- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia
Important national museum with artifacts from prehistory to the Ottoman era, displayed in a grand neoclassical building by the Vardar River.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Athens to Skopje
Showing times and prices for Jun 20
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
12 h 45 m
Average duration
12 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
487 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athens to Skopje is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athens to Skopje will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Athens to Skopje without transferring at least once.
7:15 AM12h45Athens8:00 PMSkopje$941One-way1 transfer
- 7:15 AM12h45Athens8:00 PMSkopje$941One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Athens to Skopje
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Athens to Skopje among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $94. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $94, and a flight costs an average of $104.
Distance: 302 miles (487 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$94 Average price Cheapest | $251 Average price | $210 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 57m Average total duration 12h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Athens to Skopje is a bus with an average price of $94 (€77).
This is compared to other travel options from Athens to Skopje:
A bus is $157 (€128) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Athens to Skopje costing on average $251 (€205).
The fastest way to travel from Athens to Skopje is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 14m.
Other travel options to Skopje take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 27m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Skopje including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Skopje among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Athens to Skopje Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator KTEL Thessalonikis | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $94 |
Live departures
Athens to Skopje bus times
The table below shows live departures for Athens to Skopje buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:15 AM Athens | 12h45 | 8:00 PM Skopje | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Athens to Skopje by bus or flight
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Athens to Skopje
Greece
North Macedonia
Buses from Athens to Skopje run on average 1 times per day, taking around 12h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $94 (€77) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:00, the last at 07:15. The fastest bus covers the 302 miles (487 km) distance in 12h 0m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 302 miles (487 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $94 (€77) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 0m |
First bus 12:00 AM |
Last bus 7:15 AM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: KTEL Thessalonikis from Athens to SkopjeYou can travel by bus between Athens to Skopje with KTEL Thessalonikis for as low as $94 (€77). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
KTEL Thessalonikis
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 0m
Cheapest Price
$94 (€77)
KTEL Thessalonikis frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Skopje
Things to do in Skopje
Discover the best of Skopje — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Skopje trip today.
- Recommended
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
Large history museum covering the national movement and state-building period through exhibits, wax figures, and multimedia displays in a prominent riverside building.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art Skopje
Major modern art museum on Kale Hill, known for its post-earthquake international collection and strong views over the city.
- Must visit
Old Bazaar
Skopje’s most atmospheric historic quarter, packed with Ottoman-era lanes, artisan shops, mosques, hammams, and lively street scenes.
- Must visit
Macedonia Square
The city’s main square and central meeting point, surrounded by major monuments, bridges, and easy walking access to key sights.
- Must visit
Vodno
Mountain and recreation area above the city, popular for views, walking, and access to the Millennium Cross zone.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Tavče Gravče
Baked white beans seasoned with onion, paprika, and herbs, traditionally served in an earthenware dish. It is one of the best-known Macedonian comfort foods.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Ajvar
A roasted red pepper spread, often enriched with eggplant and garlic. It is a staple relish across North Macedonia and commonly served with bread or grilled dishes.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Šopska Salata
A fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and grated white cheese. It is a classic Balkan starter widely eaten in Skopje.
Old House
A well-known traditional Macedonian restaurant with rustic decor, grilled meats, regional specialties, and a lively, classic atmosphere.
Restaurant Vodenica Mulino
A refined, long-running venue known for upscale Macedonian and Balkan dishes in an elegant riverside-style setting.
Skopski Merak
An established restaurant popular for authentic Macedonian cuisine, live music, and a warm traditional setting favored by both locals and visitors.
Macedonian Denar
Skopje is affordable for most tourists. Meals, coffee, taxis, and local transport are cheap by European capital standards.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- MKD 250-450 for burek, kebabs, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- MKD 700-1,500 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- MKD 2,000-4,000+ per person at upscale venues.
- Coffee
- MKD 100-180 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
A 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants if service is good. Round up in cafes and taxis. Hotel tips are optional but welcome.
Skopje Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 40 MKD
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Skopje, Transporten Centar -> Macedonia Square, Skopje
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Buy bus tickets from the driver or kiosks; exact change may be needed on board. Card payment on buses is not generally available, so carry cash or use the local transport card.
- The main operator is JSP Skopje, and live route information may vary by line. Check service updates on the official website before late-evening travel.
FAQs: Bus from Athens to Skopje
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athens to Skopje by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Skopje, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Athens to Skopje can start from as little as $94 (€77) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Athens to Skopje is $94 (€77) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Athens to Skopje is 12h 0m to travel the 302 miles (487 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Athens to Skopje leaves at 12:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Athens to Skopje leaves at 7:15 AM.
There are 1 buses a day from Athens to Skopje which require at least one change with KTEL Thessalonikis. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Athens to Skopje, you can count on KTEL Thessalonikis for the best way to get you to Skopje. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Athens and Skopje and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Skopje from Athens is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Athens and Skopje including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from Athens to Skopje has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Athens to Skopje.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Skopje are:
- Skopje Fortress, an ancient structure offering panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into its historical past
- Stone Bridge, an iconic Ottoman-era bridge connecting the old and new parts of Skopje
- Old Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace with a rich blend of cultures, featuring shops, cafes, and historic buildings
- Macedonia Square, the central hub of Skopje adorned with statues and surrounded by important landmarks
- Memorial House of Mother Teresa, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate born in Skopje.
The best things to do in Skopje include:
- Matka Canyon, a natural attraction ideal for hiking, kayaking, and exploring caves
- Visit the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, which showcases the history of the Macedonian people
- Explore the Skopje City Park, a green oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic
- Attend a performance at the Macedonian Opera and Ballet, offering a rich cultural experience
- Discover the Millennium Cross on Mount Vodno, accessible by cable car for stunning views of the city.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Athens to Skopje.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Athens to Skopje.
No, luggage for the bus from Athens to Skopje needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Athens to Skopje.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Athens to Skopje.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Athens to Skopje.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Athens to Skopje.
Skopje is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Athens will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Athens to Skopje among Omio's users.
North Macedonia uses the Macedonian denar (MKD) as its currency. Travelers often find cash more widely accepted, especially in smaller towns and markets, though credit and debit cards are commonly used in larger cities and hotels. It is advisable to carry some cash for convenience.
In Skopje, travelers should be cautious of petty theft such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Avoid unlicensed taxi services to prevent overcharging. Be wary of street scams involving overly friendly locals offering unsolicited help or deals. Always keep valuables secure and remain vigilant in busy tourist spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Athens
More options for your journey from Athens to Skopje
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Skopje and Athens
Most popular bus connections to Skopje
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