One of the nicest things for visitors to Belgrade today is also one of the simplest: you don't pay for city transport. No tickets, no validation — you just get on and ride.

In short: Since 1 January 2025, public city transport in Belgrade has been completely free — buses, trams and trolleybuses run without tickets. The only exceptions are express minibuses (the "E" lines) and the A1 airport express, where a ticket is still required.

Is it really free?

Yes. On 1 January 2025 Belgrade abolished fares on city transport and became the largest city in Europe (over half a million residents) with completely free public transport. There are no tickets, no cards and no validators on regular lines — for domestic and foreign passengers alike.

There are only two exceptions: express minibuses (marked "E") and the A1 airport express. On those, you buy a ticket in the vehicle.

How to use it

  • Just board through any door and ride — you buy nothing and validate nothing.
  • For routes and times, use an app (Google Maps, Moovit or the city's "Beograd Plus"), since lines and routes change from time to time — an app is always more reliable than a remembered number.
  • Transport also runs at night, through a network of night lines.

The most useful lines and hubs

Instead of memorising dozens of numbers (which change now and then), remember the three main hubs that most lines pass through — from there you can easily switch to anywhere:

  • Zeleni venac — the largest bus hub, right on the edge of the old town.
  • Trg republike (Republic Square) — in the heart of the pedestrian zone, next to Knez Mihailova and a step from Kalemegdan.
  • Slavija — a large roundabout that many lines pass through, reaching all parts of the city.

For sightseeing, tram number 2 is handy — a circular line that loops around the old core past Kalemegdan and the Sava, so it's a little tour of the city in itself.

From the airport: the regular city line 72 (therefore free) runs from Nikola Tesla Airport to Zeleni venac in 35–45 minutes. The A1 airport express to Slavija is faster, but it's paid, as it's not part of the free-transport system.

From New Belgrade to the centre

If you're staying in New Belgrade — as with us — numerous bus and tram lines cross the Branko bridge and put you in the centre within fifteen minutes, free of charge. We wrote more about the area and its connections in our guide New Belgrade — a visitor's guide.

Conclusion

Free transport is one reason Belgrade is easy and cheap to explore — no buying tickets, no working out zones. Download one map app, remember three hubs, and the city is open to you.

Planning a stay? How to choose an apartment in Belgrade and available dates at the BORDO apartments are a click away.

Frequently asked questions

Is transport free for tourists and foreigners too?

Yes. It's free for all passengers, regardless of nationality — no ticket and no registration needed. You simply board the bus, tram or trolleybus.

Do I need a ticket or an app?

Not for the ride. On regular lines you buy nothing and validate nothing. An app (Google Maps, Moovit or "Beograd Plus") is useful only for finding the line, route and arrival time.

What isn't free?

Only express minibuses (the "E" lines) and the A1 airport express — on those you pay a ticket in the vehicle. All other regular lines are free.

How do I get to the centre from the airport by public transport?

Regular line 72 (free) to Zeleni venac in 35–45 minutes. The A1 airport express to Slavija is faster but paid; a taxi or transfer is fastest.