Sarajevo to Mostar by Rental Car in September

If you are renting a car in Sarajevo in September, one of the best day trips you can make is the drive south toward Mostar and Herzegovina.

A popular route is:

Sarajevo → Konjic → Mostar → Blagaj → Počitelj → Kravica Waterfalls → Sarajevo

It is a full-day journey, but few road trips from Sarajevo offer this much variety. You move from Sarajevo's mountain surroundings to the Neretva Valley, historic Mostar, the Buna spring at Blagaj, the stone village of Počitelj and finally Kravica Waterfalls.

September is particularly suitable for this trip. The extreme summer heat usually begins to ease, sightseeing is more comfortable, and most attractions still operate on their regular seasonal schedules.

The main thing to keep in mind is daylight. September days are shorter than in July or August, especially toward the end of the month, so starting early is important.

How far is Sarajevo from Mostar by car?

Sarajevo and Mostar are about 125 kilometres apart by road.

The journey usually takes around 2 to 2½ hours without long stops, depending on traffic, roadworks and conditions.

Although the distance is not large, this is not a motorway-only drive. Much of the route follows the M17 through mountains, tunnels, towns and the Neretva Valley.

For the complete route including Konjic, Mostar, Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica, plan for a full day.

A good departure time from Sarajevo is between 06:30 and 07:00.

Why September is a good month for the trip

Mostar and southern Herzegovina can be very hot during July and August.

By September, daytime temperatures are often more comfortable for walking around Mostar, Blagaj and Počitelj, while the region usually still feels very much like late summer.

There can also be a noticeable temperature difference between Sarajevo and Herzegovina.

You might leave Sarajevo on a cool morning and arrive in Mostar a few hours later in warm sunshine. Bring a light jacket, but also carry water, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Rain is possible, particularly later in the month, so check the forecast for both Sarajevo and Mostar rather than relying on one location.

Stop 1: Konjic

Konjic is an easy first stop because it lies directly on the route from Sarajevo to Mostar.

The town sits beside the Neretva River and is surrounded by mountains. Its old stone bridge and riverside centre make it a good place to stop for coffee and stretch your legs.

For this itinerary, 30 to 45 minutes is usually enough.

Konjic is also home to Tito's bunker. If you want to visit it properly, allow additional time and consider removing one of the later stops from your schedule.

Trying to fit everything into one day can make the trip feel rushed.

The drive through the Neretva Valley

The section between Konjic and Mostar is one of the most scenic parts of the journey.

The road follows the Neretva through steep mountain scenery, with the river appearing repeatedly beside the road.

It is tempting to focus on the views, but this is also a road that requires attention. Expect tunnels, curves, changing speed limits and occasional slower traffic.

Avoid stopping randomly on the roadside for photographs. Use designated parking areas or safe viewpoints instead.

Before leaving Sarajevo, check the latest road conditions with BIHAMK, particularly if roadworks or heavy traffic are reported on the Sarajevo–Mostar route.

Stop 2: Mostar

Mostar should be the main sightseeing stop of the day.

The city's historic centre is built around Stari Most, the Old Bridge, which crosses the Neretva River and forms the centrepiece of Mostar's UNESCO-listed historic area.

Allow at least two hours, or closer to three if you want to have lunch.

Once you arrive, park outside the pedestrian old town and continue on foot.

Trying to drive as close as possible to the bridge usually creates unnecessary problems. The old town is compact and is much easier to explore on foot.

Walk through the old bazaar, cross Stari Most and explore both sides of the river.

Some of the best views of the bridge are from lower viewpoints beside the Neretva rather than from the bridge itself.

September is a good time to explore Mostar because walking is often more comfortable than during the hottest weeks of summer.

Still, warm days are common, so keep water with you.

Comfortable shoes are also important. Many streets in the historic centre are made from polished stone and can become slippery when wet.

Stop 3: Blagaj and the Buna Spring

From Mostar, Blagaj is only about 15–20 minutes away by car.

The main attraction is the Buna spring, where the river emerges from beneath a huge limestone cliff beside the historic Blagaj Tekke.

The setting is completely different from Mostar.

Instead of busy old-town streets, you have cliffs, clear water and restaurants lining the Buna River.

Allow around one hour.

Walk beside the river, see the tekke from across the water and stop for coffee or lunch if you did not eat in Mostar.

If you enter the religious complex, respect the visitor and dress rules displayed on site.

Blagaj is also a good example of why having a rental car helps. It is close to Mostar, but combining it with several other destinations is much easier when you control your own schedule.

Stop 4: Počitelj

Continue south toward Počitelj, a historic stone settlement built into the hillside above the Neretva Valley.

Počitelj is smaller and quieter than Mostar.

Park near the lower part of the village and explore on foot.

The stone paths climb through the settlement toward historic buildings and viewpoints.

Allow around 30 to 45 minutes.

The climb is not particularly long, but the paths can be uneven. Good footwear is useful, especially after rain.

September is usually a comfortable month for walking here because afternoon temperatures are generally lower than during peak summer.

Stop 5: Kravica Waterfalls

The final major stop is Kravica Waterfalls, near Ljubuški.

The Trebižat River spreads across a broad limestone formation before dropping into a natural pool surrounded by greenery.

After spending most of the day visiting towns and historic sites, Kravica provides a more relaxed ending to the sightseeing part of the trip.

Allow around 1½ hours.

On warm September days, the area can still feel like summer, although the water may be considerably cooler than in July or August.

If you plan to swim, check current conditions and local rules before entering the water.

Opening hours can also change seasonally, so check the official visitor information before travelling.

Suggested September itinerary

A realistic schedule could look like this:

06:30–07:00 – Leave Sarajevo 08:00–08:45 – Konjic 10:00–12:30 – Mostar 12:50–14:00 – Blagaj 14:30–15:30 – Počitelj 16:00–17:30 – Kravica Waterfalls Evening – Return toward Sarajevo

Treat this only as a guide.

Traffic, parking, lunch and unexpected stops can easily change the schedule.

The main advantage of travelling by rental car is that you can adjust the day as you go.

Is the full route too much for one day?

For some travellers, yes.

The complete route is best suited to visitors who want to see several places and do not mind spending a significant amount of time driving.

If you prefer a slower day, use a shorter route:

Sarajevo → Konjic → Mostar → Blagaj → Sarajevo

This gives you more time in Mostar, a relaxed lunch and greater flexibility.

Another option is to stay overnight in Mostar.

You can explore Mostar in the afternoon and evening, then visit Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica the following morning before returning to Sarajevo.

This is usually the better choice if you prefer slower travel.

Driving back to Sarajevo in September

Later in September, part of the return journey may be after sunset.

Driving from Herzegovina back toward Sarajevo at night is normal, but visitors unfamiliar with the road should drive conservatively.

The route includes curves, tunnels and sections with limited lighting.

Do not try to make up lost time by speeding.

If you do not feel comfortable driving unfamiliar roads at night, leave Kravica earlier or remove one stop from the itinerary.

What type of rental car do you need?

You do not need an SUV for this route.

The main roads between Sarajevo, Konjic, Mostar, Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica are paved.

For one or two travellers, a compact car is usually sufficient and may be easier to park in Mostar.

Families or larger groups may prefer a sedan, estate or crossover for additional passenger and luggage space.

For this trip, comfort, air conditioning and a vehicle you feel confident driving matter more than vehicle size.

Practical driving advice

Keep some Bosnian convertible marks (BAM/KM) with you.

Cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants, shops and petrol stations, but smaller parking areas and local businesses may still prefer cash.

Fuel stations are common along the main routes, so finding fuel is usually straightforward.

Download offline maps before leaving Sarajevo, especially if you rely heavily on navigation.

Do not leave passports, wallets, electronics or luggage clearly visible inside a parked vehicle.

And respect posted speed limits. The Sarajevo–Mostar road is scenic, but it is also a major intercity route.

Why rent a car for a Mostar day trip?

Mostar itself can be reached from Sarajevo by train or bus.

A rental car becomes more useful when you want to visit Mostar together with Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica.

These attractions are spread across Herzegovina. Combining them by public transport takes much more planning and limits your flexibility.

With a car, you can decide how long to stay in each place, stop at viewpoints and adjust your route depending on weather or traffic.

That flexibility is one of the main advantages of renting a car in Sarajevo.

Frequently asked questions

Is it easy to drive from Sarajevo to Mostar?

The route is straightforward for experienced drivers, but it includes mountain sections, tunnels, curves and changing speed limits. Allow enough time and avoid rushing.

Can I visit Mostar from Sarajevo in one day?

Yes. Mostar itself is an easy day trip. Adding Konjic, Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica creates a much longer journey but is still possible with an early start.

Is September a good month to visit Mostar?

Yes. September usually offers warmer weather in Herzegovina without the strongest summer heat. The main disadvantage is shorter daylight later in the month.

Do I need an SUV?

No. A normal compact or mid-size rental car is suitable for the main roads on this route.

Should I stay overnight in Mostar?

If you have enough time, staying one night makes the trip much more relaxed and gives you more time for Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica.

Renting a car in Sarajevo

If you want to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina beyond the capital, AR Rent A Car Sarajevo offers vehicle rental in Sarajevo and at Sarajevo International Airport.

The Sarajevo–Mostar route is exactly the type of journey where having your own car is useful. You are not limited to a fixed tour schedule or a single destination.

Leave Sarajevo early, check the weather and road conditions before departure, and avoid trying to fit too much into the day.

The drive itself is part of the experience.

From Sarajevo's mountains to the Neretva Valley, Mostar, Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica, this is one of the most rewarding road trips from Sarajevo — and September is one of the better months to do it.