Transportation in North Macedonia

North Macedonia's transport web is built around buses, shared taxis, and the occasional train. Inter-city buses are the workhorse: cheap, frequent, and run by several private companies from the main Skopje bus station. They reach every corner of the country faster than the limited rail network, which is scenic but slow and only connects a handful of towns. Inside cities, public buses cost pocket change and use the Skopska card in Skopje. Elsewhere you pay the driver. Taxis are plentiful and a moderate splurge, always insist on the meter or agree the price before you set off. First-time visitors should download the "Vozi" app for real-time bus departures and seat availability. It saves the guesswork at rural stops. Skip the unofficial taxi touts at bus and rail stations, they'll quote double. If you're heading to Lake Ohrid or Bitola, the morning express buses fill up fast on weekends. Book a seat the day before at the station kiosk rather than chancing same-day travel. From Skopje International Airport, the Vardar Express shuttle meets most flights and drops you at the central bus station for a fraction of a taxi fare. If you arrive after the last shuttle, the official taxi rank is just outside arrivals, ignore the curbside solicitors and use the metered cars only.