Day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik
It's 87 miles and 2 border crossings to reach Mostar's iconic Stari Most bridge, but the drive up the Neretva valley is half the reason to go.
Stari Most bridge over the Neretva in Mostar
Getting there
FlixBus runs 2 direct services from Dubrovnik bus station at 8am and 10am; the trip takes 3 hours 15 minutes and costs $22 one way. Bring your passport — you cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina near Neum. If you drive, allow 3 hours and check your rental agreement covers Bosnia (most add $20). Group tours from Pile gate run $65 per person and typically include Kravice waterfalls, which is worth the extra 90 minutes.
What to do in 5 hours
Walk straight to Stari Most, the 1566 Ottoman bridge rebuilt after 1993. Watch the divers — they’ll ask for $30 to jump, or you can pay $15 at the diving club to try the low platform yourself. Wander Kujundžiluk, the cobbled coppersmith bazaar on the east bank, and climb the Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque minaret ($6) for the classic bridge photo. Lunch at Šadrvan for ćevapi and Bosnian coffee, around $12.
Add Kravice or Blagaj
If you have your own car, Kravice waterfalls (35 minutes south) are swimmable in summer, entry $12. Blagaj tekija, a 16th-century dervish house wedged under a cliff at the source of the Buna river, is 20 minutes east of Mostar and quieter than the bridge — $4 entry. Either adds 2 hours and turns the day from good to unforgettable.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
EU, US, UK, Canadian and Australian passport holders don’t need a visa for visits under 90 days.
Yes, but it's a long day — 6 hours of driving for 5 hours in Mostar. Consider staying one night if you want to see Blagaj too.
Completely. You’ll still see shell damage on some buildings but Mostar is a peaceful, welcoming tourist city.
Bosnian marks, though most restaurants in the old town accept card. Bring around $50 in cash converted at any Sarajevo Osiguranje exchange.
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