Car Rental in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the Balkans' most underrated destinations: the Ottoman quarters of Sarajevo, the Stari Most bridge in Mostar, and spectacular river canyons are all just a few hours apart. Compare offers from local rental companies and book your car online with pickup at Sarajevo Airport or city offices. The security deposit is blocked on the driver's bank card.
Cities: Bosnia and Herzegovina
All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.
Rental terms in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 2 years.
- Drivers under 26 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Cross-border travel to Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro — by prior arrangement at booking.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- A deposit (~200 BAM) is held on the driver’s card.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
Driving rules in Bosnia and Herzegovina
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | BAM |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 80 rural · 100 expressway · 130 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.3 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
| Winter tyres | mandatory from 15.11 to 15.04 |
Traffic rules: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Right-hand traffic and standard European road rules.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on dual carriageways, and 130 km/h on motorways.
- Low-beam headlights must be switched on at all times throughout the year.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%; for young and professional drivers, it is 0.00%.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.
- Children under 5 years old must travel in a child seat in the rear seat.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system. Radar detectors are prohibited.
- There are no vignettes. Some motorway sections (Sarajevo–Zenica, Banja Luka–Doboj, etc.) are tolled and payable by cash or card at the toll booths.
- Winter tires are mandatory from November 15 to April 15 (studded tires are prohibited). Snow chains are required on mountain roads where indicated by road signs.
- Do not leave paved roads, as unexploded ordnance may still be present in some areas.
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Bosnia and Herzegovina
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes. Although citizens of countries that signed the Vienna Convention can technically drive without an IDP, almost all rental companies require an International Driving Permit together with your national driver’s license.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
The minimum age is 21 years with at least 2 years of driving experience. Drivers under 26 may have to pay a young driver surcharge.
Are there toll roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
There are no vignettes, but several motorway sections (such as Sarajevo–Zenica and Banja Luka–Doboj) are tolled. Payment can be made by cash or card at entry or exit toll booths.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
The main pickup locations are Sarajevo Airport (SJJ), Mostar, Tuzla, and rental offices in city centres. Hotel delivery may also be available—confirm this when booking.
Can I drive to neighboring countries?
Yes, to Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, provided you obtain prior approval during booking. A Green Card insurance certificate is required.
Which insurance should I choose?
Basic CDW/TP insurance is included in the rental price. Full CDW with zero excess protects you from additional costs in case of an accident.
Is it mandatory to use headlights during the day?
Yes. Low-beam headlights must be switched on at all times throughout the year.
When is the best time to book a rental car?
Book early for the summer season (June–August), when demand is high, especially around Mostar and the Neretva River. During winter, vehicles are generally available, but make sure they are equipped with winter tires.
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