Renting a car is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to explore Serbia. It allows you to travel beyond Belgrade, visit smaller towns, discover national parks and organise your trip without depending on public transport schedules.
For foreign visitors, driving in Serbia is generally straightforward. Roads are clearly marked, major cities are connected by motorways and most traffic rules are similar to those used throughout Europe. However, there are several important regulations and practical details you should know before starting your journey.
This guide covers the documents you may need, speed limits, toll roads, parking in Belgrade, fuel stations, winter driving and other useful information for tourists renting a car in Serbia.
Can Tourists Drive in Serbia?
Foreign visitors can drive in Serbia with an appropriate and valid driving licence.
When collecting a rental car, you should normally have:
A valid driving licence
A passport or another accepted identification document
Your vehicle rental agreement
An International Driving Permit, when required
Which Side of the Road Do You Drive On in Serbia?
Vehicles in Serbia drive on the right-hand side of the road, while overtaking is normally done on the left.
Most international visitors from continental Europe will already be familiar with this system. Tourists arriving from countries where vehicles drive on the left should take additional care, particularly at intersections, roundabouts and when leaving a car park.
Speed Limits in Serbia
Unless road signs indicate otherwise, the general speed limits for passenger vehicles are:
| Type of road | Speed limit |
|---|---|
| Urban areas | 50 km/h |
| Roads outside urban areas | 80 km/h |
| Expressways | 100 km/h |
| Motorways | 130 km/h |
These are general maximum limits. Always follow the posted traffic signs, as lower limits may apply near schools, roadworks, tunnels, intersections and residential areas.
Speed controls are common, and cameras are used on many roads. Reduce your speed as soon as you see a new limit rather than waiting until you pass the camera or police patrol.
Important Driving Rules in Serbia
The following rules are particularly important for tourists driving in Serbia.
Seat belts are mandatory
The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving. This applies to passengers in both the front and rear seats.
Headlights must be used during the day
Daytime running lights or dipped headlights must remain switched on while driving, even during clear and sunny weather.
Many modern vehicles activate daytime lights automatically, but it is still advisable to check that they are working before setting off.
Mobile phone use
Drivers may not hold or use a mobile phone while driving. Calls should only be made with appropriate hands-free equipment.
Set your navigation before starting the journey and stop in a safe place if you need to change the route or type a message.
Alcohol and driving
Serbia has a very low legal alcohol limit. The safest and simplest rule for tourists is not to drink any alcohol before driving.
Penalties can be serious, and stricter zero-alcohol rules apply to certain categories of drivers.
Child seats
Children shorter than 135 centimetres must travel in an appropriate approved child restraint that is correctly secured in the vehicle.
Children under the age of 12 should not normally travel in the front passenger seat. Always choose a child seat that is suitable for the child’s height and weight and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Bamiron Rent a Car offers a free child seat with the vehicle rental. It is recommended that you request it in advance and provide the age or weight of the child so that the appropriate seat can be prepared.
Toll Roads in Serbia
Serbia uses a distance-based toll system on most motorways.
When entering a motorway, you normally collect a ticket from the toll station. Keep it until you leave the motorway, as the amount you pay is calculated according to the distance travelled and the vehicle category.
Tolls can usually be paid using:
Serbian dinars
Payment cards
Electronic toll collection devices
Although cards are accepted at toll stations, keeping a small amount of Serbian currency in the vehicle can be useful in case of technical problems.
Do not lose the motorway ticket. If you cannot present it at the exit, you may be charged according to the longest possible route.
Fuel Stations in Serbia
Fuel stations are easy to find in Belgrade, along motorways and near larger towns. Many motorway stations operate throughout the day and offer toilets, food, drinks and basic vehicle supplies.
The most common types of fuel are:
Diesel, locally called “dizel”
Petrol, commonly listed as BMB 95 or BMB 100
LPG, locally called “auto-gas” or “TNG”
Before refuelling, check which fuel the rental vehicle uses. The fuel type is often indicated inside the fuel cap or on the rental documents.
If you accidentally use the wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. Contact the rental agency immediately and follow their instructions.
Payment cards are widely accepted, but carrying some Serbian dinars is useful when travelling through smaller towns and rural areas.
Parking in Belgrade
Parking in central Belgrade can be challenging, especially during working hours. Many streets are divided into parking zones with different time limits and payment conditions.
Always check the sign located near the parking space. It will show the applicable zone, payment instructions and maximum parking period.
Parking may be paid through the official parking application, by SMS using a Serbian mobile number or at certain authorised points. For tourists, public garages are often the easiest option because they avoid zone time limits and complicated SMS payments.
Never leave the vehicle on pavements, pedestrian areas, public transport lanes or spaces reserved for residents and people with disabilities. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined or removed.
When booking accommodation in Belgrade, ask whether private parking is included. This can save considerable time, particularly if you are staying in the city centre.
Driving in Belgrade
Traffic in Belgrade is busiest on weekday mornings and in the late afternoon. Major bridges, central streets and motorway access roads may become congested during rush hour.
A few practical tips can make city driving easier:
Avoid peak traffic times when possible
Use navigation but always follow road signs
Pay attention to public transport lanes
Allow extra time to find parking
Watch for pedestrians at crossings
Enter roundabouts carefully and follow lane markings
Some intersections and multi-lane roundabouts may feel unfamiliar to first-time visitors. Drive calmly, avoid sudden lane changes and take another turn if you miss your exit.
Road Conditions Outside Belgrade
Serbia’s main cities are connected by modern motorways and major roads. Driving between Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and other large cities is generally comfortable.
Road conditions may vary in rural and mountainous areas. You may encounter narrower roads, sharp bends, agricultural vehicles, animals or sections with limited lighting.
When visiting destinations such as Tara, Zlatibor, Kopaonik, Uvac or eastern Serbia:
Check the weather forecast before departure
Avoid unnecessary night driving on unfamiliar mountain roads
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
Do not rely only on the estimated navigation time
Stop regularly during longer journeys
Road signs should always take priority over information shown by a navigation application.
Winter Driving in Serbia
From 1 November to 1 April, winter tyres are required when snow, ice or black ice is present on the road.
Mountain regions can experience winter conditions even when the weather in Belgrade is dry and mild. Snow chains or other approved winter equipment may also be required on certain roads when indicated by traffic signs.
When renting a vehicle during winter, ask the agency whether the car is prepared for your planned destination, especially if you intend to visit ski resorts or mountain areas.
What to Do in an Emergency or Breakdown
The general emergency number in Serbia is 112.
In the event of an accident:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
Switch on the hazard lights.
Put on the reflective vest before leaving the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle at a safe distance.
Contact the police when necessary.
Inform the rental agency immediately.
Take photographs of the vehicles, damage and location.
Do not arrange repairs without the agency’s approval.
Keep the rental agency’s contact number saved on your phone throughout the journey.
Bamiron provides technical support for its rental vehicles, so contact the team immediately if you experience a breakdown, warning light or any other problem.
Can You Drive a Rental Car Outside Serbia?
Travelling to neighbouring countries with a rental car may be possible, but you must inform the rental agency before crossing the border.
Additional documentation or authorisation may be required depending on the destination. Never assume that every rental vehicle can automatically be taken abroad.
Tell Bamiron which countries you plan to visit when making the reservation. The team will confirm the conditions and prepare the necessary vehicle documentation.
For more information, read our guide about travelling outside Serbia with a rental car.
Best Places to Visit in Serbia by Car
Having your own vehicle allows you to explore destinations that may be difficult to reach by public transport.
Popular choices include:
Novi Sad and Fruška Gora
Golubac Fortress and the Danube
Tara National Park
Zlatibor and Uvac
Niš
Kopaonik
Oplenac and the Šumadija region
Vršac
Subotica and Palić
A rental car also makes it easier to combine several destinations during a single trip and stop at smaller towns, viewpoints and restaurants along the way.
Why Choose Bamiron Rent a Car in Belgrade?
Bamiron Rent a Car offers vehicles for city driving, family holidays, business travel and longer road trips through Serbia and the surrounding region.
Depending on the selected vehicle and agreed rental conditions, the Bamiron offer includes benefits such as:
Car rental without a deposit
A fleet of more than 300 vehicles
Free vehicle collection and return at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
Free child seats
Technical support
The possibility of travelling outside Serbia with prior notice
Vehicles from economical city models to larger family cars, seven-seat vehicles, vans and premium models
If you are arriving by plane, your vehicle can be prepared at Belgrade Airport at the agreed time. This allows you to continue your journey immediately without arranging additional transport into the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving in Serbia safe for tourists?
Yes. Driving in Serbia is generally straightforward when you follow the traffic rules, posted speed limits and local road signs. Additional care is recommended in busy city traffic and on rural or mountain roads.
Do tourists need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on the country that issued your licence and the applicable rental conditions. Contact the rental agency before arrival, particularly if your licence is not written in the Latin alphabet.
Can I pay Serbian motorway tolls by card?
Yes. Payment cards are accepted at official motorway toll stations. Cash and electronic toll collection are also available.
Is parking free in Belgrade?
Parking is charged in many central areas. Always check the signs showing the zone, payment method and maximum parking time.
Are headlights required during the day?
Yes. Daytime running lights or dipped headlights must be switched on while driving during the day.
Can I take a rental car from Serbia to another country?
It may be possible, but you must inform the rental agency in advance and obtain any required documentation or approval.
Can I rent a car at Belgrade Airport?
Yes. Bamiron offers vehicle collection and return at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport by prior arrangement.
Explore Serbia at Your Own Pace
Driving in Serbia as a tourist gives you the freedom to discover much more than the main city attractions. You can visit national parks, historic towns, mountain resorts and destinations along the Danube while travelling according to your own schedule.
Choose a vehicle that matches your route, confirm the rental conditions in advance and familiarise yourself with the basic driving rules before departure.
Contact Bamiron Rent a Car to reserve a vehicle in Belgrade or at Nikola Tesla Airport. Tell us where you plan to travel, and our team will help you select the right car and prepare everything needed for a comfortable and worry-free journey through Serbia.
