Travel distances

Road distances from Skopje and Ohrid to other cities in Macedonia.

By car

Numerous car - rental companies, run by both Macedonian companies and local representativeс of recognized Western companies are available in Macedonia. In the latter category companies like Sixt, Avis and Hertz are included, whereas some of the most prominent Macedonian entities include Biveks, Ineks, Mn, Ni-Mar Komerc and Putnik-Eurodolar.

Rental car prices in Macedonia generally run from 40-50 euros ($48-60) per day, though for longer periods of time the rate can be somewhat lower. In order to rent a car, be prepared to present a valid passport and driver’s license from your home country.

Since many of Macedonia’s most prominent attractions are located not too far from fairly well-built roads, most tourists will be satisfied to rent a regular compact car. However, for tourists seeking to go “off the beaten track” and head into the mountains or woodlands, a 4-wheel drive vehicle might be a better option.

While roads in Macedonia are generally good, drivers should watch out for falling rock zones in mountainous areas, for cows and sheep in rural spots, and for signs everywhere (as they can be confusing or even non-existent). Drivers should also note that the Macedonian government has recently passed a law declaring it illegal to talk on a mobile phone while driving, and also requires that drivers leave their headlights on, even during the day. Seatbelts are also mandatory.

By Bus

Traveling on public inter-city buses in Macedonia used to be quite an interesting experience, since it almost always included loud folk music and the risk of having to travel next to very different people with sometimes not so pleasant habits, subject to many urban legends and jokes. At present, public buses have improved and most have air-conditioning as well. Still, if you decide to travel by a public inter-city bus, do check it first before buying a ticket.

Some travelers have an irrational, all-pervasive fear of fresh air (or promaja, that is, a draft), which invariably causes passengers to force windows to remain shut, even on hot days when everyone is obviously sweating miserably. Since some locals will probably never be convinced that fresh air is not in fact harmful, travelers wishing to avoid such a scenario may wish to go by car.

Local Buses

Skopje’s buses work regularly from 5 AM to midnight, with irregular service during the late night hours. Other cities such as Kumanovo, Bitola and Tetovo all have local buses, which service the urban areas and sometimes outlying villages.

Ohrid Bus Summer Timetable
Ohrid (main bus station) - St.Naum 
Period: 1 June – 31 August
6:00; 8:00; 9:30; 11:00; 12:15; 15:30; 17:00; 18:30; 20:30

Some Important Notes on Taxis

It’s generally a good idea to find taxis either by phoning a well known company (or having your hotel do so), or locating a cab in a visible taxi rank. Avoid lone cabs, and especially avoid taxi drivers soliciting tourists at bus or train stations.

When booking over the phone, do so right before you plan to leave - the company will send a cab within 5 minutes, but not allow you to book a car for any specified time more distant than that (except in the case of a trip to the airport or train station at an odd hour of the night).

Legitimate companies can be recognized by name and often by their fifth-digit phone number starting with 15 printed on the car door (for example 15197, 15193). Some of the better companies include: DeLuxe, Bel Mercedes, Kommak Komerc, Kompanija S, Pulsar, Pulstar, Staro Vodno, Mercedes D, Puls Komerc, Plava Laguna, Vodno, Pinki, Vardar, Teniks, ... 

Taxis also provide a means of inter-city travel, but do note one very important detail. Simply asking for a cab to take one to some other town or city will be exponentially more expensive than taking a shared, usually unofficial cab, with local people going to the same place.

For example, while a taxi driver might charge up to 20 euros ($24) for a ride to Kumanovo (35 km or 21 m. from Skopje), a similar ride in a shared car containing 4 passengers costs exactly 80 denars (1.30 euro) each- barely more expensive than a bus ticket. Shared cars thus often make for a cost-effective and much speedier alternative to inter-city buses.

Travelers interested in this option will find dozens of drivers standing around the entrance of the Skopje bus station, shouting out the name of the town to which they will be going. Towns most often served in this manner include Kumanovo, Veles, Stip, Strumica, Kocani and Radovis.

By train

Macedonia has a small network of rail service convenient to several cities.  For long distances, someone traveling alone is apt to save money using rail.  Routes are often scenic but no tour guides are available to explain features.