Looking for Your Definitive Balkan Transit Guide (w/ tips for using it with kids)?

Balkans Transit Guide: From Adriatic Views to Mountain Crossings

Exploring the Balkans by public transport is a serious trek, but one that you will not soon forget. The region's geography and "diverse" infrastructure mean you’ll find everything from sleek ferries to dusty bus rides—all part of the adventure.

Special Considerations for Parents

• Strollers: Many buses have undercarriage storage, but city streets can be rugged.

• Baby Wearing: Helpful in historic towns with narrow alleys and cobbled paths.

• Car Seats: Bring your own for rental cars; rarely provided or required by law.

• Long Rides: Bring snacks, water, and entertainment—facilities are limited on older buses.

  
  

Key Countries Covered

• Croatia

• Montenegro

• Albania

• Bosnia & Herzegovina

• North Macedonia

• Serbia

Intercity Transit Options

Mode	Countries/Common Routes	Notes
Buses	All countries	Most common and reliable option. Book through local stations or FlixBus.
Trains	Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, parts of Croatia	Sparse routes; scenic but slower and sometimes poorly maintained.
Ferries	Croatia, Montenegro	Great along the Adriatic coast. Jadrolinija is Croatia’s main operator.
Car Rental	All countries	Offers flexibility but be aware of border rules and vignette systems.

Adriatic Coast Travel (Croatia & Montenegro)

• Ferries: Coastal towns and islands are linked by ferry (Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Kotor). In summer, lines are frequent and scenic.

• Buses: Inexpensive and plentiful. Try Dubrovnik–Kotor (~€20 / ~$22). Book early in summer.

• No rail service exists between Dubrovnik and Montenegro.

Sample Transit Prices (2025)

Route	Mode	EUR Price	USD Price (approx.)	Time
Split → Dubrovnik	Bus	€18–€25	$19–$27	~4.5 hr
Dubrovnik → Kotor	Bus	€20	~$22	~2 hr
Tirana → Skopje	Bus	€25–€30	~$27–$32	~8 hr
Belgrade → Sarajevo	Bus/Train	€25–€35	~$27–$38	~6–8 hr
Zagreb → Split	Train	€20–€30	~$22–$32	~6 hr

Ticketing & Tips

• Bus tickets are often bought at stations. Online booking is available via:

  • GetByBus

  • FlixBus

• Trains require in-person purchase in many countries.

• Ferries: https://www.jadrolinija.hr for Croatian routes.

Useful Apps & Maps

• Rome2Rio: Route comparisons and mixed transit options

• Moovit: Urban transit where available

• Google Maps: Excellent for intercity planning and walking routes

• FlixBus: Android | Apple

  
  

Travel Like a Local

• Locals rely on buses, so tickets can sell out—reserve ahead in high season.

• Border crossings may involve delays; always carry passports and confirm visa rules.

• Ferry routes may change with weather—double-check before departing for ports.

• Bus stations range from huge and official to a random parking lot in the middle of nowhere. You just sort of have to feel it out and/or get a sense of the route via internet forums. Don't be afraid to ask people. If you speak the name of your destination and look perplexed, they'll usually point you in the right direction.

WS&T Family Tip: We recommend combining coastal bus travel with a ferry or two for a kid-friendly mix of transport. The ferry from Split to Hvar or Dubrovnik to Kotor offers both ocean breezes and fewer motion complaints than winding mountain roads. Be sure to schedule around the infamous "bora", a wind off the Adriatic that abruptly cancels ferries.

While subject to change due to construction, schedule and route issues, we do our best to keep the Balkan transit guide (with kids) up to date. Let us know if you see something that needs revision, or notice any glaring issues with our memory of the regional system.