Skopje’s main bus station is the Intercity Bus Station inside the Transport Centre (Transporten centar), the huge concrete building that also holds the railway station. Almost every intercity and international bus – to Ohrid, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Pristina and beyond – leaves from here. It is about a 15-minute walk from Macedonia Square.
Skopje bus station at a glance
| Name | Intercity Bus Station, Transport Centre Skopje |
| Address | Bul. Kuzman Josifovski Pitu, east of the city centre, south of the Vardar |
| Walk to Macedonia Square | About 15 minutes |
| City buses | Lines 3, 5, 15, 15A, 23 and 27 stop on the boulevard outside |
| Facilities | Ticket windows, ATMs, small kiosks |
| Railway station | In the same building, on the levels above |
About the Transport Centre
The Transport Centre was built between 1971 and 1981 as part of the rebuilding of Skopje after the 1963 earthquake, following the masterplan of the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. The railway tracks run on a long concrete bridge, and the bus station – opened in 2004 – sits underneath them. The old station building in the centre, whose clock still shows the time of the earthquake, is now the City Museum.
Buying bus tickets
- Buy tickets at the operator windows inside the station. Each company has its own counter, so check which company runs your bus.
- Some routes (e.g. Ohrid, Sofia) can also be booked online; others are only sold at the station.
- Card payment is not accepted everywhere – carry denars. There are ATMs in the station.
- For international buses you will need your passport when buying the ticket.
- In summer and on Friday and Sunday evenings, buy a day ahead.
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Popular routes from Skopje bus station
| Destination | Approx. time | Approx. price | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohrid | 3 hours | 850–950 MKD | Skopje to Ohrid |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 4h 40m – 6h | €25–29 | Skopje to Sofia |
| Thessaloniki (Greece) | 4–5 hours | about €35 | Skopje to Thessaloniki |
| Pristina (Kosovo) | About 2 hours | about €10–13 | Skopje to Pristina |
| Tetovo | About 50 minutes | Cheap, frequent | Tetovo day trip |
Prices and times checked in autumn 2026; always confirm at the station.
Getting from the bus station to the centre
- Walk: about 15 minutes west to Macedonia Square.
- City bus: lines 3, 5, 15, 15A, 23 and 27 run along Bul. Kuzman Josifovski Pitu – see our public transport guide for tickets.
- Taxi: taxis wait outside the main exit. A ride into the centre is very cheap – make sure the meter is on.
Train station connection
The railway station is in the same building. The connecting door is sometimes locked; if so, leave through the main exit and walk around the building to the railway entrance.
Tips
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early – the station can be confusing the first time.
- Keep small change for luggage fees some drivers charge for the hold.
- Arriving from the airport? See our airport transfer guide.
Where to Stay Near Skopje Bus Station
If you have an early bus, staying near the Transport Centre saves a taxi – the Aerodrom area around the station has several hotels. Most visitors still prefer the centre, a 15-minute walk away.
- Skopje Marriott Hotel – right on Macedonia Square, the most central upscale choice.
- Hotel Senigallia – rooms on a rebuilt sailing ship moored on the Vardar, in the middle of the city.
- Solun Hotel & Spa – a central hotel with a spa, a short walk from the main square.
Browse all hotels in Skopje city centre, compare neighbourhoods in our Where to Stay in Skopje guide, or see our pick of the best hotels in Skopje.
Some links are affiliate links – we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main bus station in Skopje?
In the Transport Centre on Bul. Kuzman Josifovski Pitu, about 15 minutes’ walk east of Macedonia Square.
Can I pay by card at Skopje bus station?
Some windows accept cards, but not all. Carry denars; there are ATMs inside.
Is the train station at the same place as the bus station?
Yes – both are in the Transport Centre building.
Our private tour
Private Matka Canyon Tour from Skopje
Hotel pickup anywhere in Skopje, a private air-conditioned car and a friendly English-speaking local driver. Boat ride to Vrelo Cave, hiking or a lakeside coffee – at your own pace. From €60 per car (1–4 guests).
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