Buses
Buses provide a necessary lifeline for many Macedonians. Most long-distance buses are fairly modern and well maintained, with air conditioning coming as standard on all but the most primitive of machines. Skopje’s bus station (Skopje Avtobuska Stanica) is the place to head to if you’re starting your journey from the capital by bus. Its website has some useful information in English.

Trains
With barely 100 train stations and less than 1,000 kilometres of track in the entire country, travelling by train offers little more than an interesting diversion. The country’s rolling stock is threadbare and the national railway’s website is practically useless. Having said that, some journeys offer spectacular views. The riverside journey through the valleys and tunnels between Skopje and Veles is well worth it if you don’t mind roughing it a bit. On-board catering doesn’t exist, so be sure to pick up plenty of water and food with you before you leave. Stations served by destinations covered by In Your Pocket include Bitola, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kočani, Kumanovo, Negotino, Prilep, Skopje, Štip, Tetovo and Veles.