Good news for drivers: North Macedonia currently has no motorway tolls for domestic roads. Unlike neighbouring Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria, you can drive the entire Macedonian highway network without paying toll fees.
Current Toll Situation (2026)
No Tolls on Domestic Roads
All motorways and highways within North Macedonia are toll-free:
- A1 Motorway (Skopje–Veles–Gevgelija) — toll-free
- A2 Motorway (Skopje–Tetovo–Gostivar–Kičevo) — toll-free
- A3 Motorway (Skopje–Kumanovo–Tabanovce) — toll-free
- A4 Motorway (East–West corridor sections) — toll-free
- All national roads (M and R roads) — toll-free
Planned Changes
The Macedonian government has discussed introducing a vignette system similar to Bulgaria and Slovenia. As of 2026, no implementation date has been set. We will update this guide if the situation changes.
Cross-Border Toll Requirements
When driving to neighbouring countries, you will encounter tolls:
Greece
- Toll booths on the Egnatia Odos and A1 motorway
- Pay at each booth with cash (EUR) or credit card
- Skopje to Thessaloniki: approximately €6 in Greek tolls
- Skopje to Athens: approximately €30 in Greek tolls
Serbia
- Toll booths on the E75 motorway
- Pay per section with cash (RSD or EUR) or credit card
- Tabanovce border to Belgrade: approximately €8 in tolls
Bulgaria
- E-vignette required (no physical sticker)
- Purchase online at bgtoll.bg before crossing the border
- 7-day vignette: ~€8; monthly: ~€15
- Without a vignette: fine of €150+
Kosovo
- No tolls — all roads are free
Albania
- No tolls on most roads; some tunnel fees apply
Road Quality in North Macedonia
Motorways (A-Roads)
- Dual carriageway, well-maintained
- Speed limit: 120–130 km/h
- Good lighting on main sections near cities
- Rest areas with fuel stations every 40–60 km
National Roads (M-Roads)
- Single or dual carriageway
- Speed limit: 80–100 km/h
- Generally good condition but watch for occasional potholes on mountain sections
Regional Roads (R-Roads)
- Two-lane roads through villages and countryside
- Speed limit: 40–80 km/h
- Some mountain roads are narrow with tight curves
Fuel Costs vs Tolls
Since there are no domestic tolls, your main driving cost is fuel. For comparison:
- Skopje to Ohrid (170 km): ~€12 in fuel, €0 in tolls
- Skopje to Thessaloniki (260 km): ~€18 in fuel + ~€6 in Greek tolls
- Skopje to Sofia (240 km): ~€17 in fuel + ~€8 Bulgarian vignette
- Skopje to Belgrade (430 km): ~€30 in fuel + ~€8 in Serbian tolls
This makes North Macedonia one of the cheapest countries to drive through in Europe.
Speed Cameras & Traffic Enforcement
North Macedonia uses both fixed and mobile speed cameras on motorways and national roads. Fines are issued to the registered vehicle owner, which means any fines from your rental period will be forwarded to you after return.
Speed Limits
- Motorways (A-roads): 120 km/h standard, 130 km/h on some sections
- National roads (M-roads): 80 km/h outside towns, 100 km/h on dual carriageways
- Regional roads (R-roads): 40–60 km/h in villages, up to 80 km/h in open country
- Towns and cities: 50 km/h unless posted otherwise
Common Enforcement Points
- The A1 motorway between Skopje and Veles has multiple fixed cameras
- The E65/A2 section near Gostivar is frequently patrolled by mobile units
- School zones and pedestrian crossings in Skopje have camera monitoring
If you receive a speeding fine during your rental, the authorities will contact us as the registered owner. We will pass the fine directly to you, along with an administrative processing fee. The best approach: drive to the posted limits.
Motorway Service Areas & Rest Stops
Since North Macedonia's motorways are free, the government funds them through concessions on service areas. You will find petrol stations and rest stops at regular intervals.
A1 Motorway (Skopje–Gevgelija)
- Katlanovo (~20 km south of Skopje): Shell/Lukoil station, café, restrooms
- Negotino (~100 km south): Larger service area with multiple fuel brands
- Demir Kapija: Small stop near the scenic gorge section
- Gevgelija border area: Full facilities before Greek border crossing
A2 Motorway (Skopje–Tetovo–Kičevo)
- Service areas become less frequent past Tetovo
- Fill up in Skopje or Gostivar before heading into mountain sections
- The tunnel near Kičevo has limited facilities — carry water
Fuel Prices (2026)
North Macedonia's fuel prices are typically 10–15% lower than Greece and Bulgaria, making it worth filling up before cross-border trips:
- Petrol (Euro 95): approximately €1.30–1.40/litre
- Diesel: approximately €1.25–1.35/litre
- Available at all major stations: Lukoil, Shell, OKTA, Petrol, Makpetrol
Tips for Rental Car Drivers
- No vignette needed for driving within North Macedonia
- Buy Bulgarian e-vignette online before reaching the border if heading to Sofia
- Carry cash and cards for Greek and Serbian toll booths
- Fill up before cross-border trips — North Macedonia fuel is cheaper than Greece and Bulgaria
- Speed cameras exist on motorways — stick to the posted limit
- Photograph your mileage at pickup and return — disputes are rare but documented
- Check our Green Card coverage if planning cross-border trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay anything to drive on Macedonian motorways? No. All motorways (A1, A2, A3, A4) and national roads are free to drive. There are no toll booths, vignettes, or road tax stickers required for driving within North Macedonia.
Is the A2 highway to Ohrid free? Yes. The A2 Skopje–Tetovo–Gostivar–Kičevo motorway is toll-free for the entire length within North Macedonia. Many guides incorrectly suggest paying tolls — there are none.
What if I get a toll fine from another country on my rental car? If you drive into Greece, Bulgaria, or Serbia and receive a fine or vignette violation notice registered to the vehicle, we will contact you. Please notify us immediately so we can handle the documentation correctly. This avoids additional processing fees.
Can I buy the Bulgarian vignette at the border? No — Bulgaria's e-vignette system (bgtoll.bg) is fully electronic. There is no physical sticker or cash payment option at the border. Purchase it online at least 24 hours before crossing.
Does Kosovo have tolls? No. Roads in Kosovo are currently toll-free for private vehicles.
Total Cost Summary
For a typical rental car trip from Skopje:
| Destination | Distance | Fuel cost | Tolls | Total road cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohrid | 170 km | ~€12 | €0 | €12 |
| Thessaloniki | 260 km | ~€18 | ~€6 | €24 |
| Sofia | 240 km | ~€17 | ~€8 vignette | €25 |
| Pristina | 90 km | ~€7 | €0 | €7 |
| Belgrade | 430 km | ~€30 | ~€8 | €38 |
Fuel cost estimated at €1.35/litre, economy car, 9L/100km.
Need cross-border insurance (Green Card)? Add it to your booking — Zone 1 (Greece, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania) costs €50 for the entire rental period.
Related: Cross-border driving guide | Budget car rental tips | Driving in North Macedonia: complete guide



