Private car transfer from Budapest to Belgrade

The more you approach the Serbian frontier, the more the vibrant greenery transforms into sunbaked terrain. Once you pass the busy border crossing, the Balkan state welcomes you with even more pastoral grounds, hiding colorful villages in the distance.

The jaw-dropping vistas as you cross the Beska Bridge are the highlight of the voyage. Here, you'll span the Danube River one last time before steaming into the Serbian capital, where a mixture of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences welcome you into the city.

We created an extensive guide to ensure you make the most of this thrilling road trip. Below, you'll uncover how to travel from Budapest to Belgrade and tips for a smooth, entertaining, and, most importantly, safe experience!

From the fall of the Roman Empire until Serbia’s foundation in June 2006, Belgrade was continuously under occupation or endured wars. For centuries, the city swapped hands from the Byzantines to the Ottomans and the Habsburgs to the Soviet-run Yugoslavia state. The various rulers led to a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles.

Modern Belgrade

Scars of Serbia's turbulent past remain on the surface of the Belgrade cityscape in the 21st century. However, this raw beauty and mix-and-match building design give the capital its unique character.

Most visitors leave Belgrade with its vibrant nightlife cemented in the back of their minds. Endless bars, restaurants, and nightclubs line the sidewalks, ranging from rock-bottom dive taverns to chic rooftop cocktail bars. However, if you want to party until the early hours, the splav clubs are a must. Businesses transformed the unused boats along the Danube River into bustling dance floors where locals and travelers create unique memories.

• Language: Serbian
• Currency: Serbian dinar (RSD)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Climate: moderate continental climate
• Plug types: C and F
• Fun fact: Belgrade has had 15 names throughout its history!

Venture off the tourist map

If you don't live in Serbia, it's unlikely that you've heard of fascinating towns like Szeged, Subotica, or Novi Sad. Yet these stunning cities offer a deep dive into Hungary and Serbia's past and modern-day lives. Make sure your mode of transport stops at these towns before spending your hard-earned cash!

Bring the essentials

The drive from Budapest to Belgrade can easily take upwards of 4 hours. Therefore, you'll need some essentials for a comfortable journey. Snacks, water, entertainment outlets, and a travel guide with basic phrases are vital at any point of the year.

But you'll also need to consider the season when traveling. Summers are hot, so pack sunscreen and sun hats, while in winter, you'll bring gloves, scarves, and waterproof clothing.

You can book a ticket online through Air Serbia from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Once you land in Serbia, you can catch the A1 shuttle every 20 minutes from the terminal to downtown.

• Overall travel duration: 4-5 hours
• Cheapest flight price: $66.50 (€61)
• Average flight price: $80 (€73)
• Direct flights: 2-3 daily

Buses from Budapest to Belgrade

The bus is the best option when traveling on a budget from Budapest to Belgrade. It's the cheapest way to travel, as budget bus firms Terra Travel and Flixbus connect the two cities, offering affordable seats.

All direct buses depart from Budapest Nepliget Bus Station and arrive at Belgrade Central Station. Your final destination, conveniently located, is only a 20-minute walk or less than a 10-minute taxi to Republic Square.

• Cheapest bus ticket price: $25 (€23)
• Average bus ticket price: $45 (€41)
• Average bus duration: 6 hours
• First bus departure: 8:30 AM
• Last bus departure: 11 PM

Trains from Budapest to Belgrade

Unfortunately, the train is not a recommended travel method from Budapest to Belgrade. No direct or convenient indirect carriage operates on this line.

However, work is underway to build a quick service between the two capitals. Officials have recently announced that they believe it'll be completed by February 2026. They also state that the service will travel between the cities in only 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Daytrip from Budapest to Belgrade

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, most comfortable, flexible, and most convenient travel method from Budapest to Belgrade. In only 3 hours and 40 minutes, a professional driver can usher you directly from your hotel in Hungary to your new one in Serbia. Most importantly, you'll travel in a clean, quiet car with modern conveniences.

Believe it or not, Daytrip is also the most adventurous way to travel from Budapest to Belgrade. You can explore the towns and landmarks littering the road between the capitals. Visiting the Bear Farm, dedicated to rescuing bears and wolves, is an unforgettable experience. Or, stopping at Kecskemet offers you the chance to sample the delicious wines grown in the vineyards encircling the city.

• Seats from: $79 (€73)
• English-speaking driver
• Flexible schedule
• Complimentary bottled water
• Equipped for kids, pets, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing!

Today, the city has expanded outwards, but you can climb its walls to admire stunning views overlooking the bustling capital. You can easily spend the entire day exploring its walkways and highlights, including Sahat Tower, Military Bunker, Gunpowder Warehouse, and Nebojsa Tower.

Learn history at the Museum of Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia had a fascinating yet bloodshed past. And there's no better place to learn about its history than in its original capital city, Belgrade!

The government established the Museum of Yugoslavia here in 1965, before the socialist state's demise, but luckily, it's still in operation today. You can stroll its corridors, admiring artifacts and soaking up its tales at your own pace. Or you can join a guided tour every Saturday at 11 AM for English speakers.

Relax in Park Usce

Park Usce sits on the opposite side of the river from Belgrade's Old Town. Therefore, most visitors overlook the locals' most beloved green space!

Originally a run-down neighborhood, this area has transformed into a trendy yet tranquil green space. There are endless fields and shaded areas where you can recharge during a long day of sightseeing, which is perfect when traveling as a family. If you need your daily dose of caffeine, head to one of the eateries or splavs lining the banks of the Sava River!

Admire St. Sava's Temple

St. Sava Temple is one of the largest and most impressive Orthodox churches worldwide. Its construction began in 1935 but is still ongoing, highlighting the nation's perseverance. Its impressive white marble and granite exterior, crowned with a massive dome, dominates the city skyline.

Stunning mosaics and frescoes decorate the interior, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere. The crypt, dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, is breathtaking with its elaborate details.

With fewer tourists in town, you'll have more room to breathe when visiting museums, and you'll also be contributing to sustainable travel. You'll help local businesses financially, as they won't have to rely too heavily on the summer season. And with fewer groups in Belgrade, you'll put less strain on public transport and local resources.