How to Buy Bus Tickets in Belgrade
Posted: July 13, 2024 | Tagged: The Balkans
Well, it was clear I needed to write a post about how to go about buying tickets for the Belgrade Public Transport because some of the posts out there are way out of date, and others are just incomplete.
That's where I (normally) step in. I show the raw intel and do not put up polished photos and glorify anything, acting like I am the first tourist to ride a bus or tram in Belgrade, or anywhere for that matter.
That's where I (normally) step in. I show the raw intel and do not put up polished photos and glorify anything, acting like I am the first tourist to ride a bus or tram in Belgrade, or anywhere for that matter.
And at the Fair and Square Hostel in Belgrade (a nice traveller vibe!) many travellers were asking how the public transportation works in Belgrade, or where can they get tickets. As I said, not much online about that!
Public transport in Belgrade covers the bus and tram network. There is no metro/subway in Belgrade. So buying tickets for the tram is the same as buying tickets for the bus
How to pay for public transport in Belgrade
One option, if you have a local sim with credit, you send an SMS to a certain number and you get a confirmation text sent to you which acts as a proof of purchase. The fare is deducted from your balance.
But for travellers who aren't gonna be sticking around and don't want the hassle of getting a local sim card (hostels have great WiFi) you have 2 options:
Trams and buses have card readers which allow you to pay as you go with your bank card, pictured below. 90 minutes in Zone A will cost you 50 dinars.
But for travellers who aren't gonna be sticking around and don't want the hassle of getting a local sim card (hostels have great WiFi) you have 2 options:
- Pay with a credit card when you board the bus or tram
- Buy a ticket before you take the bus or tram
Trams and buses have card readers which allow you to pay as you go with your bank card, pictured below. 90 minutes in Zone A will cost you 50 dinars.
But if you prefer not to have to deal with grumpy bus drivers, I think it's a better option to buy you Belgrade public transport tickets before you travel from the Moj Kiosks which is a much simpler way to do it cos the ladies are much friendlier.
Flashback to buying tickets in Russia for the train: It always felt like I was disturbing the ticket lady who was more often than not doing her knitting and would get tuts and curses in Russian as if her job description didn't include dealing with foreigners (which didn't involve any more work, because as a local you needed to provide id to purchase a ticket).
A 90-minute ticket for Zone A costs 55 RSD and is valid from the time of purchase.
Flashback to buying tickets in Russia for the train: It always felt like I was disturbing the ticket lady who was more often than not doing her knitting and would get tuts and curses in Russian as if her job description didn't include dealing with foreigners (which didn't involve any more work, because as a local you needed to provide id to purchase a ticket).
A 90-minute ticket for Zone A costs 55 RSD and is valid from the time of purchase.
A Belgrade public transport day ticket is 125 RSD. It covers you from 4 am until midnight no matter what time you buy it. You can still get money at the Halkbank ATM without annoying withdrawal fees.
Check out the Belgrade Public Transport Map. Zone A covers you for nearly everywhere that you are likely to end up in.
There is a 5 RSD mark-up on the ticket price.
You do NOT need to show the bus driver or scan the ticket. You need it in the event of the ticket inspectors boarding the bus (as I reported on my How to get from Belgrade Airport to the City Centre post, locals mostly don't pay or quickly buy, via SMS a ticket).
You do NOT need to show the bus driver or scan the ticket. You need it in the event of the ticket inspectors boarding the bus (as I reported on my How to get from Belgrade Airport to the City Centre post, locals mostly don't pay or quickly buy, via SMS a ticket).
Where to buy bus tickets in Belgrade:
Moj Kiosks are everywhere but the shit is that not all sell tickets, which I found out the hard way. I asked at 3, only to be given the infamous Niet Treatment and rode the tram 40 anyway, keeping my eyes peeled.
In the Former Soviet Bloc countries they love to say NIET a lot:
Can I get off the train? Niet.
Can I use the toilet? Niet.
It was almost laughable. No reason was ever given. It was just that you couldn't. They also seem to be fond of saying it here too.
I decided to get off after a few stops and find a Moj Kiosk selling tickets. 2nd attempt, I got lucky. I also spied the 2 collectors and a local police officer who travel as a threesome. Pretty easy to recognise them:
In the Former Soviet Bloc countries they love to say NIET a lot:
Can I get off the train? Niet.
Can I use the toilet? Niet.
It was almost laughable. No reason was ever given. It was just that you couldn't. They also seem to be fond of saying it here too.
I decided to get off after a few stops and find a Moj Kiosk selling tickets. 2nd attempt, I got lucky. I also spied the 2 collectors and a local police officer who travel as a threesome. Pretty easy to recognise them:
So that's it. My No Bullshit guide to using public transportation in Belgrade.
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