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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

North Macedonia

Major Airports

Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport OHD

This airport sits approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Ohrid city center. It is a smaller airport, mainly serving seasonal charter flights and a selection of budget airline routes, especially during the warmer months.

Airlines & Routes

  • Wizz Air connects OHD with London Luton, Vienna, Dortmund, Basel, Malmö.
  • Edelweiss Air from Zurich, LOT Polish Airlines from Warsaw.
  • Flight availability greatly reduces outside peak summer.

Skopje International Airport SKP

Located about 170 kilometers (105 miles) northeast of Ohrid, Skopje International Airport is the main international gateway to North Macedonia. It offers a wider range of international connections and more frequent flights year-round.

Airlines & Connectivity

  • Wizz Air has an extensive network to numerous European cities.
  • Traditional carriers connect to Istanbul, Vienna, Zurich, Frankfurt, Rome, Warsaw, Budapest.
  • Flight schedules stay more stable year-round.

Finding Flights

Explore deals with Dollar Flight Club or compare fares on Skyscanner.

Car Rental

Book your rental car in advance via DiscoverCars.com for convenience.

Seasonal Prices

Prices increase during peak summer, European holidays, and Christmas/New Year periods.

Transfer Options from Airports

From Ohrid Airport OHD to Ohrid City

  • Taxi: Readily available, negotiate price (approx. 10-15 EUR to city center).
  • Public Bus: Infrequent, check schedules upon arrival.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked via hotels or local agencies.
  • Rental Car: Available at the airport for regional exploration.

From Skopje International Airport SKP to Ohrid

  • Airport Bus to Skopje City Center: Vardar Express to main bus station, then long-distance bus to Ohrid.
  • Direct Bus Service: Some private companies offer seasonal transfers, book in advance.
  • Taxi: Expensive direct transfer (approx. 100-150 EUR), suitable for groups.
  • Rental Car: Pick up at SKP, drive to Ohrid (2-2.5 hours).

Airport Facilities

Ohrid Airport OHD

A smaller airport with basic facilities: car rental desks, taxi stand, small cafe, duty-free shop. Adequate for its passenger volume.

Skopje International Airport SKP

A larger, more modern airport with more amenities: international car rental agencies, ATMs, currency exchange, several restaurants, duty-free, VIP lounges.

Direct Flights

No direct flights from North America, Asia, Australia. Connect through major European hubs like Istanbul, Vienna, or Zurich.

Land Transportation

Bus Travel: Main Mode

Buses are the most common, reliable, and efficient way to travel long distances within North Macedonia and to neighboring countries. They offer frequent and affordable services.

Routes & Tickets

  • Frequent services connect Ohrid with Skopje (2.5-3.5 hours), Bitola, Struga.
  • International bus lines connect to Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria.
  • Purchase tickets at Ohrid Bus Station. Book in advance during peak season.

Self-Driving & Requirements

To rent a car, you need a valid national driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held their license for 1-2 years.

Driving Information

  • IDP is legally required in conjunction with your license.
  • Main roads are good; rural roads vary. Drive on the right.
  • Strict zero-tolerance for driving under alcohol influence. Headlights on always.

Border Crossings

The most common land border crossing to Albania from Lake Ohrid is near St. Naum Monastery (Sveti Naum/Tushemisht). The process is generally smooth.

Border Notes

  • Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak times.
  • Ensure all vehicle documents (registration, insurance) are in order if driving across.
  • Other borders include Greece (Medzitlija/Niki), Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria.

Train Services

North Macedonia's rail network is limited and does not directly serve Ohrid. The closest train station to Ohrid is in Bitola, approximately 70 kilometers away.

Train Travel Notes

  • Train connections from Bitola to Skopje are available but slower than buses.
  • Trains are generally not the preferred intercity transport mode for most travelers.
  • No river transportation for tourists arriving at Ohrid.

Driving Safety Tips

  • Driving habits are assertive; expect unexpected maneuvers.
  • Watch out for unmarked obstacles, especially in rural areas.
  • Night driving can be difficult due to poor lighting and animals on roads.
  • A GPS device or offline maps on your phone are highly recommended.
  • Observe speed limits: 50 km/h in urban, 90 km/h outside, 110-130 km/h on motorways.
  • Ensure your rental car's insurance covers all eventualities.

Sea/River Arrivals

Lake Transportation

While Lake Ohrid is a large body of water, it does not serve as a major international sea or river arrival point in the traditional sense. No major international ferry services operate on Lake Ohrid for transport between countries. There are no large cruise ship ports.

Local Boat Travel

  • Local boat taxis and organized boat tours ply the lake for sightseeing.
  • Day trips to the Albanian side (Pogradec) are via boat, but immigration happens at land crossings.
  • Immigration procedures are not applicable for lake travel directly.

River Connections

The Black Drin River flows out of Lake Ohrid at Struga. While small boats operate on the river for local purposes, it is not a significant transport route for tourists arriving at Ohrid.

Harbor Connections

  • Boat tours and local boat taxis generally depart from Ohrid's main harbor.
  • The harbor is centrally located and easily accessible from the city center.
  • Easy access via walking or public transport networks.

Air Departure

Arrive 2 hours before scheduled departure for international flights. Ohrid Airport is small, Skopje is larger.

Bus Departure

Arrive at Ohrid Bus Station 30 minutes before departure for tickets or luggage check-in. Buses depart on time.

Documents

Ensure passport and travel documents are easily accessible for a smooth departure process.

Departure Information

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

North Macedonia does not typically levy specific departure taxes or fees on departing passengers at its airports or land borders. The price of your airline ticket usually includes any airport charges.

Ohrid Airport OHD

  • Basic amenities, including a small cafe.
  • Duty-free shop for last-minute purchases.
  • Check-in and security procedures can be quick, but allow time during peak season.

Skopje & Bus Station Facilities

Skopje International Airport (SKP) provides a more comprehensive range of facilities, while Ohrid Bus Station has basic services for travelers.

SKP and Ohrid Bus Station

  • SKP: Various restaurants, cafes, wider selection of shops, lounges.
  • Ohrid Bus Station: Small cafe, ticket offices, luggage storage (small fee).
  • Always reconfirm flight or bus departure times the day before.

Travel Checklist

Flight Reconfirmation

Verify your flight departure time 24 hours prior to travel. This avoids last-minute surprises.

Document Readiness

Keep your passport and boarding pass readily accessible for airport security and check-in.

Allow Ample Time

Factor in potential waiting times at border control if departing by land. These vary by season and time.

Smooth Departure

Prepare for a smooth departure by ensuring all your travel documents are organized and easily accessible. Safe travels!