Belgrade is a popular travel destination in the Balkans, attracting more visitors each year. As a foreign visitor, renting a car in Belgrade is a great way to explore not just the city but also Serbia’s beautiful countryside. However, renting a car can stretch your budget. In this guide, you’ll learn when to rent a car in Belgrade for the lowest prices, what days and booking strategies get the best deals, and how local seasons or events affect rates.
Belgrade’s tourist activity changes across the year. These shifts impact the cost of rental cars and the availability of cars. The city has a high season, a shoulder season, and a low season. Each period has different crowd levels and demand. Knowing these patterns helps you find the best time to rent a car in Belgrade.
Belgrade’s summer high season runs from June through August. This is the hottest time of year, with long sunny days. Tourist numbers are at their peak, which means demand for rental cars is highest. During these summer months, Serbia hosts major events and many expats return home. If you plan to rent a car in high season, book in advance. Early bookings can still save money by locking in a rate before the last-minute surge. For instance, reserving your car a couple of months early for a July or August trip can help you snag a slightly better deal.
Belgrade’s shoulder seasons – spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) – are often the sweet spot for visitors. The weather during these months is mild and pleasant, without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter. You’ll find fewer crowds at attractions and generally a more relaxed pace in the city. Fewer tourists also mean better car rental availability and lower rates compared to the high season.
During spring, Belgrade is alive with blooming parks and outdoor café culture, but it’s before the big summer rush. In early autumn, the city remains warm and lively, yet many tourists have returned home. Car rental companies often drop their prices in these months to attract the smaller pool of customers. You’re likely to see more special offers or the best car rental deals in Belgrade during this time.
Winter and early spring, from November through March, mark Belgrade’s low season for tourism. This is the coldest time of year. Tour visitor numbers drop significantly. The significant benefit for budget-conscious travellers is that this is by far the cheapest time to rent a car in Belgrade. Rental demand is low, so agencies slash prices to attract the few customers around.
However, there are important considerations if you rent in the low season. Weather and road conditions can be a challenge. Snow, ice, and early nightfall mean you must drive carefully. In Serbia, winter tyres are mandatory from November 1 to April 1 for safe driving on snow and ice. Reputable rental agencies will provide cars with winter tyres during this period. Always confirm this when booking.
Timing your rental isn’t just about the month. The day of the week and the length of your rental can also affect the price. Car hire rates in Belgrade often vary depending on the day you pick up the car and the duration of your rental.
If your schedule is flexible, be aware of the day of the week you plan to collect your rental car. In Belgrade, as in many cities, weekday rentals are often less expensive than weekend rentals. Mid-week days, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, are typically the cheapest days to pick up a car rental. This is because days usually have lower demand these days. Most leisure travellers arrive around the weekend, and many locals who rent cars do so for weekend trips. Conversely, weekends and Fridays can be more expensive. Many people begin their trip on a Friday or Saturday. As a result, weekend rates tend to be higher due to increased demand.
How long you rent a car in Belgrade can change the daily price you pay. Generally, renting for a longer period brings down the per-day cost, whereas very short rentals can be relatively expensive per day. Some major rental firms advertise savings of up to 25% off when you rent for a week or more. This means if you need a car for 5 or 6 days, it is cheaper to book it for a full 7 days under a weekly rate deal, rather than paying the standard daily rate for 5 separate days. Always compare the weekly rate.
Another factor in getting a good price is where you pick up the car. In Belgrade, your options are Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport or a city centre rental office.
Belgrade’s airport, Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), is the gateway for most international travellers. Rental companies at the airport see business closely tied to flight traffic. During peak travel season (summer), the airport is very busy. This means high demand at airport rental counters in summer.
One thing to be aware of is airport surcharges. Renting directly from the airport usually comes with additional location fees. These charges are added because rental companies have to pay the airport to operate there. As a result, airport rentals are often a bit more expensive than the same company’s city outlet. These fees can be a flat charge or a percentage of the rental cost.
Renting from a city centre location in Belgrade can often save you some money. There are numerous rental offices in downtown Belgrade and around the city. Because they don’t have the same overhead as airport counters, city agencies may offer lower base rates for the same car. If you’re staying in the city for a few days first, you might choose to pick up your car only when you’re ready to go on a road trip, rather than right at the airport.
Belgrade is a city of festivals and events. Throughout the year, there are certain special events and holidays that cause a spike in visitors. Here we’ll cover some of the major international festivals and local holidays that impact car rentals in Belgrade.
Belgrade and Serbia host numerous internationally renowned festivals that attract visitors from around the world. One of the most famous is the EXIT Festival, a massive music festival held each July at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. While EXIT isn’t in Belgrade, many international visitors fly into Belgrade and often rent cars to drive to Novi Sad. If you plan to attend EXIT or be in Serbia at that time, reserve your vehicle at least 2 to 3 months in advance.
Another big event is the Belgrade Beer Fest, typically held in Belgrade every August. New Year’s and Christmas holidays are another peak. Belgrade is known for its lively New Year’s Eve celebrations. Additionally, many diaspora Serbs living abroad come home for the holidays. Around late December and early January, demand for rental cars jumps as these visitors often rent vehicles to get around and visit relatives.
Serbia has its own set of national holidays and school vacation periods that can impact travel patterns. While these might not attract international tourists, they do cause shifts in domestic travel. One major set of holidays is the Orthodox Christian holidays. Serbia largely observes Orthodox traditions, so Orthodox Christmas (celebrated on January 7th) and Orthodox Easter are big travel times. Likewise, for Orthodox Easter (usually in April), there’s often a long weekend where families gather.
Another big one is May 1st (May Day/Labor Day). In Serbia, May 1 and usually May 2 are public holidays, and many people take the opportunity for an extended weekend outing. The end of April and early May often see a spike in car rentals as locals plan road trips or getaways. Summer school holidays (mid-June through August) are another factor.
Another timing factor to consider is when to book your rental in relation to your trip dates. Is it better to book months ahead, or can you get a deal by waiting until the last minute? The answer can depend on the season and how flexible you are.
One to three months in advance is often ideal for summer rentals. For example, if you’re planning a July trip, start checking prices in April or May and reserve by then if you find a decent rate. By June, you’ll see many listings show “limited availability,” and prices might jump.
Travelling in Belgrade during the shoulder season or off-season offers more flexibility to plan your rental. These months include April, May, September, October, and the winter period. Car demand is low during these times. Companies often lower their rates to keep cars moving. This means you can book closer to your trip without facing big price jumps.
During the shoulder season, many travellers find reasonable rates two to three weeks before the trip. Prices may even drop as rental companies adjust to slow demand. You avoid locking in a high default rate by booking too early. Still, try not to wait until the final days. A one- to two-week window is a nice balance for a cheap and safe booking.
Winter is even more flexible. You can often arrive in Belgrade and still find extra cars at low prices. Rental desks have many free vehicles during February or early December. Still, book two to four weeks in advance. Some firms also post last-minute deals online. If you have flexible dates, you might catch a great discount.
Booking your car at the right time helps you find better deals in Belgrade. The guide explains how seasons, booking days, airport demand, and rental length affect rates. Use these points to choose the best month and the best day to book. You can save even more by renting a car in Belgrade with Final Rentals. The booking process starts with choosing a pick up and drop off point and selecting your dates. After that, choose a compact car for city driving or a larger car for long countryside trips. Final Rentals also gives instant confirmation. This locks your rate and protects you from sudden price increases close to your travel dates. For convenience, you can download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
