Make sure all of your paperwork is in order. U.S. citizens only need a passport to enter Serbia and can stay up to 90 days without a visa. A return ticket is usually not necessary, but it is recommended.
Pick a route and destination. Belgrade is a stop on many southbound routes to Turkey, Greece and other countries, so the options are many.
Exchange enough currency to the Hungarian forint to cover the cost of the tickets. Traveler's checks and credits cards will not be accepted at train stations in Hungary. The cost of a ticket to Serbia will range from approximately 3,000 forints to 9,000 forints.
Decide on a departure time. Official timetables for trains in Hungary can be found at the Hungarian State Railways Web site, Elvira (see Resources). Many trains link Budapest with Belgrade daily, though the night train between these 2 cities is often overcrowded.
Decide whether your travel group will book first-class or second-class tickets. First-class is recommended for travelers who can afford it, but some trains only offer second-class seats.
Go to a train station in Hungary. If you are in Budapest, go to one of the 3 train stations or the central ticket office. Representatives in the central ticket office may be better equipped to communicate with you in English.
Be very clear with the agent when ordering your ticket. Be prepared to ask for a specific destination, route, departure time and seating class. Having your English-to-Hungarian translation book at the ready is also a smart idea.
