Before you buy your tickets
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or buy a 35 point-to-point ticket online?". Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.
European train travel FAQ
Belgrade to Zagreb & Ljubljana for 29
Option 1, by day train, every day all year round
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A train leaves Belgrade Centar station at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19 every day, arriving Zagreb at 18:13 and Ljubljana at 20:56.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024 due to Serbian & Croatian incompetence.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the Simplon Orient Express. 2nd class only, but in two comfortable air-conditioned Serbian EuroCity cars. There's no catering, so bring your own picnic and perhaps some beer or wine.
You can check train times at int.bahn.de or the Serbian Railways website w3.srbvoz.rs/redvoznje.
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A Ljubljana Special ticket costs 29, good for either Belgrade-Ljubljana or Belgrade-Zagreb.
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You cannot buy tickets online, but they are very easy to buy at the station and there are always places available.
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While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 11:30, arriving Zagreb bus station at 17:00
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
A train leaves Zagreb at 19:40 and arrives Ljubljana at 21:47. Fare 9, buy at the station it cannot be bought online.
In summer when it's light this is a lovely scenic run along the Sava river.
Belgrade to Sarajevo & Bosnia
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Unfortunately, the direct Belgrade to Sarajevo train was discontinued in 2012 and there are now no trains to Sarajevo other than from Zagreb. Indeed, the Zagreb-Sarajevo train service now has a gap in it, across the Croatian-Bosnian border.
Belgrade to Sofia
Belgrade to Istanbul for 50
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Sofia, see the Belgrade to Sofia page for details.
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Stay overnight in Sofia. A same-day connection in Sofia is no longer possible, so spend a night and day in the Bulgarian capital. I recommend the Hotel Favorit, 10 minutes walk from Sofia station with great reviews.
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Step 2, travel from Sofia to Istanbul overnight on the safe & comfortable Sofia-Istanbul Express sleeper train costing 29 with couchette or around 40 with a bed in a cosy air-conditioned 2-bed sleeper, see the Sofia to Istanbul page for details.
You can't book a Sofia-Istanbul couchette or sleeper at Belgrade or anywhere outside Bulgaria (although Belgrade ticket office may sell you a Belgrade-Istanbul ticket), you either need to reserve at the station in Sofia or simply approach the sleeper and couchette attendants on the train on the day and pay them directly if a berth is free, which it almost always will be.
Belgrade to Skopje for 24
- There was a train from Belgrade to Skopje up until 2019 or 2020, nothing since. There are currently no trains.
Belgrade to Thessaloniki & Athens
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There used to be a daily overnight train from Belgrade to Thessaloniki, which was reduced to summer only, then ceased altogether in 2019. There are currently no trains from Serbia to Greece. The Balkans have fallen apart.
Belgrade to Podgorica, Bar & Montenegro for 22
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The line from Belgrade to Podgorica and Bar in Montenegro is one of the most spectacularly scenic train routes in Europe. There's a comfortable daytime train and an overnight sleeper, see the train times, fares, photos, video & advice on the Belgrade-Bar Railway page.
Belgrade to Dubrovnik
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Step 1, take a train from Belgrade to Podgorica for around 22 over one of the most spectacular lines in Europe, see the train times, fares, photos, video & advice on the Belgrade-Bar Railway page. There's a daytime train and a sleeper train.
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Step 2, take a bus from Podgorica bus station to Dubrovnik. You'll typically find an early morning bus and a late afternoon bus, journey time between 4h15 & 4h45, fare between 18 & 30, check times and buy online at a site such as getbybus.com.
Alternatively, if you want to see the whole rail route from Belgrade to Bar, you'll find at least one daily bus from Bar to Dubrovnik, see getbybus.com.
Always allow an hour or two between train arrival and bus departure, just in case of delay.
Belgrade to London
Belgrade to Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam
Option 1, using the sleeper train Lisinski from Zagreb to Stuttgart
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Day 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb on the daily train, leaving Belgrade Centar station at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19 arriving Zagreb 18:13.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the Simplon Orient Express. 2nd class only, but in two comfortable air-conditioned Serbian EuroCity cars. There's no catering, so bring your own picnic and perhaps some beer or wine.
You can usually get a promotional ticket for around 29. You cannot buy tickets online, but they are easy to buy at the station or even on the train, there are always places available.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 11:30, arriving Zagreb bus station at 17:00
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
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Day 1, take the comfortable sleeper train Lisinski from Zagreb to Stuttgart, leaving Zagreb at 19:40 arriving Stuttgart Hbf 08:38.
The Lisinski has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended). Watch the Croatian sleeper video. There's no catering car, so take a picnic and a bottle of wine with you!
Fares start at 49 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 59 with couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 89 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper with washbasin, morning tea or coffee included, or 129 with a single-bed sleeper, morning tea or coffee included.
Book this sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, no fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Stuttgart to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains. For example:
The 09:51 from Stuttgart Hbf, change at Cologne Hbf, reaches Amsterdam Centraal at 15:29.
The 10:37 from Stuttgart Hbf, change at Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, reaches Brussels Midi at 15:35.
The 10:52 ICE train from Stuttgart Hbf reaches Paris Est at 14:13.
Fares for all these journeys start at around 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.
Tip: Change Transfer time from normal to minimum 30 minutes. I'd allow an hour between trains in Stuttgart.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Option 2, by train to Zagreb, comfortable sleeper train to Zurich, then onward trains.
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Day 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb on the daily train, leaving Belgrade Centar station at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19 arriving Zagreb 18:13.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the Simplon Orient Express. 2nd class only, but in comfortable air-conditioned Serbian cars. Bring your own provisions and perhaps some beer or wine.
You can usually get a promotional ticket for around 29. You cannot buy tickets online, but they are very easy to buy at the station and there are always places available.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 11:30, arriving Zagreb bus station at 17:00
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
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Day 1, travel from Zagreb to Zurich by sleeper train, leaving Zagreb at 19:40 and arriving Zurich HB at 09:20.
This sleeper train has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended). Watch the Croatian sleeper video. There's no catering car, so take a picnic and a bottle of wine with you.
In summer when it's light there's lovely scenery along the Sava river from Zagreb to Ljubljana, and superb alpine views in Switzerland.
Fares start at 49 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 59 with couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 89 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper with washbasin, morning tea or coffee included, or 129 with a single-bed sleeper, morning tea or coffee included.
Book this sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , same fares, a little more fiddly). You print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam by train. I'd allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Zurich. For example:
The 13:34 from Zurich HB reaches Paris Est at 17:38. Fares from 29, book at www.thetrainline.com.
The 11:59 from Zurich HB, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, reaches Amsterdam Centraal at 20:28. From 37.90, book at int.bahn.de.
The 11:59 from Zurich HB, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, reaches Brussels Midi at 19:35. From 37.90, book at int.bahn.de.
You'll find more detail on the International trains from Zurich page.
Belgrade to Zurich & Switzerland
Option 1, via the excellent Zagreb-Zurich sleeper
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb on the daily train, leaving Belgrade Centar at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19 arriving Zagreb 18:13.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the Simplon Orient Express. 2nd class only, but in comfortable air-conditioned Serbian cars. Bring your own provisions and perhaps some beer or wine.
You can usually get a promotional ticket for around 29.
You cannot buy tickets online, but they are very easy to buy at the station or even on the train, there are always places available.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 11:30, arriving Zagreb bus station at 17:00
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
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Step 2, travel from Zagreb to Zurich by sleeper train, leaving Zagreb at 19:40 and arriving Zurich HB at 09:20 next morning.
The train has a comfortable air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, see the Croatian sleeper video. There's also a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments which is also comfortable and air-conditioned. There's no catering car so bring a picnic and bottle of wine.
In summer when it's light there's lovely scenery along the Sava river from Zagreb to Ljubljana, and superb alpine views in Switzerland.
Fares start at 49 with couchette in 6-berth, 59 with couchette in 4-berth, 79 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper with washbasin, morning tea or coffee included, or 129 with a single-bed sleeper, morning tea or coffee included.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a little more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Belgrade to Trieste, Venice, Rome & Italy
Option 1, by train via Ljubljana, Trieste & Venice - the cheapest & easiest option for Venice & most of Italy
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Day 1, take the daily train from Belgrade to Ljubljana, leaving Belgrade Centar at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19, arriving Ljubljana at 20:56.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the famous Simplon Orient Express. Bring your own provisions and perhaps some beer or wine. You can check train times at int.bahn.de. A Ljubljana Special ticket costs just 29. You cannot buy tickets online, but they are easy to buy at the station or even on the train, there are always places available.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb, then train...
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 11:30, arriving Zagreb bus station at 17:00
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
A train leaves Zagreb at 19:40 and arrives Ljubljana at 21:47. Fare 9, buy at the station it cannot be bought online.
In summer when it's light this is a lovely scenic run along the Sava river.
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Stay overnight in Ljubljana. Consider the Hotel Slon which I have used myself, 13 minutes walk from the station with good reviews, the Hotel Emonec, or the Hotel Slamic 11 minutes walk from the station with great reviews.
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Day 2, travel from Ljubljana to Trieste and Venice for around 22, as shown in detail on the Ljubljana to Venice by train page.
There's no need to book ahead, indeed there are no seat reservations and tickets cannot sell out, just buy a ticket at the station.
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Day 2 afternoon, catch an onward train from Venice to Milan (2h25), Florence, Rome (3h50) or Naples booked at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, no booking fee, read this advice on using it).
Option 2, using the Zagreb-Zurich sleeper - a comfortable option, every day, all year round
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb then Zagreb to Zurich by sleeper, as shown in the Belgrade to Switzerland section.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Milan by EuroCity train, these leave every hour or so taking 3h17.
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Step 3, change in Milan for high-speed trains Florence, Rome & Naples, taking just 1h40 to Florence or 2h55 to Rome.
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More about trains from Zurich to Italy & how to buy tickets.
Option 3, by train to Montenegro then ferry to Bari - summer-only, on dates when the ferry operates
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Bar in Montenegro over one of Europe's most spectacular railways, see photos, timetable & how to buy tickets.
The day train Tara arrives too late in the evening to connect with the ferry, so you'll need the sleeper train Lovcen - wake up early and lift the blind, as the most spectacular part of the route is at the southern end and you'll see this in daylight even from the night train, at least in summer. Or take the previous day's Tara and stay overnight in Montenegro.
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Step 2, sail across the Adriatic from Bar in Montenegro to Bari in southern Italy. The ferry sails overnight with cosy cabins available.
Montenegro Lines used to sail from Bari in Italy to Bar in Montenegro, but ceased trading in 2017. However, Jadrolinija (www.jadrolinija.hr) are resuming once a week sailings (twice a week in high summer) between Bari & Bar, making this route possible once more. Check ferry sailing dates & book online at www.jadrolinija.hr.
Belgrade to Barcelona & Spain
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Day 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb, then take the sleeper from Zagreb to Zurich as shown above.
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Day 2, travel from Zurich HB to Geneva by Swiss Intercity train then Geneva to Lyon Part Dieu by TER regional train. There are several possible departures, for example leaving at 11:32 and arriving 17:22, check times & buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com.
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Stay overnight in Lyon.
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Day 3, travel from Lyon to Barcelona by high-speed TGV, leaving Lyon Part Dieu around 10:36, changing at Valence, arriving Barcelona Sants 16:31. Book this at www.thetrainline.com and print your own tickets.
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Day 3, change in Barcelona for Madrid, Valencia, Alicante & other destinations. Check times & buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com. I'd allow at least 45 minutes between trains in Barcelona.
Belgrade to Salzburg, Munich, Berlin & Germany from 54
Option 1, Belgrade to Salzburg & Germany via Budapest
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This would normally be the fastest and most direct route, with several daily departures. However, from February 2019 until 2025 the Belgrade to Budapest route is being rebuilt for 200 km/h operation which will eventually reduce journey time to 3½ hours. Normal train service is cancelled for this period. Passengers are expected to make their own way by normal scheduled bus from Belgrade to Novi Sad, then just one train per day will run Novi Sad - Kelebia - Budapest. See details & latest updates about this engineering work. While this work continues, I strongly recommend diverting via the Belgrade-Zagreb line which is unaffected, see options 4 & 5 below.
Option 2, Belgrade to Salzburg, Munich & Germany using the Zagreb-Munich-Stuttgart sleeper train
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This is a slower route, but it's the way I'd recommend while the direct Belgrade-Budapest-Germany route is disrupted by engineering work.
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb on the daily train, leaving Belgrade Centar at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19 arriving Zagreb 18:13.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the Simplon Orient Express. 2nd class only, but in comfortable air-conditioned Serbian cars. Bring your own provisions and perhaps some beer or wine.
You can usually get a promotional ticket for around 29. You cannot buy tickets online, but they are very easy to buy at the station and there are always places available.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 11:30, arriving Zagreb bus station at 17:00
The fare is around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
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Step 2, travel from Zagreb to Germany by sleeper train Lisinski, leaving Zagreb at 19:40 arriving Munich Ost 05:50 & Stuttgart Hbf 08:38.
The Lisinski has an excellent air-conditioned Croatian sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin), a modern air-conditioned Croatian couchette car (4 & 6 berth compartments) and ordinary seats (not recommended). Watch the Croatian sleeper video. There's no catering car, so take a picnic and a bottle of wine with you!
Fares start at 49 with couchette in 6-berth, 59 with couchette in 4-berth, 89 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper with washbasin, morning tea or coffee included, or 129 with a single-bed sleeper, morning tea or coffee included.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
If changing in Munich, you must usually transfer from Munich Ost to Munich Hbf by frequent S-Bahn train taking 8 minutes.
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Step 3, travel from Munich Hbf or Stuttgart Hbf to anywhere in Germany.
Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de. Allow at least 60 minutes between trains in case the sleeper is late.
Option 3, Belgrade to Salzburg, Munich & Germany with overnight stop in Zagreb
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This is a slower route, but it's also a way I'd recommend while the direct Belgrade-Budapest-Germany route is blocked by engineering work..
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb on the daily train, leaving Belgrade Centar at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19 arriving Zagreb at 18:13.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the Simplon Orient Express. 2nd class only, but in two comfortable air-conditioned Serbian EuroCity cars. Bring your own provisions and perhaps some beer or wine.
You can usually get a promotional ticket for around 29. You cannot buy tickets online, but they are easy to buy at the station or even on the train, there are always places available.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 16:15, arriving Zagreb bus station at 21:45, or there's an earlier 11:30 bus.
The fare around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in Zagreb, the historic Esplanade Hotel, the Palace Hotel or Central Hotel are all near the station with good reviews.
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Step 2, next day travel by daytime trains from Zagreb to Salzburg & Munich and onwards into Germany, see the Trains from Zagreb page for full details. It's a lovely journey along the river Sava and through the mountains of Austria.
Belgrade to Vienna from 34
Option 1, Belgrade to Vienna on the direct route via Budapest
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This route is currently blocked due to track upgrading. From 2019 until 2025 the Belgrade to Budapest route is being rebuilt for 200km/h operation which will eventually reduce journey time to 3½ hours. Normal Belgrade-Budapest train service is cancelled for this period. Passengers are expected to make their own way by normal scheduled bus from Belgrade to Novi Sad, then just one train per day will run Novi Sad - Kelebia - Budapest. See details & latest updates about this engineering work.
Option 2, Belgrade to Vienna with overnight stop in Zagreb
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This is a slower route, but it's the way I'd recommend while the direct Belgrade-Budapest-Germany route is blocked by engineering work.
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb on the daily train, leaving Belgrade Centar at 10:05 & Novi Beograd at 10:19 arriving Zagreb at 18:13.
This train was suspended during the pandemic and remains suspended in 2024.
It's a leisurely trip across the former Yugoslavia on a route once used by the Simplon Orient Express. 2nd class only, but in two comfortable air-conditioned Serbian EuroCity cars. There's no catering, so bring your own picnic and perhaps some beer or wine. See the photos of this journey here.
You can usually get a promotional ticket for around 29.
You cannot buy tickets online, but they are easy to buy at the station or even on the train, there are always places available.
While the train is suspended, take a bus from Belgrade to Zagreb
A Flixbus leaves Belgrade bus station at 16:15, arriving Zagreb bus station at 21:45, or there's an earlier 11:30 bus.
The fare around 20, buy a ticket at www.flixbus.com.
It's a 17-minute 1.3 km walk from Zagreb bus station to Zagreb station, see walking map.
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Stay overnight in Zagreb. The historic Esplanade Hotel, the Palace Hotel or Central Hotel are all near the station with good reviews.
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Step 2, travel from Zagreb to Vienna, leaving Zagreb at 07:05 every day, change at Graz (11:22-12:26), arriving Vienna Hbf at 15:02.
Zagreb to Graz is by comfortable EuroCity train with restaurant car, Graz to Vienna is by swish Austrian railjet with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. The journey is a treat, enjoy lunch with wine or beer as the train travels over the wonderfully-scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Graz & Vienna.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (quickest & easiest to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at Austrian Railways' own site www.oebb.at (in , same fares, a little more fiddly). You print your own ticket. Or you can buy at the station either on the day or ideally a day or two beforehand.
Belgrade to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm
While the Belgrade-Budapest line is being upgraded, divert via Zagreb & Vienna as follows:
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Day 1, travel from Belgrade to Zagreb by day, then Zagreb to Munich by overnight sleeper as shown above.
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Day 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen by comfortable day trains, leaving Munich at 10:21, change at Hamburg Hbf, arrive Copenhagen 21:34. If you're only going as far as Copenhagen, book Munich-Copenhagen at int.bahn.de from 37.90.
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Stay overnight in Copenhagen. The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here. Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel, First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).
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Day 3, travel from Copenhagen to Oslo, Gothenburg or Stockholm next day.
Book from Munich to Gothenburg or Stockholm at int.bahn.de. To get the overnight stop, click Stopovers, enter Copenhagen with a length of stay of (say) 12 hours. Gothenburg is listed as Gφteborg Central. Adjust as necessary to get the trains you want.
If you're going to Norway, use int.bahn.de to book Munich to Gothenburg as above, then add a Gothenburg to Oslo ticket at www.vy.no or www.entur.no.
Belgrade to Prague
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While engineering work blocks the Belgrade-Budapest line, I suggest diverting via Zagreb & Vienna if possible.
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Step 1, travel Belgrade-Zagreb, stay overnight in Zagreb, then travel Zagreb-Vienna, as shown above.
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Step 2, take a railjet train from Vienna to Prague in 4 hours, as shown here, I'd allow at least an hour between trains in Vienna.
Belgrade to Bratislava
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While engineering work blocks the Belgrade-Budapest line, I suggest diverting via Zagreb & Vienna if possible.
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Step 1, travel Belgrade-Zagreb, stay overnight in Zagreb, then travel Zagreb-Vienna, as shown above,
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Bratislava Hlavna in 1h09 by hourly regional train, see the Vienna to Bratislava page. Buy this ticket at the station or as shown on the Vienna to Bratislava page.
Belgrade to Budapest
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A major route upgrade from 2019-2025 means that all Budapest-Belgrade fast trains are cancelled until at least 2025. The line is being rebuilt for speeds of up to 200 km/h which will cut journey time cut to 3½ hours.
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However, in 2024 a new cross-border local service means that the determined traveller can get from Belgrade to Budapest by slow train with 3 changes, in an interesting day with lunch in Subotica, see the Belgrade to Budapest train service here.
Belgrade to Bucharest & Romania
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The incompetent Romanian & Serbian Railway managers have had a disagreement, and since 2017 the Vrsac-Timisoara trains have been starting from one station north of Vrsac, meaning there are currently no trains at all across the Serbian/Romanian border, completely destroying this international route.
Belgrade to Warsaw & Krakow
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The more direct route via Budapest is currently blocked by engineering work. So a comfortable & leisurely option is via Vienna, as follows.
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Vienna as shown above. You leave Belgrade in the morning of day 1, enjoy an evening in Zagreb and stay there overnight. Then take a morning EuroCity train to Vienna, arriving at lunchtime on day 2. Enjoy an afternoon in Vienna.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Krakow or Warsaw by daily overnight sleeper train as shown here, arriving at breakfast time on day 3.
Belgrade to Moscow & Russia
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Trains to Russia area suspended.
The train from Warsaw to Moscow uses new Austrian-built sleeping-cars owned by Russian Railways. Each compartment converts from comfortable sofas to equally comfortable beds and can be used as either 1st class 2-berth with two lower berths or as 2nd class 4-berth with all four berths in use. There are a shower and toilets at the end of the corridor. Compartments have electronic key-card locks, and the cars are very smooth-riding. The sleeper attendant can serve lovely Russian tea for around 0.50 a glass. Highly recommended!
Belgrade to Lviv, Kyiv & Ukraine
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The more direct route via Budapest is currently blocked by engineering work. So a comfortable & leisurely option is via Vienna, as follows.
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Step 1, travel from Belgrade to Vienna as shown above. You leave Belgrade in the morning of day 1, enjoy an evening in Zagreb and stay there overnight. Then take a morning EuroCity train to Vienna, arriving at lunchtime on day 2.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv by direct sleeping-car as shown here. You leave Vienna in the afternoon of day 2 and arrive in Lviv & Kyiv on day 3.
Hotels in Belgrade
Recommended hotel: Hotel Moskva
Look no further for a hotel in Belgrade than the historic Hotel Moskva. Opened in 1906, anyone who is anyone who has visited Belgrade has stayed here, from British author Graham Green to Ethiopian emperor Haile Salassie. It served as Gestapo Headquarters in 1941-44, although fortunately no trace of these former occupants remains. It's right in the centre of Belgrade at the end of the pedestrianised main street that leads to Belgrade fortress. It was only 10 minutes walk (admittedly uphill) from Belgrade's old station, but now a taxi ride from Belgrade Centar station. The hotel has immaculate rooms, friendly staff and a good cooked breakfast. Book the Hotel Moskva.
Travel insurance & VPN
Always take out travel insurance
Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Here are some suggested insurers. Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.
www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
www.columbusdirect.com is also a well-know brand.
If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.
Get an eSIM with mobile data package
Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list. Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.
Get a Curve card for foreign travel
Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.
How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android. 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.
I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.
Get a VPN for safe browsing. Why you need a VPN
When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained. ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I get a small commission to help support this site.
Carry an Anker powerbank
Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com.