Sarajevo International Airport (IATA: SJJ) is 12km from the city centre — a 20–30 minute drive in normal traffic. It is one of the smaller European capital airports, with a single terminal and a straightforward arrivals process. Getting into the city is simple once you know which of the four options fits your arrival.
In short: for budget daytime arrivals, trolleybus Line 103 (1.80 KM, ~€0.92) is the cheapest option but stops by 7–8 PM. The Centrotrans airport bus (5 BAM, ~€2.55) is the next step up. For anything with luggage or an evening arrival, a licensed metered taxi to the city centre costs approximately 20–25 KM (~€10–13) — genuinely cheap by European standards. Pre-booked private transfers start from €20–25.
One warning before the options: taxis at Sarajevo Airport have a documented overcharging problem, particularly on the official taxi rank directly outside arrivals. The fix is in the guide below.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Journey time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trolleybus Line 103 | 30–40 min | 1.80 KM (~€0.92) | Budget, daytime only |
| Centrotrans airport bus | 25–30 min | 5 BAM (~€2.55) | Budget, luggage friendly |
| Metered taxi (called in) | 20–25 min | 20–25 KM (~€10–13) | Convenience, evening |
| Pre-booked transfer | 20–25 min | €20–30 | Groups, families, late arrivals |
Option 1: Trolleybus Line 103 — 1.80 KM
Trolleybus Line 103 runs from Sarajevo Airport to Baščaršija (the old town) for 1.80 KM per journey, paid to the driver. It is the cheapest way into the city.
Key facts:
- Departs from outside the terminal
- Runs approximately every 30 minutes during the day
- Journey time: 30–40 minutes to the city centre
- Stops operating at approximately 7–8 PM — not suitable for evening or night arrivals
- Purchase ticket from the driver; have KM coins or small notes ready
Visit Sarajevo confirms the trolleybus network connects the airport to the city centre. The AirportTransferPortal (April 2026) gives the current fare as 1.80 KM and confirms the evening cutoff.
When this works: solo traveller, carry-on only, arriving before 6 PM, no rush.
When this doesn’t work: evening/night arrivals, heavy luggage, families, early morning connections.
Option 2: Centrotrans Airport Bus — 5 BAM
Centrotrans is the official Bosnian intercity bus operator. It runs a dedicated airport bus service between SJJ and the main Sarajevo bus station, coordinated with flight arrivals.
Key facts:
- Cost: 5 BAM (~€2.55) per person, one way
- Journey time: 25–30 minutes
- Frequency: coordinated with arrivals, not a fixed-schedule city bus
- Terminates at the main bus station — from there, city trams and trolleybuses connect to Baščaršija and other areas
- More luggage space than the trolleybus
- Tickets from the driver; pay in KM
The Centrotrans bus is the recommended budget option for travellers with moderate luggage arriving during the day. It is significantly more luggage-friendly than the trolleybus, and the bus station terminus connects directly to the city tram network.
Option 3: Licensed Metered Taxi — 20–25 KM
A licensed metered taxi from Sarajevo Airport to the city centre costs approximately 20–25 KM (~€10–13) based on current meter rates per Sarajevo Transfer.
This is cheap by European standards — equivalent to less than €13 for a 12km airport journey that would cost €25–40 in Zagreb, Prague, or Vienna.
The Airport Overcharge Warning
Sarajevo Airport has a documented overcharge problem. Some drivers on the official airport taxi rank quote flat rates of 50–70 KM for the city centre, citing luggage or traffic. The correct metered fare to Baščaršija is 20–25 KM. That is a significant gap.
Three ways to avoid it:
Option A — Call before you land. Call Crveni Taxi (+387 33 468-728) or Žuti Taxi (+387 33 663-555) from inside the terminal after landing and ask for a metered car sent to the rank. A car arrives in 10–15 minutes. You know it is legitimate because you called it directly.
Option B — Use the Moj Taxi app. Open the Moj Taxi app and request a pickup at the airport. Licensed drivers dispatch to your location.
Option C — Insist on the meter with a rank taxi. If you take a taxi off the rank, confirm before getting in that the driver will run the meter. If they quote a flat rate above 30 KM, move to the next car.
Payment: cash in Bosnian Marks. Most Sarajevo taxis do not accept card payment. Have KM ready before approaching the rank.
Option 4: Pre-Booked Private Transfer — From €20–25
A pre-booked transfer provides a fixed price confirmed in advance, a driver meeting you in arrivals, and door-to-door service to your hotel. For families, groups, late-night arrivals, or travellers who want zero friction on arrival, this is the most practical option.
Sedans typically start from €20–25. Larger vehicles for groups from €35–45. Book through a company with a registered Bosnian address and transparent pricing.
When this makes most sense: arrival after 8 PM (trolleybus has stopped, taxi risk higher), travelling with children or significant luggage, groups of 3+ where the cost splits below taxi price per person.
From the Airport to Specific Sarajevo Areas
Baščaršija (Old Town): approximately 20–25 KM by taxi. Trolleybus Line 103 terminates here. Most visited area for first-time visitors — walking distance to the main Ottoman-era sights.
Ferhadija / Čaršija area: covered by the same taxi fare as Baščaršija.
New Town (Novo Sarajevo): slightly closer to the airport — taxi fare approximately 15–20 KM. Centrotrans bus terminates at the main bus station in this area.
Ilidža (thermal spa area): in the opposite direction from the city centre — taxi approximately 10–12 KM from the airport, as it is closer to SJJ than the old town.
No Uber or Bolt at Sarajevo Airport
Neither Uber nor Bolt operates in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Do not expect to open Bolt or Uber at arrivals and find a car. The taxi alternatives above — Moj Taxi app, Žuti Taxi, Crveni Taxi — are the app-based options. For full details see the Uber Sarajevo guide and the Bolt Sarajevo guide.
FAQ
How much is a taxi from Sarajevo Airport to the city centre?
A metered taxi from Sarajevo International Airport to the city centre usually costs around 20-25 KM, or about €10-13. This is based on the March 2026 tariff of 3.50 KM starting fare plus 2.30 KM per kilometre. Some airport-rank drivers quote higher flat fares, so insist on the meter or use Moj Taxi to call a city taxi to the airport.
Is there a bus from Sarajevo Airport to the city centre?
Yes. There are two public-transport options from Sarajevo Airport. Trolleybus Line 103 connects the airport area with the city and Baščaršija, while the Centrotrans airport bus runs between the airport and the main bus station, with departures coordinated around flights. Carry cash in Bosnian Marks, or KM/BAM, for tickets.
Can I use Uber or Bolt at Sarajevo Airport?
No. Uber and Bolt do not operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Use the Moj Taxi app, call Crveni Taxi on +387 33 468-728, call Žuti Taxi on +387 33 663-555, or take the trolleybus or Centrotrans airport bus.
How long does it take from Sarajevo Airport to the city?
Sarajevo Airport is about 12 km from the old town. The journey usually takes 20-30 minutes by taxi or private transfer in normal traffic, and around 30-40 minutes by trolleybus. Allow extra time during peak traffic or if your accommodation is inside the old-town pedestrian area.
Do I need cash at Sarajevo Airport?
Yes. Most taxis do not reliably accept cards, and the trolleybus and airport bus usually require cash in Bosnian Marks, or KM/BAM. ATMs are available at Sarajevo International Airport, so withdraw KM in the arrivals area before approaching any taxi, bus, or transfer.
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