Why Drive from Belgrade to Novi Sad?

Serbia’s two biggest cities are only about 80 kilometres apart, making a day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad completely doable — even with time to spare for stops along the way. The drive takes roughly an hour and a half on the motorway, or a bit longer if you take the scenic route through the Fruška Gora wine region.

Novi Sad has a completely different vibe from Belgrade. It’s more laid-back, has gorgeous Austro-Hungarian architecture, and feels distinctly more European. The old town (Stari Grad) is packed with charming squares, cafes, and cultural attractions. Plus, if you time it right, you can swing by Sremski Karlovci — a tiny town famous for its white wine and beautiful baroque church.

The Route: Your Options

The Fast Way (A1 Motorway)

The most direct route is the A1 motorway, part of the E75 corridor that runs through Serbia. It’s a smooth, modern toll road with the journey taking around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Toll cost: Roughly 400-500 RSD (about €4) for the entire journey. Pay at the toll booth with cash or card.

This is the practical choice if you’re short on time or travelling in the evening after work.

The Scenic Way (Through Fruška Gora)

If you’ve got a bit more time and want to enjoy the scenery, take the regional road through Fruška Gora. This winding route takes you through Serbia’s most famous wine region, with rolling hills, vineyards, and tiny villages.

The journey takes about 2 hours, but you can easily turn it into a half-day adventure by stopping at a winery or two along the way.

Must-Stop: Sremski Karlovci

About 25 minutes before you hit Novi Sad, you’ll pass through Sremski Karlovci — and honestly, you’d be mad not to stop. This postage-stamp-sized town is one of the oldest settlements in the Vojvodina region and has a surprising amount to offer.

What to see:

• The Baroque Church — Built in the 18th century, its pink facade is instantly recognizable
• The Four Lions Fountain — A quirky monument in the main square
• The Town Museum — Small but interesting if you’re into local history

What to drink: Sremski Karlovci is famous for its Bermet — a fortified dessert wine that was allegedly served at the Titanic. It’s sweet, aromatic, and pairs brilliantly with dessert. You can also try the standard white wines from local vineyards.

Where to sample: Just wander along the main street — there are countless small wine cellars offering tastings. Most are family-run and incredibly welcoming, even if you just want to try a glass.

What to Do in Novi Sad

Once you arrive, here’s how to make the most of your time:

Explore the Old Town

Park the car and wander on foot. The main square (Trg Slobode) is the heart of the city, surrounded by café bars and the iconic town hall. The Serbian National Theatre is right nearby if you’re into catching a show.

Visit Petrovaradin Fortress

Perched on the hill across the Danube, this fortress is one of the best-preserved in Europe. It’s worth the climb for the views alone — on a clear day, you can see for miles. The fortress also hosts the famous EXIT Festival every summer, but it’s a great spot to explore year-round.

Stroll Along the Danube

Head down to the riverbank for a relaxing walk. There are cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating in summer, and it’s a lovely spot to watch the world go by.

Check Out the Museums

The Museum of Contemporary Art is worth a visit if you’re into Yugoslav-era art, or head to the City Museum to learn about Novi Sad’s history. The nearby Jewish Street (Jevrejska) has some interesting architectural highlights too.

Eat and Drink

Novi Sad has a fantastic food scene. For traditional Serbian food, head to a izont (tavern) in the old town. For something more modern, the restaurant scene has really stepped up in recent years.

Don’t leave without trying kiflice (little crescent pastries) from one of the bakeries — they’re a local specialty and genuinely delicious.

Parking in Novi Sad

Street parking is available in the old town, but it can be tricky to find a spot during peak hours. Here’s the deal:

• Blue zones: Paid parking on weekdays (8am-5pm), around 80-120 RSD per hour
• Green zones: Cheaper but further from the centre
• Parking garages: If you want peace of mind, use one of the garages — the most convenient is near the main square

Best tip: arrive early (before 10am) to grab street parking, or use the Park+ app to find spaces and pay digitally.

Timing Your Day Trip

Here’s a suggested schedule if you want to fit everything in:

• 8:00 AM: Leave Belgrade
• 9:30 AM: Arrive in Sremski Karlovci, grab a coffee and explore the town square
• 10:30 AM: Continue to Novi Sad, park the car
• 11:00 AM: Explore the old town, grab breakfast at a cafe
• 12:30 PM: Head up to Petrovaradin Fortress
• 2:00 PM: Lunch at a traditional restaurant
• 4:00 PM: Museums or relaxed Danube stroll
• 6:00 PM: Head back to Belgrade (or stay for dinner if you prefer a later return)

Final Thoughts

The Belgrade to Novi Sad road trip is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take in Serbia. The motorway makes it quick and painless, but taking the scenic route through Fruška Gora turns it into a proper adventure. And honestly, Sremski Karlovci alone is worth the drive — that combination of baroque architecture, excellent wine, and genuine warmth from the locals is hard to beat.

Ready to book your wheels? Compare car hire options in Belgrade and find the best deal for your road trip.