insurance can be bought at some crossings.
Rules of the road
| Rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Side of the road | Drive on the right, overtake on the left |
| Headlights | Dipped headlights on at all times, day and night |
| Motorway limit | 130 km/h unless signs show less; lower for buses and vehicles with trailers |
| Other roads | Lower limits in towns and on open roads — follow the signs, which change often |
| Alcohol | A low limit applies and new or professional drivers have a zero limit — the only safe rule is not to drink |
| Winter equipment | Winter tyres (M+S with snowflake, at least 4 mm tread) in the winter months; carry chains |
| Accidents | Stay at the scene and wait for the police before moving the car |
| Fines | Traffic police can issue fines on the spot |
Roads and driving times
Most intercity roads are two lanes, following river valleys and crossing passes. The motorway network is growing but does not yet connect most tourist routes end to end. Expect:
- Sarajevo–Mostar (about 125 km): the M17 through Konjic, Jablanica and the Neretva canyon — a little over two hours without stops.
- Mostar–Jajce (about 165 km): mountain roads past Rama Lake — just over three hours.
- Sarajevo–Bihać (about 300 km): five hours or more.
Map apps underestimate mountain driving. Add about a third to their times, more in snow. Our car rental page has a full table from Sarajevo.
Tolls, fuel and parking
- Motorway sections charge tolls at toll stations; ordinary roads are free.
- Fuel stations are frequent on main roads but sparse in remote mountain areas — fill up before heading to Lukomir or Una National Park.
- In Sarajevo and Mostar, park in marked zones or hotel car parks; old towns are largely pedestrian.
Borders
Crossing into Croatia (an EU and Schengen member), Montenegro or Serbia means passport checks and, in summer, queues. With a rental car you need the company's written permission and the right insurance documents.
Landmines: stay on the road
The UK government still warns that mines and unexploded weapons from the 1992–1995 war remain in some rural areas. Major routes and towns are cleared, but in the countryside stay on paved roads and well-used paths and never walk into overgrown fields, woods or ruined buildings.
If something goes wrong
- 112 — general emergency number; 122 police; 124 ambulance.
- 1282 — roadside assistance.
Not keen on mountain driving? A car with driver costs more per day but removes the stress — many families use one for the long travel days only.
Prices, timetables and entry rules change. We checked the facts on this page on the date shown; confirm time-sensitive details before you travel.
Sources and further reading
- Bosnia and Herzegovina — safety and security (road travel, landmines) — GOV.UK (checked 21 October 2026)
- Motorway speed limits and vehicle categories — JP Autoceste FBiH (checked 21 October 2026)
- Travel advice — Bosnia and Herzegovina (emergency and road-assistance numbers) — Government of Canada (checked 21 October 2026)
