Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): A Complete Guide
Sarajevo Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina, serving as the main international gateway to the country. It is located in the Ilidža municipality, about 12 kilometers southwest of Sarajevo’s main railway station, making it easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
The airport handles nearly two million passengers annually, with connections to major cities across Europe and the Middle East. Known for its growing network of airlines and modern facilities, it plays a key role in the region’s tourism and business travel.
If you’re flying to Sarajevo, read on and find out all the relevant information on its airport.
Table of Contents
Sarajevo Airport General Information
IATA code: SJJ
ICAO code: LQSA
Passengers: around 1.8 million annually
How to get from Sarajevo Airport to Sarajevo Centre
Airport Bus
There is a direct shuttle bus from Sarajevo Airport to the city center (Baščaršija), operated by Centrotrans Eurolines.
Buses run daily and are timed to match the flight schedule, making it a convenient option for travelers.
The service is reliable and drops passengers at key points in the city. You can check the exact schedule in the table below.
The shuttle bus stops at multiple points across the city, starting at Bentbaša Bus Parking and ending at Sarajevo Airport.
Bus stops map
In the map below you can check the locations of the most important bus stops to and from Sarajevo Airport.
Local bus
Another cheap way to reach Sarajevo city center is by taking trolleybuses 103 and 31E from Dobrinja, a residential area located a short walk from the airport. Line 103 runs every 5–8 minutes and goes to Trg Austrije, while line 31E departs every 15 minutes and ends at Vijećnica (City Hall), close to Baščaršija.
Tickets are cheaper if bought at a newsstand, but you can also pay the driver. This is a good option for budget travelers who don’t mind a short walk from the airport and want to use local public transport.
If you’re down to visiting other beautiful cities in the region, and Sarajevo is your starting point, we have some ideas:
| Sarajevo – Mostar | Sarajevo – Travnik | Sarajevo – Banja Luka | Sarajevo – Zenica |
| Sarajevo – Dubrovnik | Sarajevo – Split | Sarajevo – Zagreb | Sarajevo – Kotor |
Transfer
Booking a private transfer is a safer option than a taxi and more suitable for bigger groups or families with children. Your driver will wait for you in front of the airport. Don’t worry if your flight is delayed, transfer companies are monitoring your flight.
Check out some of the most common transfer routes:
Taxi
Taking a taxi from Sarajevo Airport to the city center is the fastest and most comfortable option. Depending on traffic, the ride usually takes around 20 minutes.
Taxis are available outside the arrivals area and operate with meters, though confirming the price before starting the trip is always good. This is a convenient choice if you’re carrying luggage or arriving late at night.
Rent a car
Sarajevo Airport has several car rental agencies where you can rent a vehicle that best suits your needs.
Here you can check the vehicles and the rental prices, and book what you need.
Airlines at the airport
Sarajevo Airport is served by a mix of full-service and low-cost airlines, connecting the city to major destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Here’s a list of some of the airlines that operate there:
- Turkish Airlines
- Wizz Air
- Austrian Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Croatia Airlines
- Air Serbia
- Pegasus Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Flynas
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
Airlines Facilities
- Currency exchange and ATMs
- Duty-free shops
- Restaurants and cafés
- Free Wi-Fi
- Car rental services
- VIP and business lounges
- Baby changing rooms
- Short-term and long-term parking
Accommodation near Sarajevo Airport
If you want to spend the night somewhere near the airport before or after your flight, check out our map of available accommodation units in the vicinity.
Sarajevo Airport FAQs
No, buses arriving at Sarajevo East (Lukavica) bus station do not stop at the airport. You’ll need to transfer to a local taxi or public transport to reach Sarajevo Airport.
The fastest way is by taxi, which takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s the most direct and convenient option.
There are regular bus lines to Mostar and Medjugorje from the main bus station in Sarajevo. Except for the bus lines, it is possible to book a transfer in advance and travel hassle-free.
Yes, taxi drivers are required to use taximeters. Still, it’s a good idea to confirm this before starting your ride or agree on the price in advance to avoid awkward situations and potential scams.
The only currency allowed by law is the Convertible Mark, but there are exceptions. Private transfer drivers and taxi drivers will accept euros (dollars and sterling, not always). If you do not give the correct amount of money, the rest will probably be given to you in Convertible Marks.
what is the best and cheapest way to go from sarajevo airport to medjugorie ?
Hi Mickel,
cheapest way of getting to Medjugorje is to take the airport bus to Sarajevo main bus station and then catch a bus from there on to Mostar, from Mostar you then change to other bus towards Medjugorje.
Kindest regards,
GetByBus Team
What is the best and cheapest way to get from Sarajevo airport to Ilijas ?
Dear Kathryn,
The best way to get to Ilijas is to reach first Sarajevo Bus Station and then take a bus to Ilijas which runs regularly every day, at least once an hour.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello! What is the best and cheapest way to get from Sarajevo airport to Visoko, please? Thank you!
Hi Lenka,
the cheapest way is to take a local bus or taxi to Sarajevo city center, then catch a bus or train to Visoko.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Nous sommes 2 adultes . Quel moyen pour rejoindre l’aeroport et le centre ville sarajevo ?
Bonjour !
Pour rejoindre le centre-ville de Sarajevo depuis l’aéroport, vous avez plusieurs options. Le bus navette (ligne 31E ou navette Centrotrans) circule régulièrement et met environ 30 minutes. Vous pouvez aussi prendre un taxi, qui est plus rapide (15–20 minutes) et reste abordable.
Cordialement,
Ivana, Traveling.com