Day Trips from Belgrade by Car: 8 Destinations Worth the Drive
From Petrovaradin Fortress to the Danube gorge – eight destinations 1 to 3 hours from Belgrade, with a car recommendation for each.
One of the biggest advantages of a rental car is the freedom to see more in one day than an organised tour shows you in three. Serbia is compact: within an hour of Belgrade you are among the vineyards of Fruška Gora, and in two and a half hours at the most beautiful stretch of the Danube. Here are the eight destinations our clients visit most.
| Destination | Distance | Driving time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novi Sad & Petrovaradin | approx. 95 km | approx. 1 h | Day trip |
| Sremski Karlovci | approx. 75 km | approx. 1 h | Half day |
| Fruška Gora | approx. 70 km | approx. 1 h | Wineries & monasteries |
| Smederevo | approx. 50 km | approx. 50 min | Half day |
| Golubac & Đerdap | approx. 130 km | approx. 2 h | Full day |
| Oplenac (Topola) | approx. 80 km | approx. 1 h 15 min | Half day |
| Tara | approx. 180 km | approx. 3 h | Weekend |
| Zlatibor | approx. 230 km | approx. 3 h | Weekend |
1. Novi Sad and Petrovaradin Fortress
Take the A1 motorway and in about an hour you are in Serbia’s second-largest city. Stroll along Zmaj Jovina Street and the Danube Park, then climb Petrovaradin Fortress for views over the river and the famous clock with reversed hands. Parking is available at the foot of the fortress.
2. Sremski Karlovci
Just 10 km from Novi Sad lies a baroque town with the Patriarchate, the Cathedral and the Four Lions fountain. Be sure to try bermet – a dessert wine with a unique recipe – and pick up a kuglof cake for the road.
3. Fruška Gora – monasteries and wineries
A national park with 16 preserved monasteries and dozens of wineries. We recommend the Krušedol – Hopovo – Vrdnik route with a tasting stop. Roads are paved but winding, so a compact car or crossover is a great choice.
4. Smederevo Fortress
One of the largest medieval lowland fortresses in Europe, just 50 minutes from Belgrade. Perfect for a short afternoon trip; in summer it hosts numerous festivals.
5. Golubac and Đerdap National Park
The most spectacular route in Serbia. Golubac Fortress rises at the entrance to the Iron Gates gorge, and the riverside road leads to Lepenski Vir and the Ploče viewpoint over the narrowest part of the Danube. Plan a full day and start early – a comfortable SUV makes this route even better.
6. Oplenac and Topola
The mausoleum of King Peter I – St George’s Church with its stunning mosaics – and the royal vineyards. On the way you can visit Bukovička Spa in Aranđelovac.
7. Tara National Park
Dense forests, the Drina canyon and the Banjska Stena viewpoint with one of the finest views in the Balkans. Tara is perfect for a weekend – take the Miloš Veliki motorway to Preljina, then continue via Užice and Bajina Bašta.
8. Zlatibor
Serbia’s best-known mountain resort, open all year round. The new motorway has cut driving time considerably. Don’t miss the Gold Gondola, the open-air museum in Sirogojno and Stopića Cave.
Which car should you choose?
- Up to 2 people, short trips – an economy car such as the Škoda Fabia or Renault Clio with low fuel consumption.
- Families or 4–5 people – estates and SUVs with a large boot.
- Groups of up to 7 – the Renault Espace or Audi Q7 with seven seats.
- Something special – a luxury car for celebrations and important occasions.
Before you go, read our guide to traffic rules and tolls. All prices by rental length are on the cars page.
