Belgrade City Guide - Getting Around

Belgrade's combination of trams, trains, trolley buses and normal buses make it very easy to get around at just about any time of the day or night. The routes are numbered and most locals are more than happy to help out any confused tourists. Although drivers can issue tickets, it's cheaper and easier to buy a ticket (or a book of tickets) from street kiosks which are at most stops and stations. It's one ticket per journey, regardless of length, and they can be used on all city public transport; remember to activate the ticket by placing it in the stamp as you get on. Tram 2 circles the city centre and is a particularly useful route for visitors. There are a number of special tourist services as well, including an open-top tour bus with commentary that leaves from outside the Town Hall on Sundays during the summer months. There are no special tourist discounts to speak of, but public transport in the city is inexpensive anyway. For citywide travel information, contact the GSP Beograd dispatch centre (tel: (0)11 262 4853; website: www.gsp.co.yu).

There are numerous taxi ranks throughout the city and you shouldn't have to wait too long to flag one down on the street. Most hotels are happy to book you a taxi with a reputable company and advise on the likely cost of the fare; prices are reasonable whenever you travel, but rise a little after midnight and on Sundays. Try Alfa (tel: (0)11 444 1113), Beltaxi (tel: (0)11 9808) or Beogradski (tel: (0)11 9801).

Because of its wide coverage, ease of use and cheap prices, many visitors stick with using the public transport. And drivers should bear in mind that not all hotels have their own car park and parking in the city centre can be a problem. However, hiring your own vehicle can be a rewarding experience - particularly for anyone that wants to explore beyond the city itself. There are numerous hire companies to choose from in the city; try Avis (tel: (0)11 209 7062; website: www.avis-serbia.com), Europcar (tel: (0)11 228 9028; website: www.europcar.co.yu), and Hertz (tel: (0)11 319 6454; website: www.hertz.co.yu), which all have offices at the airport, in the city or both.

Several steep hills and numerous cobbled streets will deter all but the most determined cyclist from taking to the saddle in the city centre, but once away from the main drag there are numerous cycle routes and bicycle hire companies. Particularly recommended on a warm summer's day are the bar- and restaurant-lined paths that run along the banks of both the Sava and Danube rivers.