Drivers in Serbia, brace yourselves for new toll hikes! As of July 4th, new toll prices have kicked in, with an average increase of about 4.3% per kilometer traveled. Yes, you read that right — every kilometer you drive on the highway now costs you a bit more dinars. For example, the toll on the Belgrade-Niš route now stands at 1 dinar per kilometer, and prices on other popular stretches like Belgrade-Novi Sad, Belgrade-Subotica, and Belgrade-Šid have also gone up.
This new toll system applies to several key highway sections, including Belgrade-Šabac-Šid, Belgrade-Subotica, Belgrade-Vrnjačka Banja-Preševo-Dimitrovgrad, and Belgrade-Požega. The total length of toll highways in Serbia is about 945.2 kilometers, and toll collection is managed by the public company Putevi Srbije through 72 toll stations equipped with automated technical systems.
Why the price hike? According to the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, the toll price adjustment follows the annual consumer price index, meaning prices rose slightly due to inflation and maintenance costs. But is this really justified? While drivers grumble about the ever-increasing cost of driving, the government continues to invest in new highway sections, like the recently opened 19.5-kilometer Pakovraće-Požega stretch.
Meanwhile, neighboring Greece offers free TAG devices for electronic toll payments on its highways, which Serbian citizens can order completely free of charge. Maybe it’s time for Serbia to think about modernizing and easing toll payments?
If you’re planning a trip soon, expect to pay a bit more for highway driving than before. And if you’re already mad about these hikes, you’re not alone! Share your thoughts in the comments — are these new toll prices justified, or just another way to empty your wallet? Maybe it’s time we all start walking or biking, right? Just don’t be late for work because of the slower pace!
Either way, keep your eyes on the road and your wallet tightly closed — tolls are here to remind you just how pricey driving in Serbia has become!
