Private Transfer Ohrid to Skopje: Mavrovo National Park Stops

A six-hour drive that doubles as a tour of Western Macedonia's lakes and monasteries.

This is a private transfer from your hotel in Ohrid to Skopje with a professional driver and air-conditioned vehicle, built around optional stops at Struga, Debar and Globocica Lakes, the village of Jance, St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery and Mavrovo National Park. The driver picks you up from your hotel or any location in Ohrid and handles luggage. You choose whether to stop for lunch or photographs along the way. The journey takes approximately six hours depending on traffic and the time of day.

The experience

You're leaving Ohrid but don't want to rush straight to Skopje on a blank highway. This transfer solves that by routing you through the landscapes most travelers miss: the second-largest town on Ohrid Lake (Struga), the Debar and Globocica Lakes, and the Radika River, one of Macedonia's purest waterways. Your driver is English-speaking and knows where the stops are worth taking. You decide which ones matter to you.

The route passes through the village of Jance, where you can arrange lunch at a local restaurant if you want to eat off the main road. St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery comes next, known for its exceptional wooden iconostasis. The kind of detail that makes sense only when you're standing in front of it. Then the drive continues through Mavrovo National Park and past the Painted Mosque in Tetovo before you arrive in Skopje. None of these stops are mandatory. The driver will suggest them and you choose your pace.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with luggage assistance and meet-and-greet service. The vehicle is private (either a car for up to three passengers or a minivan for four to eight), so you're not sharing the route with strangers. Each traveler can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Oversized luggage (surfboards, bikes, golf clubs) may have restrictions, so confirm with the operator before you travel if you're carrying anything outside the standard.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ohrid.
• private air-conditioned vehicle (car for 1–3 passengers or minivan for 4–8).
• professional English-speaking driver.
• luggage assistance.
• meet-and-greet service at your hotel.

Options for this experience

2 options

Car (1-3pax)Up to 3 per booking · Guide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:30One-way transfer, pickup is included

Mini-Van (4-8pax)Up to 7 per booking · Guide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:30One-way transfer, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:30

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Skopje Daily Tours - See you in a day!

Is this one for you?Choose the car if you're traveling alone or as a couple. The minivan suits a small group or family. The optional stops mean you set the pace: stop for photographs at the lakes, have lunch in Jance, or skip them and arrive in Skopje earlier, depending on your schedule and interests.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can I stop for lunch during the transfer from Ohrid to Skopje?

Yes. The route passes through the village of Jance, where you have the option to stop at a local restaurant for lunch. The stop is optional and not included in the transfer price, so you arrange and pay for the meal separately.

What is St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery and is it worth the stop?

St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery is a working monastery known for its exceptional wooden iconostasis: the ornate carved screen behind the altar. It's one of the notable stops along the route. Your driver can stop there if you want to visit, though it's not a mandatory part of the transfer.

How long does the transfer actually take?

The transfer takes approximately six hours from Ohrid to Skopje. The exact duration depends on traffic and the time of day you travel, and it can vary depending on which stops you choose to make along the way.

What's included in the transfer price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ohrid, the private vehicle with air conditioning, your driver, luggage assistance and meet-and-greet service are all included. Meals, drinks and any optional activities at the stops are not included and are your own expense.

Do I need to book the stops in advance, or can I decide them on the day?

You can decide on the day. Your driver will know the route and can suggest stops. You tell them which ones you want to make. Lunch in Jance and entry to St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery are arranged when you arrive, not in advance.