Driving to Tara Mountain and National Park: Routes, Scenic Stops & Tips
Tara Mountain is the kind of place that makes you pull over just to breathe it in. Dense pine forests, the winding Drina river canyon and viewpoints like Banjska stena where the drop takes your breath away. If you are renting a car in Serbia, Tara is one of the best road trips you can do. It is about three hours from Belgrade, sits right next to Zlatibor and pairs perfectly with a Mokra Gora stop.
Where Is Tara Mountain?
Tara National Park lies in western Serbia, along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The park covers about 183 square kilometres of thick forest, karst caves and the famous Drina Gorge. The nearest major town is Zlatibor, only about 40 minutes by car. Uzice, a mid-sized city with shops and fuel stations, sits roughly 30 minutes south.
If you are already heading to Zlatibor for a ski trip or summer hike, Tara is a natural add-on. The two mountains are so close that locals treat them as a single weekend route. Most visitors combine both in one trip.
Best Routes to Tara Mountain by Car
From Belgrade: The Classic Route
The most straightforward way is via the E763 motorway toward Cacak and then on to Uzice. You will pass through the town of Ljig and the scenic Kolubara valley before the road climbs into western Serbia. From Belgrade to the park entrance near Mitrovac is roughly 180 kilometres and takes about three hours in normal traffic.
After Uzice, follow the R-100 toward Bajina Basta and watch for signs to Mitrovac on Tara. The final 20 kilometres climb steadily and get narrower. There is no toll on this section, but keep an eye out for deer crossing, especially at dawn and dusk.
From Zlatibor: The Short Hop
Already staying in Zlatibor? You are in luck. Tara is only 25 to 30 kilometres north-east. Take the regional road through Cajetina toward Bajina Basta and turn left at the Tara National Park signpost. The drive takes around 35 minutes and the road is paved but winding. In winter, snow chains or winter tyres are a good idea.
From Mokra Gora: The Scenic Loop
If you are doing the Balkan heritage circuit, combine Mokra Gora with Tara in one day. The Šargan Eight railway is the star attraction in Mokra Gora, and from there it is only about 25 minutes to Tara. This makes for a long but rewarding day trip.
Scenic Stops You Should Not Miss
Banjska Stena Viewpoint
This is the money shot. A wooden platform juts out over the Drina canyon, giving you a straight-down view of the river hundreds of metres below. The parking lot is small, so arrive early on weekends. There is a short forest walk from the car park to the viewpoint, about 10 minutes on a well-maintained path. It is accessible in regular shoes but bring a jacket, the wind at the edge is cold even in summer.
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
The stone arches of this bridge are iconic. Built in 1940 and rebuilt after World War II, it spans the Drina where the canyon is at its narrowest. You can park on the western side and walk across. Bungee jumping is sometimes offered from the centre arch in summer. The views up and down the canyon from the bridge are spectacular, especially in late afternoon light.
Drina River House
Just downstream from the bridge, the tiny wooden house perched on a rock in the middle of the river has become a social media legend. It is a five-minute detour from the bridge road. Parking is informal along the shoulder. You cannot enter the house, but the photo opportunity is worth the stop.
Zaovine Lake
On the southern edge of the park, this reservoir sits in a bowl of forested hills. The road around the lake is narrow but paved, and there are a few places to pull over for a picnic. In autumn, the golden larch trees reflect in the water. There is a small car park near the dam at the northern end.
Car Hire Tips for Tara
Do You Need an SUV?
For the main routes to Mitrovac, Kaludjerske Bare and Banjska stena, a compact or standard car is perfectly fine in dry weather. The roads are paved. However, if you plan to explore deeper into the park, visit remote mountain villages or travel in winter, an SUV or crossover with decent ground clearance is a smart choice. Some of the smaller roads to remote viewpoints are gravel and can be rough after rain.
Fuel Up Before You Climb
There are no petrol stations inside Tara National Park. Fill up in Uzice, Bajina Basta or Zlatibor before heading into the park. The mountain roads use more fuel than you expect, especially if you are running air conditioning in summer.
Winter Driving
From November to March, snow is common above 800 metres. Winter tyres are legally required in Serbia during cold months, and they are essential on Tara. The roads from Uzice and Zlatibor are regularly cleared, but ice patches linger in shaded corners. Carry snow chains if you are visiting in January or February.
Best Time to Visit Tara by Car
Spring: May and June are ideal. The forest is lush green, wildflowers carpet the meadows and the temperatures are mild. Waterfalls are at their fullest after the snowmelt.
Summer: July and August are warm and busy. Book accommodation in advance if you are staying overnight. Mornings are the best time to drive the park roads before tour buses arrive.
Autumn: September to mid-October is the hidden gem season. The larch and beech forests turn gold and copper, there are fewer tourists and the light over the Drina canyon is extraordinary.
Winter: December to February transforms Tara into a snow-covered wilderness. If you have winter tyres and experience driving on ice, the quiet beauty of the park in snow is unforgettable. Just keep to the main roads.
Where to Stay Near Tara
Most visitors base themselves in one of three places:
- Mitrovac: The main settlement inside the park. Mid-range hotels, guesthouses and a few restaurants. Good for early-morning hikes.
- Kaludjerske Bare: A smaller mountain village with wooden cabins and a monastery. Quieter and more rustic than Mitrovac.
- Zlatibor: If you prefer more amenities, stay in Zlatibor and drive to Tara for day trips. It is only 35 minutes away.
Day Trip or Overnight?
From Belgrade, Tara is a long day trip but doable. You will spend about six hours driving round-trip, leaving four to six hours for viewpoints and a meal. If you want to hike properly, stay overnight in Mitrovac or Zlatibor. From Belgrade Airport, a two-day rental is the sweet spot for a relaxed Tara plus Zlatibor trip.
Cross-Border Note
Tara sits right on the Bosnia border. The area around Srebrenica is only a short drive west, but do not attempt to cross into Bosnia in a rental car without confirming your cross-border insurance first. Most Serbian rentals include Bosnia coverage, but always check your voucher.
Related Destinations
Looking for more road trips in Serbia? Also explore our guides to driving from Belgrade to Zlatibor, the Uzice mountain gateway and crossing into Bosnia from Belgrade.
Ready to book? Visit our homepage for the best hire car deals.
