How to Pay for Public Transportation in Belgrade?
Public transportation in Belgrade is now easier to pay for. A new payment system came into effect on May 17, 2023. This system uses a card called the Belgrade Card. You can obtain and top up this card online. Additionally, paper tickets can still be purchased at certain locations.
How to Get the Belgrade Card?
As of today (May 17, 2023), a new public transportation system has been implemented in Belgrade, and tickets are now purchased via SMS. However, paper tickets can still be purchased at several locations in Belgrade.
Ticket validation devices have been removed, and tickets are no longer validated. Instead, tickets are paid for by sending an SMS, and the return message sent by the system to the passenger’s phone serves as proof of payment, which is shown to the inspector.
Passengers send an SMS to the number 9011, with the message text A90, B90, or C90 depending on the zone for which the ticket is being purchased. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes from the moment the message is sent.
For the first zone, the message should be “A90,” for the second zone “B90,” and “C90” is used for a ticket that allows travel in both zones.
The same applies when purchasing a daily ticket, except that instead of the number 90, the number 1 should be entered. So, for the first zone, the message reads “A1,” for the second zone “B1,” and for both “C1.”
For passengers who do not have a phone or simply do not want to pay for a ticket via SMS, all these types of tickets are also available in paper form. They can be purchased at ten locations throughout Belgrade, and almost every kiosk.
In the new public transportation system, it is not possible to buy tickets from the driver.
Application
The mentioned application can now be downloaded via “Google Play” and is also available in English.
Get Your app here
However, it is only available to Android phone users.
The “App Store” does not offer the “Belgrade Plus” application, only unofficial ones such as “Bus + Payment” which direct the user to an SMS ticket payment.
Online Top-Up
In a bid to make the process even more convenient, the city has also introduced an online top-up service. This means that you can add credit to your Belgrade Card from the comfort of your home or while on the go. All you need to do is visit the official website, enter your card details, and choose the amount you want to add.
Features of the New System:
Bus Plus cards will no longer be used
The new system will be QR code-based
Tickets can be purchased via mobile app or SMS
Physical ticket sales points will still be available
Ticket Purchase Methods:
1. Via Mobile App:
Download the “Belgrade Public Transport” app from Google Play or the App Store
Register and add your payment method
Select and purchase the ticket type you want
2. Via SMS:
Send an SMS to 9011 to purchase a ticket
For a 90-minute ticket: A90
For a daily ticket: BUS1
For a 3-day ticket: BUS3
For a 5-day ticket: BUS5
3. Physical Sales Points:
At newspaper kiosks
At vending machines at public transport stops
At official ticket sales points
Ticket Prices:
90-minute ticket: 50 RSD
Daily ticket: 250 RSD
3-day ticket: 700 RSD
5-day ticket: 1000 RSD
Important Notes:
Always keep your ticket with you
Inspectors will scan your QR code to check your ticket
Fines will be applied for invalid or incomplete tickets
The system operates 24/7
This new system aims to make public transportation in Belgrade easier and more modern. It offers a more user-friendly experience for both tourists and locals.
