With more and more Chinese people traveling to North Macedonia, people often ask: What is the transportation situation in North Macedonia? Is it convenient for travel? The Visas Consulting Group team is here to help you understand.
I. Air Transportation in North Macedonia
North Macedonia has two international airports: Skopje and Ohrid. Skopje Airport operates 38 flights in the summer, connecting to 19 countries in Europe and Asia, and 30 flights in the winter, connecting to 16 countries in Europe and Asia. Ohrid Airport operates 8 flights in the summer and has no flights in the winter. There are no direct flights between North Macedonia and China; travel requires transfers, such as through airports in Vienna or Istanbul. Access to Skopje Airport is primarily by car, taxi, or bus.
Skopje International Airport Phone: +389 2 3148 333.
Ohrid Airport Phone: +389 46 252 830.
II. Land Transportation in North Macedonia
North Macedonia has a relatively well-developed road network. The country is connected by European Route E75, which links Greece in the south to Serbia in the north; Route E65, which connects to Albania in the west; and Route E871, which connects to Bulgaria in the east. Many sections of these routes are highways. The total length of the railway network is 925 kilometers, reaching all major domestic towns as well as Greece and Serbia.
Holders of Chinese driver's licenses can use them for 6 months upon entry into North Macedonia, provided that the license is translated into the Macedonian language and notarized by a Macedonian notary office. After 6 months, it must be exchanged for a local driver's license.
North Macedonia is a mountainous country with many winding, sloped, and narrow roads. Some sections may have falling rocks, so please drive carefully and pay attention to traffic safety. While Macedonian citizens generally drive fast, they usually yield to pedestrians. Vehicles in North Macedonia are left-hand drive and travel on the right side of the road. Daytime running lights must be on while driving. The speed limit in cities is generally 40-50 km/h. All passengers are required to wear seat belts, and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited.
There are many car rental companies in North Macedonia, making rental services quite convenient.
North Macedonia Traffic Hotline: +389 2 2402 388.
Skopje International Bus Station Phone: +389 2 2466 313; 2466 011.
Skopje Railway Station Phone: +389 2 3164 255.
III. Water Transportation in North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a landlocked country with no seaports. Maritime cargo is mainly transshipped to the rest of the world via ports such as the Port of Thessaloniki in Greece.
IV. Urban Transportation in North Macedonia
The primary mode of transport for North Macedonian citizens is the private car. Taxis are convenient, and buses serve as the main form of public transportation. Long-distance buses connect to all major cities in the country, and the capital, Skopje, has international bus routes to countries including Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Serbia. Road conditions in Skopje are generally good, though traffic congestion is common during rush hours. There is no subway system. Taxis are convenient, with a starting fare of approximately 0.6 Euros.
V. Major Cities in North Macedonia
1. Skopje: The capital of North Macedonia and its political, economic, and cultural center. It has a population of over 500,000, with a municipal area of 571 square kilometers and an urban area of 337 square kilometers. The Skopje city website is: www.skopje.gov.mk.
2. Ohrid: A famous tourist city in North Macedonia, known for Lake Ohrid, which is listed as a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site. The website is: www.ohrid.com.mk.
3. Other major cities include: Bitola (www.bitola.gov.mk), Kumanovo (www.kumanovo.gov.mk), Tetovo (www.tetova.gov.mk), Strumica (http://www.strumica.gov.mk/), and Prilep (www.prilep.gov.mk), among others.
