Summer is the right time to travel by car to Greece, and many tourists from Serbia have been choosing this option for years because of its flexibility and comfort. If you are planning to go to sea in your own or rented car, in this guide you will find useful advice on the best routes, border crossings, required documents and travel costs.
Which route to choose? Two main routes to Greece are most often used:
Road through North Macedonia (Recommended)
Belgrade → Niš → Preševo (Serbia) → Kumanovo → Skopje → Đevđelija (Northern Macedonia) → Evzoni (Greece)
Total length: ~650 km (from Belgrade to Thessaloniki)
Travel time: 7-8 hours (without breaks and stops at the border)
Road through Bulgaria (Alternative route)
Belgrade → Niš → Pirot → Kalotina (Bulgaria) → Sofia → Kulata (Bulgaria) → Promakhonas (Greece)
Total length: ~750 km
Travel time: 9-10 hours
✅ Which route is better? The route through North Macedonia is faster and simpler, because the highway leads directly to Greece. The route through Bulgaria can be useful if you want to avoid the congestion at the Evzoni border, but it requires more patience due to parts of the road that are not yet fully completed.
Border crossings and traffic jams During the summer months, border crossings can be a challenge, especially in Eusonia. Here are some tips:
🚗 Departure on weekdays - Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest. 🚗 Morning or night departure - If you leave in the evening or early in the morning, you can go faster. 🚗 Alternative crossings – Instead of Evzoni, you can use Dojran or Medjitlia (near Bitola), which are often less busy.
Documents and travel expenses 📌 Required documents:
Valid passport
Driver's license
Green card (if passing through North Macedonia)
Vehicle license
Travel insurance (recommended)
💰 Travel costs (one way):
Tolls in Serbia: ~€10
Tolls in North Macedonia: ~€5
Tolls in Greece: ~2-3€ (depending on the destination)
Fuel: Around €60-80 (depending on car consumption)
The total cost of a one-way trip is around €80-100.
Tips for a comfortable trip ✔ Check the vehicle before the trip - If you rent a car, choose a rent a car with unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance. ✔ Take breaks - Stop every 2-3 hours for rest and refreshment. ✔ Monitor the weather conditions - In the summer, temperatures are high, so the air conditioning in the vehicle plays a big role. ✔ Bring cash – Some roads in Macedonia and Greece do not accept cards. ✔ Book your accommodation in advance – If you're traveling in peak season, crowds at popular destinations can be heavy.
Conclusion Traveling by car to Greece is an excellent choice for anyone who wants flexibility and comfort. Whether you drive your own car or use the rental car option, good preparation and choosing the right route will make your vacation carefree.
If you need a reliable car for this trip, visit our Rent a Car Cruz website and reserve a vehicle that suits your needs! 🚗🌊