An image forming apparatus includes a first stretching member, contacted to a belt member at a first contact area, for stretching the belt member; a second stretching member, contacted to a belt member at a second contact area, for stretching the belt member, wherein a plurality of transfer areas is disposed between the first contact area and the second contact area which are adjacent to each other, and the plurality of transfer areas include a first transfer area which is closest to the first contact area; and an abutting member for abutting the belt member at a position between the first transfer area and the first contact area. The abutting member and the first contact area are disposed downstream of the first transfer area, and the first transfer contact area is disposed downstream of the abutting member, with respect to a direction of movement of the belt.