How to Get From Belgrade to Novi Sad & From Nikola Tesla Airport

The fastest and cheapest way to get from Belgrade to Novi Sad, how much will it cost you, and everything else you need to know before arriving at Belgrade International Airport.

Serbia is not a small country by European standards, but its two largest cities are unusually close. If you decide to visit my magical, second largest city in Serbia, traveling from Belgrade to Novi Sad will be easier than ever if you use this helpful guide I made for you.

How to Get From Beograd to Novi Sad

There are currently five options: city bus (the most convenient, but with some limitations), train, taxi, private transfer (the most convenient), and rented a car.

OPTION 1: BELGRADE TO NOVI SAD BY BUS

Bus travel is one of the most popular modes of transportation between Belgrade and Novi Sad. There are several bus companies that operate between the two cities, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Listed below are some of the most popular bus companies:

Lasta is a dependable bus company that provides daily transportation between Belgrade and Novi Sad. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and tickets cost around 600 RSD ($6 USD).

Niš-Ekspres is a popular bus company in Serbia that offers services between Belgrade and Novi Sad. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and tickets cost around 600 RSD ($6 USD).

Fudeks is another popular bus company that provides service between the two cities. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, and tickets cost around 650 RSD ($7 USD).

OPTION 2: BELGRADE TO NOVI SAD BY TRAIN

Another option for getting from Belgrade to Novi Sad is by high-speed train. I prefer this mode of transportation over the bus because of the convenience it offers.

Serbian Railways operates multiple daily lines between Belgrade and Novi Sad. The journey takes about 45 minutes and tickets cost around 600 dinars (6 USD).

OPTION 3: BELGRADE TO NOVI SAD BY PRIVATE TRANSFER

You may also think about booking a private transfer (long-distance taxi) as the best option. That way, you can have a direct and stress-free journey for about 80€ for a whole car, which is nearly twice as cheap as a taxi. Furthermore, these private transfer services have much better cars than taxis, and their drivers are far more professional.

However, you must book such a chauffeur service at least one day in advance.

In cases where you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group, this option may be more cost-effective than taking the train or bus. Also, if you only want to take a sightseeing day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad, you can hire one of these transfer companies to drive you to the sightseeing spots and back to Belgrade once your tour to Novi Sad is complete.

I recommend that you check the prices with each carrier before making travel plans, as they may differ depending on the season.

OPTION 4: BELGRADE TO NOVI SAD BY TAXI

If you don’t want to reserve ahead of time, you can take a taxi from Belgrade to Novi Sad.

Taximeter charges a total of about 20.000 RSD, which is approximately 170€, for the taxi ride to Novi Sad.

That is why I recommend you book a ride with the carrier transfer company.

OPTION 5: BELGRADE TO NOVI SAD BY RENTED CAR

Finally, if you want the most comfortable and cost-effective option for your trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad, consider renting a private car. This option may be more expensive than others, but it is worthwhile if you want a hassle-free trip.

Here are some companies I’ve had positive experiences with:

Sixt is a car rental company that offers a wide range of vehicles for rent, including luxury cars and vans. You can rent a car from Sixt and drive from Belgrade to Novi Sad on your own, or you can hire a driver. Prices vary depending on the vehicle you select and whether or not you require a driver.

Avis: Avis is another car rental company operating in Serbia. Like Sixt, you can rent a car and drive yourself or hire a driver to get you from Belgrade to Novi Sad. Prices vary depending on the vehicle you select and whether or not you require a driver.

Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport Overview

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is an international airport in Belgrade, Serbia. Serbia’s largest and busiest airport is located 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of central Belgrade, near the Surčin district, surrounded by lush lowlands. It is operated by the French firm Vinci Airports and named after Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla (1856-1943).

Belgrade Nikola Tesla serves as the hub for Air Serbia, Serbia’s national carrier and major airline. It is also one of the several operating bases for Wizz Air, a budget airline. The airport is also home to air taxi firms Air Pink, Eagle Express, and Prince Aviation.

The airport located to the Surcin plateau, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Belgrade’s city center. Two conditions for the airport’s development were realized as a result of the original designers’ vision: a location that met the navigational, meteorological, construction, technical, and traffic requirements, and the establishment of particular needs for the airport’s long-term development.

The airport was built beginning in April 1958 and completed on April 28, 1962, when President Josip Broz Tito officially opened it. During that time, a 3,000-metre (1.9-mile) runway was constructed, along with a parallel taxiway and concrete aprons for sixteen aircraft. The passenger terminal building covered an area of 8,000 m2 (86,000 square feet).

Cargo storage areas were also constructed, as well as a technical complex housing the air-traffic control tower and other supporting services. Modern navigational technology was added, granting the airport the highest international classification from the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The airport languished throughout the 1990s as a result of the Yugoslav wars and UN sanctions imposed on Serbia and Montenegro. The sanctions included a prohibition on flying travel. The airport saw little passenger traffic, and several facilities needed repairs.

Normal aviation traffic resumed in 2001, following a shift in government policy and international sympathy. A few years later, the airport’s Terminal 2 underwent substantial renovations. The runway was upgraded to CAT IIIb in 2005 as part of a major refurbishment project. CAT IIIb is an Instrument Landing System (ILS) that allows airplanes to land safely amid fog and storms. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport was officially renamed in 2006.

Nikola Tesla was a Serbian inventor and scientist, widely regarded as one of the world’s most famous inventors. The building of the new air traffic control center was finished in 2010. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport shares (AERO) were first listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange (BELEX) in 2011.

2012-2018
Construction on the airport’s rehabilitation and expansion began in 2012. It focused on the enlargement and reconstruction of the A-gate and C-gate departure and transit facilities. As a result, an additional 2,750 square meters (29,600 square feet) were added. Jetways at gates A and C were also replaced.

There were also proposals to build a new control tower, as the current one was constructed in 1962. Future development of present terminals should result in an additional 17,000 sqm, with Terminal 2 receiving four additional jetways.

2018
In January 2018, the Serbian government granted Vinci Airports, a French airport operator, a 25-year concession to operate Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport for 501 million euros. On December 21, 2018, Vinci officially took over the airport. The airport’s revenue and net profitability increased significantly in 2018 as a result of the Vinci Airports acquisition.

Terminals

The airport has two terminals with a total space of 44,000 sqm. Terminal 2 is the larger of the two and is connected by a hallway.The airport has 90 check-in counters and 32 gates (24 with jetways). Gates A1-A10 and C1-C14 have jetways, whereas gates A7a, A7b, and C10a-C10e use buses. Gate A11 is used for internal flights to Niš.

Terminal 1
When the airport first opened, Terminal 1 (T1) was the sole terminal. During the time of Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro, the terminal handled internal flights, but it is now used for international flights, especially by low-cost and charter airlines.

The terminal had a comprehensive refurbishment in 2016 and 2017, with the inside refurbished.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 (T2) was built in 1979 to accommodate the airport’s expanding passenger volumes. The terminal can handle up to 5 million people. The terminal includes airline offices, transfer desks, and a variety of retail outlets.

The terminal underwent two major renovations: one from 2004 to 2006, when the arrivals and departures areas were totally remodeled, and another in 2012 and 2013, when the C platform was expanded and overhauled. While not officially announced, it is expected that foreign carriers would use the refurbished T1, while Air Serbia and Etihad Airways Partners will have exclusive usage of Terminal 2.

Services Security

Prior to the 2020/2021-2023 renovation, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport had only one airside hallway for both departing and arriving passengers. As a result, security inspections used to be located at gate entrances rather than in centralized locations. However, as January 2021, all passengers must be checked in a central security hall located directly above the ticketing area and prior to passport control.

Passport controls are located at two entrances and one exit of the passageway. Except for domestic flights, all passengers must pass through passport control. An additional security check used to exist at the hallway entrance, but it was abolished in 2013 since it inconvenienced travelers and was unnecessary for security.

As a result of the 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack, the airport barred cars from parking near the terminal and required them to use the allocated car park.

Lounges

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has a single business class lounge, Business Club, that serves all airlines operating from the airport. The “Business Club,” which debuted in 2011, has a floor area of 250 m2 (2,700 sq ft) and seats 30 people.

The airport also offers a VIP lounge with separate check-in and passport control areas, which is also utilized by general aviation passengers. The lounge is divided into three sections: the first for leisure, the second for television crews and press conferences, and the third for the presidential suite. The lounge has a total space of 500 m2 (5,400 square feet). The lounge also serves as a press center when VIPs arrive.

The Air Serbia Premium Lounge is the airport’s first dedicated airline-owned and operated lounge. It is open every day from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Air Serbia/Etihad Airways business class passengers, members of the Air Serbia/Etihad Guest frequent flyer program, and other travelers who purchase one-time lounge access.

Ground transportation
CAR
The airport is connected to the A3 highway via a nearby junction. The A3 toll station is located to the west of the interchange, whereas the parts leading to Belgrade city and the Belgrade bypass are free of charge. There are licensed taxis available for transportation from the airport to the city.

BUS
The airport is connected to its surroundings via the following scheduled bus services:

Line A1: Slavija Square
Line 72: Zeleni Venac
Line 600 leads to the Belgrade Centre railway station
Line 607: Banovo Brdo
Line 860i connects Savski Square with Baric

RAIL
Serbia’s Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure announced plans to develop a new railway line connecting the city to the airport. Construction is set to begin this year and should be completed in 18 months.

UPDATE: The Nikola Tesla Airport received four awards from ACI

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, managed by the Belgrade Airport company, a subsidiary of the French Vansi company, has been named the best in Europe in its category for the third consecutive year by passengers, according to the company.

The Airport Council International (ACI) recognized Nikola Tesla Airport as the best airport in Europe for 5 to 15 million passengers per year, the airport with the most dedicated staff, the most comfortable airport in Europe, and the cleanest airport in Europe.

“The Service Quality Program (ASQ), in which more than 400 airports worldwide participate, is a leading indicator of customer experience satisfaction and represents the voice of travelers from around the world,” the agency said in a statement.

Vansi is proud to announce the completion of a new terminal at the Belgrade airport, as well as a new runway, parking system, and eco-friendly improvements.

They aim to modernize their basic infrastructure by 2024, with a goal of bringing 15 million people to the country.

How to Get from Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad?

You have several transportation options when traveling from Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad. You can use a bus and rail combination (€65.73 – €67.26), a bus combination (€5.61 – €18.86), a taxi (€88.36 – €105.35) or arrange a private transfer service for easier service.

OPTION 1: BELGRADE AIRPORT TO NOVI SAD BY BUS

Route: A1 shuttle and bus line 1910.

Travel time: 2 hours and 29 minutes.

After arriving at the main train station in Belgrade with the A1 shuttle, you can take bus line 1910 from the Belgrade bus station to Novi Sad.

The bus fare from Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad ranges between €5.61 and €18.86.

Estimated travel time may vary depending on traffic and limited luggage space on buses is a challenge for me when choosing this travel option.

OPTION 2: BELGRADE AIRPORT TO NOVI SAD BY TRAIN

Route: Bus 72 and train 2418.

Travel time is 2 hours and 22 minutes.

Take bus 72 from the Robni terminal to Tosin Bunar Railway Station, then take train 2418 to Novi Sad.

The train from Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad with an additional bus transfer is expected to cost between €65.73 and €67.26.

What presents a problem for me with this choice of transport is that transfers after the summer during peak times can be difficult.

OPTION 3: BELGRADE AIRPORT TO NOVI SAD BY TAXI

Travel time is 60 minutes.

The estimated cost of taxi transportation from Belgrade airport to Novi Sad ranges between 88.36 and 105.35 euros.

When I decide to use this method, I always wonder if I’ll get a free vehicle. Due to the large number of incoming passengers, securing an available taxi from the airport can result in multiple unsuccessful attempts.

Also, keep in mind that because many local taxi drivers do not speak English, you may run into communication issues while driving.

OPTION 4: BELGRADE AIRPORT TO NOVI SAD BY PRIVATE TRANSFERS

Distance: 86.47 kilometers.
Journey time: 60 minutes.

Prices may differ depending on company selection.

This service provides a luxury private car ride at fixed prices, providing a convenient and cost-effective way from Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad — professional drivers who speak fluent English benefit from this innovative travel perspective.

Why should you visit the Novi Sad: Is it worth it?

No, I won’t tell you why you should visit this magical city from my perspective. Instead, I am conveying the memories of our dear visitors who visited Novi Sad and experienced the atmosphere of this city that everyone falls in love with at first sight.

Among the highest-rated and most visited Novi Sad symbols are:
Petrovaradin Fortress, Danube Street, Danube Park, Strand…

The majority of the praise for the Fortress is focused on the exit, the view, and the Danube.

The fortress is in a great location, and its history is fascinating. The view is beautiful, Podgradje is nearby, and I will definitely visit Novi Sad again. Everything is great. “Thank you” – said Scott from Bristol.

The Petrovaradin Fortress is a large historical site ideal for walking, relaxing, and enjoying. It’s extremely impressive. There is a clock tower, tunnels, catacombs, and restaurants where you can drink good coffee while overlooking the entire city and the river” – these are the first impressions of Bastian from Strasbourg.

I enjoy visiting historical sites, so I enjoyed the Fortress. It’s just a short walk across the bridge from the city center. It is best visited at dawn or dusk. I was fortunate enough to arrive at sunset, which was fantastic – said Dimitria from Saint Petersburg.

They like Dunavska Street because it is a pedestrian zone with many shops and is good for sightseeing. They were particularly impressed by the swans, the lake, and the fact that it is located in the heart of the park.

I fell completely in love with Novi Sad! It’s a great city with an excellent pedestrian zone. There are many small shops and restaurants that serve delicious food. The walk was very relaxing – were impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

It is lovely to walk down Dunavska Street, which is lined with shops and cafes. The atmosphere is quite relaxing – said an Australian tourist, Vandieman.

Danube Park is an excellent place to visit and relax on hot summer days. It is full of greenery, with fountains and benches everywhere – recommended by Moshe of Israel.

It is a lovely small park on the outskirts of the old town. It is always full of families, children, teenagers, couples, and the elderly; it is full of life. Take a quick walk or sit on a bench and enjoy – Diana of New York was enthused.

Strand is a beach in Novi Sad. This is a place you must visit to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, city vibes, good food and drink, and, most importantly, “picigen”. Picigen is a unique underwater ball game in which boys and girls demonstrate incredible reflexes and skills. You must see it to believe it – Sadudeevota from Australia.

The cathedral is a stunning structure located in Novi Sad’s main pedestrian area. Interesting architecture. Dimitros from Greece stated that while the interior is not particularly impressive, it is well-preserved – said Dimitros from Greece.