Rail passengers in Belgrade can embark on journeys from Prokop, Zemun, and New Belgrade stations, reaching destinations across Serbia and one international location — Bar, Montenegro. The new timetable introduces changes, including additional departures, faster trains, and seasonal routes.
According to Serbia Train’s official website, passengers from Belgrade can travel to Novi Sad, Vršac, Niš, Valjevo, and Pančevo, with BG:VOZ services connecting suburban areas like Ovča, Mladenovac, and Zemun Polje.
Train types vary depending on the route, with Intercity, Regio, Regio Express, and Fast Trains in operation. For instance, a Regio train from Zemun travels through Beograd Centar to Niš, while the BG:VOZ line reaches Mladenovac, originating in Zemun.
From Zemun, passengers can head to Valjevo, though the Belgrade–Valjevo Regio service does not operate on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Zemun also offers services to Lazarevac and Pančevo, with the Pančevo Vojlovica stop closed on Sundays and specific public holidays.
The BG:VOZ service between Ovča and Batajnica, stopping at Beograd Centar, does not run on weekends or public holidays.
High-Speed Travel and Recent Tragedy
Until November 1, 2024, the Soko high-speed train made the Prokop–Novi Sad journey in just 36 minutes. However, following the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy — an accident that claimed 15 lives and injured two — the station was closed, redirecting services to Petrovaradin.
The tragedy sparked the “Stop, Serbia!” movement, where citizens block traffic for 15 minutes in remembrance of the victims. Students, educators, farmers, and lawyers have since joined these protests.
Currently, Regio and Regio Express trains travel to Novi Sad in 45 minutes to an hour. From Prokop, passengers can also reach Šid, while Zemun offers routes to Vršac and Prijepolje. Additionally, Intercity trains connect Prokop to Užice and Zvornik, with the Bar service remaining the only international route.
Passenger Experience and Concerns
A member of the Railway Enthusiasts Association expressed dissatisfaction with rising fares, frequent cancellations due to equipment failures, infrastructure issues, and poor track conditions, which make train travel twice as slow as buses or cars.
He acknowledged improvements in cleanliness and onboard services but suggested expanding amenities like vending machines for refreshments. Key concerns include the limited number of departures and the outdated rail network. He also criticized the 500-dinar surcharge for boarding without a ticket, calling it unnecessary.
New Timetable and International Services
The new railway schedule, effective from December 15, 2024, includes 434 daily passenger trains. The international “Night Train” between Belgrade and Bar operates on the Zemun–Prokop–Bar route, with adjusted departure times due to the newly established Bijelo Polje border station.
A seasonal “Day Train” between Subotica and Bar will run from June 13 to September 14, 2025, requiring a transfer at Bijelo Polje. Outside the summer season, the service operates between Novi Sad and Užice.
Ticket Prices and Discounts
Ticket prices depend on the train type and route. For instance, a one-way trip from Beograd Centar to Novi Sad/Petrovaradin costs:
- Regio: €4.22
- Regio Express: €4.90
- Inter Regio: €5.93
- Intercity: €6.27
Passengers booking online receive a 10% discount. Holders of SRB PLUS and PIO cards enjoy a 30% discount, with an additional 10% for online purchases. A 20% discount applies to return tickets if passengers specify their departure and return times when booking.
Rail modernization projects are ongoing. The Niš–Brestovac line is set to reopen for passenger traffic soon, introducing Intercity and Regio services between Niš, Leskovac, and Aleksinac. The Novi Sad–Subotica line is also under construction, with plans to connect Beograd Centar to Subotica.
As Serbia’s railway network evolves, passengers can look forward to expanded routes and potentially improved travel conditions — though challenges remain in infrastructure and service reliability.
