Arrival brief · Sarajevo SJJ
SJJ Arrival Guide: Sarajevo Airport to the City, Without the Traps
Sarajevo's airport is small and close to the centre, and the honest options are cheap — public transport and marked metered taxis. About the only way to overpay is an unmetered curb taxi, simple to skip.
2026-08-26
What to expect after landing
Sarajevo International (SJJ) is a small, easy airport close to the city centre, and arrival is quick and relaxed with minimal tout pressure. The honest options are cheap and simple: public transport into the centre, and marked, metered taxis. About the only way to overpay is an unmetered curb taxi — simple to skip.
For cash, use a bank ATM (convertible marks, KM) and decline conversion; skip the airport exchange.
Option 1 — Marked, metered taxi
A marked, metered taxi from a reputable firm (meter running) is the quick, cheap door-to-door option — the airport is close to the centre, so fares are small. Confirm the meter before setting off, and carry some marks (KM).
Option 2 — Public transport
Tram/bus connections near the airport run into the centre for a very cheap fare — the value choice if you’re travelling light. Then the old town is walkable.
What it looks like
At SJJ the only tell is the unmetered or ‘special price’ curb taxi — a driver quoting a flat tourist fare without a meter. A marked, metered taxi (or the cheap public transport link) fixes the ride; a bank-ATM withdrawal in marks fixes the money. Sarajevo is otherwise a very safe, warm, affordable city.
Do this instead
Take a marked, metered taxi (meter confirmed) or the cheap public transport into the centre — never an unmetered curb cab. Withdraw convertible marks from a bank ATM and pay in local currency, skipping the airport exchange. That’s the whole SJJ arrival — and remember the one countryside rule: stick to marked paths in the hills.
Late-night arrivals
Public transport thins out late, so for a late landing a marked, metered taxi (or a pre-arranged hotel pickup) is simplest — the ride is short and cheap. Confirm the meter or agree the fare with a reputable firm. Draw some marks from a bank ATM, and head in. Sarajevo is very safe at night centrally; use a marked metered taxi, not an unmetered curb offer.
Quick answers
What's the best way from Sarajevo airport to the city centre?
The airport is small and close to the centre, so a marked, metered taxi from a reputable firm (with the meter running) is quick and cheap — that's the simplest door-to-door option. Public transport (tram/bus connections near the airport) also runs into the centre for a very cheap fare if you're travelling light. The only thing to avoid is an unmetered curb taxi quoting a flat 'tourist' fare. Confirm the taxi is metered before setting off, carry some convertible marks (KM), and you're in the old town in a short ride. There's no aggressive scam scene at the airport.
Are taxis at Sarajevo airport a scam risk?
Only mildly — the one issue is an unmetered or 'special price' curb taxi overcharging tourists, so use a marked taxi from a reputable company (Sarajevo Taxi and similar) and make sure the meter is running. Don't take a ride from a driver quoting a flat fare without a meter. Fares are small anyway since the airport is close to the centre, and Sarajevo is very affordable and relaxed. A metered, marked taxi or the cheap public transport link both work; just skip the unmetered curb offer.
Should I change money at Sarajevo airport?
No — airport exchange rates are poor. Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark (BAM, shown as KM), which is pegged to the euro. Withdraw marks from a bank-branded ATM in or near the terminal, declining the machine's home-currency conversion offer (a poor 'DCC' rate), and change any leftover cash at banks or licensed exchange offices in the city rather than the airport counters. Carry cash, as some cafés and the bazaar are cash-only, and always choose to be charged in local currency on card terminals.
What if I land at Sarajevo airport late at night?
The airport is small and public transport thins out late, so for a late arrival a marked, metered taxi (or a pre-arranged hotel pickup) is simplest — the ride to the centre is short and cheap. Confirm the meter is running or agree the fare with a reputable firm. Draw some marks from a bank ATM, and head to your accommodation. Sarajevo is a very safe, relaxed city at night in the central areas; just use a marked metered taxi rather than an unmetered curb offer.