Papers & permits
White card in Serbia: how police address registration works for foreigners
Who must register you with the police in Serbia, the 24-hour rule, which documents to bring and why the white card matters for your residence permit.
Short answer: Public transport in Belgrade (buses, trams, trolleybuses and the BG Voz city train) has been free for everyone since 1 January 2025; you just get on, and at night special N lines run from Republic Square.
Getting around Belgrade is easier than many newcomers expect. There is no metro yet, but buses, trams, trolleybuses and a city train cover the whole city. And since 2025, using them costs nothing.
This guide explains how to ride, how to find your route, what to do at night, how to reach the airport and which taxi apps work. Facts were checked against official and reliable sources as of November 2026.
Public transport in Belgrade is free
Since 1 January 2025, public transport in Belgrade is free for all passengers. This was announced by the city and reported by the EU's Urban Mobility Observatory. It covers:
- city buses;
- trams;
- trolleybuses;
- suburban lines in the city system;
- the BG Voz city train.
You do not need a ticket. You do not need a BusPlus card. You do not need to show your passport. You just get on and get off.
There has been public debate about the cost of this policy to the city budget. As of November 2026 the policy is still in place, but rules can change. Before you rely on it, check the official site bgprevoz.rs.
Note: some services that are not part of the city system, such as the private A1 airport minibus, still charge a fare. Intercity buses and trains to other cities are also paid.
Types of vehicles
| Type | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (autobus) | Most lines, numbers like 26, 65, 95 | Everywhere, including outer suburbs |
| Tram (tramvaj) | Rail lines like 2, 7, 9, 12 | Central Belgrade and New Belgrade |
| Trolleybus (trolejbus) | Electric buses on wires, lines like 28, 40, 41 | Central city routes |
| BG Voz | Urban train through central stations | Longer trips across the city |
| Night lines | Bus numbers ending in N, like 37N | After midnight |
Most daytime service runs roughly from early morning until around midnight. After that, night lines take over.
How to ride, step by step
- Find your stop. Each stop has a sign with the line numbers that stop there.
- Check the direction. Lines go in two directions. The sign or display shows the final stop. Make sure it goes the way you want.
- Wave if needed. At busy stops, buses stop anyway. At quiet stops, raise your hand when your bus comes.
- Get on through any door. Since travel is free, there is no ticket check at the door.
- Watch the stops. Many vehicles have screens and voice announcements, but not all. Follow your route on your phone.
- Press the button to request the next stop if the vehicle has one.
- Get off and check your way on the map.
Tips for a smooth ride
- Rush hours are busy, roughly 7 to 9 in the morning and 3 to 6 in the afternoon. Keep your bag in front of you.
- Give seats to older people, pregnant women and people with small children. It is expected.
- Do not eat messy food on the bus.
- Keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket in crowds.
Finding your route: apps
You do not need to learn all the line numbers. Use an app:
- Google Maps - choose the transit (bus) icon. Shows lines, stops and walking parts.
- Moovit - popular for Belgrade, shows live arrivals for many lines.
- bgprevoz.rs - the official site, with lines and timetables.
- PlanPlus - local site and app with line maps, including night lines.
The Hello Serbia app also shows bus and tram routes and can alert you when to get off, which helps a lot when you do not read Serbian signs yet.
Learn a few stop words
Signs use Serbian in Cyrillic and Latin letters. Useful words:
- Stanica - stop / station
- Polazak - departure
- Smer - direction
- Okretnica - terminus (end of the line)
- Noćni - night
Learn more in our Serbian phrases for newcomers.
Night lines
After midnight, Belgrade has a separate network of night lines. Their numbers end with N, for example 37N, 51N, 75N, 511N or 603N.
Key points:
- Most night lines leave from special stops at Trg Republike (Republic Square) in the centre.
- They run less often than daytime lines, often about once an hour.
- The list of night lines has changed over the years, so always check a current source.
Where to check: the night timetable on bgprevoz.rs and the night lines map on PlanPlus. If you finish work late, write down your night line and its departure times in advance.
BG Voz: the city train
BG Voz is Belgrade's urban rail. It runs through stations such as Prokop (Beograd Centar), Karađorđev park, Vukov spomenik and Novi Beograd. It is part of the free city system.
BG Voz is useful for crossing the city quickly, because trains do not sit in traffic. Trains run less often than buses, so check times on the official transport site or in Google Maps.
Prokop (Beograd Centar) is also the main station for many long-distance trains, including the fast train to Novi Sad. Long-distance trains are not free.
Getting to and from the airport
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is about 18 km from the centre. Options:
| Option | Where it goes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| City bus 72 | Airport - Zeleni Venac (centre) | Free (city line) |
| City bus 600 | Airport - Beograd Centar (Prokop) area | Free (city line) - check route |
| A1 minibus | Airport - Slavija | Paid, check fare |
| Taxi | Anywhere | Paid, check price first |
Line 72 has run for years and is the classic budget option. Timetables and routes can change, so check bgprevoz.rs or Google Maps before you fly. The airport also has a taxi information desk in arrivals.
Taxis and ride apps
Uber does not operate in Serbia. Bolt is also not a common choice in Belgrade. Instead people use:
- CarGo - a Serbian ride app, widely used in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
- Yandex Go - connects you with licensed taxi companies. According to Yandex's Belgrade page, you can also order by calling the short number 19810; rides ordered by phone are paid in cash.
- Taxi company apps and phone lines - Belgrade has many registered taxi companies, and some (such as Naxi and Pink taxi) have their own apps.
Taxi safety tips
- Use an app or a registered taxi with a roof sign and visible company name.
- Check the price estimate in the app before you confirm.
- If using a street taxi, make sure the meter is on.
- Avoid drivers who approach you inside the airport or bus station and offer a ride.
- Keep small cash for taxis ordered by phone.
Common newcomer questions
Can I take my bicycle or scooter on public transport?
Rules depend on the vehicle and time of day. Folding bikes are usually easier. Check the operator's rules on the official site.
What if I get lost?
Open Google Maps or Moovit, look for the nearest stop, and plan again. In central Belgrade, many lines meet at Slavija, Trg Republike, Zeleni Venac and Ušće. Most people will help if you show a stop name on your phone.
Is it safe at night?
Belgrade is generally considered safe, but use normal care: stay in lit areas, keep valuables hidden, and know your night line before you need it. For emergencies, see our guide to emergency numbers and health basics in Serbia.
Where to check official information
- Belgrade public transport (lines, timetables, night lines): bgprevoz.rs
- GSP Beograd (city transport company): gsp.rs
- City of Belgrade, traffic and transport: beograd.rs
Also plan your housing near a good line: our guide to finding a flat in Belgrade explains which things to check.
Last checked November 2026. Lines, timetables and fare rules can change; always confirm with the official transport site.
Frequently asked questions
Is public transport in Belgrade free?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025 city and suburban lines run by the city, including buses, trams, trolleybuses and BG Voz trains, are free for all passengers. Check bgprevoz.rs for any changes.
Do I need a BusPlus card or ticket?
Not for city lines while the free policy is in place. You simply get on. Some private services, such as the A1 airport minibus, still charge a fare.
How do I get from Belgrade airport to the city by bus?
City bus line 72 runs between the airport and Zeleni Venac in the centre and is free. There is also a paid A1 minibus to Slavija. Check current timetables before you travel.
Is Uber or Bolt available in Belgrade?
Uber does not operate in Serbia. People use local apps such as CarGo and Yandex Go, or call a taxi company. Always check the price in the app before you confirm.
Are there buses at night in Belgrade?
Yes. Night lines marked with N, such as 37N or 75N, run after midnight, mostly from Trg Republike (Republic Square). They run less often, so check the timetable.
Official sources
- Belgrade public transport (Secretariat for Public Transport)
- GSP Beograd
- City of Belgrade: Traffic and transport
- EU Urban Mobility Observatory: Belgrade becomes largest European city to offer free public transport
- Yandex Go Belgrade
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules, prices and phone numbers can change. We last checked it in November 2026. Always confirm with the official source before you act.
