While Sarajevo may be best known for its prominent place in historic events, this city has changed over time to become the cultural hub of not just Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the Balkans.

With its many mosques and fascinating museums, you can discover the history and heritage of this city on a tour to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik.

Here's all you need to know about Sarajevo, one of the most exciting day trips from Dubrovnik.

How to get to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik?

Sarajevo is located about 235 kilometers from Dubrovnik within the greater Sarajevo valley of Bosnia.

From Dubrovnik to Sarajevo by car

If you choose to travel by car, you can reach Sarajevo via the M20 and M18 in just over 4 hours.

From Dubrovnik to Sarajevo by bus

There is also the option to travel to Sarajevo by bus, with the travel time increasing to about 6 hours.

Guided tours to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik

For ease of travel, you can instead opt to join a guided tour to Sarajevo. These typically include hotel pickup and will stop in other notable locations along the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

A full-day tour to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik can include visits to numerous prominent towns in the Balkans before reaching the Bosnian capital.

Following pickup from your hotel, you will cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll pass through historic towns like Počitelj, and see the impressive 16th-century bridge at Mostar. This area is regarded as an outstanding example of a multicultural urban settlement.

Continue on to the highlight of the journey, Sarajevo. Discover the old part of town and the bustling Baščaršija bazaar. Admire the mix of architectural styles as you enjoy free time to explore the city streets.

You can also visit the Sarajevo Tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Hope, which enabled people to flee and for crucial supplies to be delivered amid the war of the 1990s.

Depending on your tour option, you may choose to stay the night in Sarajevo and uncover more of the city's fascinating history before returning to Dubrovnik.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Sarajevo?

The majority of tour options to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik are private tours, ranging from day trips to overnight trips. There is also the option to choose a one-way transfer to Sarajevo to see some of the best sights along the way.

Private day trip to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik

For a luxurious day-trip experience, you can choose a private tour, traveling by private vehicle reserved just for your group. Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, and commentary from your guide as you visit towns like Počitelj and Mostar.

You'll have the opportunity to explore Sarajevo in your own time, and even adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.

One-way tours to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik

You can also book a shared transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo. There are several options, via Mostar, Blagaj, Konjic, Počitelj, the Kravice Waterfalls and more.

This is an excellent way of making the most of your journey to Sarajevo, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Private 2-day tour to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik

If you want to extend your trip, take a private 2-day tour to explore Mostar, Počitelj and more of Sarajevo. You'll spend the night in the Bosnian capital, where you'll have the option to choose between 3-star and 5-star accommodation.

Enjoy inclusive lunch on both days, as well as a guided walking tour of the old town of Sarajevo before traveling back to Dubrovnik.

How much does a day trip to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik cost?

The cost of day trips ranges depending on the group sizes and what is included.

A private day trip from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo cost can cost from €130 per person for a maximum group of 8, with the price increasing to about €320 per person for a group of just 2 people.

For one-way transfers from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo, you can expect to pay from about €360 per group of up to 3.

A private 2-day Mostar, Pocitelj and Sarajevo tour from Dubrovnik with pickup costs about €590 for 2 adults with 3-star accommodation, and €660 for 2 adults with 5-star accommodation.

What will you see and do?

Mostar

The captivating town of Mostar was developed in the 15th-16th centuries as an Ottoman frontier town. It's known today for its historic buildings and its striking bridge, which was rebuilt after the 1990s conflict.

Mostar has become renowned for its symbolic unification of numerous cultures, which can be seen through the reconstruction of its architecture.

Historic Sarajevo

Sarajevo is known for its long history of religious diversity, hence the moniker “The Jerusalem of Europe.” Interestingly, you can find a mosque, an Eastern Orthodox church, a Catholic church, and a synagogue all in the same quarter.

On a visit to Sarajevo, you can explore the famous Baščaršija. This is the old bazaar and historic center of Sarajevo, where you'll find narrow cobblestone streets, shops selling traditional crafts, and an array of cafes and restaurants. The Sebilj, an Ottoman-style wooden fountain, is a popular meeting point in the square.

You may stop by the Latin Bridge, famous for being the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered World War I.

A significant attraction is the Sarajevo Tunnel, which provided a lifeline to the city during the Siege of Sarajevo. You can explore a portion of the tunnel and view exhibits about the siege.

When is the best time to visit Sarajevo?

The best time to visit Sarajevo is arguably in the late spring between May and June. This is an ideal time for sightseeing, as the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded than during the peak summer months. The landscapes are also lush and green after the winter snow has melted.

What other multi-day trips can you do from Dubrovnik?

There are numerous options for multi-day tours if you're looking to extend your journey in Dubrovnik:

Travel tips

Be sure to book your tour in advance to ensure you get your desired dates.
Don't forget to pack your passport as you'll be traveling into a different country.
The local currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark. Make sure to have some local currency on hand, as not all establishments accept credit cards.
The official languages in Sarajevo are Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian. While many locals speak English, it is helpful to learn some basic phrases in the local language to show respect and ease communication.

Sarajevo: Day Tours and Multi-day Trips from Dubrovnik