9 Cross The Border Day Trips From Dubrovnik To Mostar + Ways To Go On Your Own

The town of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina is located a mere 2.5 hours from Dubrovnik. It stands out as a premier destination in the Balkans, renowned for its enchanting medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and the picturesque Neretva River. This article highlights the best day trips from Dubrovnik to Mostar.

Below the tour options you will also find ways to get to Mostar from Dubrovnik on your own by car and public transport.

These guided tours offer in-depth insights and access to areas around Mostar, often not reachable by public transport. Discover the town’s rich history, once besieged during the early 90s Bosnian conflict and now beautifully restored.

A visit to Mostar allows tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture, explore the vibrant bazaar, and savor traditional Bosnian cuisine. While Mostar can be explored in a day, this guide invites you to delve deeper into its unique charm and historical significance.

Why You Should Book A Guided Tour Of Mostar

Many guided tours of Mostar from Dubrovnik also include stops at natural landmarks and popular villages like Blagaj and Počitelj and offer great value if you don’t have a car.

While you can also visit Mostar by bus, taking a guided tour offers a better insight into the culture and history of this scenic area. Although you can always explore Mostar on foot, you could miss out on many interesting facts from its history if you don’t have a guide.

1. Mostar And Kravice Waterfalls Small Group Tour

One of the most popular tours of Mostar from Dubrovnik combines a visit to a historic city with a stop at the 80-foot (25-meter) tall Kravice Waterfalls, a famous natural landmark in Bosnia.

The tour group starts in the morning with a pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel, and after that, you drive through Croatia and cross the Bosnia-Herzegovina border toward Kravice, your first stop.

Kravice waterfalls are a sight to behold at any time of the year, but if you visit in summer when water levels are lower, you can enjoy a short swim in the shallow pools. You’ll have 45 minutes to spend at the site.

The tour continues with a visit to Mostar, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Town, the famous ‘Stari Most’ (bridge), and other historic sites. You will also have some free time after the tour, so you can do some shopping and enjoy the lunch (at your own expense)

The tour provides a free entrance ticket to a Turkish house in Mostar, the most visited museum in this city. When booking a tour, you can choose from a small group, minibus (18 people), or coach (38 people).

Make sure you bring your passport, as you will have to cross the border between Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina.

What’s Included:

• English-speaking guide
• 
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• 
Local guide
• Free entrance to the Turkish house, a well-known landmark near the Mostar bridge.

What’s Not Included:

• Food and drinks
• The waterfall entrance fee is 10€ per person
• Gratuities

 

2. Mostar And Medjugorje Day Trip From Dubrovnik

This fun day trip from Dubrovnik to Bosnia includes several stops. First, you get to see the UNESCO-listed Počitelj, a picturesque village on the left bank of the Neretva River. It is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, including a fortress, mosques, and a clock tower.

The second stop of your tour is Medjugorje, a town where, in 1981, six children saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Medjugorje has become one of the most popular spots for Catholic pilgrimage in the world.

The last stop of the trip is Mostar, where you will have a guided tour of the city and its treasures like Stari Most (Old Bridge), a 16th-century Ottoman bridge spanning the Neretva River.

The bridge you see today was reconstructed in 2004 after it was destroyed in 1993 during the siege and has quickly become a symbol of Mostar. To get the best view of the city and the bridge, get on top of Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, which provides wonderful panoramic views.

What’s Included:

• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking driver
• Pickup and drop-off

What’s Not Included:

• Gratuities
• Food and drinks, unless specified

 

3. Mostar Day Trip From Dubrovnik

Enjoy the gorgeous countryside of the Balkan peninsula en route to Mostar on this day trip from Dubrovnik.

During the tour, you will have a chance to take a walk along the streets and visit the Old Bazaar alongside historical mosques like the 17th century Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque near Stari Most, where you can climb to the minaret for panoramic views of Mostar.

Another popular landmark is the War Photo Exhibition. Housed in a former sniper tower, this museum displays a powerful collection documenting the Bosnian War in Mostar.

As you walk around Mostar, you can still see bullet holes in many buildings, which offer a glimpse into the tragic events that unfolded a few decades ago.

What’s Included:

• Transportation
• Local guide
• Entrance fee to the Turkish house and mosque
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

What’s Not Included:

• Gratuities
• Food and drinks, unless specified otherwise

 

4. Private Tour To Mostar, Stolac, Pocitelj & Blagaj By Cruiser Taxi

If you are looking for a private trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar, book this adventure that involves Stolac, Počitelj, and Blagaj Tekke, also known as Blagaj Tekija, a historical Dervish monastery near the town of Blagaj, approximately 12 kilometers south of Mostar.

The tour will start between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. in Dubrovnik, where you will be picked up by a cruiser taxi.

The first stop will be Stolac, where you will have a quick tour of the Old Town, featuring medieval architecture, narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and old fortifications.

After that, you will visit Počitelj, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its scenic setting and historic architecture. The next stop will be Mostar, where you will explore the old town and visit the famous bridge.

As a part of your time in Mostar, a visit to Blagaj Tekke will be arranged. This beautiful monastery is located under a cliff near the town of Blagaj, marking the last stop of the tour. The monastery was built in the 16th century, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture in the country.

Since 1520, this Ottoman monastery has served as a place of contemplation for the Muslim Dervish fraternity. You can learn about the monastery’s residents’ mystical order and cultural importance on a visit here.

What’s Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Coffee and/or tea
• Private transportation
• Pickup and drop-off can be at different locations

What’s Not Included:

• Gratuities

 

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5. Mostar, Kravice Waterfalls And Blagaj Private Tour From Dubrovnik

If you don’t want to take a group tour, join a private day tour from Dubrovnik that will take you to the best places, including Mostar, Stari Most Bridge, Kravice Falls, and Blagaj.

Unlike group tours, which need to accommodate many people and can feel a bit rushed, a private tour will allow you to enjoy the undivided attention of your guide, who will show you the highlights and offer great details about the places you will visit.

You will also be able to spend more time at each landmark and have a more personal interaction with your guide.

After a guided tour, take some free time to explore the shops in Mostar and enjoy a traditional Bosnian lunch (at your own expense).

Mostar offers a variety of culinary experiences, blending Turkish, Mediterranean, and Balkan flavors. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bosnian dishes, such as cevapi, burek, and local sweets.

What’s Included:

• English-speaking driver/guide (other languages available upon request)
• Pickup and drop-off
• Walking tour in Mostar
• Transport by fully air-conditioned private vehicle
• Entrance fees to Kravice waterfalls
• Take a walking tour in Pocitelj, guided by English-speaking tour guides
• All fees and taxes visit to Blagaj

What’s Not Included:

• Gratuities

 

6. Private Tour Of Sarajevo From Dubrovnik With A Stop In Mostar

If you are up for a bigger adventure, book a tour of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, one of the most interesting cities in the Balkans that is often called “The Jerusalem of Europe” because of its cultural and religious diversity.

Sarajevo is also known because of the significant historical events that unfolded here. It was the place of the outbreak of World War I and also saw the longest siege in modern history, the tragic event that unfolded over a few years in the early 90’s.

After crossing the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will stop at the Franjo Tudjman Bridge and pass through historically important towns like Nuem, Počitelj, and Mostar before arriving in the Bosnian capital.

When you get to Sarajevo, you will have 3 hours of free time to discover the most important landmarks and memorials of the city, like Latin Bridge, Bascarsija Bazaar, and the Gazi Husref Beg Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the Balkans.

The tour also includes stops at Neum, Počitelj, and Mostar. You can also adjust the itinerary upon request.

What’s Included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private driver
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

What’s Not Included:

• Lunch
• Drinks
• Gratuities

 

7. Private Tour Of Mostar From Dubrovnik

See a different side of the Balkans with this entertaining and educational tour from Dubrovnik to Mostar. Make a quick stop in the stunning town of Pocitelj before arriving in Mostar, a town that combines the words most (bridge) and Star (old) in its name because of the beautiful and ancient bridge that spans the river here. This is one of the best tours if you are looking for a more curated experience and more flexibility, as your guide will be able to give you their full attention.

What’s Included:

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by private vehicle
• Bottled water

What’s Not Included:

• Lunch
• Gratuities
• Entrance Fees to Turkish House and Mosque

 

8. Private 2-Day Mostar, Pocitelj And Sarajevo Tour From Dubrovnik

Bosnia is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Balkans, and you need more time to see its top highlights. This fun 2-day tour from Dubrovnik includes stops in Mostar, Počitelj, and Sarajevo, some of the most interesting places in the country where you can enjoy your time without having to go back on the same day.

During the tour, you will stay in 3- and 5-star hotels and discover charming towns, such as UNESCO-listed Počitelj, along with one of the jewels of Bosnia, the old bridge in the city of Mostar, followed by Sarajevo.

This small group is limited to just 19 participants, which means you’ll get the most out of the tour and the guide.

What’s Included:

• A knowledgeable tour guide will be available for hours in Mostar & Sarajevo
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• One night of accommodation in central Sarajevo
• Lunch

What’s Not Included:

• Food and drinks, unless specified otherwise
• 

Gratuities

 

9. Semi-Private Tour Of Mostar And Kravice Waterfalls From Dubrovnik

Navigating the new country on your own could be challenging, especially for first-time visitors.

If you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time and want to explore neighboring Bosnia, join this top-rated semi-private tour of Mostar that also includes a stop at Kravice Waterfalls.

Your driver will pick you up from your Dubrovnik hotel, where you’ll then head out past the seaside villages of the Dubrovnik Riviera toward the Bosnian countryside before you will arrive in Mostar, where you will enjoy an education tour of the city and also have some free time to shop around, visit historic landmarks and enjoy traditional Bosnian dishes at one of the local restaurants.

You will also stop at the Kravice Waterfalls on your way back to Dubrovnik.

What’s Included:

• All taxes, fees, and handling charges
• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What’s Not Included:

• Food and drinks
• Gratuites
• Entrance ticket for waterfalls, 10 euro

Dubrovnik To Mostar Map

How To Get From Dubrovnik To Mostar

Dubrovnik To Mostar By Car Or Private Transfer

Mostar is about 2.5* hours away by car from Dubrovnik. There are three driving routes between Dubrovnik and Mostar.

• Dubrovnik via Tribinje, Stolac, and Buna to Mostar by M6 and M18roads
• From Dubrovnik via Metković to Mostar via M6 and D8 routes
• From Dubrovnik via Tribinje, Bileca, Stolac, and Buna to Mostar by R427 and M20. This route is the longest

If you’re like me and don’t want to worry about navigating a foreign land, and you did not find any day trip options you liked – take a private transfer, which is quite affordable. Prices start from 250 euros. This is a super-convenient way to spend a day in Mostar, as you can sleep all the way back.

Dubrovnik To Mostar Bus

The Dubrovnik to Mostar bus takes 3 and 3.5 hours* to reach this charming historic town. There are at least three buses a day serving this route. A one-way ticket costs 15 euros.

Outside of peak season, there’s rarely a need for advance bus reservations, although if you are in Dubrovnik anyway, you may as well buy your ticket early to guarantee your seat.

Local Tip: If you plan to take the bus from Dubrovnik to Mostar, grab a seat on the bus’s left side to see the spectacular landscape of Croatia and Southern Bosnia during your border crossing. When you travel from Mostar to Dubrovnik by bus, sit on the bus’s right side for the same impressive view.

Dubrovnik To Mostar By Train

No trains are connecting Dubrovnik and Mostar.

Crossing this border can be unpredictable, so travel times can vary significantly, especially during peak season. Before reaching Mostar, you must go through passport control, so don’t forget your passport at home or in the hotel – even if you plan to return on the same day.

Day Trip From Dubrovnik To Mostar – Recommend Self-Drive Stops

There’s nothing better than getting a rental car for the most freedom on your Dubrovnik to Mostar day trip. You can (and should!) stop at the following places on the way between those two famous cities.

Trebinje

Historic Trebinje is the southernmost town in Bosnia-Herzegovina, located on the banks of the scenic Trebisnjica River. The old town center dates from the 18^th-century Ottoman Empire period and is home to the beautiful Arslanagic Bridge, while many hills frame the town nicely.

It is the closest town in Bosnia-Herzegovina to Dubrovnik and is a great stopping point on a day trip to Mostar. Besides historic architecture, you can enjoy wine (some of the cheapest in Europe) at local wineries or even an old monastery.

They will often give you young cheese or olive oil produced locally to taste while you are there. Other top attractions include the fantastic 15^th-century Serbian Orthodox Tvrdoš Monastery, the Gracanica Church, and kayaking on the river.

Stolac

The next stop on a Dubrovnik to Mostar tour is Stolac, situated directly between both cities. This beautiful old city has a vibrant history, having been part of four empires (Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian) and three different kingdoms (Bosnian, Hungarian, and Yugoslav). Stolac is also a meeting point for the world’s three monotheistic religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

When visiting Stolac on a day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik, you can see this historical wealth and cultural diversity in the town’s striking architecture. The old town has beautiful historic buildings, while the Stolac Fortress is a collection of ruins home to a famous 4-meter-high cross.

Additionally, just three kilometers west of Stolac, you can visit a fantastic necropolis of so-called stećci, a vast collection of medieval tombstones that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Počitelj

Another must-visit destination when driving from Dubrovnik to Mostar is Počitelj. This gorgeous town is one of the greatest highlights of southern Bosnia-Herzegovina. It’s a fantastic place to visit for people who love history and culture.

This picturesque village sits on the left bank of the scenic Neretva River and dates from the Middle Ages. During its long and eventful history, Hungarian, Ottoman, and Venetian occupations were seen, all of which left behind architectural and other marks.

Nowadays, Počitelj is a welcoming and charming stone village worthy of at least an hour of your time. Many Mostar day trips from Dubrovnik are often combined with other nearby places like Blagaj and Stolac.

Attractions include the Kula, a silo-shaped fortress with the Sahat Kula bell tower, and the Hajji Alija Mosque. This town is so well-preserved it’s essentially a free open-air museum.

Blagaj

Travelers going on a Dubrovnik-Mostar day trip usually swing by Blagaj. One of the most popular tourist attractions in southeastern Herzegovina, Blagaj is a small and historical village town in the Buna River’s spring. At this spring, and in front of towering cliffs, stand a beautiful 16th-century “tekija,” a Dervish monastery.

Constructed with Ottoman and Mediterranean architectural elements, the Dervish monastery in Blagaj is a famous national monument in Bosnia-Herzegovina. You only need a couple of hours to explore this tranquil, almost magical riverside village, which makes it one of the best places to visit near Mostar. It’s super easy to involve it in a longer visit to Mostar.

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Recommended Mostar To Sarajevo Self-Drive Stops

We recommend swinging by these great points of interest if you’d like to continue your Balkan road trip from Mostar to Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital.

Konjic

The town of Konjic is a short drive north of Mostar and is well worth the time and effort, especially if you’re into history. After all, this is one of the oldest surviving towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its roots dating back 4,000 years. The town, in its present form, originated sometime in the late 14th century.

One of the main highlights of Konjic is its famous old bridge, called Stara Cuprija, which was constructed in 1682-1683. It is registered as a national monument in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a landmark of national importance.

Ark Tito’s Bunker

Also located in Konjic, the Armijska Ratna Komanda ARK D-0 is a Cold War-era nuclear bunker known more commonly as the Ark or Tito’s Bunker. It was built to protect Yugoslav President Josip Tito and his entourage if there were ever to be a nuclear attack.

Although Tito’s Bunker remained a national secret until after the Balkan War, it now serves as an excellent space for cultural and artistic exhibitions. It’s still part of a military facility to this day, but you can visit it on guided tours, which are one of the truly unique things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Jablanica

When you decide to extend your Dubrovnik to Mostar tour with a visit to Konjic, we also recommend driving over to nearby Jablanica. This popular tourist town is situated just west of Konjic; this popular tourist town features excellent hiking trails and amazing historical attractions, including two sites containing medieval stećci.

This is also where you’ll find the fascinating Museum of the Battle of the Wounded on the Neretva River, which commemorates and exhibits one of World War II’s most renowned battles.

What Jablanica is more famous for than anything else, however, is its fantastic food. This is the Balkan capital of roasted and grilled lamb, an unusual delicacy in the area. Don’t leave Jablanica without trying some slowly roasted lamb!

Final word

Mostar is one of the most exciting day trips from Dubrovnik that allows you to enjoy one of the most spectacular destinations in the Balkans and visit picturesque villages and natural landmarks in the Bosnian countryside. Although you can always take a bus or rent a car, joining a guided tour will help you save time on the road and planning required for a day trip.