Split sits on the Dalmatian coast 160 km west of Mostar, separated by the Dinaric mountain range and one or two border crossings depending on route. It's a popular day-trip origin for Kravica and Mostar, but the logistics are trickier than most travellers expect. Four realistic transport options exist — each with clear pros and cons.
The routes (why this matters)
Two different roads connect Split and Mostar. The longer coastal route runs south via the Makarska Riviera and enters Bosnia at Neum (the same 9 km Bosnian coastal strip used by Dubrovnik traffic), then continues inland — about 180 km, one border crossing. The shorter inland route cuts directly east over the mountains via Imotski and enters Bosnia at the smaller Gorica or Bijača border — about 160 km, one border crossing, but slower on mountain roads. Most buses and tours use the coastal route; rental cars can pick either.
Total driving time is 3 to 3.5 hours one way in either case (under 3 hours is unrealistic unless you're the only car on the road).
1. Public bus — cheapest, least flexible
Daily scheduled buses run from Split main bus terminal to Mostar. Operators include Globtour, Autotrans, and several Bosnian companies. Fare is €18–28 one-way; duration is 3.5–4.5 hours depending on border queue times. Typical schedule: 2–3 departures per day in peak season.
Pros: cheapest option. Scheduled. No driving stress. Cons: limited daily departures. Last returning bus is often mid-afternoon — doesn't work for a Mostar day trip unless you commit to an overnight. No stops for photos or sightseeing. Kravica not directly served.
Works for: budget travellers staying overnight in Mostar, backpackers with flexible timing.
2. Rental car — most flexibility, good for Kravica add-on
Rent a car in Split (major companies operate at airport and city office), drive yourself. €35–60/day plus €12–18 fuel for the round trip. The inland route via Imotski is scenic and slightly shorter; the coastal route via Makarska is slightly longer but easier driving.
Border requirements: passport (EU ID card works for EU citizens), rental agreement, and Green Card insurance. Most rental agencies provide the Green Card on request; confirm at pickup because without it you can be turned back at the border.
Pros: stop anywhere (Omiš, Makarska, Imotski are all worthwhile). Kravica adds 45 minutes each way from Mostar — entirely doable as a same-day side trip. Flexible schedule. Cons: parking in Mostar old town is pay-and-display. First-timers find the border crossing mildly stressful but it's straightforward (show passport, answer one question, done).
Works for: confident drivers, couples wanting to extend with Kravica, travellers planning multiple stops on the Dalmatian coast.
3. Organised day tour — our recommendation for Kravica+Mostar combined
Day tours from Split combining Mostar + Kravica (often with Počitelj added) are widely available. Typical price €75–95 per person. Pickup from hotel or a central meeting point, 11–12 hours round trip, border paperwork handled, guide narrates history and route.
Pros: zero logistics. Border crossing handled. 2 hours swimming at Kravica plus 2.5 hours in Mostar without planning anything yourself. Per-person cost matches 3-person rental split but with no parking hassle or driving fatigue. Cons: 11 hours is a long day. Fixed schedule. If you want more time in one spot, private is better.
Works for: most first-time visitors, cruise passengers, solo travellers, couples who'd rather not drive.
Our Split day tour departs at 06:30, combines Kravica + Mostar + Počitelj, and returns by 18:30.
4. Private transfer — flexible, point-to-point, expensive
Book a private driver. Typical one-way transfer: €200–280. Return transfer with Mostar waiting: €350–450. Door-to-door with luggage.
Pros: no border queuing stress. Flexible timing. Useful if you're moving from Split to Mostar as part of a longer Balkans itinerary (not day-tripping back). Cons: expensive per person unless you're a group of 4. Doesn't include any guiding.
Works for: families of 4+, travellers relocating from Split to Mostar with luggage, groups with strict timing.
Is there a train?
No. There is no direct rail connection between Split and Mostar. The Bosnian rail network reaches Mostar only from the north (Sarajevo–Mostar–Čapljina line) and there's no cross-border service from Croatia.
Cruise passenger timing
If you're on a cruise docking in Split, confirm your back-on-board time before booking any day trip. Most ships want you back by 17:00–18:00. A standard day tour returns around 18:30, which is too late for many cruise schedules. Either book a private tour with an earlier return (most operators can accommodate 16:30 drop-off on request) or skip Mostar for a closer option.
One-way drop-off option
Some operators offer a free one-way drop in Mostar instead of Split return — useful if you're continuing south to Dubrovnik or inland to Sarajevo. Confirm availability when booking.
Which is best?
- Budget, staying overnight in Mostar: bus - First-time Kravica+Mostar day trip: organised tour - Flexibility, photography, multiple stops: rental car - Luggage transfer or group of 4+: private transfer
Connection to Kravica specifically
The bus and train don't serve Kravica directly from Split. Rental car adds 45 minutes each way from Mostar — entirely manageable. Organised day tours include Kravica as a core stop. Private transfers can be instructed to add Kravica (will cost €50–80 more).
Border-crossing practical notes
- Passport always required (EU ID card accepted for EU citizens from 2024). - Green Card insurance required if driving a rental — most agencies include it. - Border queues are typically 10–30 minutes; can reach 90 minutes on peak summer weekends. - Schengen entry/exit stamps: your passport will be stamped entering Bosnia, stamped again returning to Croatia. Doesn't affect your 90-day Schengen allowance (the Bosnia time doesn't count as Schengen time).
For our Split day tour with pickup, Kravica, Počitelj, Mostar and return, see From Split: Kravica and Mostar day trip.
Photos from this route
