Landing at Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) brings a special feeling. Whether you are here for business, a family visit or a holiday, one thing is certain – you want to leave the terminal and head to your destination as soon as possible. The last thing you need after a flight is complicated paperwork, hidden costs and queues in front of a rent-a-car counter.
In this guide we will explain in detail how the fast vehicle pick-up process works at our airport. You will learn the exact steps so that less than 10 minutes pass from the moment you leave the terminal to the moment you sit behind the wheel.
Why is speed crucial at Sarajevo Airport?
Sarajevo Airport has seen enormous growth in passenger numbers in recent years. During the summer season, when several planes from Europe and the Middle East land within the same hour, the crowds at passport control and the counters can be quite large.
The standard on-the-spot car rental process often takes 30 or 40 minutes. That includes filling out forms, checking vehicle availability and negotiating the price.
We have completely adapted our system to travellers who value their time. When you book a vehicle in advance, our goal is for the entire procedure to take less time than brewing a single cup of local coffee.
Step by step: From the plane to the wheel in 10 minutes
To achieve this speed, the key is preparation that happens before your plane even takes off. Here is what that process looks like in practice:
1. Book and send your documents in advance
When you book online on our website, you will have the option to send us a photo or scan of your driving licence and passport in advance. Based on that information, our team prepares the rental agreement ahead of time. When you land, the contract is waiting for you, printed and ready to sign.
2. Tracking your flight in real time
When booking, you leave us your flight number (e.g. W6 4125 or LH 1724). Even if your plane is 1 or 2 hours late, there is no reason to panic. We track landings in real time, and our agent will be at the airport exactly when you clear customs control.
3. Meet and greet at Terminal B
After picking up your luggage and passing through customs at Terminal B, your vehicle awaits you in the parking lot right in front of the airport. Our agent is there to greet you and hand over the keys. No need to wander around the airport or look for offices. If you are travelling with your family and a lot of luggage, see also our estate and SUV rental guide.
4. Quick inspection and signature (3 minutes)
Together with the agent you step out to the airport car park, located right in front of the main exit. You will inspect the vehicle, note the current fuel level and any existing damage on a digital form. You sign the contract, take the key and you are ready to go. If you are driving into central Sarajevo yourself, see also our guide to parking, zones and garages.
Your first 30 minutes at the airport – practical tips for foreigners
Once you clear customs, you will probably want to sort out a few basics before getting into the car. Here is a short and honest guide on how not to lose money and time inside the terminal itself.
Money and ATM logistics
The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (KM or BAM). The exchange rate is fixed to the Euro at 1 EUR = 1.95 KM.
Our warm recommendation is to avoid the exchange offices at the airport itself for changing larger amounts of money, because the commissions are often unfavourable. Inside the terminal there are several ATMs of domestic and foreign banks. If your home bank charges a fixed fee for withdrawals abroad, take out a larger amount at once to reduce transaction costs. Most petrol stations, better restaurants and supermarkets in the country accept cards (Visa and Mastercard), but for parking, local cafés and street vendors you must always carry cash. For more details on no-deposit options, read our no-deposit car rental guide.
How to get online right after landing?
A stable internet connection is essential for navigation and communication. Although the airport offers free Wi-Fi, it can be overloaded or unstable.
At kiosks inside the terminal (and at the "iNovine" or "Lando" newsstands) you can buy tourist SIM packages from local telecom operators (BH Telecom, m:tel or HT Eronet).
Your first routes after leaving the airport
Once you get in the car and leave the airport, you are in an excellent strategic position. Sarajevo Airport is located in the Butmir neighbourhood, right next to the Sarajevo bypass.
Heading to the city centre (Baščaršija)
Join the main thoroughfare (Bulevar Meše Selimovića), which takes you straight through the city. The centre is about 10 kilometres away. Be careful of the fixed speed cameras, which are clearly marked along the entire route, and strictly respect the speed limits – Sarajevo has strict speed-control systems, as does all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Heading to Mostar and Herzegovina
From the airport you can join the expressway towards Ilidža directly, then follow the signs to merge onto the A1 motorway (direction Tarčin). This route takes you towards Konjic and Jablanica, and the sea, without entering the city traffic of Sarajevo at all.
Book your vehicle on time, send us your documents and let us start your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the most efficient way possible. Have a safe trip! For business clients and VIP travel, our premium chauffeur service is also available. If you are planning a trip outside Bosnia and Herzegovina, see also our guide to crossing the border with a rental car.
