Skopje to Ohrid is the most popular trip in North Macedonia. The two cities are about 170 km apart: the bus takes around 3 hours and costs roughly €14–16, while driving takes about 2.5 hours. There is no train and no domestic flight. This guide compares every option with 2026 times and prices.
Times and fares last checked in October 2026. Schedules change by season, so confirm at the station or with the operator before you travel.
Skopje to Ohrid: quick comparison
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | About 3 hours (some services longer) | 850–950 MKD (about €14–16) | Budget travellers, solo trips |
| Car | About 2.5 hours, 172 km | Fuel + about 140 MKD tolls | Flexibility, stops on the way |
| Private transfer / taxi | 2.5–3 hours | From about €130 per car | Groups, families, door-to-door |
| Train | No passenger train to Ohrid | ||
By bus
The bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get from Skopje to Ohrid. Buses leave from the Skopje Intercity Bus Station inside the Transport Centre (next to the railway station) and arrive at Ohrid Bus Station, a short walk or taxi ride from the old town and lakefront.
- Operators: Galeb (Ohrid) and Klasik Kompani are the main companies.
- Frequency: around 10 departures a day, roughly from 06:30 to 19:30 – more in summer.
- Duration: about 3 hours for direct services; buses with extra stops take longer.
- Price: about 850 MKD (Klasik) to 950 MKD (Galeb) one way.
- Tickets: buy at the station counter (some services can be booked online). Card acceptance varies, so carry denars.
In July and August buy your ticket a day ahead – weekend buses fill up. New to the station? Read our Skopje bus station guide.
Return buses from Ohrid to Skopje
Galeb runs several daily departures from Ohrid (in autumn 2026 these included early morning, late morning, afternoon and evening buses). Check the board at Ohrid Bus Station on arrival and book your return seat early on summer Sundays.
📶 Staying connected in Skopje
Offline maps and mobile data make a day trip much easier, especially if you travel by bus. The easiest way to get online in North Macedonia is an eSIM: buy it before your trip, install it in 2 minutes and avoid expensive roaming. Plans start from €2.90. Use code VISITSKOPJE for 10% off → Get a North Macedonia eSIM
Affiliate link – we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. More options in our SIM card & eSIM guide.
By car
Driving gives you the freedom to stop on the way. The route is about 172 km and takes around 2.5 hours in normal traffic.
- Route: take the A2 motorway west from Skopje past Tetovo and Gostivar, then continue through the Kičevo area to Ohrid.
- Tolls: four toll points (Glumovo, Želino, Tetovo, Gostivar) cost about 140 MKD in total for a car. You can pay in denars, euros or by card.
- Road: after Gostivar the road becomes more mountainous. The new Kičevo–Ohrid motorway is still under construction – follow the temporary signs.
- Parking: difficult near Ohrid’s old town in summer – choose accommodation with parking.
Worth a stop on the way: the Colorful Mosque in Tetovo (see our Tetovo guide) or a detour to Mavrovo National Park. Renting a car? See our tips to rent a car in Skopje.
By private transfer or taxi
A private transfer from Skopje (or Skopje Airport) to Ohrid costs from about €130 for a standard car and about €175 for a van, depending on the company, luggage and pick-up point. It takes 2.5–3 hours. Always confirm whether tolls are included and agree the price in writing.
From Skopje Airport to Ohrid
There is no regular direct bus from Skopje Airport to Ohrid. The usual route is the airport shuttle into Skopje, then an Ohrid bus from the Intercity Bus Station. If you land late or have heavy luggage, a pre-booked transfer is much easier. See our Skopje Airport to city centre guide.
Is there a train from Skopje to Ohrid?
No. There is no passenger railway to Ohrid, and there are no domestic flights between Skopje and Ohrid. Ohrid’s airport only has international routes.
Day trip or overnight?
You can visit Ohrid as a long day trip – our Skopje to Ohrid day trip guide shows how to fit in the highlights. But with six hours on the road, most visitors are happier staying at least one night, especially in summer or during the Ohrid Summer Festival.
Where to Stay in Ohrid
Ohrid is about three hours from Skopje, so it is much better with at least one night. The Old Town (around Samuil’s Fortress and St. John at Kaneo) is the most atmospheric base; the lakeside promenade has bigger hotels and is easier with a car. In July and August, book well ahead.
- Hotels in Ohrid Old Town – walk to the churches, the fortress and the harbour
- Lakeside hotels around Lake Ohrid – beaches and lake views
- Hotels in Struga – quieter town on the northern shore
Staying in Skopje instead? Compare neighbourhoods in our Where to Stay in Skopje guide or see 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
How long is the bus from Skopje to Ohrid?
About 3 hours on direct services; some buses with more stops take longer.
How much is the bus from Skopje to Ohrid?
About 850–950 MKD (roughly €14–16) one way, depending on the company.
Where does the Ohrid bus leave from in Skopje?
From the Intercity Bus Station in the Transport Centre, next to Skopje railway station.
Can I do Skopje to Ohrid as a day trip?
Yes, but it is a long day. Leave on an early bus and take the last bus back – or stay the night.
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).
🇲🇰 Found this Skopje guide helpful?
Support my independent work and help me keep creating free, useful guides for travelers.
☕ Buy Me a Coffee
