Thessaloniki to Kavadarci: A Backpacker’s Budget Guide
How to Travel from Thessaloniki to Kavadarci?
The most practical and budget-friendly way to travel from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Kavadarci, North Macedonia, is typically by bus, often involving a transfer in Skopje.
What are the Budget Transportation Options from Thessaloniki to Kavadarci?
Buses are the primary budget choice for this international route.
- Thessaloniki to Skopje: Direct bus services depart from Thessaloniki’s KTEL Makedonia bus station to Skopje’s main bus station. Tickets typically range from €20-35 (estimated based on similar Balkan routes), and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, including border formalities. Operators include various international bus lines.
- Skopje to Kavadarci: From Skopje’s main bus station, frequent local buses run to Kavadarci. Tickets usually cost €5-10 (estimated), and the journey lasts about 1.5-2 hours (estimated).
- Total Estimated Journey: The total estimated cost for the entire journey, including transfer time, is typically €25-45, and it takes approximately 5-7 hours.
- Rideshare: Platforms like BlaBlaCar might offer rides for the Thessaloniki-Skopje leg, with estimated costs of €15-25. This would then require separate onward travel by local bus from Skopje to Kavadarci.
How to Book Tickets for Thessaloniki to Kavadarci?
For the Thessaloniki-Skopje bus, tickets can be purchased online via operator websites or platforms like GetByBus and BalkanViator, or directly at the Thessaloniki bus station. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance typically saves 20-30% on international bus routes, though specific deals vary by operator. For the Skopje-Kavadarci leg, tickets are best bought directly at the Skopje bus station before departure.
What Border Crossing Information is Relevant?
As this is an international journey, travelers will need a valid passport or national ID card (for EU citizens) to cross the Greece-North Macedonia border. Be prepared for potential delays at the border for passport control.
Are there any other helpful tips for travel between Thessaloniki and Kavadarci?
For finding free amenities like Wi-Fi, public toilets, or drinking water in both Thessaloniki and Kavadarci, the AllInMap application can be a helpful resource. Always carry some local currency (Euros for Greece, Macedonian Denar for North Macedonia) for smaller purchases or local transport.
