Serbia by bus
Serbia has a well developed network of buses whether it is national or international transport. There are various bus companies which operate either the domestic or international routes or both.
Belgrade and Novi Sad are the main hubs for bus transport in Serbia. There are daily buses from Belgrade and Novi Sad to other towns and villages in Serbia.
Belgrade main bus station is located next to the mail railway station in the center and it is the best equipped bus station in Serbia. There are more than 800 bus departures/arrivals every day from Belgrade bus station, national or international. The bus station has a luggage room; here you can leave your luggare at a price of 140 dinars bag/day (9 euros app.).
International bus transport from and to Serbia
Serbia is best connected with the neighbouring countries like Montenegro, Bosnia&Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria.
Regarding other European countries, the biggest number of bus lines covers tranport to Germany, Montenegro and Austria; there are daily departures to Vienna and several departures a week to Germany (Serbia is connected with more than 20 German cities). There are also bus lines which connect Serbia and Italy, Czech, Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Greece, Belgium and more.
On GetByBus you can buy ticket for the following international bus lines.
- From Belgrade to Rijeka, Rovinj and Pula
- From Subotica, Novi Sad and Belgrade to Mostar, Medjugorje, Metkovic and Dubrovnik
- From Nis and Belgrade to Zagreb (4 times daily)
- From Nis, Razanj, Raska and Novi Pazar to Podgorica, Sutomore and Bar
Bear in mind when travelling to and from Serbia, there might be delays due to border crossing procedures since Serbia is not yet an EU country. Consequently, it is necessary to have a valid passport.
Bus service quality in Serbia
The quality of buses in Serbia depends on the carrier as well as on the routes particular carriers run. Buses which travel to countries in Western Europe are usually of a better quality than those travelling to countries in South-Eastern Europe. Most long distance buses have air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Regarding foreign language knowledge, not many drivers speak English or other foreign language (German); it is more likely that drivers on Western Europe routes will speak a foreign language.
Bus ticket prices
Bus ticket prices depend on the carrier and the distance travelled. Usually, when you purchase a return ticket (from the same bus company), you will get a discount. Discounts are also possible for certain groups like children, students, the pensioners or the unemployed but this also depends on the carrier.
Bus ticket reservation is in principle possible but it depends on the bus station; it is more likely that bigger bus stations will have this possibility. If you are a foreigner this might be a bit difficult unless you speak the official country's language.
Bus is the most used means of transportation in Serbia and also the cheapest one. Bus tickets for some routes can be purchased on getbybus.com website; otherwise either at ticket offices or on the bus.
Carrying luggage for the hold is also charged. The amount charged also depends on the bus company and the distance travelled.
Bringing a bike on the bus is usually not possible; to be sure the best thing to do is to contact the company you intend to travel with. Pets are also generally not allowed.