Getting Around North Macedonia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use affordable buses and taxis for Skopje and Ohrid. Rural: Rent a car for Matka Canyon and mountain exploration. Lakes: Buses and ferries around Ohrid. For convenience, book airport transfers from Skopje to your destination.
Train Travel
MŽ National Rail
Limited but scenic train network connecting Skopje to southern towns with infrequent services.
Cost: Skopje to Bitola €2-5, journeys 2-4 hours between major stops.
Tickets: Buy at stations or MŽ website, cash preferred, no mobile tickets widely available.
Peak Times: Weekends busier for rural routes, book ahead for summer travel.
Rail Passes
Monthly passes available for frequent travelers, around €20-30 for unlimited regional travel.
Best For: Multiple short trips in the south, savings for 5+ journeys.
Where to Buy: Main stations in Skopje or Bitola, or through MŽ offices with ID required.
International Connections
Trains link to Thessaloniki (Greece) and Sofia (Bulgaria) via Gevgelija border.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for cross-border, tickets €10-15 one-way.
Skopje Station: Main hub is Skopje Railway Station, with basic facilities and nearby buses.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for exploring lakes and national parks. Compare rental prices from €25-40/day at Skopje Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (International recommended for non-EU), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Basic included, opt for full coverage due to mountain roads.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal, some highways like A1 require electronic tolls (€5-10 for full trip).
Priority: Yield to traffic from the right, roundabouts common in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, €1-2/hour in Skopje centers, use apps for spots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at €1.20-1.40/liter for petrol, €1.10-1.30 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote areas.
Traffic: Light outside Skopje, but watch for potholes on rural roads.
Urban Transport
Skopje Buses & Trolleys
Public network with single ticket €0.60, day pass €2, 10-journey card €5.
Validation: Buy from kiosks or machines, validate on board, fines for non-compliance.
Apps: JSP app for routes, schedules, and real-time bus tracking.
Bike Rentals
NextBike system in Skopje and Ohrid, €3-8/day with docking stations available.
Routes: Flat paths around Lake Ohrid, some urban trails in Skopje.
Tours: E-bike tours offered for countryside, including wine regions.
Buses & Local Services
JSP (Skopje) and local operators cover cities, intercity buses €5-10 for short routes.
Tickets: €0.50-1 per ride, pay driver or use cards, exact change appreciated.
Lake Ferries: Small boats on Ohrid Lake €3-5 for scenic short trips.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, lakeside in Ohrid for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Ilindensko Kalesh.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable mountain weather.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in cities and main roads, 3G in remote mountains of North Macedonia.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
A1, Cosmofon, and Telekoms offer prepaid SIMs from €5-15 with solid coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, kiosks, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for €10, 10GB for €20, unlimited for €25/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist spots in Skopje and Ohrid.
Public Hotspots: Bus stations and squares offer free access in major areas.
Speed: Decent (10-50 Mbps) in urban zones, sufficient for browsing and maps.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Skopje Airport 17km from city center, bus €1 (30 min), taxi €15, or book private transfer for €20-30.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (€2-4/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains basic, improving in cities; rural areas have steep paths.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses (small free, large €2), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for €1-2, trains allow free if space available.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to North Macedonia
Skopje Airport (SKP) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Skopje International (SKP): Primary gateway, 17km east of city with bus connections.
Ohrid St. Paul (OHD): Seasonal hub 9km from lake, taxi €10 (15 min).
Bitola (BTL): Small domestic airport with limited flights, best for southern access.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Thessaloniki or Sofia and taking bus to North Macedonia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Tez Fly serve Skopje with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €1-3, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural spots.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, Apple Pay and Google Pay in major hotels.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and small cafes, keep €20-50 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary, round up or add 5-10% for good service in restaurants.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.