Home › Routes › Kastoria to Skopje
How to get from Kastoria to Skopje
Driving is the realistic way: about 230 km via Florina, the Niki–Medžitlija border crossing, Bitola and Prilep, roughly 3 h 30 plus border time. There is no train from Kastoria and no direct bus.
Best option: Car. There is no railway from Kastoria and no direct public transport across this border.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Kastoria–Florina, border at Niki (Greece)/Medžitlija (North Macedonia), then Bitola–Prilep–Skopje | about 3 h 30 plus 15–60 min at the border | fuel plus a small toll on Macedonian motorway sections | Check your rental contract allows North Macedonia and carry the green card insurance if required. | |
| taxi Private transfer arranged in advance from Kastoria | about 3 h 30–4 h | on request | roughly €200–300; ask for a quote | Make sure the driver has the documents to cross the border. |
| bus Bus or taxi Kastoria–Florina/Thessaloniki, then international buses to Skopje | most of a day with changes | depends on connections | about €30–50 in total | Thessaloniki–Skopje buses are the more regular cross-border link; check current schedules. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Carry passports for everyone; this is an external Schengen border.
- Rental cars often need permission to leave Greece; ask when booking.
- Bitola is a good stop halfway for lunch.
- Keep some Macedonian denars or a card for motorway tolls.
Common questions
Is there a bus from Kastoria to Skopje?
There is no direct bus. You would need to reach Florina or Thessaloniki first and then take an international bus to Skopje, which can take most of a day. Thessaloniki has the most regular buses to Skopje. For most travellers, driving or a private transfer is far more practical.
How long does the drive take?
About 3 hours 30 minutes for roughly 230 km, plus time at the Niki–Medžitlija border, which can range from a few minutes to an hour in summer or on holidays. The route goes via Florina, Bitola and Prilep, with motorway sections in North Macedonia where small tolls apply.
What documents do I need?
A valid passport or EU identity card for each traveller. If driving, carry your licence, the car's registration papers and proof of insurance valid in North Macedonia. Rental companies often charge a cross-border fee and need to give written permission, so arrange it when you book.
Is there a train?
No. Kastoria has no railway station. Florina has a station on the Greek network, but cross-border passenger trains to North Macedonia are not a reliable option on this route. Road travel, by car, transfer or a combination of buses, is the practical choice.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.