Belgrade to Bar on Sleeper Train | Serbia to Montenegro by Lovćen Scenic Night Train in Balkans

Welcome to the travel report from a scenic railway journey across the Balkans, from Belgrade in Serbia to Bar in Montenegro.
Lovćen sleeper train R433 “Balkan Express”: Zeumun - Belgrade - Podgorica - Sutomore - Bar.
Filmed in May 2024.
00:00 Intro
00:14 Travel Info
01:12 Belgrade & Station
03:57 Lovćen train
05:50 The Train Journey
05:50 Montenegro Scenery
14:13 Mala Rijeka Viaduct
17:49 Montenegro Scenery
19:20 Podgorica
21:37 Lake Skadar
23:44 Sutomore
24:26 Bar

[@jugobetrugo7213]

It's very nice to see that more and more tourists find our countries (ex Yugoslavia) beautiful :) As a Montenegrin, I am proud of my country and look forward to being able to vacation there every year. Warm greetings from Germany

[@izil1fe]

This has a potential to become one of the biggest tourists train travel attractions in Europe ! Amazing route, amazing scenery. It just needs to be refreshed so to say.. renovated, modernized.. equiped with new tracks.. trains.. services. stations.. I see a VERY bright future for this route!

[@172Manager]

I also traveled on this beautiful night train last year. We were almost 2 hours late in Bar. This meant that you could also see the beautiful mountain route on the Montenegro side in daylight. You could buy Turkish coffee for one euro from a sleeping car conductor and yes, there was no breakfast, but you can live with it. There are worse things, I can only recommend the trip to everyone, because this route is unique in Europe. In Bar there are many seaside resorts on the Adriatic, where you can find beautiful bays and beaches to relax and enjoy by the sea. I will definitely travel on this train again.🚂💯👌

[@Europe-By-Train]

I didn't know about the Turkish coffee onboard :) I knew there was no breakfast and got some bakery and water earlier, so no problem at all. It was a great experience overall, only the border check at night is a minus. I visited Budva and Kotor after. Would do it all again for sure.

[@172Manager]

The Turkish coffee was a coincidence because only one sleeper car, Taner, prepared it privately and unofficially for the guests on a camping gas cooker. So as far as fire safety is concerned, you can't look. Some passengers smoked with us too. It's allowed in Montenegro because it's not part of the EU, but the train was still a great experience. The border control is a bit annoying at night. You're not allowed to take photos. I was immediately shouted at by a police officer because I just wanted to take a photo of the sign for Prijepolje Teretna station. I also recommend the Šarganska osmica steam train (about 30 km from Uzice).

[@Europe-By-Train]

Wow, you had an authentic experience with the gas cooker. No grilling sausages on the open fire? :D Compared to that, my carriage felt so posh, like the Orient Express - my fellow passengers went to bed with chickens, no parties, no fights, empty corridors, smelled smoke from the neighbouring cabin just once during the journey… just boring :) Stations in the region must have some kind of top-secret classification or I don’t know…. I was shouted at by security for recording inside the Sarajevo station… like there was anything to see through the smoke anyway…

[@MegaGianni51]

Schifo le scritte sui vagoni🤮

[@juanmanuelpereda8045]

Thanks for sharing! I also travelled this route on a torrid August day in 1989, just before Yugoslavia started breaking into pieces, the train was overcrowded and we didn't manage to enjoy the astonishing landscape. I heard later the route runs along the world's second deepest canyon after the Colorado. Arriving in Bar, feeling the nearness of the Adria, enjoying its freshness and the relaxed and cozy summer feeling was a well deserved prize after so long sweating. Congrats also for the subtitling letting the train and nature noises starring the video score.

[@Europe-By-Train]

Thank you for your feedback and sharing your experience. It is interesting to read about and imagine the same journey just 35 years ago.

[@_autom]

great video, the mountain scenery is just stunning

[@pathfinder2reality]

We used to go on a vacation every year by train from Belgrade. We used to put our car on the special car wagon and travel in a sleeping car to Bar. Then we would disembark with our car in Bar snd continue to our place. Good memories

[@david5845]

Great..again! That route was on my list a few years back. Wonderful! The Zagreb to Split Sleeper is worth a go. First class....and cheap. Montenegro is a beautiful country. Cheers

[@Europe-By-Train]

Thanks. It is, hope to return one day. Zagreb - Split is also on my list.

[@Eurobazz]

A great video. I like the fact you let your subtitles and interior and exterior scenes do all the talking. Well done!

[@Europe-By-Train]

Thank you for you kind comment.

[@sergiomatiash5977]

I missed my flight because of this train😮 what a memories...

[@Europe-By-Train]

How long was the delay? I heard of 5 hours delay.

[@sergiomatiash5977]

@@Europe-By-Train em...as I remember that time was 3,5 hours)))

[@Suhas_reddy112]

Thanks for letting us know, I wont travel on last day by this train - may be plan before haah

[@dzonikg]

Trains have not been changed in 50 years.But maybe its good thing

[@Europe-By-Train]

I think it is a good thing. If it works, I prefer this one with opening window than new one without and dirty from the outside. For sure, it brings a completely different experience.

[@Jessica-Jones732]

If they work well and maintained to a good standard then keep them,don’t scrap something that works because anything newer won’t last as long

[@ruskar.6636]

​@@Jessica-Jones732 moi ,je suis parti avec ma fille, petit fils et une copine en train de Uzice à Sutomore il y 2 an. On à pris couchette pour 4 personnes . C'était PARFAIT ❤😂

[@mikkoylioja]

In the 70's you could travel from Malmö to Bar in a sleeping car/sitting car.

[@Europe-By-Train]

Wow, I didn't know. EC 270 Meridian through Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Berlin.

[@mikkoylioja]

@@Europe-By-Train then to Sassnitz, Trelleborg and Malmö.

[@Europe-By-Train]

What was the service between Sassnitz and Trelleborg?

[@mikkoylioja]

@@Europe-By-Train ferry service for rail cars.

[@MrAki00]

I hope you had pleasant journey .

[@Europe-By-Train]

I had, it was a nice experience.

[@argavenharge9704]

Its one of most spctacular route in Europe!I was young ,and remember when Yougoslavia. autorithies show to R.Mcnamara,head of World bank,from helikopter,where will be the route,he said that its insane.

[@Europe-By-Train]

I would say the same 😁

[@alexgorki]

Great shots and video! I traveled to the Montenegrin seaside with my parents, traditionally in a sleeping car. These are the same ones from the 80s.

[@Eurotrips.24]

Привет! Побольше подобных видео на канал! Удачи!

[@Europe-By-Train]

Will do, thank you.

[@ivanknezevic5047]

It is amazing...good job mate!

[@Europe-By-Train]

Thank you.

[@matematika1000]

Thank you for the video! The line is really due for reconstruction. From what I've read before, it was supposed to be done by Russia. Perhaps delayed indefinitely because of their war, unfortunately.

[@Europe-By-Train]

It is possible. Destruction won over construction :(

[@ruskar.6636]

C'est toujours la faute aux russes 😂. Mon Dieu 😊

[@dovla73]

Very well recorded. Thanx for this

[@Europe-By-Train]

Thank you, glad you liked it.

[@zdravkojasovic9397]

Srbiji nije potrebna neka nova izgradnja pruge Beograd-BAR iz mnogo razloga. Skupa rekonstrukcija pruge,skupe usluge Luke Bar,skupa nabavka novih vagona,veoma skupe usluge ljetovanja turista,nesigurnost srpskih gradjana na boravku u CG. Sta je alternative?. Ulaganje prema luci SOLUN,bilo bi mnogo korisnije I jeftinije za sve ono sto je skupo prema I u CG.

[@user-hn9tq5yf2n]

Slažem se u potpunosti.

[@user-cd9rd7jb2z]

This is a really unique route with spectacular views. for this route, what are your recommendations for hotel accommodation / airbnb

[@opagodaswirling9383]

You have convinced me ! That is a ride that must be experienced . I wonder how good the scenery was during the hours of darkness and .... how were the bars of Bar ?

[@Europe-By-Train]

Great to hear. I read, that the scenery is nicer in Montenegro, that's why I went in this direction. Bars in Bar? :) Hmm.. no idea actually. I had just a short walk in Bar before jumping on the bus. I chose to stay longer in Budva and Kotor during my visit. Can't see them all :)

[@joaomarveloso1049]

Nicely done, thank you. I wonder if it is possible to take a bicycle on that train? Probably not.

[@Europe-By-Train]

Thank you :) There is no dedicated space for bicycles in any of the carriages, it seems. So officially not. Folding one shouldn't be a problem.

[@user-zk8cn7oh8x]

Mozete uneti bicikl.

[@ExplorebyRail]

Great one! What camera do you use for your videos? And how did you book the ticket? :)

[@Europe-By-Train]

I bought the ticket in Subotica in the ticket office. No online sale, unfortunately. But there are certain travel advisors, who would get the ticket for you and have it delivered to the hotel for double the price. I did not stay in the hotel, so it was not an option for me.

[@user-cd9rd7jb2z]

This is a really unique route with spectacular views. for this route, what are your recommendations for hotel accommodation / airbnb. so basically one has to get off in Serbia anyway to buy the tickets . Are they sold on a particular train station?

[@Europe-By-Train]

Not really, I haven't stayed in Belgrade over night. Neither in Bar. Upon arrival, I took a bus to Budva. Tickets are for sure sold at Belgrade and Subotica stations. I emailed to Serbian railways before going to Subotica to check the opening times. They replied quick and in English.

[@AKINYOLCI]

hi,thanks for sharing this amazing video. We will come to Belgrade with my friend on June 13th. We would like to make a reservation for a cabin for 2 people only on June 16th. Is it possible to do this before coming to Belgrade?

[@Europe-By-Train]

Hello, thanks for you feedback :) I am not sure I understand right. You will come on 13th and wish to travel on 16th? Then best is to buy the ticket as soon as you arrive. There is no online sale. They don't do any kind of reservations with payment during the ticket collection. Also, if you stay longer than 24 hours in Serbia, there is a mandatory tourist registration.

[@AKINYOLCI]

@@Europe-By-Train thank u very much. If we arrived on June 13th and go to the station, can we find a two bed cabin for June 16th night train ? We are so confused when we checked websites.

[@Europe-By-Train]

@@AKINYOLCI I think there is a good chance. But nothing is guaranteed. It is not summer yet, so should not be that busy. And there are 3 carriages with these compartments. I read that people got ticket even on the same day. Maybe customer service can advise on the availability closer to the date.

[@user-cd9rd7jb2z]

How much the cost of this train ride in the sleeping compartment and where can we buy the tickets? The two border checks in the night can actually ruin the sleep otherwise the scenery sounds great. Do they need a visa for Turkey?. I wonder is the weather cool when train passes at such heights?

[@Europe-By-Train]

Hi, the ticket cost breakdown is included in the video. Tickets can be purchased at the train stations in Serbia. For the visa, it is always best to check your government's website for the latest and guaranteed info.

[@Europe-By-Train]

And it wasn't particularly cold up there :)

[@user-cd9rd7jb2z]

@@Europe-By-Train cool. Did they stamp your passport? Also I guess you need a hotel accommodation in Bar. Hopefully good rates.

[@Europe-By-Train]

@@user-cd9rd7jb2z Yes, they did stamp it.

[@EuropeanRailJourneys]

Did you need a Passport(Reisepass) for entering Serbia and Macedonia or is a Identiy Card (Personalausweis) fine

[@Europe-By-Train]

I used a passport. You country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website should give you more details about possible acceptance of different IDs at your destination.

[@stefankostic178]

If you're an eu citizen then your ID is enough

[@ericleuthold]

No breakfast/coffee served from the sleeping coach attendant?

[@Europe-By-Train]

Nope, nothing. Not even possible to buy anything.

[@kartalmusic165]

Hello, we will be traveling to Bar via Belgrade by train in 1 month. Can we buy train tickets for 3 people online? Can the tickets sell out early? How did you get it and finally can we pay by credit card or euro? thank you.

[@Europe-By-Train]

Hello, payment for the tickets is possible only in local currency. I paid by card. Rest of your questions I already answered in both video and here in comments.

[@Sir_Typesalot]

I’ve always found travelling on a night train to be brave. I‘ve been to over seventy countries so far, but I‘d never dare sit or sleep on a night train (neither in my own, nor in a foreign country). I know it’s practical; especially if you want to arrive rested and ready to tour the city in the morning, but it’s not my cup of tea.

[@Europe-By-Train]

Because of the safety?

[@Sir_Typesalot]

@@Europe-By-Train Yes. I‘ve travelled all over Europe on trains; Paris-Marseille (800 Km) on a TGV (3h15‘), Berlin-Munich (600 Km) on a ICE (4h), London-Paris (460 Km, 2h35‘), Zurich-Brussels (650 Km, 5h), London-Glasgow (680 Km, 5h), Berlin-Budapest (880 Km, 11h), Zurich-Rome (860 Km, 8h)… but it was always an early morning train. I wouldn’t feel safe at any European train station after 9PM.

[@Europe-By-Train]

​@@Sir_Typesalot For me, so far, the worst station I was waiting for a night train at, was Split. But overall, no safety issues. I always book a private compartment. Czech Railway's ones feel the safest to me - attendant in the carriage, room lockable both from outside and inside. Often you can use a Lounge at the station with the ticket while waiting.

[@user-cd9rd7jb2z]

Please elaborate on what specific safety issues can arise because otherwise it is usually safe in European trains. Have there been frequent incidents, if so then what kind?

[@user-cd9rd7jb2z]

@@Europe-By-TrainIn what sense? Theifs / robbers?

[@bavaria_trip_reports]

Wo du deine Fahrkarte gekauft hast in Subotica, konnten die Verkäufer Deutsch sprechen oder nur Serbisch und Englisch?

[@Europe-By-Train]

There was an older lady, with some basic English only. I had on the phone my request translated into Serbian, and also a paper with all the travel details - date, time, carriage number, to avoid any possible questions/misunderstanding.

[@user-zk8cn7oh8x]

To putovanje je opasno po zivot.Nazalost.

[@MrRJS27]

6:15 So you could have purchased all 3 tickets for 6 euros less than the single ticket plus the single occupancy charge?

[@Europe-By-Train]

For 3x21 EUR, I would get only 3 places in a seating carriage. So you need to buy a seating ticket plus the upgrade for bed. And that differs whether you want to share the cabin with other 2, 1 or no one.

[@MihailoNedic-cu6hd]

Are you gonna to try again?

[@Europe-By-Train]

Possibly yes.

[@cikairlines3752]

La Jugoslavia è bellissima. Ja volim ❤❤❤.

[@zarkogorovic682]

10:07 the route true length is 454,6 kilometers, official data is inaccurate.

[@Europe-By-Train]

How do you know this? 😊

[@zarkogorovic682]

@@Europe-By-Train 1st source is infrastructure (unavailable to the public) data with which I work with as a railway employee, and 2nd source, which is backed up with 1st source, is kilometer position mark (piece or rail, painted in white), which is located around entry junctions in Bar station, and it have number painted on "454,6". 😉 And 3th source I have picture of it. Hope this helps. 😄

[@Europe-By-Train]

Thanks 😊

[@argavenharge9704]

But they gave a money😀

[@chicagomike]

Heard there were robberies on this?

[@Europe-By-Train]

Haven't.

[@nikolapetrovic4091]

kosovo from Serbia

[@bogdanbogdanovic4106]

Planine/Rijeke/Kanjoni/Jezera/More.. Najljepsa zemlja na svijetu!!!

[@izil1fe]

Svako svog konja hvali.. valjda je tako i normalno. No u realnosti smo daleko od toga.