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A car trip from Budapest to Belgrade
Hungary and Serbia are landlocked nations where raw natural beauty and traditional villages blend harmoniously like a fine marriage. The 378-mile road from Budapest to Belgrade connects their respective political and cultural capitals, highlighting the brilliance of these underrated European destinations.
The Buda Castle, Liberty Statue, and Fisherman Bastion all turn out to welcome you on your way south along the Danube River. As you exit the concrete jungle, Hungary's distinctive flat plains allow you to admire the lush greenery and rolling hay bales in rustic farmyards as far as the horizon.
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!
About Belgrade
Serbia's capital is a mid-sized city by European standards. Nevertheless, you'll arrive in the nation's largest and most populous urban space after your Budapest to Belgrade transfer. As of 2024, over 1.4 million locals live here along the famous Danube River in the country's north.
Beginning of Belgrade
Belgrade is one of Europe's most historic cities, with mankind inhabiting the area since 5,700 BC. Thraco-Dacians and Celtic tribes even established a permanent town here before the Roman Empire conquered the land and renamed the region Singidunum in the 1st century BC.
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!
From Budapest to Belgrade: Travel tips
Unless you're a local traveling daily from Budapest to Belgrade, you may be unaware of the challenges you may encounter on this 378-mile (603-km) voyage. But with our insider tips, you'll have a smooth, safe, and enjoyable trip!
Prepare for the border crossing
Traveling to Europe can sometimes feel tricky. In one minute, you can walk across a border. Next, you must pass through passport controls. Since Serbia is not part of the EU or Schengen region, you'll need your passport and all necessary visa documents before crossing the frontier.
### 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.
How to get from Budapest to Belgrade
If it's your first time traveling from Budapest to Belgrade, there's no need to worry. There's a mode of transportation suitable for you, whether you prioritize speed, budget, comfort, or flexibility.
Flights from Budapest to Belgrade
On paper, a flight is the quickest means of transport from Budapest to Belgrade. Flights travel between the cities in just over an hour. However, security checks, airport transfers, and checking-in luggage increase the duration to over four hours.
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!
Things to do when you get to Belgrade
Belgrade's ability to stay clear of Europe's most sought-after cities is one of its most valuable attributes. When one of the 2 million annual tourists arrives in town after their Budapest to Belgrade transfer, they're left speechless. The plethora of things to see and do here will keep you entertained for your entire trip!
Explore Belgrade Fortress
Belgrade Fortress is the crown jewel in Serbia's treasure chest of historical monuments. The castle had stood on this site since 279 AD when the entirety of the city population used to reside within its four walls.
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.
When is the best time to visit Belgrade?
There's never a disappointing time to plan a trip to the Serbian capital. However, there are several reasons why spring is the best period to travel from Budapest to Belgrade.
From April to mid-June, the average daily high temperature of 76° F (24° C) is cooler than the scorching summer heat. However, it's more pleasant to spend time outdoors and explore the city's historical lane on foot.
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.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,800+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Verified reviews from 1,306 travelers who booked this route
Oct 13, 2025
"Andy was a fantastic guide and driver today! He transported us safely from Budapest to Belgrade, and we learned a lot about the places we visited along the way. "
Michael S.
United States
Jan 7, 2025
"Mark was terrific - he was patient with us (we are a family of 5), engaging and just overall helpful, especially with our luggage. A really good driver too. Thanks!
"
Christopher S.
United Kingdom
Oct 25, 2024
"Vladimir was nice, courteous, professional throughout the 4-hour journey.
His English is absolutely fluent and the conversation covered a huge spectrum of topics, as he is well travelled and well read.
The car was in good shape and Vladimir was an excellent driver.
He was proactive in checking with me about bathroom and food breaks, music, etc.
I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable driver in the Balkans."
Michael L.
Netherlands
Sep 28, 2024
"Boris was right on time and provided a very comfortable service from Budapest to Belgrade. He is highly experienced and knowledgeable. We appreciated his professionalism and enjoyed the service."
Scott L.
United States
Aug 4, 2024
"5 stars! Milos was perfect! Polite and professional. Ride was way to go. Vehicle was good. Offered charging cable and bottled water. Would recommend rehire.
"
ROBERT F.
Canada
Jul 14, 2024
"ALL THE 3 TRIPS I HAVE DONE WITH YOU
1)BUDAPEST TO BELGRADE,
2)BELGRADE TO SKOPJE,BOTH ON THE 7TH JULY AND
3)SCOPJE TO THESSALONIKI ON THE 9TH JULY
WERE EXCELLENT VERY PUNCTUAL AND HELPFUL ALL THE THREE DRIVERS.
PLEASE GIVE THEM ALL MY REGARDS."
HERMES A.
Cyprus
May 2, 2024
"Csaba: A Top-Notch Driver for Our Hungary to Serbia Trip
We recently had the pleasure of hiring Csaba as our driver for a trip from Hungary to Serbia, and I can strongly recommend him . From the moment we first contacted him, Csaba was professional, courteous, and incredibly helpful.
Here's what made Csaba such a fantastic driver:
Expert Navigator: Csaba's knowledge of the roads between Hungary and Serbia was exceptional. He navigated the route effortlessly, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.
Safe and Secure: Safety was paramount for Csaba. He drove responsibly, adhering to traffic regulations and making us feel comfortable and secure throughout the trip.
Pleasant Companion : If you're looking for a chatty driver, Csaba is your guy! He was a wealth of information about the region, sharing interesting facts and stories along the way. (If you prefer a quiet ride, just let him know!)
Reliable and Punctual: Csaba arrived on time for pickup and delivered us to our destination in Serbia exactly as planned and helped us with our luggage.
Overall, Csaba's professionalism, expertise, and friendly demeanor made our trip from Hungary to Serbia a truly enjoyable experience. If you're looking for a reliable and trustworthy driver for your travels in this region, look no further than Csaba!"
Khalid A.
Saudi Arabia
Jun 26, 2023
"Everything went great. Vlad was on time, car was nice, ride was nice. Especially good was that he found a way around a 2+ km line at the border."
Karl M.
United States
Jun 24, 2023
"Our driver Oliver was great. Drove us from Budapest to Belgrade. It was a long drive with a lot of laughs with Oliver during it. Oliver made it great. "
Ronnie C.
New Zealand
Jun 4, 2023
"Our trip with Boris was excellent.
He actually arrived about a half hour early, which was fine by me. He drove smoothly and with care.
His car was very clean and he was a lovely person to be with.
At the end of the trip, he helped me unload the luggage and waited till our Airbnb host contacted me."
Michael P.
Australia
May 2, 2023
"We had a wonderful trip and Gyorgy was great! This was our first time using MyDayTrip and our experience was excellent."
Lila C.
United States
Oct 13, 2022
"I had no problems. The driver was great. So friendly and professional, and I was really impressed. He was very knowledgeable and spoke English brilliantly. It was a real joy and a pleasure. Thank you so much. Five +++ Stars."
Pamela Schmidt S.
United States
Sep 24, 2022
"Csaba was a great driver, I highly recommend him for others. He was very friendly, professional and punctual.
"
Thinh N.
United States
Sep 20, 2022
"Attila was on time to pick us up and very informative about Hungary in general.
We did assume that he would be more informative about our scheduled stops.
Overall we valued the Daytrip experience."
George B.
United States
Sep 20, 2022
"Hi, Vladimir was another great driver, my second one this summer. Thoroughly patient, polite, and friendly. Absolutely no issues.
"
Todd M.
United States
Jul 29, 2022
"I was VERY happy with Gregory and your service! He was punctual, responsive to my call to him for confirmation, very kind, and professional.
I would definitely recommend your service to friends!
I am hoping to use your service again when I possibly visit Europe again this coming Spring with my parents and brother. "
Marci R.
United States
Jul 19, 2022
"The trip was fantastic, Magdolna was an amazing host and we had a great conversation and a very authentic lunch at a little town.
Would recommend the service to anyone requiring a short trip."
Cameron C.
Australia
Jul 12, 2022
"We LOVED our experience traveling between Budapest and Belgrade. Nemanja was an excellent driver. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a good experience. I am so happy we used this service and will continue to use it whenever possible!
"
Brian M.
United States
Jun 10, 2022
"We had a wonderful trip both ways from Belgrade to Budapest and back, our drivers were very nice and helpful and the Van was very comfortable.
"
Saul F.
Mexico
Nov 17, 2021
"I had a great time - Gyorgy was professional, entertaining, knowledgeable and make the trip an absolute delight. Please send him my regards and y’all should give him a raise. He was an excellent representative of your company. The website was easy to use and the communications excellent. Would totally use Gyorgy and your company again in the future.
"
steve p.
United States
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Budapest to Belgrade
The shortest road distance from Budapest to Belgrade is 378 miles, which can take only 3 hours and 40 minutes when driving at a safe speed. However, Budapest is Europe's 10th most traffic-congested city, so traveling during rush hours can increase the duration to over four hours. Avoid traveling from the center between 7:30 AM-9 AM and 4:00 PM-6:30 PM.
As of 2024, no direct train travels from Budapest to Belgrade. Operations have been seized until February 2026. Works are ongoing on this line to help improve the infrastructure and decrease the duration. Until 2026, a train is not recommended when traveling between the cities due to the numerous transfers, hassle, and infrequency of carriages on indirect lines.
Belgrade is one of Europe's safest capital cities for tourists, including female and solo travelers. As of 2024, the city scores highly on the safety index, scoring 73 out of 100. Crime rates are low, and even though it's considered secure to walk at night, be vigilant, use common sense, and avoid unlit areas to stay safe.
Overall, Daytrip is the best mode of transportation between Budapest and Belgrade. Our private door-to-door service is the fastest, most comfortable, flexible, and most convenient travel method. However, the bus is more suitable when traveling on a tight budget.
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the easiest way to get from Budapest to Belgrade. With our flexible schedule, you can decide when your professional driver will collect you at your hotel in Budapest and drop you off at your new one in Belgrade. This eliminates the time and cost of organizing taxis to and from public transportation stations.
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest travel method from Budapest to Belgrade. A professional driver can transport you safely from your hotel in Hungary to your new one in Serbia in only 3 hours and 40 minutes. Traveling outside the rush hour traffic from 7:30 AM to 9 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM will decrease the duration.
Visit these sights on the way
Bear Farm
A quiet place for rescued bears and wolves to live out their days. Sweet Retirement
Kecskemet
Even though its name stems from the Hungarian word for goat, this garden city actually boasts some of the finest architecture in the country. Some Goat!
National Heritage Park of Opusztaszer
Representing the Magyar tribes who founded Hungary, seven huge arrows on a hill at the National Heritage Park of Ópusztaszer are a piece of history in Hungary. Mazes and history galore!
Szeged
Year-round fun under the sun and a trip to the zoo is only a few of the many things Szeged has to offer. Lively City of Sunshine
Subotica
Although it has a quaint feel, Subotica is the second largest city in Vojvodina of Serbia. Quaint but grand
Novi Sad
Situated on the Danube River between Budapest and Belgrade, the city of Novi Sad is a center of culture and elegance, known for its tolerance and open-mindedness. Serbian Athens
