🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Serbia
✈️ Flying to Serbia
Main Airport
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) - Serbia's main international gateway, 18km west of Belgrade city center. Well-connected hub for Balkans, serving over 6 million passengers annually. Renovated terminal with modern facilities.
Other Airports:
- Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI) - Southern Serbia, budget airlines hub (Ryanair, Wizz Air)
💡 Insider Tip
Niš airport often has cheaper flights from Western Europe via Ryanair and Wizz Air. Worth checking if you're visiting southern Serbia or don't mind the bus to Belgrade (3-4 hours).
🚆 From Belgrade Airport to City Center
Mini-bus Line A1 (Best Option)
Operated by JSP public transport. Runs between airport and Slavija Square (city center). Journey time: 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Ticket: 300 RSD (~€2.50). Pay driver in cash. Runs every 20-30 minutes, 04:00-midnight.
Taxi (CarGo App)
Use CarGo or Yandex Go app—NEVER airport taxi stand (notorious scams). Fixed price ~1,500-2,000 RSD (€13-17) to city center. Journey time: 25-35 minutes.
Public Bus 72
Cheapest option. Bus 72 to Zeleni Venac (city center). Journey time: 40-60 minutes. Ticket: 90-150 RSD (~€1) from kiosk before boarding. Slower but very cheap.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Bus from neighboring countries—Belgrade well-connected by bus to Croatia (Zagreb 5hrs), Bosnia (Sarajevo 7hrs), Montenegro (Podgorica 10hrs), North Macedonia (Skopje 6hrs), Hungary (Budapest 7hrs). Operators: Lasta, Niš-Ekspres, FlixBus. Bus stations: Belgrade BAS (main station).
Train from neighboring countries—slower than buses but scenic. Budapest-Belgrade (8hrs), Sofia-Belgrade (10hrs), Thessaloniki-Belgrade (13hrs). International trains via Serbian Railways. Belgrade Centar station (main terminus).
Land borders—Serbia borders Hungary (north), Romania (northeast), Bulgaria (east), North Macedonia (south), Kosovo* (south), Montenegro (southwest), Bosnia (west), Croatia (northwest). All crossings open. Car rental possible if driving from EU.
River cruises—Danube cruises stop in Belgrade. Popular option for travelers coming from Vienna/Budapest/Bucharest. River port in Zemun district.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Serbia is NOT in the EU or Schengen Area. Citizens of EU countries, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many others can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within 180-day period.
If you have a valid Schengen, UK, US, or Irish visa, you can also enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your departure date. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking.
Check visa requirements for Serbia →🚗 Getting Around Serbia
Buses (Best Option for Most Routes)
Extensive bus network connecting all cities and towns. Main operators: Lasta, Niš-Ekspres, FlixBus. Belgrade-Novi Sad (1.5hrs, 400-800 RSD), Belgrade-Niš (3hrs, 800-1,200 RSD). Book online or at bus stations. More frequent and faster than trains.
Trains (Scenic but Slow)
Serbian Railways (Železnice Srbije) operates trains between major cities. Belgrade-Novi Sad train scenic but slower than bus. New Belgrade-Novi Sad high-speed route operational 2025 (35 minutes). Book at srbvoz.rs
Domestic Flights
Air Serbia operates limited domestic flights. Mostly unnecessary due to country's size. Belgrade to anywhere by bus/car 3-5 hours max.
🎫 Travel Tip
Book bus tickets in advance for popular routes (Belgrade-Novi Sad, Belgrade-Niš) especially on weekends and holidays. Buses fill up fast.
🚋 Local Transportation in Belgrade
Belgrade public transport includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses operated by GSP. As of 2025, Belgrade public transport is FREE for all passengers—unique for European cities over 500,000 people.
Public Transport (FREE!)
- All transport free: Buses, trams, trolleybuses completely free since January 2025
- BG Voz: City railway connecting suburbs—also free
- Coverage: Extensive network covering entire city
Trams and buses are generally crowded during rush hours (7:30-9:30, 16:00-18:00). Services run 04:00-midnight, some night buses available.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended if you want to explore rural Serbia, monasteries, national parks (Tara, Đerdap) at your own pace. Roads improving but variable quality outside highways.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- International driving permit recommended alongside your license
- Highway toll charges on E-roads (pay at booths, card or cash)
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80-100 km/h (rural roads), 120-130 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies available at airport and Belgrade city center
- Parking in Belgrade city center difficult—use paid parking zones (SMS parking system)
⚠️ Driving Tips
Driving style can be aggressive in Belgrade. Road conditions variable in countryside—watch for potholes. Police speed traps common on highways. Mountain roads scenic but winding (Tara, Zlatibor).
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Serbia
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Use buses not trains: Buses faster, cheaper, more frequent than trains for most routes
- Belgrade public transport free: Take full advantage—save money on taxis
- Niš airport for budget flights: Ryanair/Wizz Air significantly cheaper than Belgrade often
- Use CarGo/Yandex Go apps: Much cheaper and safer than airport taxi stand
- Book buses in advance online: Sometimes small discounts for advance booking
- Rent cars outside airport: Airport rental fees higher—compare city locations