Serbia
Belgrade, the Danube and rugged national parks.
Where do you go when you want to head off with the kids, the car and the tent? On this page we've gathered everything about Serbia for you: what there is to see, where to camp and what you need to know on the way.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · sources are given with the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this site
Introduction
To Serbia with the family
Serbia is on the transit route to Greece and North Macedonia, but it is also worth a visit. The west has mountains and gorges, such as Tara and the meanders of the Uvac, and Belgrade is beautiful where the Sava flows into the Danube.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 7–10 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- mei–sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,000 km to Belgrade (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 3 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- No vignette; toll per section on the motorway (Details and source)
- Paying
- Serbian dinar (RSD)
- EU member
- no
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Take off at an ATM and, if the screen offers to settle in euros, select the local currency: Then convert your own bank, which is usually cheaper (our tip). In cities and larger campsites, you can often pay by card; In the countryside, on small campsites and in markets, cash is practical (our experience).
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Dobar dan: good day
- Hvala: thank you
- Molim: please
- Doviđenja: goodbye
Documents and border
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about what is compulsory in the car
Photo: Horizon206 · CC0 · all photo credits
Health and safety
This country is not an EU member, so the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid here. Ask your health insurer before you leave what your cover is, and take out travel insurance with medical cover. Read the current travel advice of the Dutch government just before you leave; it also lists entry rules and emergency numbers.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
Photo: Friedrich Haag · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Traffic rules that matter
In Serbia, the per mille limit is 0.2, and 0 for everyone with less than two years of driving license. You also drive during the day with low or daytime running lights. Between 1 November and 1 April winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, safety vest, first-aid kit, a spare wheel with repair kit and a tow rope or tow bar. Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in front.
Source: ANWB
More about tolls and vignettes
Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Best time to travel
May to September. In July and August it is hot in Belgrade; In the Tara it remains cooler (our assessment).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
🚗 Getting there & distance from Utrecht (NL)
- Destination
- Belgrade
- Distance
- ± 1,690 km (one way)
- Driving time
- ± 17.3 h (one way)
- Route via
- NL → DE → AT → SI → HR → RS
- Fuel (estimate)
- ± € 413 (return)
Estimate for the return trip: 6.5 l/100 km Euro 95 at each country's average price (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, price date 19-10-2026). Fuel for Serbia not included (not in the EU bulletin). - Vignettes
- Austria: 10-day vignette: € 12.80
- Slovenia: 7-day e-vinjeta: € 16.00 (2 x)
- Tolls
- Distance-based tolls in Croatia Serbia: not calculated, see the official toll operator.
Route: OSRM/OpenStreetMap, calculated 21-10-2026, without breaks or traffic. 2026 vignette prices from the official sellers, checked 21-10-2026. For an 8-day trip, 7-day vignettes count twice.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorway toll (per section) | current price: see source | Toll gates; pay when you exit | Putevi Srbije price checked Oct 2026 |
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Serbia
Uvac Canyon
A river with large meanders between steep walls; known for its griffon vultures.
Belgrade
A capital with the Kalemegdan fortress on the river, with playgrounds and views.
Iron Gate (Đerdap)
A narrow and deep stretch of the Danube valley on the border with Romania.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Tara and the west
Tara National Park is located above the Drina Gorge: forests, viewpoints and a reservoir. Nearby are the wooden village of Drvengrad and the Uvac gorge with meanders and vultures. Quiet and green.
Source: nptara.rs
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Belgrade
The capital is located where the Sava River flows into the Danube. The fortress Kalemegdan with its parks is a nice place to walk around with children.
Source: serbia.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
The Danube and the Iron Gate
In the east, the Danube squeezes through the Đerdap Gorge, the border with Romania. Beautiful route on the water, with fortresses and viewpoints.
Source: serbia.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A route of 7 to 10 days, good as transit to Greece or North Macedonia (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-2: Belgrade and Kalemegdan.
- Days 3-5: Tara National Park and Drvengrad.
- Day 6: Uvac Canyon with a boat trip.
- Optional: the Danube at Đerdap.
Where to stay
Camping
Where do you camp?
Camping in and near Tara
In Tara National Park you camp only in the designated places; outside the park there are small campsites and pensions.
Source: nptara.rs (rules)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Campsites along the Danube
On the Danube and near Belgrade are campsites, often small and simple. Practically as a stopover (our experience).
Source: serbia.travel
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Drvengrad
A wooden village on a hill, built by filmmaker Emir Kusturica. Children like the wooden houses and alleys.
Source: serbia.travel
Boat trip in the Uvac Canyon
You sail through the meanders in a small boat; with luck you will see griffon vultures above the canyon.
Source: serbia.travel
Kalemegdan Fortress
Walls, gates and parks above the rivers, with playgrounds and a view of the Danube.
Source: serbia.travel
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Beo Zoo Vrt
A zoo in the Kalemegdan fortress; according to the website with treasure hunts for families.
🎟️ Tickets & prices → official website
Photo: Новик А.Н. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Ada Ciganlija – playgrounds
Leisure island with beach, several playgrounds and an eco-play park made of natural material.
🎟️ Tickets & info → official website
Photo: Gmihail at Serbian Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 rs · all photo credits
Aquapark Jagodina (near Zoo Jagodina)
An aquapark with eight pools, slides and a playground, next to the Jagodina zoo.
🎟️ Tickets & prices → official website
Photo: MiljenkoR · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Gold Gondola
One of the longest panoramic gondolas in the world, over the Zlatibor Mountains.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Pears34love · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Turbomax
According to its website, the largest leisure centre in Belgrade, with the only covered kart track in the city, bowling, laser day and other games. Closed on Mondays.
🎟️ Tickets & prices → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Jordiferrer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Drvengrad (Mećavnik)
A wooden village by film director Emir Kusturica, close to the narrow-gauge Šarganska Osmica railway.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: White Writer · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Tours and tickets in Serbia
Bookable tours and entrance tickets in this country. Prices and availability are set by the provider; check the conditions before you book. (Ad · affiliate link)
- Eastern Serbia Medieval Kingdom Full Day Tour from Belgrade
🎟️ Viator → - Mokra Gora and Tara National Park from Zlatibor or Uzice
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide →
Winter
Winter sports in Serbia
Serbia's largest ski area is Kopaonik; the state-run ski areas are operated by Skijališta Srbije.
Ski areas (checked on the official websites, October 2026)
- Kopaonik: Large ski area in southern Serbia, with night skiing too. Website: skijalistasrbije.rs
Ski pass: Day pass adult 5,900 dinars in main season and 6,500 dinars in peak weeks (2025/26); buying online gave a discount. Source: Skijališta Srbije: skipass
Snow reliability: snowmaking on about 97% of the pistes. Source (2026): skijalistasrbije.rs
When we checked on 20 October 2026, most 2026/27 prices had not yet been published; see the ski area's website for current rates. We only quote amounts that appear in an official price list.
Renting skis: at home or on the spot?
At the ski areas above you can rent skis, snowboards and boots from rental shops by the lifts or in the village; you can often book online in advance. We do not quote rental prices, because we found no official price lists for them.
Renting on the spot saves carrying and car space, and you can swap boots that pinch. Renting at home or bringing your own gear makes sense if you combine several ski areas, already know which boots fit, or the area is small with little choice.
Winter packing list
Pack layers (thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, gloves, a hat, goggles and sunscreen. A helmet is strongly recommended for children.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports; it is often a separate add-on. Also check mountain rescue and transport after an accident (for example by helicopter). Some ski passes include mountain insurance, as in Bansko.
Winter tyres and snow chains
- Winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions, from 1 November to 1 April. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Serbia
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Serbia
More rules per country: winter tyres and mountain passes.
🏨 Stay in Kopaonik on Booking.com*🎟️ Winter tours nearby on GetYourGuide*🚗 Rental car (ask for winter tyres) via DiscoverCars*
* Affiliate link: if you book through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Rules
Rules, fines and quiet places
Wild camping, fines, camper stops, quiet places, smoking, alcohol and nature rules in this country, only with a verifiable source.
Show all rules (17)
Wild camping and fines
- Tara National Park: camping is not allowed outside the places meant for it; light fires only at designated places; stay on marked paths. Source: nptara.rs
Nature rules: drones, fishing, picking and dogs
- Tara National Park: you need a special permit to pick medicinal herbs and forest fruits; likewise for photography or filming for commercial purposes. Source: nptara.rs
Alcohol
- Drivers: 0.2 per mille. A total alcohol ban applies to drivers with less than two years' licence. Source: anwb.nl
Emergency numbers and breakdown
- Emergency number: 112. Police 192, ambulance 194, fire brigade 193. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Serbia
- Green card: recognised, but not mandatory. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Serbia
Health, drinking water and ticks
- The EHIC is not valid here: the European Commission lists only EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. Take out travel insurance with medical cover. Source: European Commission: European Health Insurance Card
- Tap water is not safe to drink; boil it first or use bottled water. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Serbia
Money and mobile
- Currency: Serbian dinar (RSD). Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Serbia
- Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; there are enough cash machines in the big cities. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Serbia
- You can pay contactless with a watch or phone. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Serbia
- Roaming charges may still apply here: on 4 June 2026 the Council of the EU authorised talks on extending 'Roam like at home' to the Western Balkans. Check your provider's rate. Source: Council of the EU: 'Roam like at home' and the Western Balkans
Fuel and LPG
- For LPG you need the dish (schotel) adapter, a filling nipple for your tank inlet. Source: Prins Autogassystemen: refuelling LPG
Winter tyres and mountain passes
- Winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions, from 1 November to 1 April. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Serbia
- Minimum tread depth: 4 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Serbia
Children in the car
- Children under 12 may not ride in the front seat. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Serbia
- Children under 135 cm must be in a suitable child car seat. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Serbia
- A child under 3 may ride rear-facing in the front if the airbag is switched off. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Serbia
Rules and fines may change and confuse by municipality. Each line contains the source; see if you're in park management before you go. This isn't legal confuse.
All countries compared: rules, fines and quiet places → · Smoking and alcohol by country → · Practically by country →
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Pljeskavica
A large spiced burger, often in bread with onion and kajmak.
Ajvar
A spreadable sauce of roasted peppers, sometimes with aubergine.
Kajmak
A creamy, lightly salted dairy product, between butter and cream cheese.
Gibanica
A savoury oven dish of filo pastry with cheese and egg.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (3)
Festival: EXIT in Novi Sad
Every summer in Novi Sad the music festival EXIT takes place on the Petrovaradin fortress over the Danube. These days the city is full of places are quickly gone; check the dates on the official page.
Source: exitfest.org
Studenica Monastery
A medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery with well-known frescoes, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cover shoulders and knees when you walk in (our tip).
Source: UNESCO: Studenica
Campsites
Serbia has few campsites at ACSI Eurocampings, for example Camping Campuccino in Kovilj near Novi Sad. Call or write an email beforehand, especially out of peak season (our tip).
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Serbia
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Passport or ID card
Serbia is not an EU member. You need a valid passport or ID card, which is valid for at least 3 months at the time of departure. Read the current travel advice before departure. Source: Travel advice Serbia (NederlandWereldwijd)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Camping in Tara National Park
In Tara National Park, camping is only allowed at specially equipped and designated places. You can fire only in designated fireplaces. Source: nptara.rs (Tara park management)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- Travel advice Serbia (NederlandWereldwijd)
- nptara.rs (Tara park management)
- nptara.rs
- serbia.travel
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- exitfest.org
- UNESCO: Studenica
- ACSI Eurocampings: Serbia
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Serbia?
No, no vignette; you pay a toll per section on the motorway. Prices, where to buy it and the official source are in the ‘Tolls and vignettes’ block on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Serbia?
Tara National Park: camping is not allowed outside the designated spots; light fires only at designated places; stay on marked trails. (source: nptara.rs) To all rules
What is the best time to travel to Serbia?
May to September. In July and August it is hot in Belgrade; In the Tara it remains cooler (our assessment).
How far is Serbia from London?
From London to Belgrade it is about 2,000 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 3 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Serbia?
Mandatory in the car: safety triangle, high-visibility vest, bandage box, spare wheel or repair kit and tow rope or tow bar. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Serbia?
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country. Read the current travel advice just before you leave.