Car Rental in Serbia
Belgrade, Kopaonik Mountains, and the Uvac Canyon are best explored by car. Compare offers from local rental companies, choose the right vehicle for your trip, and pick it up at Nikola Tesla Airport or in the city center.
Rental terms in Serbia
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 2 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Cross-border travel to Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Hungary — by prior arrangement at booking.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- A deposit (~300-800 EUR RSD) is held on the driver’s card.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — if your licence is not in Latin script.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
Driving rules in Serbia
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | Serbian Dinar (RSD) |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 80 rural · 100 expressway · 130 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.2 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
| Winter tyres | mandatory from 01.11 to 01.04 |
Traffic rules: Serbia
- Right-hand traffic and standard European road rules.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways.
- Low-beam headlights must be switched on at all times throughout the year, including during daylight hours.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. For drivers with less than two years of driving experience, the limit is 0.00%.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system. Since 2025–2026, new cameras have been introduced to detect drivers holding phones while driving.
- Children under 3 years old must travel in an appropriate child restraint system.
- There are no vignettes. Motorways are toll roads: collect a ticket when entering and pay based on distance when exiting using cash (RSD or EUR) or a bank card. Average-speed cameras operate between toll stations.
- From November 1 to April 1, winter tires marked M+S are mandatory. Studded tires are prohibited.
- Traffic fines must be paid through a bank or post office, not directly to police officers. Radar detectors are prohibited.
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Serbia
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Serbia?
If your driver’s license is issued in the Latin alphabet (modern format), your national driver’s license and passport are sufficient. If your license is issued only in Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
The minimum age is 21 years with at least two years of driving experience. Most rental companies charge a young driver fee for drivers aged 21–25, typically €2–5 per day or a fixed fee for the rental period.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes. A security deposit is usually blocked on the driver’s bank card and typically ranges from €300 to €800, depending on the vehicle category and rental company. It is refunded within 7–30 days after the vehicle is returned, provided there are no fines or damages.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
The most common pickup locations are Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, Novi Sad, and Niš. Many rental companies also offer hotel delivery or delivery to another city.
Can I drive to neighboring countries?
Yes. Travel to Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, and other neighboring countries is generally allowed with prior approval during booking. Some companies charge an additional fee. Most rental companies do not allow travel to Kosovo.
Which insurance should I choose?
Basic CDW/TP insurance is included in the rental price. For additional peace of mind, you can purchase Super CDW (SCDW), which eliminates the excess for minor damages.
Are winter tires required?
Yes. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 1. Studded tires are prohibited in Serbia. Rental companies usually provide seasonally appropriate tires, but it is advisable to confirm this when booking during the transitional seasons.
How do I pay motorway tolls?
Serbia does not use vignettes. You collect a ticket when entering the motorway and pay for the distance traveled when exiting using cash (Serbian dinars or euros) or a bank card. Some sections also support the electronic ENP toll system.
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