How To Take A Bus From Skopje To Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is one of the prime destinations in North Macedonia for local and international tourists. The city that lies next to Ohrid lake and has the same name is one of the biggest cities in North Macedonia and one of the oldest as well. The city has a beautiful Old Town full of many historical sites, great restaurants, amazing view points and other things to do. Therefore, it is no wonder that everyone is trying to visit Ohrid while travelling around North Macedonia. The best and the easiest way to get from Skopje to Lake Ohrid is by bus. Here are detailed instructions on how to take the bus, including all the locations and prices. 

North Macedonia has a very good bus system and it is pretty easy to use it. To get on the bus from Skopje to Ohrid, you can go to the Skopje railway station/ bus station. That is right, both of these stations are located in the same complex.

There are a few bus companies that you can use. And usually the busses from Skopje to Ohrid leave every hour. However the times could change due to the season or other unforeseen circumstances, so make sure to check online to be on the safe side. 

Cody and I chose to go with Classic Company, since the timetable suited us the best. 

CLASSIC COMPANY bus schedule: 

From Skopje to Ohrid: 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8 PM

From Ohrid to Skopje: 6:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 5 PM

In low season, you can buy your bus ticket on the same day at the bus station. Just show up at least 30 minutes before. In high season (summer) it is better to buy a ticket a day before, especially if you are planning on traveling for the weekend. 

The price for a one ticket is $9, but you also can buy a round trip ticket for about $15. The ticket back has an open date, so you just need to show up at the bus station or official office 30 minutes before the bus, so that the cashier can register your ticket. 

Once you are in Ohrid city, the bus will make a few stops, you need the one that is closer to the Old Town (I assume you would like to stay in that area). 

To get back to Skopje from Ohrid you don’t need to go all the way to the bus station. There is an official office of the Classic Company that is located just a few minutes from the Ohrid Old Town.  There you can register your ticket or buy it and get on the bus. 

If you go with a different bus company (there are more, Classic was just the cheapest and quickest on our date), make sure to find the proper Ohrid location to hop on your return leg. Otherwise you could be waiting at the wrong spot without realizing it for a long time. 

How To Take A Bus From Skopje To Lake Ohrid