Looking to explore southern Serbia at your own pace? Car hire in Nis city gives you the freedom to discover everything this historic region has to offer, from ancient fortresses to scenic spa towns. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or flying into Belgrade and driving south, picking up a car in Nis city centre puts you right in the heart of the action.
Nis is Serbia’s third-largest city and serves as the main gateway to the south. The city sits at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, and today it makes an excellent base for exploring Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture, and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Having your own wheels means you can linger at whatever catches your interest without worrying about bus schedules.
Why Rent a Car Here?
Let’s be honest — public transport in southern Serbia exists, but it won’t win any awards for convenience. Buses connect the major towns, but getting to places like Niska Banja’s thermal springs, the medieval monasteries of the Morava Valley, or the stunningresky terrain around Rtanj usually means multiple changes and a whole lot of waiting around.
With a rental car, you can knock off all those day trips in a single day. Fancy a spontaneous dip in the hot springs? Just hop in the car. Want to explore three different monasteries before lunch? No problem. Plus, if you’re planning to cross into Bulgaria or continue your Serbian adventure toward Belgrade or the wine region of Zupa, having a car makes everything smoother. The freedom to change your plans on the fly is honestly worth it alone.
What to See & Do
Nis itself packs plenty of punch. The Nis Fortress sits right by the river and makes for a great wander — it’s one of the best-preserved Ottoman fortifications in the Balkans. Just down the road, the Skull Tower (Ćele Kula) is a genuinely moving piece of history, built from the skulls of Serbian revolutionaries. For something lighter, head to the Mediana archaeological site just outside town — those Roman mosaics are genuinely impressive.
Now here’s where having a car really pays off. Just 15 minutes east, Niska Banja is one of Serbia’s most popular spa towns. Think hot mineral springs, spa treatments, and a relaxed vibe. Pack your swimsuit.
About an hour’s drive east, you’ll find the Devil’s Town (Đavolja Varoš) — a weird and wonderful natural monument with earth pyramids that look like something from another planet. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it.
Fancy something more spiritual? The monasteries around the Morava Valley — including Prohor Pcinjski and the Patriarchate of Pec — are within easy driving distance. The scenery heading toward the mountains is genuinely stunning too.
Driving Tips
Driving in Nis itself is pretty straightforward. The main roads are in decent shape, and traffic is calmer than Belgrade. Watch out for some aggressive driving around rush hours (around 7-9am and 4-6pm), and park carefully in the old town area — those narrow streets weren’t designed with cars in mind.
Outside the city, roads vary. The main highway south is good, but smaller country roads can be narrow and occasionally rough. In winter, some mountain routes can be tricky, so check conditions if you’re heading toward higher ground. Speed limits are 60km/h in towns, 80-100km/h on open roads, and 130km/h on motorways. Police do patrol, so don’t treat those limits as suggestions.
Booking Tips
Booking in advance is always smarter, especially in peak summer months and around holidays when demand spikes. Use our search to compare prices across different suppliers — sometimes local companies offer better rates than the big international brands. Check what’s included in the price: unlimited mileage is standard in Serbia, but make sure collision damage waiver and basic insurance are covered.
If you’re flying into Belgrade and want to drive to Nis (about 4 hours), you might find better deals hiring in Belgrade rather than picking up in Nis. Just factor in the extra driving time. And always snap photos of the car when you collect it — it’s just smart practice anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I pick up a rental car in Nis city centre?
Several major rental companies have offices in central Nis, near the main square and along Knjaževska Street. You can also arrange airport pickup if your flight arrives at Nis Airport.
Is it cheaper to hire a car in Nis city or at the airport?
Airport pickups sometimes include a small surcharge, but city centre offices may have limited fleet availability. Comparing prices online usually gives you the best deal regardless of pickup location.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Nis?
You’ll need a valid driver’s license (held for at least one year), passport or EU ID, and a credit card in the driver’s name. Some suppliers accept debit cards but with additional verification.