Banja Luka International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

The airport is in Mahovljani, about 23 km north of the city, and has no direct public transport link: the only minibus of the day leaves just once, at 13:30, and not even from the terminal but from the bus station, 2 km from the centre (10 KM, about 20 minutes). Because of this, anyone without an organised transfer has to rely on a taxi, 20-30 minutes for 40-50 KM, best booked a little in advance. Since there is nowhere reliable to stay next to the runways, the choice almost always falls on the centre, around Kastel fortress and the Vrbas river.

Kastel and the centre

City 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

See more hotels in this area →