How Can I Get to Belgrade Without Flying?

Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia, is an increasingly popular tourist destination, bringing people from all over the world to experience its unique charm. While flying is the most convenient option to reach Belgrade, it’s not always the most practical – or cheapest – way to travel here. Read on to find out how you can get to Belgrade without flying.

The Train

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to travel here without flying is on the train. The capital’s main railway junction, Belgrade Central Station, connects the city to direct daily services from Bar, Podgorica, Zagreb and Sarajevo. What’s more, there are connections from these cities to other points throughout Europe too. Taking the train is generally a cheaper option than flying, and you can also take advantage of 24-hour night trains from key destinations like Vienna, Budapest, and Ljubuljana. However, it’s worth noting that some of these services are relatively slow – for instance, it can take up to 15 hours for the 1616km journey from Zagreb to the Serbian capital.

Drive to Belgrade

If you want the freedom that comes with having your own transport while you explore Belgrade and beyond, then driving to the capital is a great option. This option is particularly suited to those travelling from some of Serbia’s neighbours such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary and Montetenrgro. Travelling by car can be cheaper than flying too depending on how far you’re travelling from – plus, you’ll have the benefit of being able to make as many stops along the way as you like as you get closer to Belgrade. For those travelling from western Europe, there are well-known shortcuts like taking the Autobahn from Munich or Stuttgart across Austria and Hungary. The Mediterranean city of Bar also happens to be a convenient port town for those wanting to drive in from the Adriatic coast. There are ferry services crossing three times per week for around seven hours – perfect for a restful sleep on the journey.

Travel by Coach

For budget travellers who still want comfort from their journey to Belgrade, travel by coach is a great option. You can reach Belgrade via bus or coach from numerous destinations in Europe – including Vienna, Sofia, Warsaw and Istanbul – in addition to neighbouring cities such as Zagreb and Sarajevo. Coaches are generally much cheaper than taking the train or flying. Plus, many services offer comfortable seating and air-conditioning so you can enjoy your journey with minimal discomforts. Depending on how far your departing city is located, some coach routes can take many hours – for instance, Sarajevo to Belgrade is a 10-hour journey – so bear this in mind when planning your trip.

Get a Tourist VISA for Serbia

Serbia is part of the EU and enjoys visa-free travel for all EU citizens and some other nationality/regions holders like North Americans and Australians. However, citizens from other countries need a tourist visa before they can enter Serbia legally. Thankfully, getting a tourist visa for Serbia doesn’t have to be difficult. You can apply for an eVisa online which has more flexible rules than visa-on-arrival offers enjoy the ease of being able to plan your route in advance and know when you’ll arrive in Belgrade before you’ve even set off. To find out if you need a tourist visa for Serbia and learn more about how to apply online, head to this handy guide.

Final Thoughts

Belgrade offers an abundance of cultural and historical attractions – from St Mark’s Church to Kalemegdan Fortress – so it’s no wonder it’s fast becoming one of Serbia’s most popular destinations for tourists and travellers alike. And with so many great means of transport available that don’t involve flying, getting here needn’t be too costly or time consuming either. Whichever options you decide to go with, we hope this guide has been helpful in uncovering all that the city has to offer and how to get there without taking to the skies.

Insider’s Guide: Belgrade, Serbia

As Serbia’s bustling capital city that sits at the confluence of two prominent rivers, Belgrade is a captivating destination worthy of a visit. Tourists often associate Belgrade with partying, but there’s more to it than that. From hidden gems and local eats to cultural experiences and local history, Belgrade has a lot to offer.

Local Attractions

Belgrade is brimming with interesting attractions that the locals themselves love to explore. The Ada Ciganlija beach and park complex offer picturesque views of the lake, scenic cycling paths, water sports, restaurants, and a lovely promenade. For nature lovers, the Avala Mountain delivers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the Kosutnjak Forest, which is popular with locals for scenic jogging paths, outdoor activities, and picnics.

For those interested in underground explorations, the Military Museum’s underground bunker complex or Belgrade’s military tunnels that stretch below the city are must-visit sights. While the Museum of Yugoslavian History, Belgrade Fortress, and the Nikola Tesla Museum are popular spots for history buffs.

Dining Spots

Belgrade’s dining scene offers a mix of traditional and modern fare. For an authentic experience, try local delicacies like cevapi, made from grilled minced beef or pork, served with onions, Ajvar (roasted red peppers with garlic), kajmak (clotted cream), and crispy bread. Zaplet is a must-visit dining spot and serves the best local street food in Belgrade, including pullets, Burek, and cornbread with kajmak.

If you’re looking for a trendy spot, Ambar offers the most authentic Serbian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant’s menu includes traditional dishes like baklava, sarma, and pasticada. To top it off, they have a beautiful rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the city.

Cultural Experiences

When it comes to cultural experiences, visitors can’t miss the Belgrade Philharmonic’s performances or the National Theater’s ballet, opera, and drama productions. The Serbian Orthodox Church is another cultural hub that offers an insight into the city’s religious traditions.

One of the most significant events on Belgrade’s cultural calendar is the Belgrade Theatre Festival, which showcases various productions and performances from all over the world. Traditional jewelry making workshops, cheese making traditions, and the ritual of distilling plants into rakija, a Serbian fruit brandy, are other exciting cultural experiences to partake in.

Local History

Belgrade has a rich and complex history that visitors can explore by visiting the city’s museums, ruins, and monuments. For history enthusiasts, the Museum of Yugoslavia is a must-visit that showcases the country’s history and the legacy of its founding father, Josip Broz Tito.

The Belgrade Military Museum offers an insight into Serbian military history from prehistoric times to the modern era. Visitors can delve into the history of the Balkans through the vast troves of artifacts, weapons, and uniforms. Lastly, Saint Sava Temple is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and the biggest building in Serbia. The building’s construction has an interesting history, and the monument is dedicated to the country’s patron saint.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking for unique experiences, Belgrade has got some great activities beyond the usual tourist spots. Visitors can rent a bike from the many rental services and go on a graffiti tour of the city. The city also offers unique boat tours where visitors can explore the Danube and Sava Rivers while enjoying traditional Serbian food and drink.

For those who are fascinated by abandoned structures and decaying structures, a visit to the destroyed interiors of the Beogradjanka Tower and Hotel Yugoslavia is an intriguing experience. Another exciting but risky activity is the City Exploration Urban Traces Tour, where visitors explore the city’s abandoned buildings, factories, and tunnels.

In conclusion, Belgrade is a fascinating city with something to offer for everyone. Although it may not be a conventional tourist destination, the city’s attraction goes beyond the surface level and offers a unique and enlightening cultural experience.