"Taking the train -1" Mostar Transportation Tip by TheWanderingCamel

Coming from Sarajevo to Mostar, the train is a fantastic option, a two and a half hour journey through spectacular scenery. Leaving dead on time at 6.45am from Sarajevo station, you'll arrive in Mostar at 9.15am - the whole day ahead of you to explore the town. There is also a train in the late afternoon - if you're catching that one and you have booked accommodation in Mostar, you might want to arrange for someone to meet you at the station.

We took the morning train, rolling out of Sarajevo in the pre-dawn light, the sun only cresting over the mountains behind us when we were quite some way on our journey. The light on the autumn leaves of the mountainside trees was magical. Crossing the mountains via a seemingly endless series of switchbacks, viaducts and tunnels was stunning. Once down from the mountains we travelled the length of the Neretva Gorge, stopping briefly at small stations to pick up workers as we approached Mostar.

Trains are great for the freedom they give you to move around, look back at where you've come from (with all those switchbacks, the views back were as good as those looking forward) and, on such an empty train, spread yourself around. All told, the journey took no longer than the bus would have done and was much more comfortable I'm sure.

Practicalities: The fare was 21.90KM. We went to the station the day before we left and bought our tickets, just to suss the place out and allow an extra five minutes in bed in the morning.

Bring cold drinks and food with you. Coffee (thick, black and Bosnian) was available

All the carriages had clean and functioning toilets.

2012 is set to see a spanking new, Talgo-type train on this route. "Spring" is the hoped-for time of completion, but I don't know that I'd make any definite plans just yet. Meantime, the line is closed as the necessary engineering work is completed before this new rolling stock can begin to run.

Mode: TO
Type: Train
Website: http://www.zfbh.ba/