Arrival and Getting into Town

Skopje Airport is located about 20 km southeast of the city center. Airport buses run frequently to the city center at low prices. For taxis, choose licensed vehicles and confirm the fare in advance or ask for the meter to be used. Ohrid Airport is smaller, with seasonal flight schedules, so most travelers still use Skopje as their main entry point.

Intercity Transport

In North Macedonia, long-distance buses are the primary mode of intercity transport. There are frequent services between Skopje and other major cities such as Ohrid, Bitola, and Struga. The distance from Skopje to Ohrid is about 170 km, with a drive of around 3 hours, and fares are approximately 400–500 denars. The trip to Bitola takes about 2.5 hours. Train services are more limited, covering some routes but with less flexibility in terms of schedules and speed compared to buses. For cross-city trips, it’s recommended to buy tickets at the station on the day of travel, especially during peak seasons when departure times may vary. Some buses may charge a small extra fee for luggage.

City Transport

• Skopje Buses: Cover the city and nearby suburbs. You can pay with cash or a local transport card onboard. Fares are low, making buses a good option for getting to and from train stations and the Vodno Mountain cable car.
• Taxis: City taxi rides are relatively inexpensive. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and confirm the pricing method before starting your trip to avoid disputes over fares.
• Vodno Mountain Cable Car: A scenic cable car from the base to the top of the mountain, offering the easiest way to reach the summit. It may be suspended during bad weather.

Driving and Car Rental

• International visitors cannot use their home country driver’s license directly. To drive, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original domestic license.
• Major roads are generally in decent condition, but mountain roads often have many curves and some narrow sections. Drive carefully and observe posted speed limits.
• In winter, mountain roads may be snowy or icy. Check road conditions before setting out and prepare for slippery conditions. The Old Town of Ohrid is a pedestrian zone, and vehicles must be parked in lots outside the area.

Tips

• Cash (denars) is often required for taxis, ticket purchases, and some small shops—carry small denominations.
• Intercity buses may charge a small additional fee for luggage, so keep some change handy.
• The Old Town of Ohrid is mostly pedestrian-only, with no vehicle access—park your car in lots outside the old town.
• For the latest public transport information, rely on notices at stations or ask your accommodation provider for up-to-date departure times.