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Private Tours vs. Bus Tours: What to Choose?

August 9, 2024

You've arrived in Serbia for a vacation and have enjoyed Belgrade for a couple of days. The next logical step is to explore other exciting places in Serbia. If you haven't rented a car, you have three options for a day trip in Serbia: organized bus tours, private tours from Belgrade, and, in some cases, public transportation (bus or train).

 

Traveling Around Serbia by Public Transport

The railway infrastructure in Serbia is quite poor. A day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad is the only one we would recommend if you want to travel by train. This route has a new railway, and modern high-speed trains are in service. You can visit Zlatibor by intercity bus, but you won't be able to see many of the attractions around Zlatibor.

Advantages of Public Transport

  • By far the most affordable mode of transport

Disadvantages of Public Transport

  • You need to stick to the timetable
  • You are highly limited in the places you can visit
  • The journey can be long and uncomfortable

 

a1 bus belgrade airport shuttle

Organized Tourist Bus Tours

Instead of planning your itinerary and aligning with schedules, organized bus tours are much simpler. The trips are well-planned, and you have a tour guide at your service.

Although better than public transport, this option also has its drawbacks: The biggest one is that the roads in Serbia are often poor, and bus travel can be slow and tiring. If you’re traveling far, for example, to Western Serbia, you may spend more time driving than sightseeing.

The schedule and route are clearly defined, so you might spend more time than you’d like at places that don't interest you much. Many interesting places are inaccessible to buses, so you might miss some nearby attractions.

Advantages of Organized Bus Tours

  • Cheaper than private tours
  • A tour guide accompanies you, providing insight into the history of the places you visit
  • You don’t need to plan your trip extensively

Disadvantages of Organized Bus Tours

  • Longer and less comfortable ride compared to a car
  • No flexibility in managing your time during the trip
  • Crowded spots at popular photography locations
  • Commercialized trips, only visiting places accessible to buses
  • No breaks whenever you want
  • Possible long breaks at restaurants that may not be your choice

 

Zlatibor - what to visit?

Private Tour With A Chauffeured Car Or Minivan

Private day trips from Belgrade are the most flexible way to travel around Serbia, but they also have some downsides compared to the previously mentioned modes of transport. The main downside is that renting a vehicle with a driver just for you and your private group is quite expensive.

But if you want to fully enjoy your tour and make the most of your time, private day tours in Serbia are the right solution for you.

Disadvantages of Private Trips

  • This is the most expensive day trip option
  • There is no traditional tour guide; only a driver with good knowledge of local attractions (but they don’t accompany you on walking tours or provide detailed history of the places you visit)

Advantages of Private Tours

  • Faster and more comfortable travel with more time for sightseeing
  • Local driver who knows the best routes, and hidden gems, and can provide personalized recommendations
  • Flexibility in choosing the places you want to visit and the time you want to spend there
  • Take breaks wherever you want
  • Access to attractions that are inaccessible to buses
  • No crowds or waiting in lines for photography, ticket purchases, and bathroom breaks
  • More private and pleasant atmosphere – just you, your family, and a friendly professional driver who speaks English fluently

 

Day Trips with Rental Car

We saved the most popular option for last. Even though our company exclusively offers car rental with a driver (limo service), we must admit that in most cases, renting a car without a driver is the most practical option. Of course, this is assuming that you or one of your companions is a decent driver.

Advantages of Renting a Car

Disadvantages of Renting a Car

  • Comfortable and luxurious vehicles are often expensive
  • You have to drive yourself, which, combined with a full day of sightseeing and walking, can be exhausting and therefore unsafe
  • You must plan your route entirely on your own without the help of a local driver or guide
  • The roads in Serbia are often poorly marked, and navigation often chooses routes that are not suitable for a regular car; you can easily get lost

Lake Uvac Canyon Viewpoint

Conclusion

Our main recommendation is to ensure that your visit to Serbia is not limited to Belgrade. We have explained all the ways to visit other interesting places in Serbia, and it's up to you to choose the option that suits you best. If that’s Serbia Private Tours, our team is at your service.

You can also hire us for your taxi transfer from Belgrade Airport to your hotel and vice versa.

Below is a list of the most interesting private day trips in Serbia that we highly recommend:

Have a nice stay in Serbia!

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