How to Get to Ohrid: Skopje, Tirana, Flights & Bus
How to Get to Ohrid: From Skopje, Tirana, Europe & Beyond
Ohrid is one of North Macedonia’s most rewarding destinations – a historic lakeside city surrounded by mountains, medieval churches, beaches and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Balkans.
Getting there is relatively easy, but the best way to reach Ohrid depends heavily on where your journey begins. You can fly directly to Ohrid when a suitable seasonal route is operating, travel overland from Skopje, take a direct international bus from Tirana, drive across the Balkans or use Skopje or Tirana as your main airport gateway.
In this MacedoniaTOP guide, we compare the best ways to get to Ohrid from Skopje, Albania, European cities, the United States and other international destinations, including realistic travel times, airport options, buses, driving and useful border tips.
How to Get to Ohrid at a Glance
| Starting point | Best option | Typical journey |
|---|---|---|
| Skopje | Direct bus or car | About 3 hours |
| Skopje Airport | Rental car, private transfer or bus via Skopje | Allow roughly 3–4+ hours |
| Tirana | Direct international bus or car | About 2.5–3 hours plus border conditions |
| Tirana Airport | Car/private transfer or bus via Tirana | About 2.5–4+ hours |
| European city | Direct flight to Ohrid when available | Depends on origin |
| USA / long haul | Fly via Europe to Ohrid, Skopje or Tirana | Usually requires at least one connection |
| Nearby Balkan country | International bus or car | Depends on route and border crossing |
Where Is Ohrid?
Ohrid lies in southwestern North Macedonia on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid, close to the border with Albania.
The wider natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid region is recognised by UNESCO, and the city is one of the country’s most important tourism destinations.
Visitors come for a combination of:
- Ohrid Old Town;
- Lake Ohrid;
- St. John at Kaneo;
- Samuel’s Fortress;
- historic churches and monasteries;
- beaches and swimming;
- boat trips;
- Galicica National Park;
- St. Naum Monastery.
If you are still deciding how long to stay, start with our complete Ohrid travel guide.
Flying Directly to Ohrid Airport
The closest airport is Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD), located just outside the city.
If a convenient direct flight operates from your departure city, this is usually the easiest way to start an Ohrid holiday because you avoid the several-hour journey from Skopje or Tirana.
However, Ohrid Airport is relatively small and its international network changes during the year. Some destinations operate only seasonally.
How to Get from Ohrid Airport to Ohrid
Ohrid Airport is close to the city, but there is an important detail to know:
There is currently no regular public passenger shuttle bus between Ohrid Airport and Ohrid.
The airport states that organised buses may operate for certain charter flights, package holidays or travel-agency arrangements, but independent passengers should not assume that a public shuttle will be available.
Your main options are:
- taxi – taxis operate according to actual flight arrivals;
- pre-arranged transfer – particularly useful for late arrivals;
- rental car – several car-rental companies operate at the airport;
- hotel transfer – some accommodation providers may be able to arrange pickup.
Check current airport information on the official Ohrid Airport transport page.
How to Get from Skopje to Ohrid
Skopje and Ohrid are roughly 170–180 kilometres apart by road.
For most travellers, the realistic options are:
- direct bus;
- rental car;
- private transfer;
- organised day tour if you are returning to Skopje the same evening.
Skopje to Ohrid by Bus
The direct bus is usually the best-value option for travellers without a car.
Several direct services normally operate every day from Skopje’s main Transport Centre to Ohrid.
Journey times are generally around three hours, although some services take slightly longer depending on the operator, stops and road conditions.
Current bookable fares commonly fall around €13–€16 one way, but prices vary by operator and departure.
Skopje to Ohrid by Car
Driving gives you considerably more flexibility.
Allow roughly 2.5–3 hours for the journey under normal conditions, although roadworks, traffic and weather can increase travel time.
The usual route heads west from Skopje towards Tetovo and Gostivar before continuing through the Kičevo area towards Ohrid.
Parts of the route use toll roads, so keep some Macedonian denars available even if you normally pay by card.
Should You Stop Along the Way?
If you have a rental car and are not in a hurry, the journey itself can become part of your itinerary.
Potential detours include Tetovo or Mavrovo National Park, although adding Mavrovo turns a simple transfer into a longer sightseeing day.
If Ohrid is part of a wider trip through the country, see our one-week North Macedonia itinerary.
How to Get from Skopje Airport to Ohrid
Skopje International Airport is the country’s main airport and has a much broader flight network than Ohrid Airport.
If you cannot find a suitable flight directly to Ohrid, flying to Skopje and continuing overland is usually the most straightforward alternative.
Option 1: Rental Car
This is the most flexible option, particularly if you want to explore more of North Macedonia after Ohrid.
Pick up the car at Skopje Airport and drive directly towards Ohrid without needing to enter central Skopje.
Option 2: Private Transfer
A pre-booked transfer is particularly convenient for:
- families;
- groups;
- late-night arrivals;
- travellers carrying a lot of luggage;
- anyone who wants door-to-door transport.
Option 3: Airport to Skopje + Bus to Ohrid
Budget travellers can first travel from Skopje Airport into Skopje and then take a direct intercity bus from the city’s Transport Centre to Ohrid.
This requires more time and at least one transfer, but it is normally much cheaper than arranging a private car for the whole journey.
For detailed airport information, see our MacedoniaTOP guide to how to get to North Macedonia.
Visiting Ohrid as a Day Trip from Skopje
If you are staying in Skopje and do not want to move hotels, an organised Ohrid day trip can make more sense than arranging separate buses.
A full-day excursion typically includes transportation from Skopje and a guided visit to major Ohrid sights.
This is different from a transfer: you travel to Ohrid for sightseeing and return to Skopje afterwards.
How to Get from Tirana to Ohrid
Ohrid is surprisingly easy to combine with Tirana and Albania.
The road distance is roughly 125–140 kilometres depending on the route, and the journey crosses the Albania–North Macedonia border near Lake Ohrid.
Tirana to Ohrid by Direct Bus
There are currently multiple direct international bus services between Tirana and Ohrid.
Typical scheduled journey times are approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours, although border controls and traffic can make the trip longer.
Current bookable fares are often around €15–€17, with some services costing more.
Most international services leave from Tirana’s eastern bus-terminal area and arrive at or near Ohrid’s bus station.
Tirana to Ohrid by Car
Driving is an excellent option if you are planning a wider Albania–North Macedonia road trip.
The usual route heads east from Tirana towards Elbasan and the border crossing at Qafë Thanë / Kjafasan before continuing towards Lake Ohrid.
Without long stops, the drive can take around 2.5–3 hours, but border queues can add considerable time during busy periods.
If you are using a rental car, confirm before departure that:
- cross-border travel into North Macedonia is permitted;
- your insurance is valid in North Macedonia;
- you have all documents required by the rental company;
- any cross-border fee has been paid if required.
If you are considering visiting only for the day, read our dedicated Tirana to Ohrid day-trip guide.
How to Get from Tirana Airport to Ohrid
Tirana International Airport (TIA) can be a useful alternative gateway to Ohrid, especially when flights to Albania are significantly cheaper or more convenient than flights to North Macedonia.
The airport is roughly 145 kilometres from Ohrid by road.
Rental Car or Private Transfer
This is the easiest option.
Driving from Tirana Airport to Ohrid can take around 2.5 hours in favourable conditions, but you should allow extra time for border control and traffic.
Public Transport
If travelling by bus, you will generally need to travel from Tirana Airport into the Tirana transport network first and connect with an international bus towards Ohrid.
This makes the overall journey longer than simply driving from the airport.
How to Get to Ohrid from the USA
Travellers from the United States will normally reach Ohrid through a European connecting airport.
When searching flights, compare three destination airports rather than searching only for Ohrid:
- Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) – easiest if the connection works;
- Skopje International Airport (SKP) – usually the most practical North Macedonia gateway;
- Tirana International Airport (TIA) – useful alternative, especially if Albania is part of the trip.
Best Option: Fly to Ohrid
If your itinerary produces a reasonable connection from the United States to Ohrid through Europe, this minimises your ground travel after landing.
Alternative: Fly to Skopje
Skopje generally provides a wider choice of international connections. From there, continue by rental car, private transfer or bus.
Alternative: Fly to Tirana
Tirana can be worth comparing because its flight network is extensive and Ohrid is relatively close to the Albanian border.
How to Get to Ohrid from European Cities
For European travellers, the first thing to check is whether your nearest airport has a direct seasonal or year-round flight to Ohrid.
Ohrid Airport serves a changing network of European destinations, with some services operating only during part of the year.
If no suitable direct flight exists, compare:
- a connecting flight to Ohrid;
- a flight to Skopje;
- a flight to Tirana;
- an international bus if you are already travelling in the Balkans;
- a rental car for a wider road trip.
From Central and Western Europe
A direct flight to Ohrid can be extremely convenient when available.
If not, Skopje is usually the most logical North Macedonia airport, while Tirana can offer an attractive alternative.
From the Balkans
If you are already travelling through Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria or Greece, an overland journey can make more sense than flying.
However, direct international services vary considerably by city and season. Always check your exact travel date rather than assuming that a route shown in an older travel guide still operates.
Can You Get to Ohrid by Train?
Ohrid does not have a passenger railway station, so train travel is not a practical way to reach the city.
If you are travelling around the Balkans by rail, you will need to switch to a bus, car or other road transport for the final part of the journey.
For most tourists, buses and cars are considerably more useful for reaching Ohrid.
Arriving at Ohrid Bus Station
Most domestic and international buses arrive at Ohrid Bus Station rather than directly in the historic centre.
From there, you can usually continue to your accommodation by:
- taxi;
- local transport where suitable;
- walking if your accommodation is reasonably close and you are travelling light.
If you have large luggage or are staying in the upper parts of the Old Town, a taxi is often easier than walking uphill over cobbled streets.
Driving to Ohrid from Abroad
Ohrid works very well as part of a Balkan road trip.
Before crossing an international border with your own or rented vehicle, make sure you carry:
- valid passport or accepted travel document;
- valid driving licence;
- vehicle registration;
- proof of valid motor insurance;
- rental documentation if applicable;
- permission for cross-border travel if required by the rental company.
Border delays are most likely during busy summer weekends and major holiday periods.
Which Airport Is Best for Ohrid?
| Airport | Choose it when… |
|---|---|
| Ohrid (OHD) | A convenient direct or connecting flight is available |
| Skopje (SKP) | You want the main North Macedonia gateway or will explore more of the country |
| Tirana (TIA) | The airfare is better or Albania is part of your trip |
Bus, Car or Flight: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Bus If…
- you are travelling on a budget;
- you are coming from Skopje or Tirana;
- you do not need a car once in Ohrid;
- you prefer not to drive on unfamiliar roads.
Choose a Rental Car If…
- Ohrid is part of a wider road trip;
- you want to visit Galicica, villages and beaches independently;
- you are travelling with several people;
- you value flexibility more than the lowest possible price.
Fly Directly to Ohrid If…
- a convenient route operates from your region;
- you are staying mainly around Lake Ohrid;
- you want to minimise ground transport;
- the airfare is competitive with Skopje or Tirana.
Do You Need a Car in Ohrid?
Not for the city itself.
Ohrid Old Town, the waterfront, Kaneo, the Ancient Theatre, Samuel’s Fortress and many central attractions are best explored on foot.
A car becomes more useful when you want to visit:
- Galicica National Park;
- remote beaches;
- Trpejca;
- St. Naum independently;
- Prespa Lake;
- other towns and villages around southwestern North Macedonia.
If you are spending only two or three days in central Ohrid, renting a car may not be necessary at all.
What to Do Once You Arrive in Ohrid
After sorting out the transport, you can focus on the reason you came.
For a first visit, prioritise:
- Ohrid Old Town;
- Church of St. John at Kaneo;
- Samuel’s Fortress;
- Ancient Theatre;
- Church of St. Sophia;
- Lake Ohrid waterfront;
- a boat trip;
- St. Naum if you have an extra day.
See our complete guide to the top attractions in Ohrid.
See Ohrid from the Lake
Once you arrive, one of the best ways to understand the city’s setting is from the water.
A short panoramic cruise gives you views of Kaneo, the Old Town and the fortress from a completely different perspective.
Read our guide to the Ohrid Old Town panoramic boat cruise.
Explore More Ohrid Experiences
Use the live options below to compare current boat trips, sightseeing tours, outdoor activities and excursions around Ohrid.
Practical Tips for Travelling to Ohrid
- Check schedules close to departure. Balkan bus and flight timetables can change.
- Allow extra border time. This is especially important when travelling between Albania and North Macedonia in summer.
- Carry some Macedonian denars. Cards are widely useful, but cash is still convenient for smaller purchases and transport.
- Arrange an Ohrid Airport transfer if necessary. There is no regular public airport shuttle.
- Confirm rental-car border permission. Never assume international crossings are automatically included.
- Book summer accommodation early. July and August are the busiest periods around Lake Ohrid.
- Do not rent a car just for the Old Town. Central Ohrid is far easier to explore on foot.
- Compare OHD, SKP and TIA flights. Looking at all three airports can reveal much better international connections.
Best Time to Travel to Ohrid
May and June
Excellent for sightseeing, boat trips, hiking and quieter lakeside travel.
July and August
The liveliest period, with warm weather, swimming, nightlife and cultural events – but also the largest crowds and highest accommodation demand.
September
One of the best all-round months. The lake remains attractive, temperatures are generally pleasant and the peak summer crowds begin to decline.
October to April
A much quieter experience. Ohrid remains beautiful, but some seasonal tourism services, lake activities and flights may operate less frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to get to Ohrid?
The easiest option is to fly directly to Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport when a convenient route is available. Otherwise, fly to Skopje and continue by bus, rental car or transfer.
How long is the bus from Skopje to Ohrid?
Most direct services take approximately three hours, although exact journey times vary by operator and road conditions.
How much is the bus from Skopje to Ohrid?
Current bookable tickets commonly cost around €13–€16 one way, although fares vary by company and departure.
Are there direct buses from Tirana to Ohrid?
Yes. Multiple direct international services currently operate between Tirana and Ohrid. Typical scheduled journeys take approximately 2.5–3 hours, depending on the service and border conditions.
How much is the bus from Tirana to Ohrid?
Current fares commonly start around €15–€17, with prices varying by operator and travel date.
Is there a bus from Ohrid Airport to the city?
There is currently no regular public passenger shuttle bus. Taxis operate according to flight arrivals, and rental cars are available at the airport.
Which airport is closest to Ohrid?
Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) is the closest airport and by far the most convenient when a suitable flight is available.
Is Skopje or Tirana closer to Ohrid?
Tirana is somewhat closer by road, but the best airport depends on your flight options. Skopje has the advantage of being inside North Macedonia, while travel from Tirana involves an international border crossing.
Can you get to Ohrid by train?
No practical passenger train service reaches Ohrid because the city does not have a passenger railway station. Bus, car and air travel are the main options.
Can I visit Ohrid as a day trip from Skopje?
Yes, but expect a long day because the road journey takes roughly three hours each way. An organised excursion is usually easier than arranging separate buses if you plan to return to Skopje the same evening.
Can I visit Ohrid as a day trip from Tirana?
Yes. The shorter road distance makes it possible, particularly by organised tour or car. Allow plenty of time for the international border crossing.
Do I need a car once I arrive in Ohrid?
No. Central Ohrid and the Old Town are very walkable. A car becomes useful mainly for Galicica National Park, remote beaches, villages and wider exploration around the lake.
Start Planning Your Ohrid Trip
Reaching Ohrid is easier than it may first appear.
If a direct flight works for your dates, Ohrid Airport is the clear winner. From Skopje, a direct bus offers excellent value while a car provides maximum flexibility. From Albania, direct buses make Tirana and Ohrid surprisingly easy to combine.
For long-haul travellers, the smartest strategy is to compare flights into Ohrid, Skopje and Tirana and then calculate the complete journey rather than airfare alone.
Continue planning with these MacedoniaTOP guides:
Start Planning Your Macedonia Trip
Make your trip easier with a reliable airport transfer, a top day tour from Skopje, and our most useful Macedonia travel guides.
- Arrive without stress: Book your airport transfer and enjoy a smooth ride straight to your hotel. Drivers will meet you at Arrivals.
- Take one of the best day trips from Skopje: Join a Vodno and Matka Canyon guided tour and discover some of the area’s most beautiful natural highlights.
- Need ideas for your trip? Explore our MacedoniaTOP Where To Go and Things To Do guides for top destinations, attractions, and travel inspiration.
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