For most travelers, Sarajevo begins with a gentle turn over Ilidža and a skyline trimmed by mountains. The wheels kiss the Butmir runway, the doors open, and the city’s rhythm is already in the air: a mix of alpine crispness and urban hum. Sarajevo International Airport (IATA: SJJ, ICAO: LQSA) is compact by design but serious enough to connect you smoothly to major European hubs—and to wave you off without drama when it’s time to leave.
Below is a practical, updated guide: schedules and smart timing, transport to the center, parking prices, lounge and Wi-Fi, real-world taxi costs, car rental, and a snapshot of airlines and routes you’ll actually use.
Table of Contents
Quick overview: where Sarajevo International Airport is and how it’s laid out
Location: Butmir/Ilidža, roughly 12 km from the historic center (Baščaršija). The terminal setup is straightforward: Main Terminal B with check-in on the ground floor, security/passport control and gate areas upstairs, and a compact airside zone with duty-free and cafés.
What this means for you: less walking than at mega-hubs, but still plan to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure (earlier in summer). A Fast Track option (roughly €10) is available and handy during peak hours. Always follow your airline’s instructions—some close check-in 45–60 minutes before departure.
Getting to and from Sarajevo International Airport: bus, taxi, and private transfer
1) Airport bus (Centrotrans)
The direct airport–city shuttle (Bentbaša/Baščaršija) runs in sync with flight schedules, with more departures in the summer season. Typical early-morning and daytime runs are spaced to catch common arrivals and departures. Historically, a one-way ticket has been around 5 BAM (with return discounts), but always check the latest timetable and price as they adjust seasonally.
Good news for 2025: the operator has coordinated departures more closely with peak flight banks to reduce waiting time.
2) Taxis at Sarajevo International Airport
Official taxi ranks sit directly outside Terminal B. Always insist on the meter and avoid fixed-price pitches from unofficial drivers inside the building. A realistic fare to the Old Town/Baščaršija is typically 20–30 BAM (≈ €10–15), with a 20–25 minute ride depending on traffic.
Entrance hack: say “Molim, taximetar” (“Meter, please”). If the driver resists, take the next cab.
Uber/Bolt? As of 2025, Uber and Bolt do not operate in Sarajevo. Use city taxis or book a private transfer in advance.
3) Private transfers / shuttles
If you’re arriving late at night, traveling with kids, or hauling ski gear, a pre-booked transfer is the simplest option. Prices vary by vehicle class and group size, with standard sedans through to “black car” services available.
Parking at Sarajevo International Airport (plus cheaper long-stay options)
Official terminal parking (on-airport):
- First hour: 5 BAM
- 1 day: 25 BAM
- Each additional day after 24h: +15 BAM
Payment is via machines (cash/cards). For longer trips, compare nearby private lots:
Off-airport private parking: 2–5 minutes from the terminal, usually with 24/7 CCTV and free shuttle. Daily rates tend to be 8–10 BAM/day, with lower per-day pricing for 10+ or 20+ day stays. If you’re away for a week or more, the savings add up.
Car rental at Sarajevo International Airport
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall, with vehicle pickup just outside. You’ll find major international brands (Enterprise, Avis, Europcar, Green Motion…) alongside trusted local agencies. In peak months (July–August), prices jump—book early for better rates and car classes.
Inside the terminal: lounge, Wi-Fi, duty-free, prayer room, ATMs & money tips
Lounge (Business Lounge, airside): Open 24/7 behind passport control (gates 5–8 area). Standard maximum stay is 3 hours; children under 2 typically enter free. Access via Priority Pass or pay-on-entry if capacity allows.
Wi-Fi: Free for 60 minutes in the main lobby, departures, and arrivals (look for a “PASSENGER ZONE”-style network; codes are posted or available at cafés). Extra time can be purchased at partner cafés if needed.
Duty-free: A walk-through duty-free sits right after passport control; a “last-minute” duty-free kiosk usually operates near the gates.
Prayer room: Located on the first floor of Terminal B, before security and passport control, designed for visitors of different faiths.
Smoking: Only at designated outdoor areas. Do not expect an indoor smoking room.
ATMs & currency exchange: ATMs and exchange counters are in the arrivals hall. Local currency is BAM (Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark), pegged to the euro. For ATMs, select local currency and avoid dynamic currency conversion to get better bank rates.
Live arrivals/departures and when to show up
The airport’s live arrivals and departures board is publicly available and worth checking before you leave for the airport. For most flights, aim to arrive 2 hours ahead (compact airport, but queues can build at security and passport control). In July–August and December, expect heavier traffic and plan additional buffer.
Airlines & routes: where Sarajevo International Airport flies in 2025
In 2025, SJJ serves 30+ direct destinations via 20+ airlines, connecting to key hubs like Istanbul, Vienna, Munich/Frankfurt, Zagreb, plus seasonal leisure routes around the Mediterranean. The exact list varies by season—always check current schedules when booking.
A notable development: Ryanair announced a summer 2025 expansion (additional routes such as Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Weeze, Girona, Paris Beauvais, Stockholm Arlanda), pushing the network to ~11 routes across 8 countries and promising higher seat capacity. Verify your dates against the published summer timetable.
Stress-free through Sarajevo International Airport: proven tips
1) Tickets & check-in. Online check-in rules vary by airline (some open 24–48 hours in advance; others restrict it). If you’re traveling hand-luggage only, go straight to security/passport control. For checked bags, note that many airlines open counters ~2 hours before and close 45–60 minutes before departure.
2) Liquids & electronics. Standard 100 ml liquid rule applies (up to 1 liter total in a clear bag). Laptops and large electronics go in separate trays; empty metal from your pockets. Fast Track (~€10) is a valuable time saver in summer peaks.
3) Cash & cards. ATMs work fine; some taxis don’t take cards, so ask before you get in. For the bus, have small BAM ready.
4) SIM/eSIM. Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside the EU roaming zone. If you need data, buy a local SIM or eSIM (you can compare operator plans in town or at kiosks). Check your provider’s roaming rates if you prefer to stick with your number.
5) Pre-flight pause. With 60–90 spare minutes, try the 24/7 lounge, wander the walk-through duty-free, or grab a coffee upstairs—airside is compact and easy to navigate.
Frequently asked questions about Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)
How much is a taxi to the city center?
Typically 20–30 BAM (≈ €10–15) to Baščaršija, about 20–25 minutes in normal traffic. Ask the driver to use the meter and avoid unofficial flat quotes.
Is Uber/Bolt available in Sarajevo?
No. Use licensed city taxis, a local taxi app/dispatch, or a pre-booked private transfer.
How much is the airport bus and when does it run?
Historically around 5 BAM one-way, with departures scheduled around flight times. Timetables and prices change seasonally, so check before you travel.
When should I arrive at the airport?
Aim for 1.5–2 hours ahead of departure (more in July–August and December). Consider Fast Track (~€10) if queues are long.
Where can I park and how much is it?
Official parking is 5 BAM for the first hour; 25 BAM per day; +15 BAM per additional day after the first 24 hours. Off-airport lots nearby are typically 8–10 BAM/day with shuttle—great value for week-long trips.
Our Most Popular Tours To Sarajevo
We offer many tours that include a visit to Sarajevo and its most popular locations:
- Sarajevo Siege Tour & War Tunnel 1992 / 1996 (Most Popular)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Međugorije & Mostar
- Full Day Tour from Sarajevo to Travnik and Jajce
- Full-Day 5 Cities Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina (Mostar)
- Full day Tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik (Kotor or Split)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Belgrade
Don’t Hesitate To Say Hi!
Got any questions about our tours or the city? Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for more info and booking.
Use the following phone number and email: