Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport lies about 18 km west of the city centre, and the practical choices are a direct minibus into the central Trg Slavija hub, a cheaper city bus, or a taxi booked properly through the terminal's voucher desk rather than a driver who approaches you at arrivals.
The direct option: the A1 minibus
The A1 minibus, run by GSP Beograd, connects the airport directly to Trg Slavija, a major interchange in central Belgrade, with a handful of other stops along the way. The journey takes roughly 30–50 minutes depending on traffic, and the minibus uses the standard BusPlus ticketing system — tap a pre-loaded card on boarding, or buy a ticket directly from the driver if you don't yet have one.
This is the most straightforward public transport option for most visitors, running frequently enough through the day that a long wait is unusual, and dropping you within walking distance or a short onward tram ride of much of central Belgrade.
The cheaper option: city bus 72
Bus 72 is a regular city route that also serves the airport, considerably cheaper than the A1 minibus but slower and with more stops, making it a better fit for budget travellers who aren't in a rush. It connects to Zeleni Venac, closer to the city centre than some other bus routes, from where trams and further buses continue into the core. Like the A1, it runs on the BusPlus system.
Taxis: use the official voucher desk
A taxi desk operates inside the arrivals hall where you can arrange a fixed-price taxi in advance, with the fare fixed and printed on a voucher before you get in the car — this removes any risk of an inflated fare and is the recommended way to take a taxi from Belgrade Airport. The established operator most visitors use is CarGo. The drive to the centre takes around 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Bolt
Bolt operates widely in Belgrade and is generally the most cost-effective and predictable alternative to a traditional taxi, with the fare shown in the app before you book. Many visitors find it the easiest option overall, since there's no need to negotiate or find the voucher desk once you've landed.
Car hire at the airport
Several car hire desks operate in the terminal, useful if you're planning to explore beyond Belgrade — Novi Sad and the Fruška Gora hills, or a wider loop through the Balkans, are realistic with a rental car. Driving into and parking within central Belgrade is less convenient than using the tram and BusPlus network once you're there; a car is more useful for excursions out of the city than for the airport transfer itself.
Why there's no train to the airport
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has no rail connection, and there is currently no dedicated airport rail project under construction to change that — a metro system for the city itself has also been discussed for years without breaking ground as of mid-2026. This is part of why the A1 minibus was set up as a dedicated, purpose-built link rather than relying on the ordinary city bus network alone, and why it remains the recommended default for most visitors over bus 72.
Connecting onward through Belgrade
If you're passing through Belgrade rather than stopping, both the A1 minibus and a taxi from the voucher desk can drop you within a short walk or onward tram ride of Beograd Centar, the city's main railway station for services toward Novi Sad, Zagreb and beyond, or the BAS bus station for coach connections around the Balkans. Given that the airport bus and taxi times can vary noticeably with traffic, it's worth building in a reasonable buffer if you have a same-day onward train or coach booked.
Luggage, timing and first-timer tips
Belgrade Airport is a manageable size with signage in English and Serbian, and the A1 minibus and bus 72 stops are both a short walk from arrivals. Serbia uses the Serbian dinar, not the euro, so it's worth having a small amount of local currency or a card that works well abroad, since not every kiosk or driver accepts euros directly.
If you're arriving late at night, check the current frequency of the A1 minibus before you fly, since services thin out considerably after the evening peak — the taxi voucher desk and Bolt remain the more dependable options at those times.
Which option should you choose?
For most visitors, the A1 minibus is the easiest and most direct way into the centre. Bus 72 suits those on a tighter budget who don't mind a longer ride. For a taxi, always use the official voucher desk or an official rank rather than an unlicensed driver in the arrivals hall — or book through Bolt for a fixed, predictable fare.
Once you're settled in, our guide to Belgrade public transport covers the trams, trolleybuses and the BusPlus system in full. If you're continuing on, see Belgrade to Novi Sad or Budapest to Belgrade.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Belgrade Airport to the city centre?
The A1 minibus runs directly to Trg Slavija in around 30–50 minutes. City bus 72 is a cheaper alternative, and a taxi arranged through the official voucher desk or the Bolt app offers a direct door-to-door option.
Is it safe to take a taxi from Belgrade Airport?
Use the official taxi voucher desk in the arrivals hall or an official taxi rank — this fixes your fare in advance. Avoid unlicensed drivers who approach you directly, as they can significantly overcharge.
Do I need Serbian dinars for the airport bus?
You can pay by card in most cases via the BusPlus system, but it's worth having some local currency, since not every driver or kiosk accepts euros or foreign cards without issue.
Is there a train from Belgrade Airport to the city?
No — there is no rail connection to Nikola Tesla Airport. The A1 minibus, city bus 72, and taxis or Bolt are the realistic options.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport official site.
- Bus routes and BusPlus ticketing: GSP Beograd.
- Official taxi information: CarGo.