Skopje is the capital of Macedonia and Tirana is the capital of Albania. I was in Skopje, and I wanted to go to Tirana. I didn’t find any direct flight, so I thought to do this journey by road. I wanted to document my this journey by bus from Skopje to Tirana. and honestly speaking, I loved the journey by road because I saw most of the countryside of both Macedonia and Albania.
How to take the bus in Skopje?
Skopje bus station is located within the city center. I had my hostel near the bus station so I just walked a few minutes and reached the bus station. but I had bought the bus ticket a day earlier to avoid inconvenience at last minute. The bus leaves to Tirana every day two times in the morning 7AM and 9AM and once at night 21:00.
The bus ticket cost 1250 (Macedonian Denar) which is equal to $24 USD as of November 2017. you can buy the ticket anytime from the counter inside the bus station. there are money exchange shops, restaurants and gift shops at the bus station in Skopje. and you can buy a bus ticket to anywhere in Europe.
How much time it takes to Tirana?
The bus journey is around 7 hours and the bus will have 6 stops at different locations. You’ll see beautiful countryside of Macedonia and Albania. the border area between Albania and Macedonia is mountainous and green. so you’ll enjoy the time. and I’ll prefer to take the bus journey in day time if I want to explore the places.
The bus was not luxury, but OK to travel. The driver was a nice guy who always informed us about stop timing, so we were able to do something in that short time. it also stops for lunch after crossing the Macedonia-Albania border.
Bottom Line
I myself love road journeys, because this way I can see the real life of countries and can feel it deeply inside. I have taken many road trips in different countries, and every journey turned out to be a true adventure for me. and when there is no direct flight then it becomes more easy to decide. however, your case may be different. but if you ever want to travel by road from Skopje to Tirana then this guide is for you. Happy Traveling.
Don’t forget to watch the video in which I documented all of my bus journey from Skopje to Tirana, and I’m sure you gonna love the video as it’ll take you directly to the scene. 🙂