Banja Luka Airport is the primary airport in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, located approximately 24 km north of the city, the administrative capital of Republika Srpska, one of the two entities making up the country.
It is a small airport with a limited number of regular international connections.
How to get to Banja Luka International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BNX
Parking near Banja Luka International Airport
Not far from the terminal is a small parking area.
It is not supervised; rates are generally modest, consistent with the airport's limited traffic.
How to get to Banja Luka from BNX
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Banja Luka International Airport
Some local car rental operators are present in the arrivals area.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. EU citizens can generally use their national license; for others, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also recommended.
Hotels near Banja Luka International Airport
Kastel and the centre
About 20-30 minutes by taxi from Mahovljani airport (23 km, 40-50 KM); the only minibus of the day leaves at 13:30 from the bus station, not from the terminal, for 10 KM.
Best for: For anyone who wants Kastel fortress, the banks of the Vrbas and the restaurants of the centre within walking distance of the room.
- Kastel fortress, the Vrbas riverside and the shopping streets within walking distance
- A recently opened international chain hotel, with a more consistent standard than the rest of the city
- No regular public transport to the airport: a taxi almost always has to be booked
- Fairly high taxi fare for the distance, about 40-50 KM per ride
Recommended hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott Banja Luka Opened in 2019 on Prvog Krajiškog Korpusa 33, across 10 floors and 118 rooms, close to the Vrbas river and the National Theatre; gym open 24 hours. View availability
- Aleja Dua One-bedroom apartment within 2 km of Kastel fortress, kitchen equipped with dishwasher and oven, free use of bicycles; airport shuttle available for a fee. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is compact: from check-in to gate takes generally 5–10 minutes on foot.
Security screening usually moves quickly, but arriving 2 hours early remains the safest choice.
Map of Banja Luka International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is the Cyrillic alphabet used in Banja Luka?
Yes, unlike Sarajevo and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Republika Srpska, of which Banja Luka is the capital, the Cyrillic alphabet prevails on signs; the Latin alphabet is nonetheless understood and used by practically everyone.
Q. Is Banja Luka directly connected to many countries?
International connections are limited compared to Sarajevo: always check up-to-date schedules, which are often seasonal.
Q. Do I need a visa to enter Republika Srpska?
No, the entry rules are those of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole: Republika Srpska does not have a separate visa regime.
Q. Is it worth renting a car in Banja Luka?
Yes, it's useful for exploring the north of the country; international companies have desks at the airport and EU citizens can generally drive with their national licence.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights