Split to Mostar Bus: What You Can Expect

I’m on a bit of a roll with writing bus travel posts, so I might as well continue. It can help ease your mind when travelling, knowing exactly what you can expect when crossing into a new country. Mostar, Bosnia is one of the most underrated cities I have ever been to, so this trip is a must for anyone travelling through Croatia (or the Balkans in general). Luckily, the Split to Mostar bus (or Dubrovnik to Mostar bus) is extremely efficient, comfy, and clean, so there are no excuses for not seeing this incredible city. 

Taking the bus from Split to Mostar (Bosnia) is extremely painless, and I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t realize just how close Bosnia actually was (hint: very close). 

If you flew out of Zagreb or are just looking to bus up to Zagreb, don’t forget to check out my article on taking the bus from Zagreb to Split (and vice versa). 

FlixBus: Taking the Bus From Split to Mostar

I was pretty comfortable staying in Split, but for visa purposes I had to leave Croatia for several days. What a surprise and a blessing it turned out to be. Mostar won me over (much more to come on this wonderful city in other posts). Just a quick note before getting into the logistics of taking the bus from Split, Croatia to Mostar, Bosnia. Mostar is not a daytrip! Well, technically time-wise it is, but it has so much to offer – unprecedented natural beauty, and some of the best meat I’ve ever had. You need at least several days to explore this city and what it has to offer. You won’t regret it. 

While there are no shortage of buses from Zagreb to Split (and vice versa), there are only two busses per day from Split to Mostar via FlixBus (granted there are other bus services to us, but I prefer FlixBus). The first bus departs Split at 5:30AM, while the second (and final) bus departs Split for Mostar at 7:30PM. Due to morning traffic, the morning bus will take just around 5 hours, while the night bus is a bit more reasonable and clocks in just under 4 hours. The total distance is only 170km, however it is somewhat of an indirect route due to Croatian infrastructure. 

Keep in mind that you will have to go through immigration at the Bosnia border (however this is extremely quick and painless). 

The cost of the bus ride from Split to Mostar? Under USD $15. 

As mentioned in my breakdown of taking the bus from Zagreb to Split via FlixBus, your ticket allows you to bring one piece of luggage and one carry-one (but this is rarely enforced). 

Departing Split’s Autobusni Kolodvor Bus Station

The Split Bus Station located right near the Split Promenade (The Riva) looks like a regular city bus stop. It is small, straight-forward, and there shouldn’t be much confusion when there. Always make sure to show up at least 15 minutes before your departure, as the Croatian buses that I have taken are extremely prompt and will not wait!

I opted to head to Mostar at night, as I figured less people would be travelling. The bus was only half full and every person had a row or two to themselves. The ride isn’t spectacular in any way shape or form (until you get into Mostar) and feels a bit indirect at points, but I assure you this is one of the best ways to get from Split to Mostar. 

Halfway to Mostar

The trip also does seem over-complicated in the way that you will have a transfer at a small town called Imotski, which is famed for its lakes. I assure you that the transfer is absolutely seamless. The Imotski bus station is essentially a small parking lot, and your FlixBus will likely pull up right alongside your transfer bus, which will take you to your final destination (Mostar). I was extremely worried that I would miss the connection, as your ticket will list two “departure times.” Don’t fret, the driver of my transfer bus to Mostar knew exactly who I was and who he was waiting for, so I can’t imagine that they would actually leave without you.

On the way back from Mostar (to Split), I grabbed a coffee at Carpe Diem, the bus station cafe. It was actually quite a hip cafe, serving up quality espresso and drinks – not a bad spot to hang out at for your transfer.  

Understand that your transfer at Imotski isn’t your only stop. You will go through immigration at the Bosnian border, but you won’t have to get off. At night, there was barely anyone going through immigration, so this process took no more than 20 minutes. 

Flixbus is clean, convenient, and comfortable (the three C’s), and has solidified itself as my go-to bus to take when travelling in Europe. I’ve had terrible experiences with trains in Europe (well, a few of them), but have not been let down by FlixBus yet (fingers crossed). There’s a bathroom located in the middle of the bus, which eases my mind when travelling. Overall, this is the Rolls Royce of bus services. You won’t be disappointed. 

WiFi worked for me both on the way to Mostar and on my return journey back to Split. However, this is not always the case with every FlixBus ride I’ve taken. If you’re taking the bus at night, just turn off your brain, close your eyes, and take solace in knowing that you will be in one of the most unique cities in a matter of hours. 

Arriving in Mostar 

Although I took the night bus to Mostar, I still felt like a little kid with what I was able to see when arriving. Mostar is located in mountainous Bosnian country and situated on the Neretva River (one of the most pure bodies of water I have seen). While it wasn’t much, I was in awe at the thousands (or tens of thousands) of houses and lights than lined the mountains outside (and enclosing) Mostar. I don’t know the correct word to describe it, but “magical” comes to mind at the moment. 

When arriving in Mostar, FlixBus will drop you off at the West Bus Station. Mostar is divided by the Neretva into East and West (which I recommend reading up on – a truly tragic history). Mostar’s West Bus Station isn’t far from the Old Town and can be walked in about 30 minutes or so. Taxis also appeared to be readily available. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about taking the bus to Mostar, what to do in Mostar (I spent over a week there!), and what to eat in Mostar. I would love to hear about your experiences travelling in Bosnia in the comments!

Best,

Big Body