Bitola is located in the southwestern part of Macedonia, close to the border with Greece, and is well connected by road and bus, with seasonal rail access. Below are the main ways to reach the city.
✈️ By Plane
Bitola does not have its own airport, but several international airports nearby offer convenient access:
Skopje International Airport (≈150 km) (link…)
- The largest airport in Macedonia with many international connections.
- From Skopje you can continue to Bitola by bus (3–4 hours) or car (about 2h30 min hours).
- Regular bus departures run daily from Skopje Main Bus Station to Bitola.
- Rent a car (link…)
Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (≈78 km) (link…)
- The closest airport to Bitola.
- Offers seasonal international flights and year-round regional connections.
- From Ohrid, Bitola is reachable by bus or car in 1–1.5 hours.
- Rent a car (link…)
Thessaloniki Airport (≈213 km) (link…)
- A major international hub in northern Greece.
- From Thessaloniki, you can travel by car (about 3.5–4 hours) or bus to Florina, and from there with taxi to Bitola.
- Border crossing times may vary, especially in summer.
- Rent a car (link…)
Tirana International Airport (≈216 km) (link…)
- Albania’s main international airport.
- From Tirana, Bitola can be reached by car or bus in about 4–5 hours, depending on border traffic.
- Rent a car (link…)
🚆 By Train (link…)
- Bitola is connected by rail to Skopje.
- Trains are limited and slower than buses, but offer scenic views of the countryside.
- Travel time is approximately 4–5 hours.
- Best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed, local travel experiences.
* Due to the reconstruction of the railway, there will be no trains on the Skopje-Bitola line until June 10, 2026.
🚌 By Bus
Buses are the most popular and reliable way to reach Bitola.
Frequent daily connections exist from:
- Skopje Main Bus station (link…)
- Ohrid
- Prilep
- Other major cities in Macedonia
International bus connections are also available from Thessaloniki and Tirana.
The Bitola bus station is centrally located and close to the city center.
🚗 By Car
- Driving to Bitola is straightforward and offers flexibility:
- From Skopje: ~3 hours via well-maintained highways.
- From Ohrid: ~1–1.5 hours through scenic mountain roads.
- From Thessaloniki: ~3.5–4 hours (including border crossing).
- From Tirana: ~4–5 hours.
- Rent a car (link…)
🚗 Rent a Car to Bitola (link…)
Car rental is available at all major airports, and road signage is clear. Driving is an excellent option if you plan to explore nearby attractions such as Pelister National Park or Heraclea Lyncestis.