ST401 Belgrade - Avala

Belgrade

When flying to Belgrade, you land at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), Serbia’s main international airport, located in the Surčin district about 18 km west of the city centre. From there, travellers typically continue into town by official taxi, airport bus (A1 or 72), or private transfer, all of which operate directly from the arrivals area. 

The facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange offices, SIM card kiosks, cafés, and a taxi desk. Your options to travel to the city are:: 

Official Airport Taxi (Easiest & Most Comfortable). Go to the Taxi Info Desk in the arrivals hall and tell them your destination. You receive a fixed‑price voucher (no negotiation, no scams). Pay the driver at the end. A1 Minibus (Fastest Public Transport). Route: Airport → Slavija Square (central Belgrade) Travel time: ~30 minutes Good for: Quick access to the city centre. The ticket can be bought from the driver. Payment is only in cash (RSD). City Bus 72 (free). Route: Airport → Zeleni Venac (downtown) Travel time: 30–40 minutes. This bus runs frequently and is good if you’re staying near Republic Square or the old town. This bus is free of charge. City Bus 600 (free) connects the airport with Beograd Centar railway station (Prokop). Useful if you continue your journey by train. This bus is free of charge.

Note: all public transport inside Belgrade is free of charge. However, special express services, such as the A1 Airport Express bus and E Express lines, are available. require a paid ticket and are not part of the free system.

Beli Potok / Avala

Beli Potok bus stop (#21621), Avala on route 149, Bulevar patrijarha Germana. 
Bus 401, 402 from Slavia Square, check the bus line at bgprevoz.rs, see the timetable here

Bus 403, 405, 407, 408, 450, 451, 466, 470, 474, and 491 from the bus station Voždovac, check the bus line at bgprevoz.rs, see timetable here

Belgrade

Flying is the simplest and most dependable way to reach Belgrade from almost anywhere. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has frequent connections to major European hubs, and flights operate consistently year‑round. This avoids the fragmented rail and bus networks in the Balkans and is the method most travellers use.

Train. Serbia’s international rail network is extremely limited. Despite what many websites claim, there are no direct trains from Austria, Croatia, or most neighbouring countries. The only functioning rail entry into Serbia is: from any city → Budapest → Szeged → Subotica → Novi Sad → Belgrade. This is the only all‑train route that actually works today.

Bus. If you’re coming from Central Europe or the Balkans, buses are often the easiest option. Serbia has a dense network of regional and international bus routes.

You can reach Belgrade directly from: Hungary, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands (long‑distance operators).

Buses are reliable, frequent, and usually cheaper than trains.

Beli Potok / Avala

Beli Potok / Avala can be reached by bus from Belgrade. Bus stop Avala on route 149 Bulevar patrijarha Germana.  Services thin out in the evening,

Accommodation on Avala: Mountain hut Carapicev Brest (recommended) Hotel Avala

In nearby Beli Potok:

Hotel Sučević  Hotel 1000 Ruza  Apartment Marija Camping Serbia

This short urban stage passes several major Belgrade landmarks before the climb toward Avala.

Hotel Moskva, a recognisable Art Nouveau corner marking your departure from the old centre.

The Ethnographic Museum of Belgrade offers a compact window into Serbian rural life and material culture. 

The Old Palace, the 19th‑century royal residence fronting one of the city’s busiest crossroads.

Slavija Square, a large circular junction where pedestrian crossings require attention.

Saint Sava Church, its vast dome and mosaics dominating the plateau above the square.

The National Library of Serbia, set in a quiet green space beside the church.

Čarapić Monument, honouring the local revolutionary at the foot of the Avala Mountain.