Overview
Set where the Sava flows into the Danube, Belgrade is one of Europe's most characterful and affordable city breaks. Serbia's capital pairs a mighty riverside fortress with grand boulevards, leafy parks, a famously late-night bar scene aboard floating splavovi rafts, and warm, generous hospitality. With direct flights from the UK taking around three hours, it makes an easy long-weekend escape. Searches for cheap flights to Belgrade climb through spring and early autumn, so a little planning goes a long way.
Best time to fly to Belgrade
Late spring (May and June) and September are the sweet spot: comfortable temperatures in the low 20s Celsius, café terraces in full swing and river walks at their best. July and August are hot, often reaching the mid-30s, and tend to bring the highest fares and busiest flights. Winters are cold with occasional snow, though December brings pleasant Christmas markets. For the cheapest seats, target the shoulder months and check the When to book chart above before you commit.
Airlines and routes
Belgrade is well served from the UK. Air Serbia flies direct from London Heathrow, Wizz Air operates direct from London Luton, London Gatwick and Manchester, Ryanair flies direct from London Stansted, and British Airways serves the route from Heathrow. A non-stop flight from London takes roughly two hours 50 minutes; from Manchester allow about three hours. Connecting options via hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam or Istanbul (Lufthansa, Austrian, KLM, Turkish Airlines) can occasionally undercut the direct fares shown on this page, usually adding three to four hours.
Things to do in Belgrade
Compact and walkable, the centre packs plenty in for a short trip.
- Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park: ramparts, museums and sweeping views over the river confluence.
- Temple of Saint Sava: one of the world's largest Orthodox churches, with a dazzling gold mosaic interior.
- Skadarlija: the cobbled bohemian quarter, lined with traditional kafanas and live music.
- Knez Mihailova Street: the elegant pedestrian spine for shopping, people-watching and street performers.
- Nikola Tesla Museum: hands-on exhibits celebrating Serbia's most famous inventor.
At Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
The airport sits about 18 km west of the centre, a 20 to 30 minute drive. The A1 minibus runs to Slavija Square, public bus 72 heads to Zeleni Venac, and licensed taxis use fixed zone fares, so pick up a taxi voucher from the desk in arrivals before you leave the terminal. Ride-hailing apps also operate. There is no rail link.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Belgrade
- Book roughly six to eight weeks ahead for short-haul European fares like this one, and watch the price charts on this page for dips.
- Fly midweek, typically Tuesday or Wednesday, and avoid July, August and the New Year period.
- Use flexible date search to compare a few days either side of your ideal departure.
- Compare low-cost carriers against Air Serbia and British Airways once baggage and seat fees are added, not just the headline fare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period; carry a passport valid for the duration of your trip. The currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD) and, as Serbia is outside the EU and Eurozone, you will need dinars for smaller purchases, though cards are widely accepted and ATMs are plentiful. The GHIC and EHIC are not valid in Serbia, so arrange comprehensive travel insurance. No vaccinations are required for entry.
