Where to Park in Mostar: A Complete Guide for Tourists in 2026
The Real Challenge of Parking in Mostar
Here’s something the guidebooks don’t tell you: Mostar’s Old Bridge is stunning, but the streets around it weren’t designed for cars. The old town is a maze of cobblestones, the neighbourhoods surrounding it are a patchwork of narrow one-way streets, and finding parking can feel like solving a puzzle where the pieces keep moving.
If you’re renting a car in Mostar or driving in from Sarajevo for the day, you need to know where you can actually leave your vehicle. I’ve parked in Mostar dozens of times, and I’ve learned the hard way which spots are worth it and which ones will cost you.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Park in the Old Town
The area around Stari Most (the Old Bridge) is pedestrian-only. Not “mostly pedestrian”—actually car-free. The cobblestone streets will destroy your suspension if nothing else, and traffic wardens patrol regularly. There are also protected zones around archaeological sites where parking is strictly prohibited.
Instead, park on the perimeter and walk in. It’s a 5-10 minute stroll from any of the main parking areas, and you’ll see more of the city that way.
Best Parking Spots Near the Old Bridge
1. P1 — The Main Tourist Parking (Braća Fejić Street)
Location: Just west of the old town, on Braća Fejić
Cost: About 2-3 KM per hour (roughly €1-1.50)
This is the most straightforward option. It’s a large open-air parking lot specifically for tourists visiting the Old Bridge. You pay at the machine, display your ticket, and walk. From here, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Stari Most.
Pros: Easy to find, well-marked, secure, close to the bridge.
Cons: Fills up fast in summer, especially between 10am-2pm when tour buses arrive.
2. P2 — West Bank Parking (Maršala Tita Area)
Location: Near the bus station, west side of the Neretva
Cost: 1-2 KM per hour
This is a good backup if the main tourist lot is full. It’s a bit further—about a 10-minute walk to the bridge—but it’s rarely crowded. You can also find street parking in this area if you’re willing to hunt a bit.
Pro tip: The streets around Maršala Tita have a mix of paid and free parking. Look for white lines (paid) versus blue lines (free but with time limits).
3. Street Parking on the East Bank
Location: Across the bridge in the less touristy side
Cost: Often free, or 1 KM per hour where metered
The east bank of Mostar receives fewer tourists, which means parking is easier. Cross the Old Bridge on foot (it’s pedestrian-only) and walk to your car if you’ve parked on the far side, or drive around via the main bridge to the north. There’s a bridge called “Stari Most” for pedestrians and “Novi Most” for cars—don’t try to drive across the old one.
Mostar Airport Parking
If you’re flying in and picking up a car at Mostar Airport, the airport has a small car park. It’s adequate for short stays, but if you’re returning a rental and leaving your own car there, check with the rental company first—some don’t allow long-term airport parking.
Parking Signs You Need to Recognise
Mostar uses standard European parking signage, but here’s a quick translation:
- “Zabranjeno parkiranje” = No parking
- “Plaćeno parkiranje” = Paid parking
- “Rezervirano” = Reserved (don’t park here)
- “Samo za aute z borbenim invalidima” = Disabled parking only
White painted lines mean paid parking. Blue lines often mean free parking with time limits—check for signs indicating max duration. Yellow lines mean no stopping.
What to Avoid
Don’t Park on Pavements
In Bosnia, parking on pavements is technically illegal, but you’ll see locals doing it everywhere. As a tourist in a rental car, you’re an easy target for fines. Don’t risk it—the fine can be 50+ KM.
Watch for One-Way Systems
Mostar’s road network is a one-way maze. Don’t assume you can reverse into a spot you passed—by the time you circle back, it’ll be gone. Use a parking app or study the map before you drive in.
Don’t Block Driveways or Entrances
Even if there’s no sign, if you’re blocking a garage entrance or a shop’s delivery area, you might come back to a blocked-in car or a fine. The locals know whose driveway is whose.
Parking Apps and Payment
Mostar uses parking meters in tourist areas. Pay by coin or contactless card. Some areas have mobile payment via SMS or apps like Moja Parkirana Mjesta, but meters are more reliable if you don’t have a local SIM.
Keep your ticket displayed on the dashboard. Fines for not displaying are common, and rental companies will charge you an admin fee on top of the fine.
Where to Stay Overnight with Parking
If you’re staying in Mostar for more than a day, choose accommodation that offers parking. Many guesthouses and hotels in the old town don’t have their own spaces, but those slightly outside the centre often do.
Ask before you book. A hotel might say “parking available” and mean “there’s a public car park nearby.”
Good options with actual on-site parking:
- Hotel Mepas: Large underground car park in the city centre
- Kriva Ćuprija Hotel: Small private lot, close to the old town
- Mostar Inn: Limited spaces, book in advance
Driving Into Mostar from Other Cities
If you’re coming from Sarajevo (about 2 hours), you’ll approach from the north on the M17. The first thing you’ll hit is the industrial outskirts—keep going until you see signs for “Centar” or “Stari Most.”
From Banja Luka or the north, you’ll also hit the M17. Follow signs for the centre, not the industrial zones.
The route from the coast (via Neum or Dubrovnik) brings you in from the south. The road is winding and scenic—you’ll descend into the Neretva valley before reaching Mostar.
FAQ: Mostar Parking Questions
Is parking free in Mostar?
Some street parking is free, especially away from the centre. Tourist areas near the Old Bridge are paid. Expect 1-3 KM per hour in metered zones.
How long can I park in Mostar?
In paid zones, typically up to 4 hours per ticket. You can renew, but you’ll need to return to the car and pay again. Some zones have no time limit—check signage.
Can I park overnight on the street?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it in tourist areas. Car break-ins happen, and you’re better off in a secure lot or hotel parking. Many zones are free overnight (after 8pm to 7am), but check local signage.
What if I get a parking fine?
If you’re in a rental, the fine will eventually reach the company, who will charge your card plus an admin fee. If you find the ticket on your car, pay it at a local post office or bank within the stated timeframe to avoid escalation.
