Overview
Straddling the Neretva River in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar is one of the Balkans' most photogenic and moving cities. Its skyline is defined by the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), a 16th-century Ottoman stone arch rebuilt after the 1990s war, and its cobbled Old Town of minarets, craft shops and riverside cafes makes it a firm favourite with UK travellers seeking culture, history and dramatic landscapes without the crowds of the Adriatic coast.
Best time to fly to Mostar
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer the sweet spot: warm, dry weather, fewer tourists and better availability than peak summer. July and August bring intense heat, often above 35°C, along with the highest demand and fares. Winters are mild by comparison to the UK but quieter for flights, with some routes reducing frequency out of season, so check the when to book chart above for the best fare windows across the year.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no year-round direct flights between the UK and Mostar, so most journeys involve a connection through a major European hub such as Vienna, Zagreb, Munich or Istanbul, with airlines including Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines and Turkish Airlines regularly linking through to Mostar International Airport (OMO). Depending on the connection, total travel time from London is typically around 5-7 hours door to door. Some travellers also fly into nearby Split or Dubrovnik and continue overland, so it's worth comparing both options using the price charts on this page.
Things to do in Mostar
Beyond the bridge itself, Mostar rewards a few days of exploring:
- Stari Most and the Old Bridge divers: Watch local divers leap 24 metres into the Neretva, a tradition dating back centuries.
- Kujundžiluk Old Bazaar: Browse copperware, rugs and jewellery along Mostar's atmospheric cobbled market street.
- Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: Climb the minaret for the best photograph of the bridge and river below.
- Blagaj Tekke: A serene 16th-century dervish monastery built into a cliff face beside the Buna River spring, a short drive from the city.
- Kravice Waterfalls: A striking natural amphitheatre of cascades, ideal for a summer swim, roughly 40 minutes south of Mostar.
At Mostar International Airport (OMO)
Mostar International Airport sits around 10km south of the city centre, making it one of the more convenient airports in the region. Taxis are the most straightforward option and take about 15-20 minutes; pre-booking or agreeing a fare before departure is recommended. Car hire desks are available for those planning to explore Herzegovina further afield, while some tour operators and hotels offer transfer services that are worth arranging in advance given limited public transport links from the terminal.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mostar
- Book ahead: Fares to smaller regional airports like Mostar tend to firm up closer to departure, so booking a couple of months out usually secures better pricing.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheaper than weekend travel on connecting itineraries.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by even a few days either side of school holidays can make a noticeable difference.
- Compare connecting hubs: Routes via Vienna, Zagreb or Istanbul can vary significantly in price and journey time, so it pays to check more than one option.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for tourist stays of up to 90 days, though passports should be valid for the length of the trip. The local currency is the convertible mark (BAM), not the euro, though euros are sometimes accepted informally in tourist areas; cards are widely used in Mostar itself. No specific vaccinations are required, and UK travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended, as is standard for travel outside the EU.
