Banja Luka is a beautiful city in the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in a very lush area, surrounded by forested hills. Its multicultural history is evident anywhere you look — Muslim mosques, Orthodox churches, and tokens of the Austro-Hungarian era co-exist in harmony, offering generous sightseeing opportunities, while the serene banks of the Vrbas River give way to pleasant breaks for tourists and locals alike.
When your flight lands at Banja Luka International Airport (BNX), you have two options to reach the city centre: a taxi or a bus. An airport taxi or private car takes 30 minutes to cover the distance. The bus, on the other hand, will transfer you to the downtown area in about 35-40 minutes.
2 options to go from Banja Luka Airport to city center
The airport bus line also works the other way around, from the city to BNX. Departures are set to reach the airport about an hour and a half before scheduled flights, and buses leave from the old bus station (Stara Autobuska) in the town centre.
The norm is paying for your taxi in the local Bosnian currency (BAM), but taxis accepting euros are not a rarity, either. Ask your driver before taking a cab to ensure you are able to pay.
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How to get from Banja Luka airport to the city centre by taxi
Airport taxis or private transfers are the fastest and most convenient way from Banja Luka Airport to the city. Cabs are always available at BNX when incoming flights touch the ground, and they come in various sizes to accommodate any travel group.
How much is a taxi from Banja Luka Airport to the city?
Local taxis in Banja Luka are metered, so they don’t offer fixed fares. Each ride’s final cost depends on the duration of the transfer and traffic conditions. Nevertheless, in most cases, you can expect to pay around €20 (BAM 40) plus any extra charges.
Where do I get a taxi from?
The taxi rank at Banja Luka Airport is located outside the arrivals terminal. As soon as you get your luggage and go through customs, exit the building, and you’ll see the line right in front of you. Walk to the one at the front, state your final destination to the driver and board the vehicle for your transfer to begin.
Convenience
A taxi or private transfer equals personalised service and drop-off at the doorstep of your accommodation, without having to roam around in a new city to find your way or locate the exact address. Plus, you’ll settle into your vehicle instantly, with zero hassle, and you won’t have to wait in line with strangers to board a bus.
Useful Tips
Tips are not required, but they’re always appreciated.
An increasing number of taxis in Banja Luka accept payments by card. It depends on the operator.
Don’t presume that your taxi driver will speak perfect English. To avoid the language barrier, it would be good to have the address of your destination in writing.
How to get from Banja Luka Airport to the city by bus
There is one bus line connecting Banja Luka Airport with the city centre. It is operated by a carrier called Smiljić, and daily departures are set based on the arrival times of scheduled flights. So, when your plane lands at BNX, a Smiljić shuttle bus will be waiting to welcome passengers.
What’s the cost of a ticket for the bus from Banja Luka airport to the city centre?
One-way tickets for the Smiljić bus are €5 (BAM 10). If you want, you can also buy the return ticket in advance for the total price of €10 (BAM 20).
Cost
€5
Trip Duration
35 Min.
Buses depart few times per day depending on flight arrivals.
Convenience
Safety
Value for money
Buses leave about 30 minutes after flight arrivals. If baggage claim and customs take a bit longer than expected, the bus might get going later than the scheduled departure.
Where do I get the bus from?
The shared shuttle buses leave from in front of the Arrivals Hall. They’re usually black and gold, with the word Smiljić written in red letters at the front and on the sides. Banja Luka Airport is relatively small, and the terminal’s outdoor area is not large, so buses should be relatively easy to find.
Convenience
Smiljić buses are a very convenient option to get from Banja Luka Airport to the city if you’re not in a terrible rush upon touchdown. They’re spacious, with plenty of storage room for luggage underneath the coach section. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a ticket and may need to wait in line for the shared bus.
Useful Tips
You can buy your ticket online in advance or with the driver when boarding.
Buses go directly to a specific location in the city centre. However, if you ask your driver, they might be able to drop you off at another spot along the way.
Purchased tickets are valid for any departure on that particular day if you miss a specific bus.
If you need further information, you can call Smiljić at +387 (65) 171 629 or +387 (51) 211 889.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Banja Luka Airport from the city centre of Banja Luka?
The airport is 24 km northeast of Banja Luka city centre. If you use a taxi or a private transfer, the ride takes approximately 30 minutes. With the shuttle bus, the journey is slightly longer, at 35-40 minutes excluding departure wait time.
How do I get from Banja Luka Airport to the city centre?
Travellers who have just arrived at Banja Luka Airport have two available options to reach the downtown area: a taxi/private transfer or the bus. Both taxis and buses are readily available when scheduled flights arrive. You can choose which mode of transportation you’d prefer depending on your budget and desired convenience.
What’s the cost of a taxi from Banja Luka Airport to the city?
Taxis from Banja Luka Airport to the city centre are metered. The average cab ride cost in this itinerary is €20 (BAM 40) before any surcharges.
If you’re looking for ultimate convenience, fully personalised service, and a competitive flat rate with no hidden costs that can be arranged in less than a minute, you could consider pre-booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Airport taxis or private transfers are the fastest and most convenient way from Banja Luka Airport to the city. Cabs are always available at BNX when incoming flights touch the ground, and they come in various sizes to accommodate any travel group.
How much is a taxi from Banja Luka Airport to the city?
Local taxis in Banja Luka are metered, so they don’t offer fixed fares. Each ride’s final cost depends on the duration of the transfer and traffic conditions. Nevertheless, in most cases, you can expect to pay around €20 (BAM 40) plus any extra charges.
Where do I get a taxi from?
The taxi rank at Banja Luka Airport is located outside the arrivals terminal. As soon as you get your luggage and go through customs, exit the building, and you’ll see the line right in front of you. Walk to the one at the front, state your final destination to the driver and board the vehicle for your transfer to begin.
Convenience
A taxi or private transfer equals personalised service and drop-off at the doorstep of your accommodation, without having to roam around in a new city to find your way or locate the exact address. Plus, you’ll settle into your vehicle instantly, with zero hassle, and you won’t have to wait in line with strangers to board a bus.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThere is one bus line connecting Banja Luka Airport with the city centre. It is operated by a carrier called Smiljić, and daily departures are set based on the arrival times of scheduled flights. So, when your plane lands at BNX, a Smiljić shuttle bus will be waiting to welcome passengers.
What’s the cost of a ticket for the bus from Banja Luka airport to the city centre?
One-way tickets for the Smiljić bus are €5 (BAM 10). If you want, you can also buy the return ticket in advance for the total price of €10 (BAM 20).
Buses leave about 30 minutes after flight arrivals. If baggage claim and customs take a bit longer than expected, the bus might get going later than the scheduled departure.
Where do I get the bus from?
The shared shuttle buses leave from in front of the Arrivals Hall. They’re usually black and gold, with the word Smiljić written in red letters at the front and on the sides. Banja Luka Airport is relatively small, and the terminal’s outdoor area is not large, so buses should be relatively easy to find.
Convenience
Smiljić buses are a very convenient option to get from Banja Luka Airport to the city if you’re not in a terrible rush upon touchdown. They’re spacious, with plenty of storage room for luggage underneath the coach section. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a ticket and may need to wait in line for the shared bus.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How far is Banja Luka Airport from the city centre of Banja Luka?
The airport is 24 km northeast of Banja Luka city centre. If you use a taxi or a private transfer, the ride takes approximately 30 minutes. With the shuttle bus, the journey is slightly longer, at 35-40 minutes excluding departure wait time.
How do I get from Banja Luka Airport to the city centre?
Travellers who have just arrived at Banja Luka Airport have two available options to reach the downtown area: a taxi/private transfer or the bus. Both taxis and buses are readily available when scheduled flights arrive. You can choose which mode of transportation you’d prefer depending on your budget and desired convenience.
What’s the cost of a taxi from Banja Luka Airport to the city?
Taxis from Banja Luka Airport to the city centre are metered. The average cab ride cost in this itinerary is €20 (BAM 40) before any surcharges.
If you’re looking for ultimate convenience, fully personalised service, and a competitive flat rate with no hidden costs that can be arranged in less than a minute, you could consider pre-booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.
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