Tuzla International Airport (TZL), located in Dubrave near Živinice, has become one of the main gateways into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thanks to excellent low cost air connections, this airport is the primary choice for our diaspora returning home for the holidays, as well as for the growing number of foreign tourists who want to explore this part of the Balkans.
Travelling with low-budget airlines, however, comes with its own specific challenges. Flights often land late at night, and schedules can change at the last minute. In this guide we will explain in detail how you can avoid stress and pick up your rental vehicle immediately upon landing in Tuzla, with no hidden costs and no long waits.
The specifics of Tuzla airport: what awaits you at the terminal?
Tuzla airport is considerably smaller than the one in Sarajevo, which actually has its advantages. Passing through passport control and collecting your luggage usually goes much faster than at large airports. On the other hand, the infrastructure around the terminal itself is more modest.
When you land with a pile of suitcases and your family, the last thing you want is to walk with your luggage off the airport grounds or to negotiate on the spot with local transport operators. That is why booking a rent a car vehicle in advance is the only way to ensure a calm continuation of your journey to your hometown or hotel.
We know that our people from the diaspora, after months of work abroad, want to use every minute of their holiday with their relatives and friends. Our way of working at Tuzla airport is made as simple as possible so that you do not lose precious time.
1. Is your flight delayed? We wait for you at no extra charge
The flight schedules of low cost airlines can be unpredictable. Our team tracks the status of your flight from Frankfurt, Gothenburg, Basel or any other European city in real time. Even if your plane is delayed by a few hours and lands after midnight, our agent will be waiting for you at the terminal exit with a clear sign bearing your name.
2. Paperwork ready in advance
We handle all the details of the contract before your departure. When you book online, you send us a photograph of your driving licence and passport, so that a printed contract is waiting for you at the airport. Your only task is a quick inspection of the vehicle and a signature, which takes less than 10 minutes.
Logistics of the deposit and payment: flexibility comes first
One of the biggest obstacles travellers face with large rent a car corporations is that they exclusively require high-limit credit cards to block the deposit. We understand that many of our clients prefer different methods of payment.
With us you can pay the entire rental by credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or in cash (in euros or convertible marks) directly when you pick up the vehicle.
As for the mandatory security deposit, we offer two options. We can carry out a standard pre-authorisation (reservation of funds) on your card, which is released as soon as the vehicle is returned undamaged. The other option, which is extremely popular among our diaspora, is to place the deposit in cash on the spot. That money is returned to you in full the moment you hand the car keys back to us. For more details on no-deposit options, read our no-deposit car rental guide.
Choosing a car for longer holidays and family trips
Guests who land in Tuzla usually rent vehicles for a longer period, on average between 10 and 20 days. During the summer months and the winter holidays, the cars cover serious mileage across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
For couples and shorter routes, economical models such as the Škoda Fabia or VW Polo are an excellent choice if you are planning to stay around Tuzla, Živinice, or to travel towards Brčko and Bijeljina. These cars have extremely low fuel consumption.
For families with a lot of luggage, models such as the Škoda Octavia or VW Taigo offer spacious boots that easily fit large suitcases from abroad, along with maximum comfort on the road for all passengers. If you are travelling with your family and a lot of luggage, see also our estate and SUV rental guide.
For mountain and rougher roads, if your family home or holiday cottage is located in higher, hilly areas with poorer access roads, our warm recommendation is compact SUV models such as the Dacia Duster or Toyota Corolla Cross, which handle any terrain with ease. If you are planning a trip to the Olympic mountains around Sarajevo, see also our guide to driving to Bjelašnica, Jahorina, and Igman.
Important information about traffic and roadside assistance
The safety of our clients is a priority. All our vehicles undergo rigorous technical inspections before every season and before each individual rental.
In the event of more serious problems or breakdowns on the road, our partners have well-developed networks for emergency interventions and roadside assistance throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, so you are fully covered at all times and need not worry about being left alone on the road.
If you are planning to visit relatives in Hrvatska or to head to the seaside in Crna Gora, be sure to let us know before picking up the vehicle. On the spot we will prepare a Green Card (international proof of insurance) for you and arrange all the necessary documentation for an unimpeded crossing of the state border. If you are planning a trip outside Bosnia and Herzegovina, see also our guide to crossing the border with a rental car.
We remind you that in the event of any traffic accident in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is a legal obligation to immediately call the police on 122. A police report is essential so that the comprehensive insurance can cover the damage incurred, therefore do not make private arrangements on the spot without informing the police and our agency.
First routes from Tuzla airport: how to join the main roads as quickly as possible?
The airport is located in a place from which you can very quickly access the country's main trunk roads. When you leave the airport car park, you are on the regional road R455a, which connects you with the M18 trunk road.
Towards Sarajevo (via Karaula)
If you head south from the airport towards Kladanj and Sarajevo, you go over the Karaula mountain pass. This road has been significantly modernised with the construction of new tunnels and lanes for slow vehicles, so the drive is considerably safer and faster than in earlier years. Still, during the winter months or heavy rain, maximum caution is needed on Karaula because of fog and possible black ice. Not sure which engine to choose, see also our guide to choosing fuel: diesel or petrol.
Towards Posavina, Semberija and Gradačac
If you are heading towards the north of the country, the road takes you through flatter areas via Srebrenik and Gradačac towards Orašje or Bijeljina. These routes are less demanding to drive, but they are full of populated places where police speed checks are frequent, so strictly follow the signs and limits.
Book your car in good time for the upcoming holidays or the summer season, send us your documents in advance, and let us make your arrival home as simple and pleasant as possible. Have a safe trip! For business clients and VIP travel, our premium chauffeur service is also available.
