Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Travel Guide - Getting There

The national airline is Macedonian Airlines (MAT) (IN) (website: www.mat.com.mk).

From London to Skopje is approximately 5 hours, but there are no direct flights.

Skopje (SKP) (website: www.airports.com.mk) is 17km (10.2 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city centre (journey time – 25 to 30 minutes). There is no airport shuttle bus. Facilities: Include duty-free shop, bar and restaurant, bank/bureau de change, baggage facilities, post office and car hire.

There is also an airport at Ohrid.

None.

Intercity trains operate between Skopje and Llubljana (Slovenia) and Belgrade (Serbia) via Niš. Trains also run between Skopje and Thessaloniki (Greece). An east to west railway is being constructed that will connect Macedonia with Bulgaria.

InterRail: offers unlimited first- or second-class travel in up to 30 European countries for European residents of over six months with two pass options. The Global Pass allows travel for 22 days, one month, five days in 10 days or 10 days in 22 days across all countries. The One-Country Pass offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month in any of the countries except Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (website: www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).

Car: The international highway E-75 runs north to south from Serbia to Greece. There are also good road links to Bulgaria and Albania.

Bus: The international bus station in Skopje serves buses destined for Tirana (Albania), Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia) and Istanbul (Turkey), and buses to Germany. A number of bus lines that are frequent and relatively inexpensive connect Macedonia with its neighbouring countries and other European cities.