How to Get to North Macedonia: Flights, Bus & Car

Planning a trip to North Macedonia? Getting there is usually straightforward, whether you fly into Skopje or Ohrid, arrive by international bus, or include the country in a wider Balkan road trip.

For most international visitors, flying to Skopje International Airport is the easiest option. If your trip is focused on Lake Ohrid, a direct flight to Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport can be even more convenient when one is available.

If you are already travelling through the Balkans, North Macedonia is also accessible overland from Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Greece and Bulgaria.

In this MacedoniaTOP guide, we explain the main ways to get to North Macedonia, how to travel from the airports, what to expect when arriving by bus or car, and several practical details worth knowing before your journey.

What Is the Best Way to Get to North Macedonia?

The best option depends mainly on where you are travelling from and which part of North Macedonia you want to visit first.

Getting to North Macedonia by Plane

North Macedonia has two international airports:

Flight networks change throughout the year, and some routes are seasonal. It is therefore better to search for flights using your actual travel dates rather than relying on a fixed list of destinations.

Skopje International Airport

Skopje International Airport is the country’s main airport and the most useful gateway for travellers planning to visit Skopje, Matka Canyon, Mavrovo, central North Macedonia or several destinations during one trip.

It is located east of the capital and is connected with Skopje by airport shuttle, taxi, private transfer and rental car.

Skopje Airport handles flights from numerous European and regional destinations. Connections vary by season, so always check the current timetable or your preferred airline before finalising your itinerary.

If you are travelling from North America, Asia, Australia or another destination without a direct connection, you will normally reach Skopje with a connection through a European or regional aviation hub.

How to Get from Skopje Airport to the City Centre

There are four practical options:

Airport Shuttle Bus

A regular passenger shuttle connects Skopje International Airport with the city of Skopje.

The airport currently lists a one-way fare of 199 MKD. Departures are coordinated with airport traffic, so it is important to check the latest timetable before travelling.

You can find current transport information on the official Skopje Airport bus page.

Taxi from Skopje Airport

Official airport taxis are available directly outside the terminal.

Skopje Airport operates a regulated airport taxi system with an official price list displayed at the airport and in authorised vehicles. For most travellers with luggage, especially couples or small groups, this can be the simplest door-to-door option.

Depending on traffic and your exact destination, the journey into central Skopje generally takes around 20–30 minutes.

Private Airport Transfer

If you prefer to arrange your transport before arrival, a pre-booked private transfer can be particularly useful for late arrivals, families, larger groups or travellers carrying a lot of luggage.

Renting a Car at Skopje Airport

Renting a car directly at the airport is a good option if you want to continue beyond Skopje and explore destinations such as Mavrovo, Ohrid, Bitola, Prilep or the Tikveš wine region.

A car is not essential for exploring central Skopje itself, but it becomes much more useful once your itinerary includes national parks, villages and several regions of the country.

Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport

Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport is the second international airport in North Macedonia.

It is particularly convenient if your trip is focused on Ohrid, Lake Ohrid, Struga or western North Macedonia.

Ohrid Airport is considerably smaller than Skopje Airport, and its flight network is more seasonal. However, a convenient direct flight can save significant travel time if Lake Ohrid is your main destination.

For a detailed look at all the options for reaching the lake region, see our guide to how to get to Ohrid.

How to Get from Ohrid Airport to Ohrid

Unlike Skopje Airport, Ohrid Airport does not currently have a regular public passenger shuttle bus.

Organised bus transport may be provided for certain package holidays, tours or charter flights, but independent travellers should not assume that a public shuttle will be waiting.

Taxis are normally available according to actual flight arrivals, and rental cars are also available at the airport.

Should You Fly to Skopje or Ohrid?

Choose Skopje Airport if:

Choose Ohrid Airport if:

If you are still planning your itinerary, our 10 must-visit destinations in Macedonia guide can help you decide which regions to include.

Getting to North Macedonia by Bus

International buses are an important part of travel around the Balkans and can be a very useful alternative to flying.

Depending on current schedules, direct or connecting services can link North Macedonia with cities such as:

Skopje is the country’s main international bus hub, although international services also reach other cities depending on the route and operator.

Bus schedules in the Balkans can change seasonally, and not every route operates every day. Always verify your exact travel date rather than relying on an old timetable.

Arriving at Skopje Central Bus Station

Skopje’s main bus station is part of the city’s Transport Centre and is conveniently located for continuing into central Skopje by taxi, local public transport or on foot to some nearby areas.

If Skopje is your first stop, see our guide to the best things to do in Skopje before planning the rest of your trip.

Can You Get to North Macedonia by Train?

Although North Macedonia has a railway network and domestic passenger trains operate on several routes, international passenger rail is currently not a practical way to enter the country.

Regular international passenger services towards destinations such as Belgrade and Thessaloniki are not operating at present.

Once you are inside the country, domestic trains may still be useful on selected routes, but buses and cars generally provide greater flexibility for tourists.

Driving to North Macedonia

North Macedonia shares land borders with:

This makes the country easy to include in a wider Balkan road trip.

Driving is particularly attractive if you want to combine North Macedonia with places such as Thessaloniki, Sofia, Tirana, Kosovo or southern Serbia.

The main roads between major cities are generally straightforward, although journeys into national parks, mountain villages and more remote areas can involve narrower and more winding roads.

What Documents Do You Need When Driving?

Requirements depend on your nationality, country of vehicle registration and insurance policy, but international drivers should normally travel with:

If you are travelling in a rental car across an international border, check in advance that the rental company allows entry into North Macedonia and whether additional documentation or cross-border fees apply.

Motorway Tolls in North Macedonia

Several motorways and major road sections in North Macedonia use toll plazas.

Tolls can be paid at toll stations, and the official road authority lists payment options including Macedonian denars, euros, bank cards and electronic toll payment.

You can check the latest information on the Public Enterprise for State Roads toll system page.

Do You Need a Visa for North Macedonia?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel documents.

Under current rules, nationals of EU member states and countries that are signatories to the Schengen Agreement do not require a visa for entry into North Macedonia and can also enter using a valid national identity card.

Different rules apply to other nationalities and to longer stays.

Which Arrival Option Is Best for Your Trip?

For a Weekend in Skopje

Fly to Skopje International Airport. Use the airport shuttle, taxi or private transfer to reach the city.

For a Holiday in Ohrid

Fly directly to Ohrid if a suitable flight is available. Otherwise, Skopje Airport is usually the main alternative, followed by an overland journey to Ohrid.

For a One-Week North Macedonia Trip

Flying into Skopje and travelling around the country by rental car or a combination of buses and organised tours is often the most flexible option.

For inspiration, see our one-week itinerary for Macedonia.

For a Wider Balkan Road Trip

Arriving by car or international bus can make more sense than flying, particularly if North Macedonia is one stop between Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Kosovo or Serbia.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to North Macedonia?

North Macedonia can be visited throughout the year, but the best travel period depends on what you want to do.

Spring and autumn are particularly attractive if you want comfortable sightseeing weather without the busiest summer crowds.

Useful Tips Before You Travel

Start Planning Your North Macedonia Trip

Once you have decided how to get here, the next question is where to go first.

A classic first trip combines Skopje, Matka Canyon and Ohrid, while travellers with more time can add Mavrovo National Park, Bitola, Prilep, the Tikveš wine region and other destinations around the country.

Start with these MacedoniaTOP guides:

Explore Tours and Experiences in North Macedonia

If you prefer to explore without organising every transfer and day trip yourself, you can also compare guided experiences, private tours and excursions available around the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to get to North Macedonia?

For most international travellers, the easiest option is to fly to Skopje International Airport. Travellers mainly visiting Lake Ohrid should also check for direct flights to Ohrid Airport.

What airport should I fly to for North Macedonia?

Choose Skopje International Airport (SKP) for Skopje and most multi-destination trips. Choose Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) if Lake Ohrid is your main destination and a convenient direct flight is available.

How do I get from Skopje Airport to the city centre?

You can use the airport shuttle bus, an official airport taxi, a private transfer or a rental car. The regular airport shuttle currently costs 199 MKD one way.

Is there a bus from Ohrid Airport to Ohrid?

There is currently no regular public passenger shuttle bus between Ohrid Airport and the city. Taxis are normally available according to flight arrivals, while some organised tours and charter packages provide their own transport.

Can I travel to North Macedonia by bus?

Yes. International buses connect North Macedonia with several neighbouring countries and Balkan cities. Routes and schedules can change, so check the timetable for your specific travel date.

Can I travel to North Macedonia by train?

At present, regular international passenger trains to North Macedonia are not a practical option. Domestic rail services operate on selected routes, but international travellers should generally plan to arrive by plane, bus or car.

Can I drive to North Macedonia?

Yes. North Macedonia has land borders with Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Greece and Bulgaria and is easy to include in a Balkan road trip. Make sure your vehicle documents and insurance are valid for the country.

Are there motorway tolls in North Macedonia?

Yes. Tolls are collected on several motorway sections. Payment options include Macedonian denars, euros, bank cards and electronic toll payment.

Do I need a visa to visit North Macedonia?

That depends on your nationality. EU and Schengen-country nationals currently do not require a visa for short visits and may enter with a valid national identity card. Travellers of other nationalities should check the latest official entry requirements before travelling.