- Must visit
Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia
Important national museum with artifacts from prehistory to the Ottoman era, displayed in a grand neoclassical building by the Vardar River.
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
13 h 15 m
Average duration
16 h 11 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
640 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Budapest to Skopje is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Skopje will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Skopje without transferring at least once.




Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Skopje among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $41.
Distance: 397 miles (640 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $275 Average price | $204 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 26m Average total duration 16h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Skopje:
A bus is $199 (€163) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Skopje costing on average $275 (€225).
Other travel options to Skopje take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 56m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 07:22PM | Duration 19h07 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 02:37PM | Duration 14h07 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator BKK | Departure Time 04:22AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 25h38 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:47AM | Duration 16h17 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Terra Travel d.o.o. | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 02:37PM | Duration 19h37 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Skopje buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 AM Budapest | 13h15 | 9:45 PM Skopje | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Budapest | 16h17 | 8:47 AM Skopje | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Budapest | 19h37 | 2:37 PM Skopje | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 12:15 AM Budapest | 19h07 | 7:22 PM Skopje | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Budapest to Skopje run on average 3 times per day, taking around 16h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 19:00. The fastest bus covers the 397 miles (640 km) distance in 13h 15m.
Distance 397 miles (640 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 13h 15m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Skopje — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Skopje trip today.
Important national museum with artifacts from prehistory to the Ottoman era, displayed in a grand neoclassical building by the Vardar River.
Large history museum covering the national movement and state-building period through exhibits, wax figures, and multimedia displays in a prominent riverside building.
Major modern art museum on Kale Hill, known for its post-earthquake international collection and strong views over the city.
Skopje’s most atmospheric historic quarter, packed with Ottoman-era lanes, artisan shops, mosques, hammams, and lively street scenes.
The city’s main square and central meeting point, surrounded by major monuments, bridges, and easy walking access to key sights.
Mountain and recreation area above the city, popular for views, walking, and access to the Millennium Cross zone.
Baked white beans seasoned with onion, paprika, and herbs, traditionally served in an earthenware dish. It is one of the best-known Macedonian comfort foods.
A roasted red pepper spread, often enriched with eggplant and garlic. It is a staple relish across North Macedonia and commonly served with bread or grilled dishes.
A fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and grated white cheese. It is a classic Balkan starter widely eaten in Skopje.
A well-known traditional Macedonian restaurant with rustic decor, grilled meats, regional specialties, and a lively, classic atmosphere.
A refined, long-running venue known for upscale Macedonian and Balkan dishes in an elegant riverside-style setting.
An established restaurant popular for authentic Macedonian cuisine, live music, and a warm traditional setting favored by both locals and visitors.
Skopje is affordable for most tourists. Meals, coffee, taxis, and local transport are cheap by European capital standards.
A 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants if service is good. Round up in cafes and taxis. Hotel tips are optional but welcome.
Official public transport app
Skopje, Transporten Centar -> Macedonia Square, Skopje
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Skopje by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Skopje, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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