Layover in Belgrade

Nikola Tesla Airport Belgrade (BEG) has become one of Europe's main transit hubs for Russian travelers over the past couple of years. It's a convenient stop for those heading to Europe but who decided to see something other than bustling Istanbul along the way. Moreover, such a route has its advantages: Belgrade airport is compact and easy to navigate, and the city is close enough to grab a coffee with a view of the Danube. We've prepared a detailed guide on how to make the most of your time.

About the airport

Belgrade Airport is located 18 kilometers from the city center, in the Surčin district. It's not a giant hub like Dubai, where you can get lost for an hour. There's only one main terminal complex, divided into zones (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a corridor). It's impossible to get lost.

In recent years, the airport has undergone extensive reconstruction. The building has become more modern, brighter, and more comfortable. The main advantage of this airport is speed. Passport control and security checks here are usually faster than in major European capitals, which leaves more time for relaxation.

What documents are needed to go into the city

This is perhaps the most pleasant part of traveling through Serbia. For Russian citizens, a visa-free regime applies. If your layover is 4-5 hours or longer, you can confidently go into the city.

You will need:

• International passport, valid for at least 3 months from the end date of your trip.
• Boarding pass for your next flight (it's advisable to have it with you so you can go straight to security on your way back, if you are checked in and your luggage is tagged to the final destination).

No visas, fees, or special forms need to be filled out. The border guard will simply stamp your entry. If your luggage is not checked through to the final destination, you will have to collect it and store it in the left-luggage office (located in the arrivals area of Terminal 1), but this may take time.

How to get from Belgrade Airport to the city center

The logistics here are simple, but have their nuances.

Buses

An affordable way to get to the center.

• Minibus A1 (Shuttle). The most convenient option for tourists. A comfortable minibus that goes to Slavija Square (Trg Slavija) via New Belgrade and the railway station. Travel time is about 30-40 minutes. Tickets are purchased from the driver with cash dinars (it's best to exchange a small amount at the airport).
• Bus No. 72. A regular city bus. It goes to the final stop "Zeleni Venac" (Zeleni Venac) in the very center, near the beginning of the pedestrian zone. Travel time is also 30-40 minutes, according to airport data.
• Bus No. 600. A relatively new route connecting the airport with the "Belgrade Center" railway station (Prokop). Convenient if you are continuing your journey by train.
• Other routes to the city are – 72N, 860, and 607.

Taxi

You need to be careful with taxis in Belgrade. To avoid falling victim to "wild" drivers who overcharge threefold, use the official voucher system. In the arrivals area (even before exiting the building), find the Taxi Info desk. Tell the employee where you need to go (e.g., Kalemegdan or Center). They will issue you a paper voucher with a fixed price. With this voucher, you go outside, get into the first car in the taxi queue, and give the voucher to the driver. Payment is made to the driver at the end of the trip. This guarantees a fair price (usually around 25-30 euros to the center).

Apps like Yandex Go (Russian cards might not link, pay with cash) and CarGo (a local Uber equivalent) also work.

What to do during a layover at the airport

If there's no time to go into the city (less than 4 hours), you'll have to entertain yourself inside. The airport is small, but it has everything you need for a comfortable wait.

Shopping

Here you can buy last-minute Serbian souvenirs. Look for shelves with rakija (fruit brandy) – "Quince" (Dunjevača) is especially prized. Also, pay attention to Serbian wines (vinarija) and Najlepše želje chocolate. For cosmetics and perfumes, a standard range of global brands is present, with prices average for Europe. There are small boutiques with clothes and accessories (e.g., Pandora) where you can pass the time.

Dining

You won't go hungry, but don't expect gourmet delights. In the transit zone, there are several spots – In and out restaurant, "Hleb i Kifle" bakery, Coffee Cake, "Bistro", Galeb 3.

Relaxation

For long waits, more comfortable conditions are provided than the metal chairs at the gates.

• Business Lounges: The airport has several lounges. The main one is the Air Serbia Premium Lounge. It is available to Air Serbia business class passengers and holders of certain premium cards. It offers hot meals, showers, and comfortable seating. There is also a Business Club for passengers of other airlines and Priority Pass cardholders (check the validity of Russian cards at the entrance).
• ComputerLand: The airport has a gaming zone with three consoles where you can play the latest video games and pass the time before your flight.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available to passengers in both terminals, at check-in desks, in waiting areas A and C, at boarding gates, in corridors before waiting areas, and in the arrivals zone. Simple browser registration may be required to connect. The speed is sufficient for messengers and checking email, but streaming video may be slow.

Additional facilities

The airport has gadget charging zones, a smoking area, paid luggage wrapping, 24-hour medical assistance, an exchange office, luggage trolleys, and left-luggage facilities – in short, everything a traveler needs during a layover.

If you have 3-4 hours (too little for the city center, but plenty for the terminal), visit the Museum of Aviation. It's a 5-7 minute walk from the terminal building (exit outside and go right towards the large glass mushroom-shaped building). This is one of the best aviation museums in Europe. The collection includes unique exhibits, such as fragments of the American F-117 stealth aircraft and an F-16 fighter jet shot down during the 1999 bombings. It's a truly interesting place that will save you from boredom.

Overnight layover in Belgrade

If your layover is overnight, consider a few points.

1. The airport is open 24/7. You won't be forced outside, but activity inside slows down. Most shops and cafes close around midnight and reopen at 4-5 AM.
2. Where to sleep. There is no capsule hotel within the terminal itself. Sleeping on chairs is uncomfortable, as many of them have fixed armrests.
3. Hotels. If the layover is long (more than 6-7 hours), it's better to book a room. There are no hotels within walking distance of the airport (except for very basic options in the private sector), so you'll have to take a taxi to the nearest hotels in New Belgrade or Surčin. This will take 10-15 minutes.
4. Transport. At night, buses A1 and 72 run very infrequently or not at all. The only reliable way to leave or arrive at night is by taxi.

When planning your trip through Serbia, remember that this destination is very popular right now. If you haven't purchased your travel documents yet, it's better to buy tickets to Belgrade on Kupi.com in advance to choose a convenient layover time that allows you to at least catch a glimpse of this hospitable city.