Belgrade is Serbia's capital and its largest city. The city is located at the confluence of two international waterways - the Sava and Danube Rivers, at the point where Pannonian Plain abuts on to the Balkan Peninsula, making it possible the city from the tourist port by boat. Of all the cities of the country of former Yugoslavia, Belgrade is the largest, with a population of about 1,630,000. It is the second largest in terms of size of all cities on the River Danube, well connected to Europe's major cities and after Istanbul, Athens and Bucharest - the fourth largest in Southeastern Europe.
Tourists from all over Europe can choose to travel to Belgrade via the river Sava on a cruise, by train or air and getting around Belgrade is also easy with a comprehensive transport system.
There are many methods of transportation in Belgrade available for getting around and getting to the city. Take a look at the Belgrade tours we have on offer that you might like to go to. If you want to travel to other areas in Serbia you may want to visit the Serbia transportation guide as well.
Belgrade Transportation Guide
Getting to Belgrade
By Air
Belgrade's international airport, the Nikola Tesla airport, is 12 kilometres away from the city and can be reached via the Belgrade-Zagreb highway. The airport is well connected to many cities in Asia, Africa and Europe. About eighteen international airline companies operate from this airport. This number was supposed to increase with effect from January 1, 2007 - when the Open Skies international agreement was to come into force. However, this law, which would have allowed a relaxation on international airline traffic landing rights contrary to the government's protectionist restrictions, has not been ratified.
The military airport at Batajnica is supposed to be converted into a public one in order to serve low cost airlines operating to Belgrade. This airport is in the suburbs of the city.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
By River
Belgrade's commercial port, Luka Beograd, in on the banks of the Danube. Tourists from all over Europe can choose to travel to Belgrade via the river Sava on a cruise and enter the city from the tourist port. Several small sporting marinas near the islands of Ada Ciganlija and Ada Medica harbour small sail boats and vessels for sport or recreation.
Regular boat lines ply between Novi Beograd and the islands, connecting to Ada Ciganlija and Ada Međica. Passenger lines do not operate from Luka Beograd regularly, although there are a few tourist and individual lines that ply infrequently.
By train
Belgrade is well connected to most major European cities such as Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Zurich, Vienna, Bucharest, Sofia, Zagreb, Budapest, Munich, Kiev and Moscow by rail. Belgrade's main railway station is close to the downtown district.
Getting around Belgrade
Belgrade transport is comprehensive - public transport such as buses, trams and trolleys are available. GSP Beograd and a few private transport companies operate here. An Integrated Ticket System (ITS) is functional here. A number of kiosks sell these tickets or tourists can purchase them from the driver. These tickets are for one ride at a time and can only be cancelled inside the vehicle.
By bus
Belgrade transportation has buses available in abundance with 112 regular lines and 22 night lines operating in Belgrade. GSP buses called državni (state buses) or gradski (city buses) ply on the regular lines. Seven main carriers operate the private bus transportation, called privatni, here. The night lines are operated by private carriers, while only one private carrier also runs regular lines.
By tramways and trolleys
Introduced for the first time in 1892, Belgrade's trams are operated solely by the GSP Beograd. There are 12 regular tram and 8 trolley lines in operation here along with two night tram lines.
By minibus
Six minibus lines (E1 to E7, excluding E3) that traverse all of Belgrade were introduced in April 2007. The minibuses are smaller and faster than ordinary buses and are air-conditioned. However, tickets can only be bought inside a minibus and are relatively expensive.
By railway
The national railway company called Beovoz operates the city railway, connecting urban areas with the suburbs. Six lines and 41 stations are in use. Two stations - Vukov spomenik and Karađorđev Park - have been built underground. A three line pre-metro or light rail transit system has been proposed and construction was started in 2008. The first line should be completed and operational by 2010.
By taxi
24 taxi companies operate in Belgrade and their services are inexpensive - starting from about 1 Euro and cost between 0.5 Euro to 0.9 Euro per kilometre, depending upon the area. Private taxis are available and are almost twice as expensive as the public ones.
