Belgrade Nikola Tesla Layover Guide (BEG)

What are you looking for in BEG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Belgrade Airport (BEG) is an international airport located in Surčin, about 18 km (11 miles) from downtown Belgrade. The airport officially opened in 1962. Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia, known for its vibrant nightlife, rich history, and cultural heritage. It’s a growing hub in Southeast Europe, offering travelers a mix of historical landmarks, lively urban scenes, and easy access to the rest of the Balkans.

Can you leave Belgrade Airport (BEG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Belgrade (BEG), you may remain airside in the international transit area without a visa. To exit the airport and explore Serbia, you must meet entry rules: valid foreign nationals visa-exempt for brief, short stays enter visa-free; others require a C-type short-stay transit visa (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Belgrade Fortress & Kalemegdan Park Explore the ancient fortifications, lush parklands and panoramic river views while strolling the historic ramparts of Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Take A1 bus to Slavija Square then tram 2 to Kalemegdan, or 25 min taxi.)
• Saint Sava Temple Marvel at one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches with its gleaming white marble and grand dome, offering serene interior mosaics and a peaceful atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: A1 bus to Slavija then bus 31 to Vračar, or 25 min taxi.)
• Skadarlija Bohemian Quarter Wander through cobblestone streets lined with traditional kafanas, art galleries and street musicians, soaking up the vibrant bohemian spirit and enjoying Serbian cuisine. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: A1 bus to Slavija then walk 10 min or 25 min taxi.)
• Knez Mihailova Street Stroll along Belgrade’s main pedestrian promenade, featuring historic facades, boutiques, cafes and street performers in the heart of the city’s shopping district. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: A1 bus to Slavija then tram 2 to Kneza Mihaila, or 25 min taxi.)
• Nikola Tesla Museum Discover the life and inventions of the famous scientist through interactive exhibits, original documents and scale models of his groundbreaking technologies. (official site) (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: A1 bus to Slavija then bus 31 to Vukov Spomenik, or 25 min taxi.)
• Ada Ciganlija Relax on the “Belgrade Sea,” enjoying beaches, cycling paths, water sports and lakeside cafes on this popular river island recreational area. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: A1 bus to Slavija then bus 26 to Ada, or 30 min taxi.)
• Republic Square & National Museum Visit the bustling heart of Belgrade, admire the equestrian statue of Prince Mihailo and explore Serbian art, archaeology and history at the National Museum. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: A1 bus to Slavija then metro to Republic Square, or 25 min taxi.)
• Zemun Old Town & Danube Promenade Wander the charming streets of historic Zemun, climb Gardos Tower for city views and stroll the riverside promenade with coffee shops and local markets. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: A1 bus to Novi Beograd then bus 95 to Zemun, or 30 min taxi.)

Things to Do in Belgrade Airport (BEG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport hosts the Air Serbia Premium Lounge between gates A4–A5, offering showers, high-speed Wi-Fi, refreshments and workspace. The “Business Club” lounge by Dufry serves most airlines with seating for 30, separate check-in and passport control. Priority Pass holders can access both terminals’ lounges. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no on-site hotel at BEG, but Airport Hotel Garni sits just 3 minutes away by shuttle. It features modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a bar and private parking. Other nearby options include Hotel Zeder and B Hotel, both offering 24-hour airport shuttle service and comfortable overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
No dedicated sleeping pods or quiet zones exist, but passengers can find informal rest spots in transit areas near gates A2–A3, A4–A5 and C2–C3. Comfy benches, stools and greenery-lined lounges in Terminal 1 upper level also provide decent overnight seating—just secure your belongings, as facilities aren’t monitored overnight.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals. Simply select the “BELGRADE AIRPORT FREE Wi-Fi” network, accept terms and browse securely. Connection speeds are sufficient for email, streaming and video calls, with no daily time limits or data caps, keeping you connected from check-in to boarding.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival, look for mobile operator kiosks selling prepaid SIM cards from Yettel, Telenor and VIP, located in the baggage claim area. Prices start around €10 for data plans. eSIM profiles from providers like Airalo can be activated immediately via QR code, avoiding physical SIM swaps. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Fixed-fare taxi vouchers are issued at four e-kiosks in baggage claim and the passenger lounge. A ride to downtown Belgrade costs roughly 1 800–2 500 RSD (€15–20) depending on zone and time. Vouchers guarantee regulated fares; cash and card payments are accepted at taxi stands outside Arrivals.

Train: No direct passenger rail service currently operates to BEG. However, a suburban rail link from Zemun Polje station to the airport is under construction, set to start in 2024 with an 18-month completion timeline. Future service will cut travel time to the city center significantly. (more info)

Bus: Multiple bus lines serve BEG: the A1 express minibus runs to Slavija Square every 20–30 minutes, Line 72 to Zeleni Venac, Line 607 to Banovo Brdo, and Line 860i to Belgrade Bus Station. Journeys take 30–50 minutes; tickets cost 145–400 RSD. Schedules and stops are on the airport website. (more info)

Shuttle: The A1 Airport Express provides dedicated shuttle service between BEG and Slavija Square. Operating from 04:00 to midnight, departures run every 20 minutes (08:00–18:00) and hourly off-peak. Tickets cost approximately 400 RSD one way; return fares and luggage allowances apply.

Car rentals: Major car-rental firms (Enterprise, SIXT, Hertz, Avis) have counters in Arrivals Hall. Most operate 07:00–23:00 with 24-hour pick-up options. A wide fleet ranges from economy compacts to SUVs. Reservations can be made online in advance; necessary documents include a valid driver’s license and credit card. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Official airport parking includes short-stay lots P1–P3 adjacent to terminals, offering 10 minutes free or up to 1 hour free waiting. Hourly rates start at 100 RSD, daily maximums around 700–1 000 RSD. Long-term and covered garage options exist off-site with free shuttle transfers. Online booking with discounts is available.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

BEG provides no official luggage storage or lockers. Left-luggage services may be available at the airport information desk on request, but capacities are limited. Alternatives include city-based services at the main bus station (06:00–22:00) and private providers like Stasher or Vertoe with secure drop-off locations. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Belgrade Airport (BEG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks