Things you should know when renting a car in Serbia
Renting a car in Serbia offers a lot of freedom to explore the country at your own pace, which is by far our favorite way of traveling. Serbia is quite an easy country to drive in, the road conditions are good and there are plenty of rental agencies to choose from.
Since we are always giving tips about traveling through the Balkans, people always ask us a lot about car rental and how safe is it. After driving in Serbia a few times already, I can confidently say I always felt quite safe.
To help you plan your trip, in this article, Iβll cover all the basic things you need to know when renting a car in Serbia, along with some driving tips.
RECOMMENDED
Need to rent a car in Serbia?
We always use Discover Cars for hiring our cars abroad, whether in Serbia or anywhere else. They are the best price aggregator platform out there and allow you to find the best deals, including local and international providers!
Requirements for renting a car in Serbia
When looking to rent a car in Serbia, make sure to have all the necessary documents handy.
The most important thing is that you must have a valid driver’s license, and it’s got to be held for at least one year. If you are coming from outside the EU, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original driver’s license.
Age is another important factor to consider β typically, you will have to be 21 years old to rent a car in Serbia, but this might vary depending on the car rental company. Sometimes, even if you are under 25, you will be charged a young driver surcharge. Itβs a good idea to double-check with the car rental place about their age policy.
Here are the important requirements to have in mind before renting a car in Serbia:
- Valid Driver’s License: Held for a minimum of one year; non-EU renters may need to carry an IDP.
- Credit Card: To be used for the security deposit, should be issued in the driverβs name.
- Identification: A valid passport or national ID card.
- Rental Agreement: Make sure you read and understand it carefully before signing.
Even though the Rental Agreement usually follows a standard outline, I recommend keeping an eye out for any special requirements. They can have age limitations or special restrictions for the different types of vehicles β sometimes luxury or high-performance vehicles have stricter rules.
By prepping these documents before you go to rent a car in Serbia, the whole process is smooth, and youβll get to hit the road faster to start exploring.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Serbia?
Price will be no doubt a big factor when you start looking into renting a car in Serbia.
Costs can vary depending on a range of factors like car model, rental duration, and the time of year. But, to give you a general idea of what to expect, we have put together a few examples of the cost of renting different cars in Serbia.
| Rental city | Car type | Price | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgrade | Basic | β¬ 72-140 | 7 days |
| Belgrade | SUV | β¬ 200 | 7 days |
| Novi Sad | Basic | β¬ 180 | 7 days |
| NiΕ‘ | Basic | β¬ 140 | 7 days |
Tricks to get cheaper rentals in Serbia
Let me share a secret or two about snagging a decent price on car rentals here in Serbia.
- Timing is everything. Try to book your rental cars a bit in advance, since last-minute deals are a bit of a gamble. This is especially useful if you will be traveling during summer, which is the high season in Serbia.
- Go local for cheaper deals. Renting a car using a local provider can often come at half the price of using international companies such as Sixt or Europcar. Make sure you read the reviews and only book if the company is legit and reliable.
- Book for full 24h periods. The prices for renting cars are always calculated in 24h periods so if you book for half a day, you will be paying the same price as for the full 24h so try to organise your itinerary to fit full days as much as possible.
- Longer rental periods are usually cheaper. The most expensive thing is to rent a car for one day only. If you stay with the car for longer periods, for example, a week, you get better deals on the daily rental price.
- Stick to the big cities. Belgrade is the best place to rent a car in Serbia because you will have more offers and better deals.
- Use a reliable price comparison tool. We always use Discover Cars to find the best deals for renting a car, wherever we go.
Planning your car rental in Serbia
When looking to rent a car in Serbia, make sure to consider your itinerary, budget, and comfort to ensure you get the best deal and experience. Let me show you how.
Choosing the right car for your needs
In Serbia, I donβt think you will need to rent a large car as the roads donβt really call for it – unless it is your personal preference, in which case you should go for it.
Most tourist destinations in Serbia are connected through good quality roads, so you will not have to drive on dirt roads if you stick to the main routes.
I personally find that the best rental car for Serbia is an economy one like a mini or compact because it is easier to navigate through the streets of large cities like Belgrade. They are also quite economical cars for traveling overall, which keeps the overall costs of the trip in check.
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
We know that insurance is one of those things that we think we don’t need… until we actually do! Dealing with hospital visits and health issues is stressful when you’re traveling, so getting a good travel insurance is the only thing that will give you peace of mind. We recommend SafetyWing, they have very flexible insurance plans covering almost every destination in the world! Take a look at their options and prices below.
Understanding rental Terms and Conditions
Understanding the basic conditions of the Rental Agreement is essential. I recommend always paying close attention to the following:
- Mileage Limitations: I recommend the option for unlimited mileage so you wonβt have to worry about this when traveling.
- Additional Fees: There are things that come at an extra cost, such as having an extra driver or one-way rentals.
- Age Requirements: Typically, companies in Serbia only rent cars to drivers who are 21 years or older.
Insurance options for car rentals in Serbia
I take rental insurance very seriously, wherever we travel. Even though the roads in Serbia are good, there are always unpleasant surprises that can happen.
I strongly recommend getting insurance when renting a car, whether in Serbia or anywhere else. You can get rental insurance when you make your booking with Discover Cars.
Rental car insurance in Serbia generally includes:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): It limits your financial responsibility for damage to the car.
- Theft Protection: To cover you in case the car is stolen.
- Third-Party Liability: Essential for protecting you from claims made by others if an accident occurs.
Cross-border rentals and restrictions
Since it is very common for travelers to combine a trip to multiple Balkan countries, there are a lot of rental agencies in Serbia that allow you to take the vehicle across borders into other European countries.
However, it’s crucial to check this beforehand as restrictions may apply. Here’s a snapshot:
- Allowed Countries: Verify the list with the provider, as some countries may not be allowed.
- Documentation: Inform the rental agency in advance to make sure the vehicle has all the necessary documents for border crossing.
- Insurance: Cross-border travels often require additional coverage; enquire about the cost.
- Fees: Some agencies charge a cross-border fee; this varies, so ask for specifics.
Are you ready to rent a car for your trip?
Get a quote here!
FAQ β Popular questions about renting a car in Serbia
What do I need to rent a car if I’m from the US visiting Serbia?
To rent a car in Serbia, you will need a valid US driver’s license, a credit card for the deposit, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some car rental companies may not require the IDP, but it is a document you should have if you are stopped by the police.
Can I rent a car in Serbia and drive to Montenegro?
Yes, as long as the car rental company allows it.
Renting a car in Serbia and driving to Montenegro or other Balkan countries is considered a cross-border trip, which means the vehicle must have all the necessary documentation and insurance for the border crossing.
We recommend you align with the car rental company beforehand. Some companies will require you to pay an additional fee for the border crossing.
Read also: How is it to drive in Montenegro
Is it a good idea to hire a car when staying in Belgrade?
Hiring a car can be beneficial if you plan on venturing beyond Belgrade to explore. However, if you will be sticking to the city, public transport will cover all your transport needs. It doesnβt pay off to rent a car only for exploring Belgrade as parking in the city can be quite a hassle.
Read more about traveling to Belgrade:
- Public transport in Belgrade
- Free things to do in Belgrade
- How to spend 3 days in Belgrade: the perfect itinerary
- Where to stay in Belgrade
How much can I expect to pay for a rental car in Serbia?
The cost of renting a car in Serbia varies depending on the season and the type of car you choose. In general, you can expect to pay $15-40 per day during the lower seasons and prices starting at $ 25 per day in the high season.
Are there any important driving regulations I should know before renting a car in Serbia?
Yes, it is always good to get familiar with the basic driving rules before you get behind the wheel. This is why we have prepared this complete Serbia driving guide. Here you will find out all the basic things you need to know before starting your road trip.
What are the best places to visit if I rent a car in Serbia?
If you will be renting a car for your trip to Serbia, you can explore the country quite well and discover more than just the main cities and attractions.
We strongly recommend paying a visit to Tara National Park and finding beautiful hiking places in Serbia. If you will be visiting Serbia during the winter, make sure you go to Kopaonik, Serbiaβs largest ski resort. Want to know more? Check our 5-7 days road trip itinerary through Serbia.
Other resources about traveling to Serbia
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Serbia, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Flights: Get affordable flights to Serbia on Skyscanner.com.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always useΒ Discover CarsΒ to get the best car deals.Β
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!
