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Tirana to Ohrid by Bus: Border Crossing Guide & Travel Tips
- Jenn & Leon
- Jan 3, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In this post (with video), we're going to show you how to take the bus from Tirana, Albania to Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia by border crossing.
This is a great way to see the beautiful Lake Ohrid and the Macedonian countryside!
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to travel in this region, then this is the post for you.
So let's take a closer look at how we got through the Albanian / Macedonian border crossing into Ohrid.
Oh, and by the way, we highly recommend a visit to Ohrid if you are in the Albania area. It truly is spectacular!
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Travel Resources
How to Book Tickets for Tirana to Ohrid
We took our journey with EuroBus, a Macedonian international bus company that provides regular and charter bus services between North Macedonia and several European countries, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Albania.
The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Struga, North Macedonia. EuroBus operates a fleet of modern and comfortable buses, all of which are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and reclining seats.
The company also offers a variety of amenities on board, including snacks, drinks, and a bathroom. They are experienced at handling border crossings smoothly, too.
We paid 34 euros for return tickets for 2 adults (at the time of writing). We felt this was very reasonable, and the bus was very comfortable and well-maintained as advertised.
While there are several other operators for this route, if you do find yourself with EuroBus we do recommend them!
⪢ Consider a Private Tour Crossing
Check out a host of different tour options from Tirana to Ohrid with Get Your Guide.
Transfer door-to-door from Tirana or Durres with a stop in Elbasan Castle, or choose day tours to Lake Ohrid, the oldest lake in Europe.
Enjoy an English-speaking driver and a private, fully air-conditioned minivan too! Avoid the stress of planning your transfer and relax in a comfortable vehicle.
How to Get to Tirana International Bus Terminal
If you're heading from Tirana to Ohrid by bus, your journey will most likely begin at the Tirana International Bus Terminal, also known locally as Terminali i Autobusëve Ndërkombëtarë.
It’s the main departure point for international and regional buses, including those bound for North Macedonia, Greece, and Kosovo.
Location
The terminal is located about 5 km from Tirana city centre, in the Laprakë area, just off the Rruga Dritan Hoxha highway.
📍 Google Maps Pin: Tirana International Bus Terminal
By Taxi
By Local Bus
On Foot
Travel Tip
There are no official signs or even obvious ticket offices, so do check the terrain map to get a better idea of the surroundings. It is the best way to recognize it on arrival!
Note: On Google Maps, the Tirana International Bus Terminal does show as permanently closed, but this is not the case.
⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Tirana and Beyond
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Tirana hotel deals below to find great rates for an overnight stay.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
The Bus Journey (What to Expect)
Border crossings can be daunting at the best of times, and this was only the second time we have taken a land border crossing in Eastern Europe, as we typically fly.
Previously, we took a cab and walked across the border between Georgia and Türkiye, which was equally as easy.
This one was even better, though, as the bus company took care of everything; we only had to get out of the bus once to get our passports checked, and that was on the way into Macedonia.
Other than that, it was an enjoy-the-view situation.
It was a pretty smooth process all around, really, including the online booking process. The hardest part was finding Tirana Bus Station, believe it or not!
It is easy to get a little bit spooked when you haven't done a border crossing before, as you do not get a lot (if any) information from the driver or at the border.
But here you do not need it... the driver takes care of everything, and it went very well for us.
Speaking to other passengers, it seems that this process is normal, so we hope you will have the same experience!
Watch the Journey on YouTube
Want to see what the Tirana to Ohrid journey is really like?
We filmed our border crossing, bus ride, and first impressions on arrival.
From winding mountain roads to quiet lakeside streets, our travel vlog gives you a real look at what to expect, plus a few laughs and tips along the way.
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Arrival in Ohrid: What to Expect
Most buses and minivans from Tirana arrive in Ohrid at a small roadside stop or near the unofficial bus station on the western edge of town. This isn’t a large terminal—just a curbside drop-off near local cafés or mini markets.
● If you're staying near the Old Town or Lake Ohrid, it's about a 15–20 minute walk
● Taxis are usually available on arrival (ask the driver or nearby vendors if you don’t see one)
● There are no formal signs or ticket booths, so have your accommodation address ready to show a driver if needed
Some buses continue to Struga, so be sure to confirm with the driver before getting off. If you’re unsure where to stop, just say “Ohrid Centre” and they’ll typically guide you.
⪢ Looking for ideas on what to do next?
🔗 Read our Ohrid travel post here – Full of local insights, what to eat, where to stay, and why this lakefront town stole our hearts.
Essential Tips for Crossing the Albania / North Macedonia Land Border
Here are some valuable tips to ensure a smooth journey, making your travel experience not only enjoyable but also hassle-free!
● Make sure you are allowed in the country, and how long you can stay as a visitor (sounds obvious, but always double-check the Visa Requirements to be on the safe side).
● Only use reputable bus or coach companies (always read reviews).
● Be prepared that bus trips may be longer than expected; delays are always possible, so if you arrange any transport for the other side, give yourself some wriggle room.
● Bring a paper copy of your tickets if possible - not all companies accept digital versions on a phone.
● It is unlikely that you will have WiFi on the bus/coach (even though they may advertise this).
If you need to contact anyone in your forwarding country, be sure to do it before getting to the border, organize roaming, or use an eSIM.
● Bring cash in both currencies; this is always helpful as stop-offs may only be at very local places that will not take electronic payments.
● You will also be charged a Tourist Tax at the bus station on leaving, which is calculated at 40 Macedonian Denar per day per person.
We stayed for 5 days, so between the two of us, this came to around USD 7.
● Bring toilet paper or disposable wipes, as public bathrooms do not always have it. They also tend to charge a small fee for usage.
● Safeguard Your Trip with SafetyWing: For peace of mind abroad, we recommend travel insurance. SafetyWing's Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies, with options for adventure sports and electronics theft.
SafetyWing's Complete Plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits.
FAQ: Taking the Bus from Tirana to Lake Ohrid – Cross-Border Travel Tips
Can you travel from Tirana to Lake Ohrid by bus?
Yes, it’s possible and increasingly common! While there is no direct national bus, minibuses and shuttle services connect Tirana with Lake Ohrid via Pogradec or Struga, crossing the Albania–North Macedonia land border.
How long does the journey take?
What are the main route options?
Where do I catch the bus in Tirana?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
What documents do I need for the border crossing?
How is the border crossing experience?
Are there toilets or food stops on the way?
Can I do this trip as a day trip?
Is this route safe for solo travelers?
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I was surprised how easy it was! Much better than flying... you see so much more!