Bosnia-Herzegovina
General train travel information for BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
Passenger rail transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich history. The first railroad was opened in 1879. After the war and the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the rail network was divided. Since the 2000s, work has been carried out to reconstruct and modernize the network, including the introduction of new electric trains and infrastructure improvements. Passenger rail transportation remains important for residents and tourists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
General Information and Statistics
The main railroad transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the company Željeznice Federacije Bosne and Herzegovina (ŽFBH). The company has 59 stations
The network is 601 km long, of which 392 km is electrified, and is built on standard gauge track.
What connections to other countries there are
The international connections to Zagreb (Croatia) and Budapest (Hungary) have been suspended for some years now due to construction works.
Are trains fast in Bosnia and Herzegovina in general? How much time to cross the country?
In general, trains in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not characterized by high speeds. The railroad infrastructure in the country is old and often not designed for high-speed traffic. Average train speeds in Bosnia and Herzegovina are generally slower compared to high-speed rail systems in some other countries.
But work is underway The Corridor Vc project will modernize the existing line from the Croatian border to the Adriatic coast. The line will run from Bosanski Šamac to Čapljina via Sarajevo. It is planned to increase the speed of traffic on the line to 200 km/h. The estimated cost of the line modernization is 9,875 billion euros.
What railway companies are available?
The two transportation companies (in their post-Dayton Agreement divisions) are:
Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ŽFBH), operating in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Railways of Republika Srpska (ŽRS), which operate in Republika Srpska
What train types are available in Bosnia and Herzegovina
BH Trains, operated by ZFBH, offer express services with 1st and 2nd Class options. These trains have reclining seats, and reservations are required. They are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi, power sockets, and a bar carriage offering snacks and drinks. The express services include:
Sarajevo – Mostar – Capljina
Sarajevo – Doboj – Banja Luka – Bihac
Bicycles are not allowed on these trains.
Putnički Voz, operated by ZFBH, are regional trains that connect Sarajevo to Kakanj, Konjic, Maglaj, and Zenica. They also run from Tuzla to Doboj. These trains have 2nd Class seating only.
Putnički Voz, operated by ZRS, are regional trains connecting Banja Luka to Novi Grad, Dobrljin, and Doboj. These trains also offer 2nd Class seating.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
No, currently there are no high-speed trains available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The rail infrastructure in the country is not designed for high-speed operations, and the existing train services primarily focus on regional and intercity travel rather than high-speed connections.
Most important train stations / hubs
The main railway hubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Tuzla, Zenica, Mostar, Doboj
Websites to buy train tickets in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
https://www.zfbh.ba/en/
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
There is no app for buying tickets
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
You can purchase train tickets directly at the train station ticket counters. Make sure to arrive early to avoid any last-minute rush. Passengers departing from a railway point or station where it is not possible to purchase train tickets or the ticket office is closed at the time of train arrival may board the train without a ticket and buy it from the conductor at no extra charge
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
There's no information
Return the ticket
Passengers in Bosnia and Herzegovina can request a refund for unused or partially used journeys. Refund requests must be submitted at the ticket office at the departure station or pass points.
Basic conditions for refunds:
Refund requests must be submitted on time: on the day of departure for unused tickets or immediately after arrival at pass points for unused return tickets.
If the ticket office at the station is closed, the application can be submitted on the next working day.
The amount of refund is determined by deducting the cost of the traveled section from the total cost of the ticket according to the class and type of train.
Train ticket prices
Buying tickets in the country does not involve any special offers or discounts. All discounts are mainly for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, except for discounts for children from 4 to 12 years old, which are not only for citizens. For example, ticket prices for the train Capljina to Sarajevo start at 8.68 Euros for a 2.5 hour journey
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
The international connections to Zagreb (Croatia) and Budapest (Hungary) have been suspended for some years now due to construction works.
Where to find timetables
Find train schedules on https://www.zfbh.ba/en/time-table/
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
You can buy tickets online a minimum of 3 hours before travel, and a maximum of 30 days in advance. You won't find any difference in price
Types of tickets
Bosni and Herzigovina trains have one-way and round-trip ticket options. Interrail and Eurorail passes are also available for Bosnia and Herzegovina trains
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website using their app.
Saver price
Zfbh do not offer special non-refundable but cheap tickets.
Tickets are available one-way, round trip.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
A 20% discount is available for round-trip ticket purchases
Flexible tickets
Flexible tickets are not available.
Rules of boarding
Train tickets can be booked one month in advance at the earliest.
Validity deadline of train tickets:
Regular train tickets (one-way tickets): For the distance up to 100 km one day, from 101 up to 400 km 2 days, and from 401 and more km 4 days.
For single train tickets (two-way travels): For the distance up to 50 km1 day, from 51 up to 100 km 2 days, and from 101 and more km 6 days
For group voyages (voyages of a group of at least 6 adult persons): for a one-way ticket 15 days, for a two-way ticket 30 days.
The validity deadline of the train ticket starts at 0:01 o’clock on the first day of validity marked on the train ticket. The passenger can start his voyage on any day within the validity deadline of the ticket but must terminate it before the validity deadline expires. The voyage must be completed on a train which arrives at the station before 24:00 o’clock on the last day of validity of the train ticket.
The voyage must be completed on a train which arrives at the station before 24:00 o’clock on the last day of validity of the train ticket.
Train tickets can be bought at the railway station ticket office or at the authorized traveling agencies.
Discounts for group travel
Groups of 6 people or more can expect a 30% discount
A group of 30 or more passengers is also entitled to a 50% fare reduction. A train ticket for all members of a group of passengers is paid from the same point of departure to the same destination, even if individual passengers interrupt the journey at passing stations.
Age groups and discounts
Children under 4 years old without a separate seat travel free of charge on trains
Students can buy a travel ticket for up to 50 trips per month on the basis of a student card with a discount of up to 60%
There is a 50% discount for children from 4 to 12 years old
For single trips of old age, disability or family pensioners, persons over 60 years of age and spouses of pensioners, provided that they are citizens of BiH, a 30% discount is provided.
For young people up to 26 years of age, 30% discount on tickets - based on international membership cards: ISIC*, ITIC*, SOSF*.
Age limitations for minors
Children from the age of 12 can travel independently on trains to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Handicapped passengers
Blind people and their accompanying persons on the basis of a valid certificate certified by the Society of the Blind receive a 50% discount on tickets.
Seat reservations in Bosnia and Herzegovina trains
Reservations for regional trains are compulsory. You can book your seat locally at the train station. The fee to make these reservations is €1.50 . The cost of the reservation itself depends on the distance travelled.
Comfort classes on the trains
The train is formed of second and first class seats equipped with power outlets, reading lamps and reclining seats.
But tickets are sold only for second class, which does not embarrass anyone and people take first class seats first of all.
Food and drink in Bosnia and Herzegovina trains / train restaurant
Café car
A wagon cafe was available on the train throughout the trip. No food is offered, but you could buy Coca-Cola, Fanta, water, orange juice and coffee.
Night trains in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Currently there are no night trains in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Important train routes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo – Mostar/ 1:55 hours / from 7,20 EUR / 3 trains a day
Chapljina - Sarajevo/ 2:22 hours / from 8,60 EUR / 3 trains a day
Sarajevo - Grad/ 1:05 hours / from 3,80 EUR / 1 trains a day
Hadžići - Zitomislići / 1:52 hours / from 7,20 EUR / 1 trains a day
International train routes
The international connections to Zagreb (Croatia) and Budapest (Hungary) have been suspended for some years now due to construction works.
Tourist / scenic routes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The train ride between Sarajevo and Mostar is one of the most beautiful train routes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This route offers passengers magnificent scenery and breathtaking views along the way.
Historically, the railroad line between Sarajevo and Mostar was built in the early 20th century during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This route served to connect two important cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and provided transportation for goods and passengers.
Today, a train ride between Sarajevo and Mostar allows travelers to enjoy the beauty of Bosnian nature, passing through picturesque valleys, mountain gorges and rivers. The route offers panoramic views of the famous Stari Most bridge in Mostar and other cultural attractions.
The Sarajevo-Mostar train has become popular with tourists, and it provides an opportunity to see and experience the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a comfortable and unique train atmosphere.
Luggage information
The passenger has the right to transport as hand luggage objects which can be easily brought inside the compartment and placed above and below the seat free of charge if this is not against customs regulations and if it does not cause damage to the compartment.
A fee envisaged by the PT- Tariff for freight charges are paid for the luggage which the passenger cannot place above or below the passenger seat.
The passengers are not allowed to carry dangerous objects into compartments, especially fire arms, explosive, inflammable and corrosive matter, as well as objects which can disturb or cause damage to passengers and other objects.
Bicycle on the train
Bikes are not allowed on trains in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Ski or snowboard on the train
Bosnia and Herzegovina has its own ski resorts, but there is no information about carrying skis or snowboards on trains from official sources
Luggage lockers on the stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Railroad stations do not have luggage storage facilities, but many bus stations do.
Lost and Found Items
There's no information on the official website.
Pets on the trains
As a rule, animals are not allowed to enter compartments for passengers and train restaurants. However, if it s not prohibited by veterinary order, it is allowed to carry:
Small pets in bird cages or other suitable cases which can be placed as hand luggage;
Small dogs (which are not taller from the floor to spine than 30 cm and which can be placed on the lap);
Dogs accompanied by the officials of the Ministry of Interior, members of the army and blind people
No matter the size, dogs transported by train must have a muzzle, and bigger dogs must be held on a leash. For every dog transported on a train (except the small dogs which are kept on the lap), the owner pays half the ticket price for the second class.
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