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Trying to figure out the transport system in Serbia? If you’re new to the country — whether you’re just visiting or planning to stick around — it can feel like a maze at first. But don’t worry! Getting around Serbia is way easier than it looks… once you know a few tricks.
So, follow our guide and make the most of your travels or long stays in the country. Let’s hit the road!
Just moved to Serbia? Or maybe you’re a curious traveler hoping to see (and taste) as much as possible. Either way, you’ll likely find yourself hopping on a bus (autobus), tram (tramvaj), or trolleybus (trola) at some point. No stress — here’s everything you need to know to ride like a pro!
Need a ride from the Nikola Tesla Airport? Then, you’ve got several options.
Perhaps the most popular choice is the A1 minibus. It’ll take you from the airport to Slavija Square (Trg Slavija) — and vice versa — in about half an hour. During the day, it runs every 15 minutes and every 30 minutes in the evening. The ticket costs 400 RSD, and you can buy it straight from the driver.
On the other hand, you can save money if the time isn’t tight. Namely, the bus line 72 will take you to Zeleni Venac in about 45 minutes — for free. Admittedly, the ride can drag out if you run into heavy traffic.
But, for those who crave comfort after (or before) a long flight, a taxi ride may be the way to go. Of course, convenience costs. For instance, Pink Taxi will set you back between 2,500 and 3,000 RSD, depending on your destination and the time of day.
Once you set foot in Belgrade, you might expect to hop on the metro. Well… surprise! Belgrade is the only city in Europe with over a million residents and no metro system.
The network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses will still get you anywhere you like — just not as fast.
While getting around, Google Maps will be your best buddy. But don’t be surprised if your ride is fashionably late. Unsurprisingly, Serbian public transport isn’t exactly known for its punctuality.
And sure, some of the vehicles have seen better days. They can be old and overcrowded. Plus, air conditioning is a bit of a lottery — will it work? Won’t it? Who knows? Also, you should be careful about pickpocketing, although most rides are uneventful.
All that said, there’s a huge upside: as of January 2025, all public transport in Belgrade is free! That’s right — no tickets, no stress.
Thanks to that, you can enjoy sightseeing as much as you like — it won’t cost you a dinar.
Speaking of scenic sights, riding Belgrade’s old-school trams might not be the height of luxury, but it’s definitely an experience, making you feel like you’re traveling through time, not just the city.
Oh, and don’t worry about late-night adventures — the city runs a decent number of night buses, so even if your night out turns into a night way out, you’re unlikely to get stranded.
Bottom line? Plan ahead, roll with the delays, and enjoy the ride.
Whenever you’re moving from place to place, getting on a bus is your best bet. The country’s small, well-connected, and intercity bus network is pretty solid — so whether you’re headed to Novi Sad, Niš, or a tiny town in between, chances are there’s a bus going your way.
To check schedules, pop your departure point and destination into a timetable website, and voilà — all the info you need. Once you’ve picked your ride, you can buy your ticket at the bus station. Easy as pie, or should we say, prosto kao pasulj.
Now, what about trains? Naturally, rail travel exists, but it’s not the go-to option for most locals. In general, trains are slower and less convenient than buses. The exception is the rapid train connecting Belgrade and Novi Sad in only 36 minutes and for under $7.
Lastly, if you’re feeling social (or thrifty), you might want to check out BlaBlaCar. It’s not technically public transport, but it’s a popular car-sharing app where you can split travel costs with others heading in the same direction. Bonus: you might make a new friend or two along the way.
Sure, Serbian transport may not be world-class, but hey — it gets you where you need to go. And with some know-how, your rides can be way more pleasant than you’d think. Here are a few tips to keep your travel smooth and (mostly) stress-free.
Before you set off, always double-check the details of your trip. Confirm the schedule, station, and platform — all the fine print. That way, you’ll avoid missed flights, ruined planes, and tons of stress.
Serbian public transport has many strengths, but Swiss-level punctuality isn’t one of them. Don’t let that bother you, though. Instead, leave early or keep your plans flexible. In other words, go with the flow.
If you jump into the first taxi you see at the station, there’s a solid chance you’ll pay way more than you should. Unless you like getting ripped off, stick to trusted services like CarGo or the Pink Taxi app in Belgrade. In other cities, look for taxis with clear branding and a meter, and don’t be shy about asking for the price before you hop in.
Some rides will be smooth and comfy. Others… not so much. Overcrowded buses, no AC, freezing trams, and loud phone talkers are all part of the experience. Oh, and if you’re lucky, you might meet the classic Serbian grandma traveling with three bags and a casserole dish of something very aromatic.
The trick? Come prepared. Dress in layers, bring headphones, and grab a seat by the window if possible. A good playlist and a sense of humor go a long way.
Finally, traveling in Serbia will be infinitely easier if you can manage some simple phrases and expressions.
Here’s some vocabulary and expressions to make your commuting and travel easy breezy.
Serbian | English |
prevoz | transport |
polazak | departure |
dolazak | arrival |
autobuska stanica | bus station |
železnička stanica | train station |
peron | platform |
stajalište | (bus) stop |
vozač | driver |
jednosmerna karta | one-way ticket |
povratna karta | round-trip ticket |
Kada je sledeći polazak za Beograd? | When is the next departure for Belgrade? |
Koliko košta karta? | How much is the ticket? |
Gde da kupim kartu? | Where can I buy a ticket? |
Da li je ovo mesto slobodno? | Is this seat available? |
Da li staje kod __? | Does it stop at __? |
Kada stižemo u __? | When do we arrive in __? |
See? Getting around in Belgrade — and across the country — isn’t as tricky as it might seem. With our tips and tricks, you’ll have a smooth ride on public transport in Serbia. And if you ever find yourself in a bind, just ask a local! They’ll happily point you in the right direction.
Of course, it’s always easier to navigate when you know the language. Our intermediate Serbian course has everything you need, from booking a trip to asking for directions — and so much more. Download it today, and next time you’re in Serbia, travel like a local!
Trying to figure out the transport system in Serbia? If you’re new to the country — whether you’re just visiting or planning to stick around
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