Renting a Car at Ohrid Airport (OHD): Complete 2026 Guide

Ohrid Airport (OHD), officially St. Paul the Apostle Airport, serves the Lake Ohrid region and is North Macedonia's second international airport. It operates primarily during the summer season and is the gateway to one of Europe's most beautiful lakeside destinations.

Ohrid Airport Overview

IATA code: OHD
Location: 14 km north of Ohrid town, near Struga
Season: Primarily April–October (limited winter flights)
Airlines: Wizz Air, seasonal charters
Terminal: Single terminal, small and efficient
Facilities: Basic — small café, ATM, no shops

Car Rental at Ohrid Airport

How It Works with Relax Rent a Car

We offer meet-and-greet pickup at Ohrid Airport:

Book online at Relax Rent a Car and select "Ohrid Airport (OHD)" as pickup
Share your flight number — we track arrivals and adjust for delays
Our representative meets you at the arrivals exit with a name sign
Quick paperwork — licence check, rental agreement, keys handover (10 minutes)
Drive away — your car is parked in the airport lot

What to Bring

Valid driving licence (held for at least 2 years)
Passport or national ID
Credit card in the driver's name
Booking confirmation (email or printed)

Pricing

Ohrid Airport pickup is available at a small surcharge of €10 compared to Skopje pickup. The 10% online booking discount still applies.

Driving from Ohrid Airport to Town

Route to Ohrid Town (14 km, ~20 minutes)

Exit the airport and turn right onto the main road
Follow signs to Ohrid (not Struga)
The road runs along the north shore of Lake Ohrid
Enter Ohrid town via the main boulevard
Follow signs to "Centar" for the Old Town

The road is well-maintained, flat, and scenic — you will see the lake on your left within minutes of leaving the airport.

Route to Struga (5 km, ~10 minutes)

Turn left from the airport to reach Struga, the smaller lakeside town at the northern tip of Lake Ohrid.

Exploring Lake Ohrid by Car

A rental car at Ohrid Airport opens up the entire lake region:

Must-See Stops

Ohrid Old Town (14 km) — UNESCO heritage, churches, fortress
Church of St. John at Kaneo — the iconic clifftop church
Bay of Bones (15 km south) — reconstructed prehistoric settlement on stilts
St. Naum Monastery (29 km south) — stunning monastery at the Albanian border
Galičica National Park — mountain road with panoramic lake views from both sides

Day Trips from Ohrid

Bitola (70 km, 1.5 hours) — Heraclea Lyncestis Roman ruins, Širok Sokak boulevard
Prespa Lake (40 km, 1 hour via Galičica) — quieter, less touristy alternative
Skopje (170 km, 2.5 hours) — combine Ohrid and capital in one trip

Returning the Car

Same-Location Return

Return the car to Ohrid Airport before your departure flight. Allow 30 minutes for the return process:

Park in the airport lot
Quick vehicle inspection
Paperwork signed
Walk to the terminal (2 minutes)

One-Way to Skopje

If your return flight is from Skopje (SKP), one-way rental from Ohrid to Skopje is available. Check availability when booking.

Tips for Ohrid Airport Rentals

Book early for summer — Ohrid is peak season June–August, vehicles sell out
Fill up before returning — nearest petrol station is 3 km from the airport on the Struga road
Parking in Ohrid town — free at the lake promenade (limited), paid near Old Town (~€2/day)
Mountain roads — Galičica NP road is scenic but steep and winding. Take it slow.
Cross-border to Albania — Tushemisht border crossing is only 30 km south. Need Green Card.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohrid Airport Pickup

Does Relax Rent a Car have a permanent desk at OHD? No — Ohrid Airport does not have permanent rental car desks in the terminal. We operate on a meet-and-greet model: our representative meets you at the arrivals exit with your name sign. This is how all local operators work at OHD given the seasonal nature of the airport.

What if my flight lands very late? We track all flights automatically. If your Wizz Air or charter flight is delayed by 2 hours, we know before you land. No phone calls needed — someone will be there when you arrive.

Is the airport surcharge charged each way? The €10 OHD pickup surcharge applies to the vehicle collection at Ohrid Airport. Return at the same location has no additional surcharge.

Can I pick up in Skopje and return in Ohrid (or vice versa)? One-way rental between Skopje and Ohrid is available. Confirm one-way availability when booking. A one-way fee may apply.

Is Ohrid Airport open in winter? Very limited winter service. Most regular international service runs April to October. If you are arriving outside this window, Skopje Airport (SKP) is the practical alternative — a 2.5-hour drive from Ohrid.

What to See on the Drive from the Airport to Ohrid

The 14 km drive from OHD to Ohrid town is one of North Macedonia's most scenic short drives. Here is what you will pass:

Struga (optional detour, 5 km): The small town where the Black Drin River exits Lake Ohrid. The waterfront promenade (kej) is worth a 20-minute stop, and the old bazaar has some of the best fabric and craft markets in the region.

The North Shore Road: Flat, straight, and with the lake immediately visible on your left. Watch for cyclists in summer — there is no dedicated bike lane on this section.

Kalista (7 km from airport): A small monastic complex built into cliffs above the lake. If you see the carved monastery facade in the rock face, you are on the right road.

Lagadin (10 km): The lake becomes fully visible and deep blue here. There are small pebble beaches with direct lake access — popular for a quick swim in summer.

Ohrid Harbour (14 km): Your destination. The parking near the harbour is the best base for exploring the old town on foot.

The entire 14 km takes 20–25 minutes at normal speed. Add 15–30 minutes if you stop at Struga.

Practical Information

Airport address: Ohrid Airport, 6000 Struga, North Macedonia

Distance to Ohrid: 14 km (20 minutes via the lakeshore road)

Distance to Struga: 5 km (10 minutes)

Nearest fuel station: 3 km on the Struga road (Makpetrol)

ATM at airport: Yes, one ATM in the terminal

Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD). 1 EUR ≈ 61 MKD. Car rental is payable in EUR.

Contact & Support

Phone/WhatsApp: +389 71 392 488
Email: [email protected]
24/7 roadside assistance included with every rental

Book your Ohrid Airport rental at Relax Rent a Car and enjoy your 10% online discount automatically.