Banja Luka Travel Forum

I'm flying to Zagreb next week en route to Banja Luka. Arrive mid afternoon and need to get to Banja Luka to stay with a friend... but don't have a clue how to get there! Some postings seem to imply that trains (my usual option) are not ideal and that coaches are best for this journey. Can anyone advise? Can I travel direct from Zagreb airport or would I need to venture into town first to catch a train/bus? Any help would be appreciated as this will be my first time to either city... Thanks

Sorry you didn't get a reply, but as you are still around, maybe this will help for another time, or it might help someone else.

Buses are the best option. There are several a day, details available in English at http://www.akz.hr/En.htm (which has become an excellent website at last).

Get your tickets on the station. They can't usually be bought on the bus. (An information counter at the end of the ticket counters will confirm times and advise which ticket counter to use.) As usual when travelling in former Yugoslavia you will need small change in local currency - Croatian kunas and Bosnian marks (KM) are OK - to pay for any luggage that has to go in the cargo hold. And make sure you hold on to your luggage receipt. If your bag is selected for a spot check at the border, it will be identified by the receipt number and you will need to get off the bus to observe.

There is one train a day. departing Zagreb 0900. It crosses the border at Bosanski Novi. It's a slow ride - it can take 4.5 hours - but if you've got the time, it's a pleasant and relaxing way to do the journey. A good chance to try getting into conversation with people from one country or the other - especially if they, or you, happen to have a bottle of rakija to hand.

Last detail: the train and bus stations in Banja Luka are beside each other, a good walk (or bus ride) from the town centre - 2-3 km.

Best - Peter