Published on
September 2, 2025
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) is gearing up to upgrade its road network with brand-new stretches of highway set to connect Zenica to Žepče. These segments, scheduled to wrap up by October 2025, will include the completed Bosna Tunnel—the longest of its kind in the nation. Once finished, the route will cut travel time between Sarajevo and the northern regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) by a sizeable margin.
Part of a broader push to modernise the country’s transport systems, the highway project aims to boost accessibility for residents while also rolling out the red carpet for tourists. By linking these two important nodes, the road will transform journeys into brief, seamless rides, and in doing so, it will open up new possibilities for tourism and further position Bosnia and Herzegovina as a must-visit stop for visitors from Europe and beyond.
Enhancing Access to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Major Attractions
New stretches of highway are set to transform travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and tourism is about to feel the positive impact. The busy link between Sarajevo and northern BiH now features high-quality modern bypasses, smoothing the journey. Travellers will find it simpler to explore popular stops such as Sarajevo, Zenica, and Banja Luka, as well as stunning nature sites like Una National Park, Sutjeska National Park, and Vrelo Bosne.
Riding the freshly completed segment, visitors will funnel through the Bosna Tunnel, a key high-tech feature of the highway. This impressive engineering segment stretches 3.6 kilometres and opens a spectacular quick passage. The tunnel shortens total drive time, but more importantly, it adds a tech-savvy thrill to the journey. By gliding smoothly between Sarajevo and northern Bosnia, tourists can now fit more cities, countryside landmarks, or outdoor adventures into a single day, making this country full of history and nature even easier to explore.
Boosting Regional Tourism and Economic Growth
Finishing these highway sections is set to supercharge tourism and the economy in the region. The new roads let visitors zip around Bosnia and Herzegovina like never before. Tourists can now hop quickly from Sarajevo to Zenica, then to Banja Luka and beyond. This speed means travellers can visit multiple spots in record time, making the country the go-to choice for anyone wanting to collect diverse travel experiences in a single trip.
Beyond just getting from one city to another, these highways link travellers to some amazing cultural and historical gems. The stunning Visegrad Bridge, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the cobblestone streets of Sarajevo’s Old Town can now be reached with only a few easy turns. The faster drive encourages folks to include both Northern and Southern destinations on the same itinerary. When it’s simple to take a “wow” tour, visitors spend more time and money happily wandering around the country, providing a meaningful boost to hospitality, retail, and attraction revenue along the way.
Boosting Business Travel and Regional Links
The latest highway extensions are set to do more than improve holiday trips; they’ll energise business travel and supply chains too. Manufacturing, retail, and tech companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina are ramping up, and a smoother route between major cities lets key suppliers and executives move without long delays. A drive from Sarajevo to Zenica or Banja Luka becomes a quick, productive journey, slicing wasted hours off every itinerary and freeing up time for meetings and planning.
The road upgrade does more than help individuals; it knits the wider region closer together. Cargo will flow more easily across Bosnia and Herzegovina’s borders, linking firms to Croatian and Serbian markets. This not only speeds every truck’s route but also strengthens Bosnia and Herzegovina’s role as a transit hub, giving its manufacturers faster access to ports in the Adriatic. A more robust highway is thus a pathway for the country’s goods to reach buyers across Europe and the wider world.
Smoother Travel for Global Visitors
International tourists will also gain from the new links. Highways that were once winding or congested are now faster and easier, allowing visitors to cross the borders from Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro with time to spare. This seamless route connects Sarajevo directly with the region’s major airports, including Sarajevo International and Tuzla International, so travellers who arrive by air can reach historical centres, mountain resorts, and river towns with a pleasant, short drive. A smoother entrance is often the first step toward repeat trips and glowing reviews.
Local and Global Investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Infrastructure
Bosnia and Herzegovina is making huge headway in its transportation system, showing the world that it’s serious about growing tourism and the economy. Local and foreign partnerships are footing the bill, and the money is going straight into better roads, rail, and facilities. Everything tied into the travel experience is getting a boost, making it easier for residents and for the tourists who are discovering the country’s beautiful valleys and ancient towns.
Working side by side, the government and international firms are keeping tourism-facing projects on a global level. New stretches of highway are not just about asphalt; they’re about safety, smart engineering, and eco-friendly designs. Linking wonderful stops like Mostar and Sarajevo more tightly with rich urban centres is a game-changer, making Bosnia and Herzegovina more attractive for anyone plotting a journey across Central Europe.
Conclusion: Tours and Trails with a Traffic Boost
When the Zenica-Zepce highway buzzes to life and the Bosna Tunnel’s lights guide the way, the country slips into the fast lane for tourists and freight. These new stretches of highway don’t just cut travel times; they piece together a smoother map of mountain springs, medieval fortresses, and lively markets. Businesses move goods with confidence, and visitors swap crowded itineraries for breezy day trips, making Bosnia and Herzegovina a smart, scenic, and newly connected destination.
