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How to get from Ohrid to Skopje
Buses run between Ohrid and Skopje many times a day, taking about 3–3 h 30. Driving takes about 2 h 30–3 h for roughly 170 km via Kičevo. There is no train to Ohrid.
Best option: Bus. Buses are frequent, cheap and run between the two main bus stations, and there is no railway to Ohrid.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Intercity buses from Ohrid bus station to Skopje's main bus station (next to the railway station) | about 3–3 h 30 | many departures a day | about 500–700 MKD | Several companies run the route; buy tickets at the station. Check current timetables, especially in winter. |
| car Road via Kičevo and Gostivar, joining the motorway towards Skopje | about 2 h 30–3 h | fuel plus small motorway tolls (paid in cash or card at booths) | The section around Kičevo is a winding two-lane road; new motorway sections are being built, so the route may differ. | |
| taxi Private transfer or taxi Ohrid–Skopje (or Skopje airport) | about 2 h 30–3 h | on demand | about €80–120 | Useful for early flights from Skopje airport; book in advance. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- If you have an early flight from Skopje, take an evening bus the day before or book a transfer.
- Carry some denars in cash for motorway tolls.
- Ohrid's bus station is a short taxi ride from the old town.
- In summer, buy bus tickets a few hours ahead; popular departures fill up.
Common questions
Is there a train from Ohrid to Skopje?
No. The railway does not reach Ohrid; the nearest line ends at Kičevo, with very few trains. Buses are the practical public transport option, taking about 3–3 h 30, with many departures a day between Ohrid bus station and Skopje's main bus station.
How long is the bus from Ohrid to Skopje?
About 3 to 3 h 30, depending on the route and stops. Some buses go via Kičevo, others via Struga or Bitola, which takes longer. Skopje's bus station is next to the railway station, about 15–20 minutes on foot from the centre. Check current timetables.
What is the cheapest way from Ohrid to Skopje?
The bus, at about 500–700 MKD one way. Driving is cheaper only if several people share fuel. Taxis and private transfers cost much more but go door to door and are useful for early flights from Skopje airport, which lies about 20 km east of the city.
Do I need to book the bus ahead?
Usually not; you can buy tickets at the station before departure. In July and August, on weekends and around holidays, popular departures can sell out, so buy a few hours or a day in advance. Keep your ticket, as it may be checked on board.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.