North Macedonia is a hidden Balkan gem offering stunning natural beauty from the ancient shores of Lake Ohrid to the dramatic peaks of Mavrovo National Park. The capital Skopje blends Ottoman heritage with modern monuments, while traditional villages preserve centuries-old culture and cuisine.
- Public
- City buses in Skopje are extensive and cheap but routes can be confusing. Ohrid is largely walkable. Intercity buses are the backbone of transport between cities.
- Taxi
- Metered taxis are reliable and affordable in Skopje. Use licensed radio taxis or the inDriver app. Avoid unlicensed drivers at airport.
- Rental
- Car rental excellent for exploring national parks, wine region, and off-the-beaten-path sites. Roads well-maintained on main routes.
- Walking
- Skopje city center and Old Bazaar very walkable. Ohrid Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. National parks require transport to trailheads.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Vardar Express shuttle bus to city center - 180 MKD ($3.50), 30 minutes
- Shuttle
- Taxi to center - 1,200-1,500 MKD ($23-29), 25 minutes
- Bus
- Uber/Rideshare available - similar to taxi prices
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
- Skopje
- Extensive city bus network. Purchase rechargeable bus card at kiosks (card 50 MKD + credit). Single ride 30 MKD ($0.60). Buses run 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Major routes include #15 to Old Bazaar, #25 to Matka Canyon departure point.
- Ohrid
- Limited city buses. Most attractions walkable. Local buses 30 MKD ($0.60) per ride. Buses to nearby villages and beaches run regularly in summer.
- Other cities
- Bitola, Prilep, Tetovo have local bus services. Tickets 20-30 MKD ($0.40-0.60)
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- 40 MKD ($0.80) flag fall
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
- Overview
- Primary intercity transport. Comfortable, frequent, affordable. Main companies: Galeb Trans, Makedonija Soobrakaj, Vardar Express.
- Major routes
- Skopje - Ohrid: 400-500 MKD ($8-10), 3-3.5 hours, hourly departures
- Skopje - Bitola: 350 MKD ($7), 2.5 hours, frequent
- Ohrid - Bitola: 200 MKD ($4), 1.5 hours, every 1-2 hours
- Skopje - Pristina (Kosovo): 250 MKD ($5), 1.5 hours
- Skopje - Sofia (Bulgaria): 800 MKD ($15), 5 hours
- Skopje - Tirana (Albania): 1,000 MKD ($19), 6 hours
- Booking
- Buy at bus stations or from driver (cash only). Advance booking recommended for international routes and summer travel to Ohrid. Main stations: Skopje Central, Ohrid Bus Station.
Flights
No domestic flights due to small country size. Driving/bus more practical.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Skopje International Airport (Alexander the Great Airport)
From centre: 21 km
Options: Vardar Express shuttle bus to city center - 180 MKD ($3.50), 30 minutes; Taxi to center - 1,200-1,500 MKD ($23-29), 25 minutes; Uber/Rideshare available - similar to taxi prices; Car rental agencies at airport - from 1,500 MKD ($29)/day
Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport
From centre: 10 km north of Ohrid
Options: Taxi to Ohrid center - 400-600 MKD ($8-12), 15 minutes; Hotel shuttle (arrange in advance with accommodation); Car rental at airport - from 1,800 MKD ($35)/day; No public bus - taxi or pre-arranged transport only
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
inDriver
Best ride-hailing app in Skopje - negotiate your price before the driver accepts. Available on iOS and Android.
Moj Taxi
Macedonian radio taxi app for calling licensed metered taxis in Skopje and other cities.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the inDriver app for Skopje taxis - negotiate fare before riding, much safer than hailing random taxis
Skopje to Ohrid bus (400-500 MKD, 3-3.5 hours) runs frequently - buy tickets at Skopje South Bus Station
Car rental is essential for visiting Mavrovo National Park, Tikveš wine region, and remote monasteries like Treskavec
Uber operates in Skopje only - outside the capital, use radio taxis or inDriver
Buy a rechargeable Skopje bus card at kiosks for 80 MKD (50 card + 30 first ride) - much cheaper than cash tickets