Mostar’s city centre is where the action happens — the UNESCO-listed Stari Most (Old Bridge), the cobblestone streets of the Turkish quarter, the restaurants serving grilled ćevapi and local wines. It’s a compact, walkable area where you can easily spend a full day wandering between historical sites, coffee shops, and the riverside. But here’s what many visitors miss: Mostar is also the perfect launchpad for exploring Herzegovina, the sun-soaked region south of the city known for its vineyards, medieval forts, and the famous Blagaj tekke (Dervish monastery) perched at the mouth of a cave. While you can walk everywhere in central Mostar, you’ll want a rental car to truly experience what surrounds it. This page covers hiring a car from the city centre — different from the airport, which sits about 20 minutes north of town. Downtown pickup means you can step out of your hotel and into your car, ready to hit the road to Kravice waterfalls, Medjugorje, or the coast.
Why Rent a Car Here?
Here’s the thing about Mostar: the city itself is small enough to explore on foot, but Herzegovina — the region surrounding it — is vast and best experienced with your own wheels. Without a car, you’re limited to organised tours or expensive private taxis. With a rental car, you can wake up in your downtown hotel, grab breakfast by the Neretva River, and be standing at the breathtaking Blagaj tekke within 15 minutes. Want to see the Kravice waterfalls? That’s a 40-minute drive. Heading to Medjugorje for a pilgrimage? It’s 40 minutes south. And if you’ve ever wanted to taste Bosnian wine, the Herzegovina wine route is a series of family vineyards scattered across the hills — none of which are reachable by bus. A car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, stop at roadside orchards selling fresh figs and cherries, and discover the real Herzegovina that most tourists never see.
What to See & Do
Starting in Mostar itself: the Old Bridge is the obvious must-see, especially at sunset when the stone turns golden. The surrounding old bazaar (Baščaršija) is full of copper workshops, coffee houses, and the Karađoz Mosque. Head to the Muslibegovića House, a preserved Ottoman mansion that gives you a window into 17th-century Bosnian life. Just outside town, Blagaj tekke is unlike anything else in the Balkans — a 600-year-old Dervish monastery built into a cliff face where the Buna River emerges from a cave. The drive there is gorgeous, passing through vineyards and karst hills. Kravice waterfalls, about 40 minutes south, is a tiered cascade often compared to a smaller version of Niagara — perfect for swimming in summer. For history buffs, the fortified town of Počitelj, a 15-minute drive, feels frozen in time with its medieval walls and Ottoman architecture. And if you’re visiting between September and November, the local vineyards open their doors for wine tasting — an experience that rivals much better-known European wine regions.
Driving Tips
Driving in central Mostar is manageable but requires patience. The old town area is pedestrianised, so access is restricted — your rental company will likely meet you slightly outside the core zone. The main road through town (the M17) connects smoothly to the Adriatic highway heading south. Roads in Herzegovina are generally good, though some scenic routes (like the one to Kravice waterfalls) are single-lane and potholed in places. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists on country roads, and be cautious of aggressive driving from locals on the highway. Parking in Mostar is relatively easy — there are several guarded lots near the old bridge (around €3-5 per day). If you’re heading to the coast (Dubrovnik is about two hours), the border crossing at Doljani is usually quick, but expect queues in peak summer season.
Booking Tips
Mostar downtown has fewer rental desks than Sarajevo, so booking ahead is essential — especially in summer (June-August) when the city fills with tourists. Look for companies that offer free downtown delivery to your hotel or a convenient pickup location near the bus station. Prices typically range from €30-50 per day for a compact car in high season. If you plan to cross into Croatia (for Dubrovnik or beyond), ensure your rental includes cross-border cover — not all policies allow it. Also, check the fuel policy carefully: many local operators use ‘full-to-full’, which means you need to return the car with a full tank. Finally, book for airport pickup if you want better availability, then simply take a 20-minute taxi to collect your car — it often works out cheaper than downtown rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Mostar Downtown and Mostar Airport car hire?
Downtown pickup is ideal if you’re staying in the city centre and want to avoid the 20-minute drive to the airport. It’s more convenient for hotels near the Old Bridge.
Is it easy to drive from Mostar city centre to the Old Bridge?
Yes, the iconic Stari Most is within walking distance of most downtown hotels. But you’ll want a car to explore the surrounding Herzegovina region.
Can I pick up a rental car at my Mostar hotel?
Many downtown rental companies offer hotel delivery. It’s worth requesting when you book, especially if your hotel is near the pedestrian zone.