How to get there
How to Fly to Sarajevo from the US and Canada: Routes, Airlines, and Travel Tips
Updated Tue, Nov 11, 2025
No direct flights exist from North America to Sarajevo. But you can connect through European hubs like Frankfurt, Vienna, or Munich for the 12-16 hour journey.
Overview
Ease of getting there
Reaching Sarajevo from North America requires connecting through major European hubs since no direct flights exist. Most travelers fly through Frankfurt, Vienna, Munich, or Istanbul with airlines like Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. The journey typically takes 12-16 hours including layovers. Sarajevo International Airport sits just 12 kilometers from the city center, making ground transportation quick and affordable. US and Canadian citizens need only a valid passport for stays up to 90 days. The airport processes international arrivals efficiently, though peak summer months can create longer wait times at immigration.
Customs and immigration
Bosnia uses traditional passport control without digital systems. EU and US passport holders typically clear immigration within 10-15 minutes during normal periods. Summer peak times can extend waits to 30 minutes. Customs rarely conducts detailed searches for tourists. Officers usually speak basic English. No arrival forms required for short-term visitors. Duty-free allowances follow standard European guidelines for tobacco, alcohol, and personal items.
Flights from the US / Canada
Major US cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami offer connections to Sarajevo through European hubs. Canadian travelers from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal connect similarly. Lufthansa operates frequent service through Frankfurt and Munich. Austrian Airlines connects via Vienna. Turkish Airlines routes through Istanbul. Most connections require 2-6 hour layovers. Summer months offer more frequent connections with some seasonal routes available.
From airport to city center
Sarajevo International Airport connects to downtown via multiple transport options. Airport buses run every 30 minutes to the main bus station for about 2 BAM. Taxis cost 15-25 BAM for the 20-minute ride to city center. Rental cars are available from major international companies. Some hotels offer shuttle services. The airport trolleybus provides budget transport to Ilidza district where travelers can transfer to city trams.
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