Why Consider Car Hire in Nis?

Nis might be Serbia’s third-largest city, but let’s be honest — its public transport system won’t win any awards. The buses work if you’re patient, but they don’t exactly make spontaneous exploration easy. That’s where having your own wheels changes everything.

Whether you’re flying into Nis Airport, arriving by train from Belgrade, or road-tripping through the Balkans, hiring a car in Nis opens up southern Serbia in a way that nothing else does. From ancient Roman ruins to Ottoman fortresses, from thermal spa towns to bizarre rock formations, there’s a lot more to this region than most visitors expect.

Where to Pick Up Your Car

Most visitors pick up their rental car at Nis Airport, which is convenient if you’re flying in. The airport is small, so finding the rental desk is straightforward — it’s usually just a short walk from arrivals.

If you’re arriving in Nis by train or bus, you can also pick up a car in the city centre. Several rental companies have offices near the main square (Trg Kralja Aleksandra) and along Knjaževska Street. City centre pickup is handy if you’re already in Nis and don’t want to backtrack to the airport.

What It Costs

Prices for car hire in Nis are generally reasonable, especially compared to Western Europe. As a rough guide:

• Economy car: €20-30 per day
• Compact SUV: €40-60 per day
• Full-size car: €50-80 per day

Prices fluctuate based on season, demand, and how far in advance you book. Summer months (June-August) and Serbian holidays see higher prices. Booking a week or two ahead usually secures the best rates.

What to See and Do in Nis

Nis Fortress

Start here. The Nis Fortress is one of the best-preserved Ottoman fortifications in the Balkans, sitting right by the river in the city centre. It’s free to enter and makes for a great wander. The views from the walls are surprisingly impressive, and there’s usually something going on — from cultural events to weekend markets.

Skull Tower (Ćele Kula)

This is not your typical tourist attraction, but it’s genuinely moving. The Skull Tower was built in 1809 from the skulls of Serbian revolutionaries who died fighting the Ottomans. It’s a powerful piece of history and worth the short walk from the city centre.

Mediana Archaeological Site

Just a few kilometres from the city centre, Mediana is a Roman archaeological site with incredibly well-preserved mosaics and the ruins of a Roman palace. It’s not huge, but the mosaics are genuinely impressive — vivid colours after 1,700 years.

Niska Banja

About 15 minutes east of Nis, this spa town is perfect if you want to relax. The thermal springs have been drawing visitors for centuries, and there are spa facilities where you can soak in the mineral-rich waters. It’s a favourite weekend destination for locals, which is usually a good sign.

Day Trips from Nis

Here’s where having a car really pays off. These destinations are either impossible or incredibly time-consuming to reach without your own wheels:

Devil’s Town (Đavolja Varoš)

About an hour’s drive from Nis, this is one of Serbia’s strangest natural wonders. Earth pyramids (hoodoos) rise from the hillside like something from a fantasy film — weird, eerie, and totally worth the climb to the top. There’s a small entrance fee and a walking trail that takes about an hour.

Monasteries of the Morava Valley

The area around Nis is dotted with medieval monasteries. The Patriarchate of Pec (about 90 minutes away) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and absolutely stunning. The drive through the mountains is beautiful too.

Rtanj Mountain

If you’re into hiking or just want stunning scenery, Rtanj is a mesa mountain about an hour from Nis. The views from the top are spectacular, and there’s a small village at the base with traditional restaurants serving local food.

Driving Tips for Nis

Driving in Nis itself is pretty straightforward. The main roads are in decent condition, and traffic is calmer than Belgrade. Watch out for:

• Aggressive drivers: Nis drivers can be a bit more aggressive than you’d expect — sudden lane changes and assertive overtaking are common
• Parking in the old town: Narrow streets weren’t designed for cars. Park carefully and avoid blocking driveways
• Rush hours: Traffic peaks around 7-9am and 4-6pm. If you can, avoid these times

Crossing Borders from Nis

Nis is perfectly positioned for regional road trips. The border crossings from here include:

• Bulgaria (Gradina crossing): About 90 minutes to the border, then another hour to Plovdiv
• North Macedonia (Presevo crossing): Roughly 90 minutes to the border, then 2 hours to Skopje

Just remember: you’ll need separate insurance for Bulgaria and North Macedonia, available at the border crossings.

Book in Advance

Car hire in Nis is generally readily available, but booking ahead is always smarter — especially in summer and during Serbian holidays. Use our comparison tool to check prices across different suppliers, and always confirm what’s included in the price (unlimited mileage, basic insurance, winter tyres in season).

Ready to Explore?

Nis is the gateway to some of Serbia’s most underrated attractions. From ancient history to natural wonders, from spa days to monastery visits, having a car means you can pack all of this into a single trip — without being beholden to bus schedules.

Compare car hire options in Nis city or book at Nis Airport to start your southern Serbia adventure.