The train is heading to the sea again: The Sarajevo line opens Tickets - see ticket prices, discounts and new timetables

The long-awaited return of the Sarajevo-Ploče train service has officially commenced, marking a significant milestone in regional transportation within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Starting on Friday, June 26, the seasonal international route between Sarajevo and Ploče will operate throughout the summer season, running until August 30, 2026. This service will be available exclusively on weekends—Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—offering travelers a convenient and scenic way to reach the Adriatic coast without the usual traffic congestion associated with road travel.

The journey from Sarajevo to Ploče takes approximately three hours and twenty minutes, making it an attractive option for those seeking a relaxed weekend getaway. The train departs Sarajevo’s main station at 7:15 AM and returns from Ploče at 6:26 PM. These timings allow passengers ample time to enjoy their coastal destination while ensuring they can return home comfortably before nightfall.

Ticket prices have been set at 29.30 KM for a one-way trip and 48.30 KM for a round-trip ticket. Special discounts are available for certain categories of travelers. Children under four years old ride free, while children aged four to twelve receive a 50 percent discount. Additionally, visually impaired individuals and their companions also qualify for this reduced fare. A 30 percent discount applies to students, journalists, pensioners, and groups of six or more passengers. These pricing strategies aim to make the service accessible to a wide range of travelers, including families and organized tour groups.

It is important to note that tickets for the Sarajevo-Ploče route cannot be purchased online. Travelers must buy them directly at the ticket counters located at the stations. This requirement ensures that all passengers have access to necessary information and assistance prior to departure, particularly given the specific nature of the service and its limited operating days.

In addition to the new service, there have been adjustments to the existing domestic rail schedule on the Čapljina-Sarajevo route. Due to the introduction of the seasonal international service, the afternoon train departing from Čapljina on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays has had its departure times modified. The revised schedule includes later departures from several stops along the route, with the final stop at Hadžići now scheduled for 20:45, which appears to correct a previously noted technical error in the initial announcement.

On other days of the week, from Monday to Thursday, the afternoon train from Čapljina continues to follow its regular timetable, departing at 4:42 PM as usual. These changes ensure that the new international service does not disrupt the existing domestic operations but instead complements them by offering additional flexibility for weekend travelers.

The reintroduction of the Sarajevo-Ploče train service reflects broader efforts to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the region. By providing an alternative to road travel, the railway aims to reduce pressure on local highways and offer a more sustainable mode of transport. This initiative aligns with ongoing discussions about improving infrastructure and encouraging eco-friendly travel options in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As the summer season approaches, anticipation is growing among residents and visitors alike. With clear schedules, affordable fares, and special concessions for various traveler categories, the service promises to be a valuable addition to the regional transport network. It remains to be seen how frequently the service will be utilized and whether further expansions or modifications might be considered in future seasons based on demand and feedback from users.