How to get around Novi Sad, Serbia

Local Transport Modes

Novi Sad is a compact city where the choice of transport depends largely on your destination relative to the city center.

• Walking: The most efficient way to explore the city center, Stari Grad, and the Petrovaradin Fortress (via the bridge).
• Public Buses: The primary motorized transit. They are essential for reaching the outskirts, shopping malls, or the university campus.
• Taxis: Readily available and useful for night travel or when carrying heavy luggage. Use reputable apps or call centers rather than hailing on the street.
• Bicycles: Popular due to the flat terrain of the Vojvodina province, making them ideal for leisure trips along the Danube.

Tickets and Passes

Bus tickets are typically purchased from the driver or via SMS. Single-trip tickets are suitable for occasional users. For those staying longer, multi-trip passes offer better value. These passes do not suit short-term visitors who primarily stay within the pedestrian zones of the center.

From Belgrade Airport (BEG) to Novi Sad

As Novi Sad does not have its own commercial airport, visitors arrive via Belgrade.

• Airport Shuttle/Bus: Low cost, moderate effort. Requires a transfer to the main bus station or train station.
• Train (Soko): Fast and efficient. This is the quickest link between Belgrade and Novi Sad, though it requires getting from the airport to the Belgrade main station first.
• Private Transfer/Taxi: High cost, low effort. The most direct door-to-door option, saving time on luggage transfers.

Practical Notes

• Rush Hours: Expect congestion on main arteries during morning and afternoon commutes, particularly near the city center and bridge crossings.
• Last Services: Bus frequency drops significantly late at night; taxis become the only reliable option after midnight.
• Accessibility: Newer buses are generally equipped for accessibility, but older infrastructure in some residential areas may pose challenges for wheelchairs.
• Luggage: Large suitcases are permitted on buses, but space can be limited during peak hours.