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Skopje “Alexander the Great” Layover Guide (SKP)

What are you looking for in SKP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Skopje Airport (SKP) is an international airport located in Petrovec, North Macedonia. It’s situated about 23 km (14 miles) from downtown Skopje. The airport officially opened in 1929. Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, known for its mix of historic and modern architecture. The city offers vibrant cultural experiences, rich history, and scenic surroundings, making it a growing destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Skopje Airport (SKP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Skopje Airport (SKP), you can exit the airport if you hold a valid entry permit. Citizens of visa-exempt countries enjoy visa-free entry up to 90 days. Others must secure a North Macedonia visa beforehand. Always verify your nationality’s requirements before travel. Processing times vary quite considerably. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Old Bazaar Skopje’s historic Old Bazaar pulses with Ottoman charm, featuring vibrant stalls, artisan workshops, and lively cafes. Wander narrow streets hunting souvenirs, coffee, local treats, and seek hidden gems. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Take bus 60 to central station then 5-minute walk, or 20-minute taxi)
• Kale Fortress Perched atop a rocky hill, Kale Fortress offers sweeping views over Skopje’s Vardar River and city skyline. Explore medieval ramparts, towers, and archaeological remnants for a dose of history. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Bus 60 to central station then 10-minute walk, or 20-minute taxi)
• Memorial House of Mother Teresa The Memorial House of Mother Teresa honors Skopje’s Nobel laureate. View personal artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits detailing her humanitarian legacy in a peaceful modern pavilion beside the riverbank. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Bus 60 to central station then 8-minute walk, or 20-minute taxi)
• Matka Canyon Just outside Skopje, Matka Canyon beckons with emerald-green waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and hidden cave monasteries. Paddle a kayak, take a boat tour, or hike scenic trails along the gorge. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Bus 60 to central station, transfer to bus 70, or 40-minute taxi)
• Stone Bridge This 15th-century Ottoman landmark links the Old Bazaar and Macedonia Square. Admire elegant arches spanning the Vardar, capture iconic views, and enjoy bustling square life on either side. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Bus 60 to central station then 5-minute walk, or 20-minute taxi)
• Millennium Cross A gleaming 66-meter cross perched atop Mount Vodno, the Millennium Cross symbolizes Christianity’s spread in Macedonia. Take the cable car for panoramic city and mountain vistas before returning to town. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Bus 60 to central station then taxi to cable car station, or 25-minute taxi)
• Museum of the Macedonian Struggle Explore the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle to learn about the country’s path to independence. Exhibits feature artifacts, multimedia displays, and personal stories of revolutionaries and civilians. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 60 to central station then 7-minute walk, or 20-minute taxi)
• City Park & Zoo Wander City Park’s shaded paths, stop by the zoo, or relax by artificial Lake Prázhino. Ideal for a peaceful retreat amid fountains, cafes, and lush greenery just off the city center. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus 60 to central station then 5-minute walk, or 20-minute taxi)

Things to Do in Skopje Airport (SKP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Primeclass Business Lounge sits airside between Gates 203 and 204, past security. Open 24/7, it offers complimentary refreshments, comfortable seating, workstations, free Wi-Fi and shower facilities. Stay is limited to three hours; infants under two enter free. TAV Passport members get complimentary access for themselves, plus one guest and children. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no on-site airport hotel. The closest options are Hotel Mirror (3.5★, 2 km) and Motel Livija in Petrovec, both offering free airport shuttles, en-suite rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast services. Rates start around €50–€60 per night. Pre-booking is recommended to secure shuttle times and airport transfers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Skopje Airport does not have dedicated sleeping pods or a transit hotel. Travelers can use padded benches and reclining seats near Gates 204–205. Power outlets and USB ports are scattered along the departure lounge walls. For quieter rest, corner seating areas near the business lounge provide a more peaceful atmosphere, though noise and lighting remain constant.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal and in the VIP lounge. Simply connect to the “TAV Airports” or “Telekom HotSpot” network; no password is required. After selecting the network, click “Continue to the Internet” on the landing page. Speeds are sufficient for email, messaging and light browsing, with coverage extending to all passenger areas.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from Macedonian Telekom and A1 can be purchased at arrivals-level kiosks and the Telekom Partner Metro shop (08:00–20:00). Prepaid plans start around €10 for 5 GB data, valid 7–14 days. eSIM profiles are available for download via global providers like Airalo before travel, offering immediate connectivity upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Airport Taxi is the sole authorized operator, with white vehicles numbered 1–65 parked at the terminal exit 24/7. Fares to Skopje city centre are fixed; approximate cost is MKD 600–800 (€10–12). No advance reservations are required. Larger vehicle requests or transfers beyond Skopje can be arranged by phone or email with the taxi office.

Train: Skopje Airport has no direct rail link. The nearest station is Skopje Main Station, about 22 km away, reachable by bus or taxi. Makedonski Železnici operates domestic and international routes connecting Skopje with Bitola, Kumanovo, Veles and beyond. For schedules and tickets, visit the official Macedonian Railways website: https://mzi.mk/en/home/.

Bus: The official shuttle bus by ERAK/WTransporter operates 08:00–20:00, aligning with flight schedules. One-way tickets cost MKD 199 (€3.30). Buses stop at key city locations including the central bus station, arriving at the airport in about 35 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport counter or on board.

Shuttle: There is no dedicated hotel-style shuttle service from the airport beyond the official bus. However, many nearby hotels (e.g., Hotel Mirror, Motel Livija) offer private airport shuttle transfers—usually free or for a nominal fee. Guests should arrange pick-ups directly with their hotel at the time of booking.

Car rentals: Twenty-two rental agencies, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and local providers, operate from arrivals level. Desks are open 24/7. Typical daily rates start at about €20–€25, including basic insurance and unlimited mileage. Drivers must present a valid license, credit card and passport. Pre-booking online often secures better rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: On-site parking is available 24/7 in long- and short-term lots. Rates begin at MKD 100 per hour, MKD 150 for two hours, MKD 200 for three hours and MKD 1 000 per 24 hours. Weekly rates up to seven days top out at MKD 4 500; each additional day is MKD 400. Disabled parking is free for up to 24 hours with proper documentation.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The Lost & Found Office provides baggage custody services for suitcases, strollers, sports equipment and more (excluding hazardous items). Storage can be arranged for up to 30 days for a variable fee; price lists are available on request. There are no self-service lockers; all items must be processed through the office during its opening hours. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Skopje Airport (SKP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks