Sarajevo to Mostar by train or bus
 

Many people recommend the bus as being more comfortable than the train. I find that hard to believe because there is much more space on the train than the bus -- I think.

I'll be doing this in mid to late September of 2016 so am I correct that the train shouldn't be too full? It would be nice to be able to move from one side of the train car to the other to take pictures.

I believe the river will be on the left side facing the front of the train in this direction. Is that correct and would the better views be on the left side?

The early morning departure time is not a problem for us.

We took the early morning train in October 2012 and it was not crowded, although there were some people commuting at the beginning. It also wasn't especially comfortable--old cars. It was a beautiful trip and exciting to train buffs like my husband who are impressed by the many tunnels and other engineering feats.

The river is on the left during the train ride.

I have also taken the trip in a car w/ someone else driving and it is scenic that way, too, so I think the bus would be ok.

I would love to have taken the train, but I drove instead (Mostar to Sarajevo). However, I am glad I was able to stop many times to take pictures (also stopped in Konjic - beautiful old stone bridge there).

Yes, going from Sarajevo, the river is on the left. It is very beautiful drive/ride along the river no matter how you do it.

I also took the train and agree that the river was generally (always?) on the left when facing forward. I don't remember the train being particularly uncomfortable, although "comfort" is not a word that jumps immediately to mind. FWIW, note that one can often move from side to side on buses, too -- but I can't say if one can on the bus that travels THAT route.

I guess the old train cars do not have air conditioning. But since it will be early in the day in mid to late September, air conditioning should not be required.

I'd guess that the windows open and this might be a benefit since I understand no smoking signs only function as a decoration! Hopefully we are not taking about the mini sliding ventilation panels I seem to remember from years ago on an event then old English train car.

I'd think there would be minimal ventilation on a bus as their windows are most likely sealed and the driver not thinking it necessary to have the ventilation fan on unless it is really needed for heating or cooling.

Thoughts?

I've driven this route and taken the bus.

Travelling from Sarajevo to Mostar the river will be on the right after Jablanica.

The buses are modern coaches, there is definitely no smoking. There is a stop around half-way (Can't remember exactly where, for a 10-15 minute coffee/cigarette/toilet break.

In fact if you sit of the left side of the coach when you start off, you get the best of the mountain views, then change seats after the coffee break to the right side of the coach, and you'll then get the best river views.

(The train line is on the opposite side of the river.)

Thanks so much about the info of no smoking on the bus and that there is a toilet/smoke break. Since there is no smoking, there certainly will be a break where one can go to the toilet. Finally, there is a benefit for having chain smokers! :) sorry

I was concerned about a costal bus schedule from Dubrovnic to Split only listing two stops as being at bus stations and only one of them listing even 7 minutes between arrival and departure! I shouldn't have worried.

Julia,
I'm so happy to find someone who has taken the bus! How do you find out the bus schedules/prices, etc.? Sorry, I'm just starting to research this trip for next April. Thanks.

Just google it!

https://getbybus.com/en/bus-sarajevo-to-mostar-east

Scroll down to find the departure times here...
http://www.autobusni-kolodvor.com/en...px?k=173&d=070

Thank you! As I said, I'm just getting started and expect to post again with questions. We don't want to rent a car so it's great to learn about the bus.

We loved the train trip and did it in September - windows opened . Also smoking on board even though banned happens - .

The train is lovely, a really memorable part of our trip through Bosina In February this year.

The train was old, but old classic, wooden panels and large old comfy seats. There are two different parts to the train carriage, chairs around a table in an open area, or individual cabins.

It's really easy to move around the train and hop from side to side as the views change.

People do smoke but only in the sections between the carriages and the windows can be opened, I really do not like it when people smoke in public places, but I didn't find this to be too uncomfortable during our journey.

I definitely recommend traveling by shuttle bus, preferably with Shuttle Kor - http://www.shuttlekor.com/

My friend have a good experience with them.