Butmir Sarajevo Layover Guide (SJJ)

What are you looking for in SJJ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Butmir Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) is an international airport located in the suburb of Butmir, about 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown Sarajevo. The airport officially opened in 1969. Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. The city is famous for its scenic mountains, historical landmarks, and a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences in its architecture and lifestyle.

Can you leave Butmir Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During brief layovers at Sarajevo Airport (SJJ), you may exit the terminal and explore the local area if you hold a valid onward boarding pass and satisfy Bosnia and Herzegovina entry rules. Citizens of visa‐exempt countries may stay visa‐free for up to 90 days; others must secure a visa. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Sarajevo Tunnel Museum Delve into the 1425-day Siege of Sarajevo by walking through a preserved 20 m section of the original 800 m lifeline tunnel and viewing wartime films, photos and artifacts. (Time required: 1 h / Airport to here: 5 min taxi or 30 min via trolleybus 103 and bus 32; official site)
• Ilidža Thermal Riviera Relax in indoor and outdoor thermal pools, enjoy steam rooms and a tropical garden restaurant at this sprawling spa complex surrounded by pine forests. (Time required: 2 h / Airport to here: 10 min taxi or 30 min via trolleybus 103) official site
• Vrelo Bosne Wander horse-drawn carriages or stroll along tree-lined promenades to the springs of the Bosna river amid lush bank islands and rustic bridges. (Time required: 1.5 h / Airport to here: 15 min taxi or 35 min via trolleybus 103) official site
• Baščaršija Old Bazaar Explore Sarajevo’s 15th-century Ottoman bazaar packed with artisan shops, cafés and the iconic Sebilj fountain at its heart. (Time required: 1 h / Airport to here: 20 min taxi or 35 min via bus 610 to city centre)
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque Admire the 1530 Ottoman architecture and serene courtyard of Sarajevo’s principal mosque, a centre of cultural heritage and prayer. (Time required: 45 min / Airport to here: 20 min taxi or 35 min via bus 103) official site
• Yellow Fortress Hike up to this 18th-century cannon fortress for panoramic city views and a daily sunset cannon salute during Ramadan. (Time required: 1 h / Airport to here: 15 min taxi or 40 min via bus 22 and walk) official site
• Trebević Cable Car Ride a modern gondola to Mount Trebević in 8 min for hiking trails, picnic spots and sweeping vistas over Sarajevo. (Time required: 2 h / Airport to here: 20 min taxi to Bistrik station or 45 min via bus 103 and walk) official site
• Latin Bridge Stand on the Ottoman-era stone bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, marking the start of WWI. (Time required: 30 min / Airport to here: 20 min taxi or 35 min via trolleybus 103; pedestrian access) official site

Things to Do in Butmir Sarajevo Airport (SJJ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
SJJ offers a modern business lounge past security for Priority Pass, Diners Club, DragonPass and Mastercard Gold holders, plus airline elite members. Amenities include comfortable seating, snacks, hot and cold drinks, Wi-Fi and newspapers. Non-members can purchase walk-in access for 50 BAM. Hours follow flight schedules. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within one kilometer of SJJ, Hotel Almanas, Orange Hotel and Hotel Great Wall provide comfortable rooms from €67 with airport shuttle, free parking, 24-hour reception, on-site dining and Wi-Fi. Ideal for late arrivals or early departures, these properties ensure restful stays just minutes from the terminal. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Sarajevo Airport has no dedicated rest zones, sleeping pods or cots. Terminals operate 04:00–00:00, with standard seating near gates. Overnight travelers may use benches or floor space but should bring earplugs and an eye mask. For guaranteed rest, consider nearby hotels.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (“Sarajevo Airport Free Wi-Fi”) covers all public areas. Initial sessions last 15 minutes courtesy of Sberbank BH; repeat access may require re-authentication. Speeds suit emails and light browsing. No password needed—connect and accept terms to start.

SIM/eSIM Card: An on-site BH Telecom kiosk sells prepaid SIMs for 10 BAM with immediate activation. eSIM options aren’t available at the airport; for eSIM plans, prepare ahead of travel or visit BH Telecom, Eronet or m:tel stores in the city. Bring a valid ID and an unlocked device. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Butmir Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi stands just outside arrivals. Fares to central Sarajevo run €15–19, about a 9-minute ride. Meters are used; confirm price before boarding. To skip the queue, call Sarajevo Taxi at +387 33 660 666 or book a private transfer in advance.

Train: SJJ lacks on-site rail service. To reach Sarajevo Railway Station (11 km away), take GRAS tram line 103 from the airport stop, then walk or taxi the final kilometer. For schedules and route maps, visit the GRAS transport website. (more info)

Bus: Outside arrivals, Centrotrans Eurolines buses depart every 30–60 minutes to Baščaršija City Center. Tickets cost €2.50 one-way; journey lasts about 35 minutes. Buses offer onboard Wi-Fi. Purchase at kiosk or from the driver. (more info)

Shuttle: No official airport shuttle service, but nearby hotels like Hotel Almanas and Orange Hotel provide free transfers for guests. Shared minibuses to downtown operate at set times for about €5 per person. Pre-booking through your hotel or a transfer company is recommended.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in the arrivals hall, offering daily and hourly rates, one-way options and insurance packages. Requirements include a valid driver’s license and credit card. Vehicles can be booked online for fastest pick-up. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Two lots serve SJJ: P1 short-term (first 30 minutes free, then ~€1/hour) and P2 long-term (€8/day). Both are fenced, lit and monitored, with EV charging stations. Payment via card or cash at self-service machines; follow terminal signage to each lot.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No luggage storage or locker facilities are available at the airport. Travelers needing secure baggage hold can use services at Sarajevo’s central bus or train stations, or arrange hotel luggage storage in the city for layovers. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Butmir Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks