Belgrade is a lively city with busy streets, wide rivers, and many places to see. Many foreign travellers in Belgrade choose to rent a car because it saves time and gives you freedom during the trip. You avoid waiting for buses, you can visit more places in one day, and you can enjoy sightseeing without stress. When you rent a car, you control your schedule, your route, and your comfort. This Belgrade car rental guide explains every step so you’ll know what to expect before booking online.
Renting a vehicle in Serbia follows simple rules, but you must prepare your documents before arriving at the counter. All rental companies expect you to show the correct forms, follow legal driving rules, and meet basic age and licence conditions. These requirements protect you, the rental company, and the vehicle. You can also choose where to rent a car in Belgrade based on their requirements.
You must have a valid driving licence that you have held for at least one or two years. This is the most important document you need when you rent a car in Belgrade. If your licence is printed in a non-Roman alphabet, such as Arabic, Japanese, or Cyrillic, you must bring an International Driving Permit as well. Some companies may ask for an IDP even if your licence uses the Roman alphabet, so carrying one helps you avoid problems at pick-up. Always bring your licence and IDP together because the licence alone is not accepted as full identification.
You must show a passport or national ID with your licence. Rental staff require this document to confirm your identity, and they may request a second form of identification, depending on the office's rules. Your driving licence alone is not enough because Serbian regulations require full identification before releasing the vehicle. Carry your passport with you during your trip, as police can check documents at any time.
You must present a credit card in your own name. This card is used for the deposit, which is blocked but not charged unless there is damage. The card must have enough available funds to cover the deposit amount, and the PIN may be required for verification. Prepaid, debit, Electron, and Maestro cards are not accepted for deposits, and some cars may require two credit cards, including one major card.
Before you rent a car in Belgrade, you need to meet Serbia’s age and driving experience rules. These rules help rental companies make sure each driver is safe and able to handle the vehicle. Requirements change based on the vehicle category.
Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old to rent a standard car. If you prefer a premium, luxury, or larger vehicle, the minimum age requirement may increase to 23 years or older. Some companies also charge a young-driver fee for renters under 24 or 26, depending on the car group. These rules are common across Serbia, especially at airport offices where rental demand is high.
You must hold a valid driving licence for at least one to two years, depending on the company. Some premium or elite vehicles require a minimum of three years of driving experience. This helps ensure you can handle different road situations safely. Rental staff will check the issue date on your licence during pick-up, and they may refuse the booking if your licence does not meet the required experience level.
If you are under 25, some companies may apply an extra charge due to higher insurance risk. Drivers over 70 may also be charged a senior-driver fee, depending on the provider’s policy. These charges vary, so be sure to check them when comparing prices online.
Belgrade is a bustling modern city, and rental companies adhere to international standards. Below, you will learn about the technical points, practical advantages, and booking habits that matter most to foreign drivers in Belgrade.
Foreign visitors often choose a rental car because it saves time. When you have only a few days, every hour counts. A rental allows you to plan your own schedule, visit more places, and enjoy local coffee shops, museums, and nightlife without waiting for public transport. Many travellers also prefer a car because it is private and comfortable, which is helpful when moving between neighbourhoods or taking day trips. With a rental car, you feel more relaxed and can focus on sightseeing, as the vehicle is prepared and inspected before pick-up.
Booking ahead gives you better rates, and you can choose the vehicle type you want. Travel seasons in Belgrade, especially summer and the Christmas and New Year period, can increase demand. If you arrive without a reservation, you may find limited choices or higher prices. Booking online also helps you compare availability and familiarize yourself with car rental rules in Belgrade more easily. Walk-in rentals can still be a good option, but they depend on the current stock available at the rental station.
Many companies allow you to reserve your car online. This is common for business travellers and tourists who want a quick and simple arrival at the airport. You fill out a short form, choose your car, and the vehicle will be prepared for pickup at the agreed-upon address. Online booking also helps you compare prices, car groups, and insurance options before travelling.
Serbia has clear regulations for international travel with rental cars, and each company sets conditions for domestic and foreign one-way rentals. Below, you will find the technical conditions, cross-border limits, and one-way policies.
You may cross the Serbian border with your rental car only if you buy International Coverage from the rental office. This coverage allows you to travel to approved countries while maintaining the validity of your insurance. Some companies do not allow travel to Kosovo, Albania, or Bulgaria due to past safety concerns related to cars with Serbian licence plates. Before you start your trip, always ask the rental staff which borders are permitted.
You can usually return your car to another city within Serbia if the company offers domestic one-way rentals. You can use this option to travel from Belgrade to cities like Niš or Novi Sad without returning to the pick-up point. A small fee may apply, depending on distance and fuel arrangements.
Most rental companies do not allow international one-way rentals, meaning you cannot pick up a car in Belgrade and drop it off in another country. This rule is strict because the vehicle must return to its home office for inspections and insurance purposes. If you plan to drive across borders, you must return the car to the same Serbian office unless the company states otherwise.
Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Belgrade and the rest of Serbia. You only need the right documents, a valid driving licence, and a clear understanding of the local rental rules. With careful planning and the right coverage, your rental will be smooth from pick-up to drop-off.
Choosing the right rental company can make your trip smoother. When you book a car with Final Rentals, you can choose from many car types, finish your booking with instant confirmation, and pick up your vehicle at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. You will see real prices, vehicle details, and full mileage options before you finalize your booking. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
