Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) is not only the main air gateway of Serbia, but also a vital transport hub in the Balkans, named after the great inventor. Located 18 km from the capital's centre, it serves as the base for the national carrier Air Serbia and is a key location for the low-cost carrier Wizz Air. The airport is constantly being upgraded to offer travellers modern service and comfort, combining the dynamic energy of a major hub with a welcoming atmosphere. It is the ideal starting point for exploring Belgrade and the entire country.

Nikola Tesla Airport consists of two terminals connected by a convenient corridor. Terminal 1 is primarily used for low-cost carriers and charter flights, while Terminal 2 handles the majority of regular international flights. Passengers have access to numerous cafés and restaurants, Duty Free shops, currency exchange bureaus, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi throughout the premises. For a comfortable wait, you can utilise the business lounge or the Fast Line service to expedite security checks. You can reach the centre of Belgrade via the A1 shuttle, public buses, or taxi; the journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes.

For your convenience, we have compiled all necessary contact information for Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade. You can use these details to contact airport representatives regarding various enquiries.

• Official Website: You will always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website: beg.aero. The site is available in multiple languages.
• Information Desk Phone: For information via telephone, you can call: +381 11 209 4000. Operators will assist you with questions regarding schedules, terminals, and services.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: Aerodrom Beograd 59, 11180 Beograd, Srbija.
• Email and Feedback: For general questions and suggestions, it is most convenient to use the feedback form on the airport's official website in the "Contact" section.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on their official pages on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the Lost & Found service via email: lost.found@beg.aero. In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, you must immediately contact your airline's representative or their ground handling agent in the baggage claim area.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For issues related to airport services, you may contact the main information desk phone or use the contact form on the website.

There are several ways to get from Nikola Tesla Airport to the centre of Belgrade and back, allowing you to choose the most convenient option depending on your budget and time. The airport is located approximately 18 km west of the city centre, and the journey usually does not take long.

Public Transport is the most economical method. There are several bus routes:

• Express Shuttle A1: This is the most popular option. The minibus runs around the clock between the airport and Slavija Square in the city centre. The travel time is about 30-40 minutes. Tickets are purchased from the driver.
• Public Bus No. 72: A budget-friendly route that goes to the "Zeleni Venac" transport hub. It makes more stops, so the trip will take 40-60 minutes.
• Public Bus No. 600: A new route connecting the airport with the main railway station "Beograd Centar" (Prokop), which is very convenient for those planning further travel across Serbia by train.

Taxi and Transfer. For maximum comfort, you can use a taxi. It is strongly recommended to use the official service: in the arrivals area, find the TAXI INFO counter, where you will be given a voucher with a fixed price to your destination. This helps avoid overcharging. A trip to the city centre usually takes 20-30 minutes and costs around 20-30 Euros (payment is made in Dinars). Ride-hailing apps are also active in the city, such as Yango or the local service Car:Go.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel around the country, renting a car is an excellent solution. The counters of many international and local rental companies are located within the airport terminal. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking options are available, including a large covered garage and several open-air lots.

Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, the main aviation hub of Serbia, has undergone a major renovation, resulting in the unification of its two historic terminals (T1 and T2) into a single, integrated terminal complex. For passengers, this means there is no longer a need to move between separate buildings—all zones and gates are now under one roof, significantly simplifying navigation and the transfer process.

The airport structure is organised logically and intuitively. The upper level houses a spacious check-in area where the counters of all airlines are located. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to passport control and then to a centralised security screening point. Once formalities are cleared, you enter the common transit zone, from which piers with boarding gates diverge. The arrivals area is located on the lower, ground floor of the building, where baggage claim belts and customs control are situated.

Thanks to the unified structure, transfers between any gates are done on foot. You will not require shuttles or buses to move around the airport grounds. The navigation scheme is simple: follow the signs to your required pier and gate number. Signs are in Serbian and English and are clearly visible from any point in the hall.

It is recommended to allocate standard time for check-in and security. For international flights, it is best to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure, especially during peak morning and evening hours or the tourist season. Although processes in the updated terminal are optimised, queues may occur at passport control and security. For your convenience, numerous information screens are installed throughout the airport, allowing you to track flight status and check-in counter numbers.

For comfortable navigation through the airport, simply follow the standard route: check-in zone → passport control → security screening → transit zone with shops and cafés → your boarding gate. Top tip — after passing security control, immediately check the screen to see how long the walk to your gate will take, so you can enjoy waiting for your flight without rushing in the numerous cafés or duty-free shops.

The history of the main airport of Belgrade began long before its modern incarnation. The current airport, located in the Surčin district, was officially opened on 28 April 1962. It replaced the old airfield located elsewhere and was designed with the future in mind, boasting one of the longest runways in Europe at the time. From the very beginning, it became the main hub for the national carrier JAT Yugoslav Airlines and quickly evolved into a vital transport centre in the Balkans.

The period of the 1970s and 1980s was a "golden age" for the airport. Due to major international events hosted in Yugoslavia, such as the Non-Aligned Movement conference, the infrastructure was constantly expanded. In 1979, Terminal 2 was built, which significantly increased capacity and allowed for handling growing passenger traffic. The airport received flights from all over the world, becoming a symbol of the country's openness.

In the 1990s, the airport faced serious difficulties due to international restrictions, leading to a sharp reduction in flights and a period of stagnation. However, a new phase of revival began in the early 2000s. One of the landmark events was the renaming of the airport in 2006 — it received the name of the great scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla. This became a symbol of renewal and the aspiration to integrate into the global community.

In recent decades, Belgrade Airport has been undergoing a massive transformation. After transitioning to the management of the concessionaire, VINCI Airports, in 2018, a comprehensive modernisation programme was launched. This includes the construction of a new runway, the expansion and complete reconstruction of terminals, and the implementation of modern technologies to improve passenger service quality. These changes aim to turn Nikola Tesla Airport into a leading hub in Southeast Europe, capable of welcoming over 15 million passengers per year.

Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. The premises feature numerous cafés, lounges, and restaurants to suit every taste — from fast food outlets to places where you can experience Serbian cuisine. A classic Duty Free shop operates in the departure zone, along with other retail outlets offering souvenirs, press, and travel essentials.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the airport. If your gadget runs out of power, you will easily find charging stations for electronic devices. Passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment can use the business lounge services, where snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating are offered.

Financial matters can also be easily resolved at the airport. Bank branches, 24-hour currency exchange bureaus, and numerous ATMs operate here, which is particularly convenient for tourists arriving in Serbia.

Families with small children will appreciate the availability of specially equipped nursing rooms. For passengers with reduced mobility, all conditions are provided for convenient movement and passing through controls. It is recommended to contact your airline in advance to request assistance services upon arrival at the airport or before departure.

In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the 24-hour medical centre located in the terminal. Business travellers may have access to business centre services and conference rooms. If you have a long layover or an early flight, there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport offering comfortable accommodation.

At Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, travellers will find diverse options for a snack or a full meal. Regardless of whether you are rushing for a flight or have time to spare, you can find an establishment to suit any taste and budget here — from cosy coffee shops to restaurants with table service.

The main dining points are located both in the public area (landside) and in the area after passport control and security (airside). In the arrivals hall and the general departures area, you will find several cafés where it is convenient to have a coffee while meeting or seeing off loved ones. The largest selection of restaurants and lounges awaits passengers in the secure zone, directly before the boarding gates.

If you want a quick bite, look out for the numerous coffee shops and bakeries. Here you can order sandwiches, fresh pastries, and, of course, try something from the local cuisine, such as the famous burek with cheese or meat. For a more substantial meal, there are restaurants offering dishes of both international and Serbian cuisine. This is a great opportunity to enjoy dishes like ćevapi or pljeskavica before flying out of Serbia.

Most establishments operate from early morning until late evening, aligning with the flight schedule, while some key cafés in the departure zone may be open 24 hours. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level. Regarding special dietary needs, you can find vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and fresh juices on many menus. It is best to check with the staff at the specific establishment regarding the availability of gluten-free or halal dishes.

To ensure your journey from Nikola Tesla Airport is as comfortable as possible, please make use of our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport in advance: allow 2.5–3 hours before departure for international flights, and about 2 hours for regional ones. This will allow you to pass through check-in and security without rushing, especially during busy periods.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this service. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready at security control. Laptops, tablets, and liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be taken out of your hand luggage in advance and placed in a separate tray. Be prepared that you may be asked to switch on your electronic devices.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat (A, F) is suitable for those who enjoy the view, while an aisle seat (C, D) is for those who value the freedom to stand up easily. Passengers with children often find the front rows more convenient. Remember that hand luggage rules may vary between airlines, so it is better to check them in advance on the carrier's official website.

The airport in Belgrade is a convenient transit hub. If you have a connecting flight, follow the "Transfer" signs. The airport is not very large, so it is easy to orient yourself here, and usually 1.5-2 hours is quite sufficient for a comfortable connection. Customs control upon arrival in Serbia follows the standard scheme with "green" and "red" channels.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — after security screening, it can be filled at drinking fountains. It is better to order a taxi to the city at the official counter in the arrivals hall to get a fixed price and avoid overpaying. A more budget-friendly option to get to the centre is the A1 city bus or line 72.

In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. First, check the information on the electronic boards and contact your airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with drinks or meals. The airport has cafés, shops, and free Wi-Fi to help pass the time.