Dubrovnik and Sarajevo are only about 270 kilometres apart, but they feel like two different worlds: the Venetian-walled Adriatic city and the Ottoman heart of Bosnia. Many travellers combine them in one trip. The good news is that the journey between them is one of the most beautiful drives in the Balkans, as long as you take the time to stop on the way.
How long does it take?
Without stops, the drive takes about five hours, plus time at the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In summer, border queues can add an hour or more, so start early.
Your options for getting there
Bus: the cheapest option, with a few departures a day. It takes longer than driving and does not stop at the sights on the way.
Rental car: flexible, but you need the right insurance documents for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and dropping a Croatian car in Sarajevo usually costs a large one-way fee.
Private driver-guide: the most comfortable option. You are picked up at your hotel in Dubrovnik, stop wherever you like and arrive at your hotel in Sarajevo. See our private driver and guide service.
Route 1: Through Herzegovina and Mostar
This is the classic route and the one we recommend for first-time visitors. From Dubrovnik you follow the coast north, cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina and continue up the Neretva valley.
Kravica Waterfalls
A wide semicircle of waterfalls surrounded by greenery, about 25 metres high. In summer you can swim in the lake below.
Počitelj
A medieval walled town climbing the hillside above the Neretva, with a mosque, stone houses and a fortress tower with wide views over the valley.
Blagaj
The Dervish house at the spring of the Buna river, where emerald water flows out from under a high cliff. It is one of the most peaceful places in Herzegovina.
Mostar
The highlight of the day. Walk across the Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the old bazaar and watch the famous bridge divers. Many travellers spend a night here before continuing to Sarajevo.
Jablanica and Konjic
On the last stretch to Sarajevo the road follows the turquoise Neretva through its canyon, past the historic bridge in Jablanica and the old stone bridge in Konjic.
Route 2: Through Trebinje and the mountains
A quieter alternative heads inland via Trebinje, a charming town with plane-tree-lined squares and an Ottoman bridge, then through the mountains of eastern Herzegovina. It is less visited and very scenic, but has fewer famous sights than the Mostar route.
Make it part of a bigger trip
The Dubrovnik–Mostar–Sarajevo route is the backbone of our 7-Day UNESCO Balkan Tour, which also includes Kotor in Montenegro. If you prefer to plan your own route, we can build a tailor-made Balkan tour around your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Many nationalities can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa, but rules depend on your passport. Always check the current requirements before you travel.
Can I do Dubrovnik to Sarajevo in one day with sightseeing?
Yes, but it is a long day. If you want to see Mostar properly, we recommend spending a night there.
Is the road safe?
Yes. The main roads are in good condition. Mountain sections are winding, so allow extra time, especially in winter.
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