Which is better for driving in North Macedonia?
At Relax Rent a Car, our automatic fleet actually starts cheaper (€55/day for the Hyundai i10) than our manual options (from €60/day for the VW Polo). Transmission type does not automatically determine price — car category does. Both ranges extend upward depending on the vehicle size you need.
On a 500km trip, manual might save you €10-15 in fuel. Modern automatics are closing the gap, especially newer 6-8 speed transmissions.
North Macedonia has mountain roads to Mavrovo, Krushevo, and Ohrid. Manual gives better control on descents; automatic eliminates clutch fatigue on long climbs.
Skopje traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Automatic makes city driving significantly less stressful.
Manual cars dominate the rental fleet. If you need automatic, especially in peak season (July-August), book well in advance.
Both are reliable for rental periods. Manual transmissions are simpler and cheaper to repair; modern automatics rarely have issues.
Roads to Mavrovo (1,255m), Krushevo (1,350m), and Galichnik involve steep climbs and descents. Manual offers engine braking control; automatic means no clutch legwork.
A1 motorway to Ohrid and A2 to Tetovo are modern and fast. Either transmission works fine for highway cruising.
Ohrid Old Town and Skopje Old Bazaar have narrow, steep streets. Automatic makes these tight spaces less stressful.
Petrol costs ~€1.30/liter. The 5-15% fuel savings from manual adds up on longer trips around the country.
Manual
Save €100+ on a week-long trip. More money for experiences.
Either
Manual for control enthusiasts; automatic for relaxed driving.
Automatic
Skopje traffic + Ohrid hills = automatic advantage.
Automatic
Tikveš region has rolling hills. Relax between tastings.
Automatic
One less thing to manage with kids in the car.
Manual
More engaging on winding mountain roads.
Yes, we offer automatic options across multiple categories, though availability can be tighter than manual cars.
Manual cars usually start at a lower price point, while automatic cars trade cost for convenience.
If you can drive manual confidently, it's a solid choice for North Macedonia. You get better fuel economy, confident mountain pass control, and a wider selection of mid-range vehicles. Interestingly, at Relax Rent a Car, automatics start slightly cheaper (€55/day i10 vs €60/day Polo) — so the decision is about driving preference, not budget.
Choose automatic if: You rarely drive manual, want effortless city driving in Skopje, or plan a relaxed touring itinerary. The entry-level automatic (Hyundai i10, €55/day) is our most popular rental for good reason.
