North Macedonia
Airports in North Macedonia: which one to fly into
Fly into Skopje International (SKP) for a first trip: it has the year-round flights and a shuttle or taxi to the centre in about 30 minutes. Choose Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle (OHD) only if a seasonal flight matches your dates and you are heading straight to Ohrid. Otherwise fly to Skopje and bus south.
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- Plan calculated
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GuideNorth Macedonia
Key facts
- Main airport
- Skopje International (SKP), about 20 km east of the centre
- Second airport
- Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle (OHD), mostly seasonal international flights
- Airport to Skopje centre
- Shuttle bus or taxi, roughly 30 minutes
- Airport to Ohrid town
- About 10 km from Ohrid; taxi or pre-booked transfer
- Domestic flights
- None scheduled; the country is too small
- Best value arrival
- Skopje year-round, then intercity bus to Ohrid (MKD 600–900)
Details
North Macedonia has two international airports. Skopje International Airport (SKP) sits about 20 km east of the capital and handles the bulk of scheduled traffic all year. Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) is a small field near Ohrid that mostly runs seasonal and charter services in the summer months. There are no scheduled domestic flights between them, so your arrival airport is effectively your first base.
For most travellers the decision is simple: land at Skopje, spend two nights there, then take the bus to Ohrid. The bus runs frequently from Skopje's main bus station next to the train station, takes 3–3 h 30 and costs MKD 600–900 one way (2026 estimate). In summer those Ohrid services sell out, so buy the day before at the station and expect a small luggage fee of about MKD 50 in the hold.
If a seasonal OHD flight happens to match your dates and your plan starts in Ohrid, take it — you skip the transfer entirely. Check the flight is actually operating for your week before you book, because the summer schedule is thin and changes between seasons. If you are heading to Bitola, Prilep, Kruševo or the Prespa lakes, Skopje is still the practical gateway; hire a car there if you want to reach Stobi, the Tikveš wineries or Mavrovo on the way.
At Skopje, the transfer to the centre is a shuttle bus or a taxi, roughly 30 minutes depending on traffic. Airport taxis set higher fixed fares than city cabs, so agree the price before you get in. At Ohrid the airport is close to town — a short taxi ride or a pre-booked transfer through your accommodation is the usual approach.
| Airport | Code | Best for | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skopje International | SKP | First trips, year-round flights, onward bus to Ohrid | Shuttle bus or taxi, about 30 min to the centre |
| Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle | OHD | Seasonal flights, trips starting in Ohrid | Short taxi or pre-booked transfer to Ohrid town |
Flight schedules and transfer times change; confirm with your airline and accommodation before booking.
Tips
Book the Ohrid bus the day before in summer rather than turning up on the morning you fly out. Keep some Macedonian denar for the luggage fee and for taxis, since not every driver takes a card. If you land late at Skopje, a pre-arranged hotel transfer removes the fare negotiation. Travellers continuing to Albania, Kosovo or Greece should confirm cross-border insurance with the hire firm before collecting a car.
- Buy the Skopje–Ohrid bus ticket the day before in summer.
- Agree the airport taxi fare before getting in.
- Carry small denar notes for luggage fees and short rides.
- Check that a seasonal OHD flight operates in your travel week.
- Confirm Green Card cover with the hire firm if you cross a border.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Which airport should I fly into for North Macedonia?
Skopje International (SKP) for almost every first trip: it has year-round flights and a shuttle or taxi to the centre in about 30 minutes. Pick Ohrid (OHD) only if a seasonal flight matches your dates and you start in Ohrid.
How do I get from the airport to the city in North Macedonia?
From Skopje, a shuttle bus or taxi takes roughly 30 minutes to the centre; agree the taxi fare first. From Ohrid airport, a short taxi or pre-booked transfer reaches Ohrid town. Confirm current times with your accommodation.
Which airlines fly to North Macedonia from the US and UK?
There are no direct flights from the US; you connect through a European hub. From the UK, low-cost and flag carriers serve Skopje, with more seasonal options to Ohrid in summer. Check current routes and schedules with the airlines.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialSkopje International Airport
- officialOhrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage – North Macedonia