Getting Around Serbia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient buses and trams in Belgrade and Novi Sad. Rural: Rent a car for countryside and Danube exploration. Mountains: Buses and scenic drives. For convenience, book airport transfers from Belgrade to your destination.
Train Travel
Srbija Voz National Rail
Efficient train network connecting major cities with regular services across the country.
Cost: Belgrade to Novi Sad 400-800 RSD, journeys under 2 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via Srbija Voz app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
InterRail or Eurail passes valid in Serbia, or local multi-journey tickets from 2000 RSD for 5 trips.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, Srbija Voz website, or official app with instant activation.
International Options
Connections to Budapest, Sofia, and Bar (Montenegro) via Belgrade's main station.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 30%.
Belgrade Stations: Main station is Belgrade Centar, with links to Prokop for international lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural areas and national parks. Compare rental prices from 2500-4000 RSD/day at Belgrade Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 100-120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Major highways like E75 require electronic toll system (ENEA card, ~500 RSD setup).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered parking 100-200 RSD/hour in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at 170-190 RSD/liter for petrol, 160-180 RSD for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Belgrade during rush hours and around toll roads.
Urban Transport
Belgrade Trams & Buses
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket 150 RSD, day pass 500 RSD, 10-journey card 1200 RSD.
Validation: Validate tickets in machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: GSP Beograd app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Nextbike sharing in Belgrade and Novi Sad, 300-500 RSD/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths along Danube and in urban parks.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
LAS (Belgrade), JGSP (Novi Sad), and regional operators provide comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: 150-300 RSD per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Intercity Buses: Affordable lines connecting all towns, e.g., Belgrade to Niš 1000 RSD (4 hours).
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, central Belgrade or Novi Sad Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like EXIT.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 4G/5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Serbia including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 500 RSD for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Yettel, A1, and MTS offer prepaid SIMs from 500-1000 RSD with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 1000 RSD, 10GB for 1500 RSD, unlimited for 2000 RSD/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major bus stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Belgrade Airport 18km from city center, bus to center 300 RSD (30 min), taxi 2000 RSD, or book private transfer for 3000-5000 RSD.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (200-500 RSD/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern buses and trains accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to cobblestone streets.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 200 RSD), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for 300 RSD, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Serbia
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Belgrade Nikola Tesla (BEG): Primary international gateway, 18km west of city center with bus connections.
Niš Constantine the Great (INI): Regional hub 250km south, bus to Belgrade 1500 RSD (3 hours).
Subotica Airport (SOT): Small airport with limited flights, convenient for northern Serbia.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Budapest or Sofia and taking bus to Serbia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Air Serbia serve Belgrade with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 200-500 RSD, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep 5000-10000 RSD in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.