Taxi market of Serbia 2025 – trends and forecasts
An overview of the key factors shaping the taxi industry in Serbia
Estimated Number of Taxi Vehicles in Serbia (2025)
In Serbia, there is no official public time series that shows the exact number of licensed taxi vehicles for the year 2025. However, based on the regulatory rule of “1 taxi per 400 residents,” as well as data from Belgrade, it is possible to make a reliable estimate. In this article, we analyze two methodologies — demographic and urban planning — to arrive at an approximate number of active taxis in the country.
🚖 Structure and Regulation of Serbia’s Taxi Market (2025)
🚖 Dominance of Licensed Taxi Operators in Serbia (2025
Serbia’s taxi market is led by licensed operators under municipal rules. Dispatch associations coordinate rides, set fares, and ensure safety—especially in cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš.
🛡️ Regulated Structure and User Trust
This model offers passengers reliability and compliance, but limits flexibility and slows tech innovation. While trusted by locals and tourists, it evolves slower than liberalized markets.
🛡️ Safety, Predictability, and Regulatory Compliance
The traditional dispatch model offers passengers:
✅ A high level of safety and oversight
✅ Predictable pricing and route coverage
✅ Assurance of licensed drivers and vehicles
These factors make the system particularly attractive to local residents and foreign visitors, who value trust and transparency in urban transport.
🔄 Limitations in Flexibility and Innovation
Despite its strengths, Serbia’s taxi model faces limits: low service flexibility, slow tech adoption, and barriers to real-time tracking or dynamic pricing. The sector evolves cautiously, balancing regulation with gradual modernization.
📱 Digital Taxi Platforms in Serbia (2025)
Beyond traditional dispatch, apps like Pink, Yandex, Beogradski Taxi, and others offer modern features—real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and driver ratings—meeting rising user expectations.
🚀 Who Uses App-Based Taxis Most?
These digital services attract younger users, tourists, and business travelers who value speed, clarity, and mobile access. Convenience and transparency make app-based taxis a growing trend in Serbia’s urban mobility.
🚫 Uber Not Present in Serbia (2025)
Due to current laws, Uber’s model doesn’t align with Serbia’s taxi regulations. Drivers must operate within licensed associations, making Uber’s entry legally restricted.
⚖️ Regulated Market Limits Innovation
Serbia’s taxi sector favors licensed operators, ensuring service quality and oversight. However, strict regulation slows innovation and limits global platform access.
⚖️ Taxi Sector Regulation and Pricing in Serbia (2025 Overview)
⚖️ Legal Framework of Serbia’s Taxi Sector
Serbia’s taxi industry is regulated by the Passenger Transport Act and local by-laws. This structure defines licensing, vehicle standards, and fare models, ensuring consistency across cities.
🏙️ Municipal Regulation and Local Adaptation
While national law sets the foundation, municipalities refine taxi rules to fit local needs. This layered system balances uniform standards with flexibility in pricing and service control.
📋 Licensing and Operational Standards for Taxi Services
To operate legally, taxi providers must obtain a municipal certificate. Vehicles must be visibly marked, well-maintained, and eco-compliant. Drivers need a special permit and often work within dispatch associations.
🛡️ Service Standards and Urban Oversight
Strict licensing rules ensure safety, service quality, and regulatory control—especially in cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš. This structure builds passenger trust and supports consistent urban mobility.
💰 Taxi Fare Structure and Tariff Regulation
To operate legally, taxi providers must meet municipal criteria: marked vehicles, eco-compliance, and certified drivers. Most are part of dispatch associations, ensuring service quality and oversight.
🛡️ Urban Standards and Passenger Trust
Strict licensing rules in cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš promote safety and consistency. Clear vehicle markings and regulated fares build trust among locals and tourists alike.
🚖 Taxi Fare Regulation in Serbia: How Local Authorities Set Prices
Taxi fares in Serbia are set by local governments, not market competition. Municipalities define base fare, per-kilometer rates, and extra charges, ensuring consistency and legal compliance.
📋 How Fare Structures Are Managed
City councils regulate taxi pricing through official decisions. Tariffs vary by time, zone, and service type, and all changes must align with the Passenger Transport Act and be publicly announced.
It’s important to note that taxi fares vary from city to city.
Belgrade, Niš, Kragujevac, and Subotica each have their own pricing models, tailored to local economic conditions and the needs of the population. Taxi operators are required to clearly display the fare chart inside the vehicle, and the use of a taximeter is legally mandatory.
Comparative Table of Taxi Fares by City (as of September 2025)
| City | Starting price (rsd) | Price per km daily | Price per km (night)) | Waiting price per hour |
| Belgrade | 320 | 105 | 135 | 1.800 |
| Novi Sad | 240 | 80 | 105 | 1.200 |
| Niš | 190 | 70 | 80 | 900 |
| Subotica | 200 | 98 | 1.000 | |
| Subotica | 250 | 130 | 1.300 |
🔍 Note: Fares apply to rides within the city zone. For out-of-town travel, additional charges are calculated either per kilometer or by agreement. All prices are for informational purposes only and are subject to change based on decisions made by local authorities.
✈️ Rides from Nikola Tesla Airport Belgrade to the City Center
One of the most frequent taxi routes in Belgrade is from Nikola Tesla Airport to downtown. Fares range from 2,300 to 3,000 RSD, depending on traffic, time, and zone. Full fare details are available on the Belgrade Airport website.
🎫 Voucher System for Airport Taxis
To ensure fair pricing, Belgrade Airport offers fixed-price taxi vouchers. Passengers can get them at the arrivals info desk. This system prevents overcharging, ensures safety, and aligns with official city tariffs
✅ Benefits of Using Taxi Vouchers
The voucher system improves transparency and trust. It standardizes fares, protects tourists from price manipulation, and guarantees licensed taxi service. Ideal for stress-free travel from the airport to any city zone.
⚔️ Competitive Landscape of Serbia’s Taxi Market
Serbia’s taxi sector faces growing pressure from digital platforms, yet radio-dispatched taxis with municipal licenses remain dominant in cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac, and Subotica, offering regulated service and trusted urban mobility
🚖 Traditional Taxi Operators
Taxi services in Serbia are organized via dispatch associations with centralized call centers, marked vehicles, and licensed drivers. This model ensures compliance, predictable fares, and consistent service quality.
✅ Why Passengers Trust Dispatch Taxis
Passengers prefer dispatch taxis for their reliability, availability, and reputation. Regulated pricing and certified drivers make them a safe and dependable choice in cities across Serbia.
📱 App-Based and Flexible Taxi Service
A growing number of providers now use mobile taxi-hailing apps, offering:
• 📍 Real-time ride tracking
• ⭐ Driver ratings and user-friendly interfaces
• 💳 Transparent pricing and digital payments
Popular platforms include Pink taxi Beograd, Yandex, Beogradski Taxi, Eko Taxi Niš and Premier taxi Čačak
🔄 Market Dynamics and User Preference
While digital services are expanding, radio-dispatched taxis continue to dominate in key segments:
• ✈️ Airport transfers (via voucher system)
• 🏢 Corporate contracts
• 🌐 Areas with limited app coverage
The market is gradually evolving, but local regulations and user habits still favor traditional models.
♻️ Environmental Shifts in Serbia’s Taxi Industry (2025 Overview)
In 2025, Serbia’s taxi sector is shifting toward sustainability. Cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Čačak lead the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), supported by environmental regulations, market demands, and government subsidies for greener fleets
🚗 Rise of Electric and Hybrid Taxi
Electric and hybrid models like Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Prius are rising in popularity. Drivers aim to cut fuel costs, meet eco standards, and attract green-minded passengers
📈 Growth of Electric Taxis in 2025
Electric taxi registrations in Serbia rose over 40% compared to 2024. By year-end, EVs are expected to make up more than 15% of the urban fleet, driven by subsidies and sustainability goals.
💰 Economic and Environmental Benefits
Electric taxis offer both green advantages and financial incentives, including:
• Lower maintenance costs (fewer moving parts)
• Free charging at public stations in select municipalities
• Tax relief and government subsidies for vehicle purchases
⚠️ Challenges and Market Realitie
Despite growth, EV adoption faces hurdles: charging stations are unevenly distributed, and vehicle costs remain high for independent drivers. Still, the shift to green mobility is becoming a market necessity.
🌱 Early Adopters Gain Competitive Edge
Taxi companies that embrace EVs early reduce emissions and boost brand image. In Serbia’s 2025 market, sustainability signals innovation and builds trust with eco-conscious passengers.
✈️ Demand Drivers (2025): Tourism and Air Arrivals
In 2025, one of the key factors driving demand for taxi services in Serbia is the steady growth of international tourism, especially in Belgrade. Arrivals via Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) continue to rise, and an increasing number of visitors are seeking safe, transparent, and efficient transportation from the airport to the city center and other destinations.
🎫 Voucher System: Safety and Predictability
Belgrade Airport offers taxi vouchers with fixed fares by zone. Available at the arrivals info desk, they eliminate price negotiation and ensure fast, safe rides with licensed drivers.
🌍 Clear Taxi Pricing for Foreign Visitors
Vouchers help tourists unfamiliar with local fares. With transparent pricing and guaranteed licensed service, the system improves trust and simplifies airport-to-city transport.
🧳 Tourism as a Stable Source of Taxi Demand
Beyond airport transfers, tourists frequently rely on taxis for:
• Transportation to hotels, museums, restaurants, and cultural events
• Nightlife and late-night rides beyond public transport hours
• Day trips to nearby destinations (e.g., Avala, Zemun, Ada Ciganlija)
In this context, clearly communicated fares, visibly marked vehicles, and card payment options have become key competitive advantages for taxi operators.
Key Demand Trends in Serbia’s Taxi Market (2025)
📈 Tourism on the Rise:
Belgrade is experiencing a steady increase in arrivals from the EU, Turkey, and China, driving higher demand for airport transfers and tourist-oriented taxi services.
📱 Digital Accessibility:
More users are turning to mobile ride-hailing apps, yet licensed taxis remain dominant in key segments such as airport rides, corporate contracts, and regulated city zones.
💳 Fare Standardization:
The voucher system at Belgrade Airport (BEG) and clearly defined municipal fare structures are boosting trust among foreign visitors, offering predictable pricing and secure transport with licensed operators.
🚍 Public Transport Policy and Its Impact on the Taxi Sector (2025)
As of January 1, 2025, the City of Belgrade has introduced free public transportation for all residents, marking one of the most significant urban mobility reforms in the region. This decision has a layered impact on the taxi market, particularly in segments such as short city rides, business transfers, and tourist mobility.
🔄 Shift in Passenger Behavior
Free public transport may redirect a portion of short urban trips—especially those previously taken by taxi for convenience—toward buses, trams, and the BG train. However, taxis continue to play a vital role in specific scenarios:
• First/last-mile connections to public transport stations
• Late-night rides when public transport frequency is reduced
• Urgent or time-sensitive trips where speed and directness outweigh cost
💼 Employers and “0 RSD” Reimbursements
A notable shift is also emerging in the business sector: employers now reimburse “0 RSD” for commuting, as employees use free public transport. This change strengthens the move from individual to collective mobility, but also creates space for taxi services in cases such as:
• Employees working outside standard hours
• Logistically complex routes to the workplace
• VIP, corporate, or urgent transport needs
🧭 Tourism Perspective
According to the Belgrade Tourist Organization, free public transport enhances the city experience for foreign visitors. Still, taxis remain essential for:
• ✈️ Airport transfers (supported by the voucher system)
• 🏙️ Personalized city tours
• 🌃 Nightlife and rides to attractions outside the city center
💳 Growth of Cashless Payments in Serbia’s Taxi Sector (2025)
In 2025, Serbia is witnessing a rapid expansion of cashless transactions, driven by the widespread adoption of instant payments via the IPS system (Instant Payment System) and the increasing installation of POS terminals, including in taxi vehicles. This shift is reshaping user expectations, with more passengers preferring to pay via cards, mobile apps, or QR codes instead of cash.
📲 Technological Advancements
• IPS QR payments enable fast, secure, and low-fee transactions directly from mobile phones
• POS terminals are becoming standard in modernized taxi fleets, especially among operators targeting tourists and business travelers
• App integration allows for automatic, contactless payments
These innovations not only enhance the user experience, but also improve transparency and trust, particularly among foreign visitors unfamiliar with cash-based transactions.
🚖 Impact on the Taxi Secto
✅ Taxi operators offering cashless payment options gain a competitive edge, especially in airport transfers and corporate rides
✅ Passenger expectations are shifting — “Do you accept cards?” is becoming a standard question
✅ Digital payments reduce risks of errors, theft, and awkward change-related issues
The rollout of these systems supports broader digitization of taxi services, opening the door to dynamic pricing models, loyalty programs, and automated invoicing.
🧠 Consumer Behavior and Pain Points in the Taxi Sector
In line with UNECE recommendations for urban transport, Serbia’s taxi sector is increasingly shaped by consumer expectations, which in 2025 have become more defined and demanding. Passengers—both domestic and international—seek safety, transparency, and digital accessibility, while actively avoiding situations that previously caused distrust.
💡 Value Drivers
Consumers are increasingly choosing taxi operators who offer:
✅ Licensed drivers with clearly marked vehicles
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✅ Card and app-based payment options
✅ Availability during peak hours, especially nights and weekends
✅ Protection via vouchers—particularly at Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), where fixed-price systems eliminate overcharging, a common issue for tourists in the past
These factors directly influence the perception of reliability and the willingness to choose taxis over alternative transport modes.
📞 Booking Habits
In practice, passengers rely on trusted booking channels:
🏨 Hotels and restaurants often call licensed taxis for guests to avoid unregulated rides and ensure service quality
🚫 Hailing taxis on the street—especially near tourist attractions—is discouraged due to the risk of unauthorized drivers
📱 App usage is growing in major cities, especially among younger users and international visitors accustomed to digital platforms
⚠️ Pain Points
Despite progress, several challenges remain:
❌ Lack of POS terminals in some vehicles
❌ Unpredictable availability during peak hours without prior booking
❌ Limited app coverage in smaller cities
❌ Occasional communication issues (language barriers with foreign tourists)
📊 Key Taxi Industry Trends to Watch in Serbia (2025)
Serbia’s taxi industry is undergoing gradual modernization, while retaining its local characteristics and navigating regulatory constraints. Here are three key trends shaping competitiveness and user experience in 2025:
💳 1. Digital Payments Becoming the Nor
An increasing number of taxi operators are adopting POS terminals and supporting instant IPS payments, reducing the reliance on cash-only rides. Passenger expectations are evolving:
✅ Cards, mobile apps, and QR codes are becoming standard
✅ Tourists and business travelers prefer cashless options
✅ Taxis without digital payment lose competitive edge
This trend promotes transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions.
📈 2. Fare Adjustments Through Local Revisions
Cities are more frequently updating taxi fare structures to reflect real operating costs—including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and labor. For example:
In December 2024, Novi Sad increased its base fare and per-kilometer rate, citing inflation and rising labor costs as key factors.
Periodic fare revisions are expected to become standard practice in larger cities, with input from taxi associations and public sector stakeholders.
🤝 3. Coexistence of Platforms and Licensed Operators
The market is stabilizing through the coexistence of traditional taxis and app-based services, in accordance with current legislation:
• Licensed taxis remain dominant in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and other urban centers
• App-based services like Yandex, Pink Taxi, Premier Čačak, Crveni Taxi Novi Sad, and Eko Taxi Niš operate in parallel under local regulation
• Full entry of the Uber model remains unlikely without major legal reforms, as the current framework favors licensed operators
This balance offers consumer choice, but also requires clear communication around rights, pricing, and safety standards.
⚠️Key Challenges and Risks in Serbia’s Taxi Industry (2025)
While Serbia’s taxi market shows signs of stabilization and modernization, several structural risks could impact business operations, competitiveness, and user trust. Here are the three most critical:
🏛️ 1. Regulatory Uncertainty
The Serbian taxi industry operates under a mix of national laws and local bylaws, but future changes to this framework could significantly affect:
✅ Who is authorized to provide taxi services
✅ Licensing procedures and operator categorization
✅ Fare-setting methodologies and pricing models
For example, potential market liberalization or a redefinition of app-based services (e.g., introduction of the Uber model) would require legislative amendments, which are currently not in active procedure. This uncertainty complicates long-term planning for operators.
📉 2. Demand Elasticity
The introduction of free public transport in Belgrade as of January 2025 may reduce taxi demand during daytime hours, especially for short urban trips. However, certain segments continue to generate stable demand:
✈️ Airport transfers and tourist rides
🌃 Nighttime mobility and off-grid transport
According to the Belgrade Tourist Organization, the number of foreign visitors continues to grow, helping to offset the negative impact of public transport expansion on the taxi sector.
🧨 3. Reputation Challenges
The reputation of the taxi sector remains highly sensitive to:
❌ Fare disputes
❌ Overcharging incidents
❌ Poor communication with foreign passengers
Although voucher systems at Nikola Tesla Airport have significantly improved transparency and tourist protection, isolated incidents can still damage trust—especially in a digitally connected world where negative experiences spread quickly.
UNECE recommendations emphasize the need for:
• Service standardization
• Digital transparency
• Driver training
These measures are essential for long-term reputation management.
🌍 UNECE and WP.29: Regulatory Influence
The UNECE Sustainable Transport Division provides secretariat services to WP.29, the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. WP.29 integrates technological innovations to make vehicles safer and more environmentally friendly, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 7, 9, 11, and 13.
As a member of UN ECE, Serbia has access to WP.29 documentation and processes. In the context of taxi services and broader mobility, WP.29 can influence:
• Vehicle standardization for public transport (e.g., emissions norms, safety equipment)
• Digitalization and automation (e.g., regulations for connected and autonomous taxis)
• Alignment with EU regulations, which is vital for regional interoperability
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the key trends shaping Serbia’s taxi market in 2025?
Serbia’s taxi sector is evolving through digital payments, fare standardization, and the coexistence of licensed and app-based operators. Urban mobility reforms and tourism growth are also major drivers.
2. How is digitalization affecting taxi services in Serbia?
The adoption of POS terminals, IPS QR payments, and app integrations is transforming user expectations. Cashless transactions are becoming the norm, especially among tourists and business travelers.
3. What impact does free public transport in Belgrade have on taxi demand?
While daytime demand for short rides may decline, taxis remain essential for airport transfers, nighttime mobility, and personalized services not covered by public transport.
4. Are taxi fares regulated in Serbia?
Yes. Municipalities periodically revise fare structures to reflect fuel costs, labor, and inflation. Voucher systems at Belgrade Airport offer fixed pricing by zone, enhancing transparency.
5. What are the main risks facing taxi operators in 2025?
Key risks include regulatory uncertainty, demand elasticity due to public transport reforms, and reputation challenges linked to pricing disputes and service quality.
6. Can tourists safely use taxis in Serbia?
Yes, especially when using licensed operators or voucher systems at airports. Tourists are advised to avoid street hailing near attractions and instead book via hotels or verified apps.
7. Is Uber available in Serbia?
As of 2025, Uber-style platforms are not fully integrated due to regulatory constraints. Local app-based services like Yandex, Pink Taxi, and Eko Taxi operate under municipal rules.
8. What role does UNECE play in shaping taxi regulations?
UNECE’s WP.29 forum influences vehicle standards, safety, and digitalization. Serbia, as a member, aligns with these frameworks to support sustainable and interoperable transport.