Driving in North Macedonia: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Renting a car is the best way to explore North Macedonia. This comprehensive guide covers everything foreign drivers need to know about driving in the country.

Quick Facts

Required Documents

For EU/EEA Citizens

✅ Valid EU driving license
✅ Passport or ID card
✅ Car rental agreement

For Non-EU Citizens

✅ Valid national driving license
✅ International Driving Permit (recommended)
✅ Passport
✅ Car rental agreement

About International Driving Permits

While not strictly required for short stays, an IDP is highly recommended if your license isn't in the Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese).

Traffic Rules & Regulations

Speed Limits (2026)

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (30 mph)
• Rural roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Highways: 130 km/h (80 mph)
• Near schools: 40 km/h (25 mph) during hours

Common Traffic Violations & Fines

Roundabouts

North Macedonia uses clockwise traffic flow in roundabouts. Vehicles already in the roundabout have right of way.

Road Conditions

Motorways (Avtopat)

• A1: Skopje - Veles - Gradsko (excellent condition)
• A2: Skopje - Tetovo - Gostivar (good condition)
• A3: Gradsko - Prilep - Bitola (good condition)
• A4: Štip - Radoviš - Strumica (good condition)

Regional Roads

Generally well-maintained, but watch for:

• Potholes in rural areas
• Narrow mountain passes
• Occasional livestock on roads

Mountain Roads

• Šar Mountain (Tetovo area): Winding but scenic
• Galičica (Ohrid area): Steep with hairpin turns
• Mavrovo: Well-maintained ski resort access

Toll Roads

North Macedonia has minimal tolls compared to other European countries:

Payment: Cash or card at toll booths

Parking Guide

Skopje

• City Center: €0.50-1.00/hour (paid zones)
• Shopping Malls: Usually free
• Hotels: Often free for guests

Ohrid

• Old Town: €0.50-0.80/hour
• Lake Area: €1-2/day during summer
• Free parking: Available outside tourist areas

Payment Methods

• Mobile apps (Parking Skopje)
• SMS payment
• Cash to parking attendants

Fuel & Charging

Fuel Types

• Euro 95 (Бензин 95): Most common
• Euro 98 (Бензин 98): Premium
• Diesel (Дизел): Available everywhere
• LPG: Available at some stations

Fuel Prices (2026)

• Petrol 95: €1.20-1.30/liter
• Diesel: €1.10-1.20/liter

Electric Charging

Limited but growing infrastructure:

• Skopje: 10+ charging stations
• Ohrid: 3-4 charging stations
• Highway rest stops: Increasing coverage

Emergency Numbers

🚨 Police: 192
🚑 Ambulance: 194
🚒 Fire: 193
🚗 Roadside Assistance: 196
📞 General Emergency: 112 (EU standard)

Driving Tips for Tourists

Do's

✅ Keep headlights on at all times (legally required)
✅ Carry documents while driving
✅ Respect pedestrian crossings
✅ Use indicators well in advance
✅ Be patient in traffic (especially Skopje)

Don'ts

❌ Don't drink and drive (strict enforcement)
❌ Don't use horn in residential areas at night
❌ Don't park on sidewalks
❌ Don't speed in villages

Local Driving Habits

• Macedonian drivers can be assertive but generally safe
• Flash headlights: Often means "I'm letting you go" or warning of police ahead
• Tailgating: Common but avoid doing it yourself

Best Scenic Drives

1. Skopje to Ohrid via Mavrovo

Distance: 180 km | Time: 3.5 hours
Highlights: Mavrovo Lake, Galičica National Park

2. Ohrid Lake Circuit

Distance: 100 km | Time: 2.5 hours
Highlights: Lakeside villages, St. Naum Monastery

3. Šar Mountain Loop

Distance: 120 km | Time: 3 hours
Highlights: Popova Šapka, mountain villages

Car Rental with Relax Rent a Car

What We Include

✅ Full Insurance: No excess option available
✅ 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Anywhere in North Macedonia
✅ Free Airport Pickup: Skopje and Ohrid airports
✅ GPS Navigation: Available on request
✅ Child Seats: Free of charge

Recommended Vehicles

• City driving: Citroen C3, Opel Corsa
• Mountain roads: Dacia Duster 4x4
• Family trips: Dacia Jogger 7-seater

Book Your Car Now →

Have questions about driving in North Macedonia? Contact us at [email protected] or call +389 71 392 488

Safe travels! 🚗