A road trip with friends across Serbia can be one of the most exciting and easy ways to explore the country. Serbia has great roads, scenic views, and many towns with different vibes. You can drive through mountain villages, river valleys, and historic cities all in one trip. Our guide gives you all the practical tips for planning a smooth and fun drive with your group.
From choosing the right vehicle to picking places that fit your group’s travel stle, everything matters. After reading, you will know how to rent a car, plan your route, and keep everyone in your group happy.
The type of car you rent will affect how comfortable your ride will be. If you are more than four people, rent a larger vehicle. Choose a van or SUV so everyone has space for legs and bags. The weather also matters. In winter, get a car with heating and strong tires. In summer, make sure the car has good air conditioning.
Renting a car in Serbia is easy if you book early and have your documents ready. Most rental companies ask for a valid driving license and a passport. You may also need a credit card. For drivers from outside the EU, an international driving permit is helpful. Pick-up locations are available at Belgrade Airport, city centers, or nearby towns.
Think about fuel use, too. Serbia has gas stations in most towns, but remote areas may have fewer. Diesel cars are common and cost less per kilometer. Ensure you understand the rental company’s fuel rules before the trip starts. Some ask you to return the vehicle with a full tank. Knowing these small things helps your group travel in Serbia stay smooth from start to finish.
Planning your route ahead of time saves time and avoids stress during the trip. Serbia’s road quality, mountain passes, and slower village zones can affect your schedule. Picking a route based on your group’s interests will help keep everyone engaged. Some friends enjoy history, while others prefer nature or nightlife. You can combine these in one trip if you choose smart routes.
Creating a loop or a one-way plan is better than driving back and forth. Serbia’s regional roads are well-connected, and most highways are smooth and easy to follow. Still, traffic or construction may slow you down, so use offline maps or updated navigation apps. The goal is to avoid unnecessary delays and give your group more time to explore.
This is an excellent starter route for your Serbia road trip with friends. Begin in Belgrade, then head south toward Čačak and Užice, and finally reach Zlatibor. This region offers mountain views, traditional food, and outdoor fun. From there, drive east to Niš, which has Roman ruins and a busy city vibe. Afterward, return to Belgrade through Jagodina or Kragujevac. Each segment is short enough to drive in a few hours.
This loop gives a full view of city life, rural landscapes, and mountain villages. Zlatibor is good for hiking and relaxing, while Niš offers historical spots like the Skull Tower and Niš Fortress. This route is easy to follow, and all towns have good places to stay. It is perfect for group travel in Serbia.
If your group prefers a calm drive with flat roads and cultural stops, the Vojvodina route is ideal. Start in Novi Sad, then visit Sremski Karlovci, Subotica, and Zrenjanin. You’ll see baroque churches, Austro-Hungarian buildings, and quiet streets filled with cafes.
This route is good for short trips, as the towns are close together. You won’t drive more than 90 minutes between stops, which makes it easy to explore without long hours on the road. The highways in this region, especially between Novi Sad, Subotica, and Zrenjanin, are well-paved and clearly marked. Novi Sad and Subotica have great nightlife, so your group can enjoy music, traditional meals, and drinks at popular clubs or outdoor terraces.
In Subotica, look out for local bars playing tamburica music, while Novi Sad’s Petrovaradin Fortress area becomes lively in the evening. This area also has wine cellars in Sremski Karlovci, where you can try sweet Bermet and other local wines. The colorful town squares are filled with Austro-Hungarian buildings and public art, and the open markets offer fresh produce, local cheese, and handmade souvenirs.
Head south from Niš toward Leskovac, Vranje, and the Šar Mountains for a more adventurous plan. This route passes through less-visited areas with deep culture and untouched nature. Leskovac is known for grilled meat and music festivals. Vranje has Ottoman-stle houses and a laid-back feel. The mountains near the border are full of hiking trails and relaxing places.
Roads in southern Serbia are safe but have more curves and hills. It’s best to avoid night driving here. This area shows the older side of Serbia, with folk traditions, homemade food, and local crafts. If your group likes to explore places off the usual tourist map, this route gives you a deeper and more personal experience.
Groups that love nature should drive west toward Tara National Park, the Drina River, and the Uvac Canyon. Begin in Valjevo, then head to Bajina Bašta, Perućac, and finally Sjenica. These places are known for natural beauty, boat rides, and wildlife. Uvac Canyon is famous for its curved river views and rare birds like the griffon vulture.
The roads to these sites are narrow but well-paved. You may need to drive slowly in mountain zones, but the views are worth it. The area offers cabins and eco-lodges where your group can rest. Plan for extra fuel in remote areas, as gas stations are less frequent. This is a peaceful part of Serbia with green valleys, clear lakes, and forest walks. It’s ideal if your group wants a break from big cities.
One more scenic choice is to go east along the Danube River. Start your drive in Smederevo, where you can walk along the riverside promenade and explore Smederevo Fortress, one of the largest flatland fortresses in Europe. It’s a great place for group photos, especially during sunset. From there, continue to Golubac, a small town known for the Golubac Fortress. This fortress sits right at the river’s edge and has been fully restored, with viewing platforms that give wide views of the Danube and surrounding cliffs. Your group can tour the towers, visit the small museum inside, and stop at the café near the entrance.
After Golubac, head toward Donji Milanovac, a quiet town inside Đerdap National Park. The drive between these towns is one of the most scenic in Serbia, with rocky cliffs on one side and the Iron Gates Gorge on the other. In Donji Milanovac, you can visit the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, go on a short boat tour, or have lunch by the river. This town is a peaceful base if your group wants to hike the marked forest trails in the park. The roads are slower here, with many turns, so it’s best for calm drivers who enjoy photography, picnic stops, and easy nature walks.
End your journey in Negotin, a town near the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. It’s known for its quiet streets, old churches, and local wineries. Your group can explore Negotin’s wine cellars, try traditional meals like lamb stew or baked beans, and visit small museums showing the town’s cultural history.
Money and tasks can create problems if not handled early. Before the trip starts, talk with your friends about splitting costs. Agree on who pays for fuel, tolls, parking, and food. Use apps to track expenses during the trip. Keeping things fair avoids stress and keeps the group friendly.
Also, divide driving time during the trip. If more than one person has a valid license, take turns behind the wheel. This keeps everyone rested and helps avoid driver fatigue, especially on longer routes through mountain roads or highways. When renting a car, you can request to add multiple drivers to the rental agreement. Most rental companies allow this for a small extra fee and will ask to see each person’s license. Ensure all extra drivers are registered, as driving without being listed could void the rental insurance.
You should also agree on how decisions will be made. Some friends want to wake up early and explore. Others like to relax or sleep in. Make a flexible plan that works for everyone. Let each person suggest one stop or activity.
Even if the trip is spontaneous, booking places to sleep ahead of time is smart. Many towns in Serbia have guesthouses, hotels, or apartments you can rent for one night. You can find apartments with kitchens if you are a group of four or more. Cooking meals together helps you save money and feel at home. Booking early gives you more choices and better prices.
Make sure your stay has a parking space, especially in cities. Some hotels in central areas only offer paid parking nearby. In small towns, it’s easier to find free parking. Read guest reviews to learn about room size, safety, and cleanliness. Choose places close to your next day’s driving route to avoid long backtracking.
Try to book a mix of stays. In Belgrade, consider Hotel Moskva or Mama Shelter Belgrade for a central stay with parking. In Novi Sad, Sheraton Novi Sad offers group-friendly rooms and easy car access. If you pass through Zlatibor, Hotel Palisad is a good choice near nature spots. Etno Selo Stanišići (near Bijeljina, close to the border) gives a rustic vibe for a village stop. Always confirm your booking before leaving your last stop.
Staying safe is just as important as having fun. Serbia is generally safe for tourists, but basic rules help avoid trouble. Lock your car when leaving it, and don’t leave bags or phones in plain sight. When parking in cities, use marked lots or hotel garages. These places have better security than street parking.
Keep your phones charged and have power banks ready. Mobile internet is fast in most areas, but you can buy a Serbian SIM card for better rates. Use apps to check weather, road alerts, or look for gas stations. Before heading to remote areas, ensure the car has enough fuel, snacks, and water. Everyone should share their location with the group in case someone gets lost. It’s also helpful to carry a first aid kit.
Planning a Serbia road trip with friends isn’t just about the drive but the memories you’ll make together. From passing around snacks in the car to watching the sunset over a fortress, each stop becomes part of the story. With thoughtful planning and shared responsibilities, your group can enjoy nature, culture, and city life without rushing. Every day brings a new view and a reason to laugh.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental company in Serbia. You can pick up your car in Belgrade and rent a vehicle that fits everyone comfortably. Our online booking is simple, and our prices are budget-friendly for friends traveling together.
