Belgrade has a dense, busy public transport network covering the city with trams, trolleybuses and a large fleet of buses — all managed by GSP Beograd (Gradsko Saobraćajno Preduzeće) and using the unified BusPlus electronic ticketing system. The network is extensive and inexpensive, though it can be confusing at first; most visitors find their bearings quickly once they understand the key lines and how to validate correctly.
Trams
Belgrade's trams are one of the oldest parts of the network and run through the inner city on a mix of older and more modern rolling stock. The routes cover the historic core and connect the city centre with inner residential districts.
Key tram lines for visitors:
- Tram 2: one of the most useful routes, running between Kalemegdan fortress area and the Studentski Trg area in the Savamala and Stari Grad (Old Town) districts.
- Tram 11: a longer route connecting Banjica in the south through the centre to Zemun, the historic quarter on the Danube north-west of the core city.
- Tram 13: connects Banjica to the Trg Slavija intersection and the main railway areas.
Trams are generally slower than buses in the centre due to shared road space and traffic, but they serve some routes that buses don't cover as conveniently, particularly near Kalemegdan and along Knez Mihailova Street.
Trolleybuses
Belgrade is one of the few European capitals that still operates a significant trolleybus network. Overhead electric wires cover several central corridors, and trolleybuses serve routes that connect major squares and inner districts without the fumes of diesel buses.
Key trolleybus lines include routes between Trg Slavija, Terazije (the main central square), the Parliament building area and the Beograd-Centar railway station zone. For visitors, trolleybuses offer a quiet, comfortable ride on the routes they cover and are identical in ticketing to trams and buses.
City Buses
The bus network is the backbone of Belgrade's public transport for outer districts, suburban areas, and corridors not covered by trams or trolleybuses. The fleet is large and routes cover every corner of the metropolitan area, including New Belgrade (Novi Beograd) on the left bank of the Sava — the modernist city built in the Yugoslav era — and the long arterial routes to Zemun and beyond.
For visitors, buses are most useful for:
- Crossing between central Belgrade and New Belgrade (Novi Beograd), where many hotels, conference venues and the Kombank Arena are located.
- Reaching Zemun from the city centre (bus routes along Zemunski put).
- Connections between Trg Slavija and the outlying residential areas south of the city.
Minibuses also operate on certain fixed routes and charge slightly higher fares than the main GSP network.
The BusPlus Ticketing System
Belgrade uses a contactless smart card system called BusPlus for all journeys on GSP trams, trolleybuses and buses. This replaced the old paper ticket system and works as follows:
- BusPlus card: a reloadable contactless card purchased from BusPlus service points, kiosks and some post offices. Tap the card on the orange validators when boarding.
- Loading credit: top up at BusPlus kiosks, at authorised shops (often tobacconists or newsstands with the BusPlus sign) or online if you have a card registered to an account.
- SMS tickets: available for one-journey use without a card — send an SMS to the number printed at stops and receive a code to show the inspector.
- Buying on board: tickets from the driver are available on some services but cost more than using a pre-loaded card.
The card charges per journey and is not time-based in the same way as many Western European systems — validate every time you board a new vehicle. Transfers between vehicles require a new validation if the time window has passed. Keep an eye on your remaining balance and top up before it runs out.
Getting to and from Belgrade Airport
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) is located about 18 km west of the city centre in the direction of Novi Beograd. The main connection is the A1 bus, operated by GSP, running between the airport and the central Trg Slavija area and on to several other stops. The journey takes roughly 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. This bus uses the standard BusPlus system — load your card and tap on boarding.
A taxi from the airport to the centre is more expensive; the main established taxi company at the airport is CarGo, and you should use official licensed taxis rather than unmetered drivers who approach in the arrivals hall. Bolt (Uber's equivalent in Serbia) is widely available and usually the most cost-effective option for airport journeys if you have the app.
Belgrade City Map and Key Stops
The city's geography is defined by two rivers: the Sava running from south to north-west, and the Danube flowing east. The historic core sits on the ridge and hill above their confluence, with Kalemegdan Fortress at the tip. The Knez Mihailova pedestrian street runs from the fortress south towards Terazije, the central hub.
Key landmarks and their nearest public transport:
- Kalemegdan Fortress: tram 2 or bus via Studentski Trg area.
- Terazije and Republic Square: central hub for multiple bus and trolleybus lines.
- Trg Slavija: major interchange hub for routes going south and to the airport.
- Skadarlija (Bohemian Quarter): walking distance from Republic Square or tram.
- Savamala (creative arts district): walking distance from Kalemegdan or tram along the Sava riverfront.
Tips for getting around Belgrade
- Get a BusPlus card as soon as you arrive — it is far more convenient than paper tickets and cheaper than on-board purchases.
- The A1 airport bus is reliable and cheap, but allow extra time in morning and evening traffic.
- Trg Slavija is the main southern interchange hub — almost all routes in the southern half of the city pass through it.
- Bolt works well in Belgrade and is often the most predictable option for late-night journeys when public transport frequency drops.
- Night buses run on some routes from around midnight to 04:00, but frequency is low — check the GSP schedule or use a taxi app for late evenings.
Frequently asked questions
Does Belgrade have a metro or underground?
No. Belgrade does not currently have an underground metro. A metro project has been in planning for many years and construction was scheduled to begin in the mid-2020s, but as of mid-2026 the surface tram, trolleybus and bus network remains the backbone of the city's public transport.
What is the BusPlus card and where do I get one?
BusPlus is Belgrade's contactless public transport card. You can buy one at BusPlus service kiosks, authorised newsagents and some post offices. Load credit onto it and tap the card on the orange validator when boarding any GSP tram, trolleybus or bus.
How do I get from Belgrade Airport to the city centre?
The A1 GSP bus runs from the airport to Trg Slavija (central hub) in approximately 30–50 minutes. It uses the standard BusPlus card. Taxis and Bolt are also available — use official metered taxis or the Bolt app rather than unmetered drivers in the arrivals hall.
Are trolleybuses and trams covered by the same ticket as buses?
Yes. A single BusPlus card covers travel on all GSP vehicles — trams, trolleybuses and buses. Validate by tapping the card on the orange reader every time you board a new vehicle.
Sources and further reading:
- GSP Beograd — routes and timetables at gsp.rs
- BusPlus — card purchase and top-up information at busplus.rs
- Belgrade Airport (Nikola Tesla) — transport connections at beg.aero
- For rail travel from Belgrade to other Balkan cities, see the Eastern Europe by train guide.