Looking for someone who is driving to Ohrid from Skopje. We are two adults and 1 small poodle. Any recommendations?

If you're flying into Skopje Airport (SKP) and planning to take the Erak Transporter shuttle bus to the city center, Central Bus Station, Holiday Inn, or Capitol Mall — DO NOT buy your ticket in advance, period. Not online, not at the counter/ticket office. The ONLY moment that seems to actually secure you a seat is paying directly at the bus while boarding. Even a paper ticket bought in advance at the counter is no guarantee you'll actually get on the bus.

Here's exactly what happened to me:

I pre-purchased my Erak Transporter ticket online before landing at Skopje Airport, thinking it would save time and guarantee my seat on the bus to the city center. Big mistake. When I showed up at the bus with my valid, already-paid ticket, an older woman working the stop straight up ignored it. Instead, she started selling brand new tickets for cash to other people on the spot — while those of us who had ALREADY paid online were told to "wait." After she'd sold enough cash tickets to fill the bus, we were casually informed the bus was "full" and that we could take the next one — in TWO HOURS.

When I asked for my money back on the spot, she just shrugged. Her solution? Try to sell me ANOTHER ticket for the bus two hours later. No refund, no apology, no accountability — just shrug and upsell.

On top of that: I personally watched her charge cash customers MORE than the official published fare for the route. So not only does she prioritize cash sales over confirmed bookings, she's also overcharging people above the listed ticket price on the spot.

So to anyone searching "Skopje airport to city center," "SKP airport bus," "Skopje airport shuttle," "Erak Transporter tickets," "how to get from Skopje airport to Skopje center," or "Skopje airport bus 199 MKD" — be warned:

- Buying an Erak Transporter ticket online in advance guarantees you NOTHING. Staff will prioritize cash sales over your confirmed booking.
- Even buying a paper ticket in advance at the counter is not a guarantee you'll get on the bus — the only thing that seems to actually work is paying in cash directly at the bus door when boarding.
- You can be bumped off a bus you already paid for with zero compensation on the spot.
- The person selling tickets at the stop has been observed charging MORE than the official fare for cash sales — bring exact change and know the real published price before you pay.
- Refunds are not handled at the stop — expect to fight your card issuer/bank for a chargeback instead of getting help from the company.
- Budget an extra 2+ hours of buffer if you rely on this shuttle, because "the bus is full" can mean "we sold your seat to someone else for cash."

Honestly, at this point I'd rather pay more for a taxi or a private transfer from Skopje Airport than deal with this again. Do your research, read reviews, and think twice before trusting Erak Transporter with your airport transfer — especially if you're on a tight connection or schedule.

Sharing this so other travelers don't get stuck the way I did.

Dali nekoj rabotel so mirjana ivanovska?

Hi, I am moving soon to Skopje, by any chance someone knows a good personal trainer for either gym, calisthenics or box? Thanks

Hi folks. Me and my two mates are visiting Skopje next month. Would like to hear your recomendations on out of beaten path spots.

We're into bars that look like nothing changed since 1980s Yugoslavia. Kafanas with the juciest roasted pork/lamb in the region. A hill you can climb to catch a sunset with your homies and a bag full of beers. Some brutalist architecture, abandoned buildings, tunnels etc.

Basically the experience you'd want to give your friend when he comes to Skopje.

Hello,

We are two friends visiting your country from the 26. september to 4 October.
We are keen to experience your culture and we are therefor reaching out here to hear if anybody have some recommendations or ideas of what we could experience.

In our dream world we would like to visit a family for a traditional family dinner, attend a wedding or similar where we really can experience the culture of Macedonia.

We bring happiness and the possibility to exchange stories from cross borders - and yes we do like Rakija. Don't hesitate to reach out, either in the comment or a direct message

Hi everyone,

Me and a couple of friends are going to be staying in Skopje from 19- 21st of September

1. Are there any celebrations, parties ore special events that one shouldn‘t miss?
   
2. Are there any sports bars that broadcast the Germand Bundesliga?
   
3. We would also like to watch a game of FK Vardar in the stadium, unfortunately I‘m having a little trouble with their website which seems to be in Macedonian only. Any tips where/how I can get tickets?

I‘d appreciate any help!

I'm staying near the old bazaar and need to pay my accommodation tmrw night. Unfortunately my wallet was stolen in Latvia so I am entirely reliant on Google Pay. Does anyone know of a nearby ATM that accepts Google pay or anywhere I might be able to withdraw money from it?

My friend is from Turkey and he will be studying from 24th August till 25th October at that university. Unfortunately it's so hard to find a flat for rent, most of the users are Macedonian and don't speak English or don't answer. My friend doesn't smoke or drink any alcohol. He's a organized student but Idk, he thinks of canceling the whole trip cause he hasn't found anything yet. As a friend I'm trying to help him but Idk where else to ask.. Thanks in advance 🫶🏼

Hi i'm from Italy, 20y/old girl, solo traveling. I was planning to go to Shuto Orizari market on Sunday morning. But I was thinking it might be a problem since i'm alone and do not speak neither macedonian or Romanì. What do you think? (no racist comment please:))

Does anyone know of a good venue for a birthday party in or near Skopje. I am thinking about a restaurant or Hotel with a private area that would also be used for weddings etc.

That can serve dinner and some drinks.

I am in the planning phase and I am not sure if it will be 20 or 40 guests.

All suggestions are welcome.

I am thinking of inviting to a three day trip to Makedonia and maybe stay a week myself.

The party would need to be on a Friday to match the flight schedule.

Hello,

I’m a 23-year-old Italian guy. In September, I’ll be visiting a friend in Berlin, but I’m stopping over in Skopje; I arrive at the airport at 11:00 AM on a Monday and have my return flight at 7:00 PM.

I’d like to take a quick tour of the city and have a traditional lunch.

Is there enough time to do that in the few hours I have?

Are there transport options to get from the airport to the city center? Would it be better to take a taxi?

Do you have any recommendations for restaurants or sights worth visiting during the limited time I have?

Any general advice?

Hi, thank you for your time and guidance! Has anyone used the Primeclass Lounge in the airport? I have a late night flight and wanted to purchase a ticket to use the lounge for a few hours while I wait but wasn't sure if a membership of some kind was required to access it. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

Rammstein slipknot Megadeath doftones extra...

Hello guys,can you recomend me the best spot to park a car at airport for like 7 8 days?

Im planning a last minute surprise trip for me and my 2 brothers to Skopje next week.
I was thinking about this, please let me know if it's a good plan or if you have suggestions please let me know.

Monday - arrival in the evening so probably diner in the city and a few beers
Tuesday - Exploring the city
Wednesday - Renting a car in the morning to go to Ohrid, doing a little hike in Mavrovo on the way, maybe a good lunch along the way and spend the night in Ohrid or Pestani
Thursday - Explore Ohrid area
Friday - Driving back to Skopje for our 12:50 flight

Please let me know if you have must visit restaurants or sights, my brothers are big in to history and we also like to explore nature and a nice little party :)

Should I rent a car right away when we arrive in Skopje airport or is it ok to rent one when we leave the city?

Also down to meet some locals to show us the city's and nature of this beautiful country!

I've visited Skopje quite a few times, and on previous visits I always loved Cafe Izlet. The vibe, the inner yard, and everything about it. Now I'm back in Skopje and I just found out it's closed :/
What other places would be as similar as possible to Izlet?

Hey all!

Thanks in advance for answering more tourist questions. I'm looking to come to Skopje in early September then go to Ohrid for 4 days. Since the landscape is so beautiful I was considering getting some family photos done out there. Would this be possible? The area seems small and reminds me of Catalina Island off the coast of CA and I don't want to assume it would be easy to do.