Skopje to Vranje, Serbia
The last few days have been spent exploring North Macedonia’s curious capital city, Skopje. With its charming Old Bazaar and shiny new Neo Classical buildings and statues, it is really a city of diverse architecture. Wandering through the old Ottoman streets, drinking frappes and enjoying the sun, we had such an enjoyable time in Skopje. With some spare time in the city we decided to take a day trip from Skopje to Vranje, Serbia.
We had already travelled by bus from Saranda, Albania, to Skopje with a few stops on the way. So, by this point, we were getting pretty good at busing the Balkans.
Sitting in our wee apartment in Skopje’s Flatiron building, we started our research. From our digs, the bus station was a 10-minute walk and the city centre only a 20 min walk, or quick bus ride, away. There were also a few great shops and restaurants nearby. We booked our flat through Air BnB and if you haven’t used Air BnB before, click this LINK to get £35 off your first trip (that’s almost 2 nights in Skopje!).
A day trip from Skopje to Vranje
There are a few popular day trips from Skopje such as Matka Canyon, Lake Ohrid and Pristina, Kosovo’s capital. All excellent choices but we had already set our minds on a visit to Serbia.
The Serbian border is not far from Skopje so we brought the map out to see if there were any interesting points on the bus route. The main bus route runs from Skopje to Belgrade, with a few stops on the way, and this takes between 6 and 7 hours. The area nearest the North Macedonian/Serbian border is the Preševo Valley. We were advised to avoid the region as there may still be lingering tensions between Serbs and ethnic Albanians and possibly some unexploded mines in the countryside.
Further into Serbia we noticed a small city called Vranje. It also appeared as a stop on the bus route, perfect! Nis Ekspres is the main bus company that covers this route and, depending on the time of day you go, it will stop at several towns between Skopje and Belgrade, such as Kumanovo, Bujanovac, Vranje, Leskovac, and Nis.
We could not find much information online regarding timetables or pricing. So, it was easier to walk to the bus station and find out. The bus we decided on was the 07:45 to Nis arriving in Vranje at 09:24. We also researched other ways to travel but we decided the bus was the quickest and most cost effective method.
| Skopje to Vranje | ||||
| Travel time (hours) | Cost (1 way) | Distance (km) | Comfort Factor | |
| Bus | 1.5 – 2 | 4 Euro | 92 | ** |
| Car | 1 – 1.5 | 10 – 15 Euros (tolls) | 94 | **** |
| Train | 3 | 7 – 20 Euros | 96 | **** |
Our journey from Skopje to Vranje begins
The next day we woke up early and set off on our day trip from Skopje to Vranje. The bus ticket cost us about €3.80 each way and we bought it from the bus station before boarding.
While waiting on the bus, we were having flashbacks to our sweaty journey on a “furgon” from Ohrid to Skopje. Praying an old, knackered minibus didn’t show up, we were quite relieved when a larger coach pulled into our stance. We handed our tickets to the driver and found a seat towards the back. The bus was still pretty old but at least we had more space. Unfortunately, still no air conditioning to combat the scorching Balkan heat. In case you missed it before, here are some of our top tips for surviving the old Balkan buses during the summer.
- Pack plenty of water
- Bring snacks that won’t melt easily
- Have a good supply of wet wipes, not just for kids!
- Maybe bring a handheld fan in the hotter months
- An audio book allows you to enjoy the scenery outside
- There isn’t always a luggage hold so pack light and prepare to sit with you bags if they don’t fit overhead (or pay extra to put them in the hold, if there is one)
- Always have cash in the local currency if you haven’t already bought a ticket
- Print any tickets before travel
- Keep your passport handy if crossing a border
- Preload google maps for the area when you have WIFI so you can follow the journey
Crossing the border from North Macedonia to Serbia
After driving for a little over an hour, we reached the border. We waited in a queue for around 30 minutes before the bus arrived at the booth. All passengers had to disembark with documentation and walk through the border control individually. Another stamp on our passports! Make sure you have the correct documentation for entering Serbia HERE. The bus will not wait. We then met the bus at the other side of the border, after it was inspected, and carried on with our journey. There is no opportunity for a bathroom break here, although there are other stops. It’s always best to check with the driver first.
Arrival at Vranje Bus Station
About 50 minutes after crossing the border, we arrived in the city of Vranje. It took us a few minutes to find our bearings after getting off the bus. The town centre is about a 15 – 20 minute walk north of the Bus Station. As the temperature was approaching 40°C, we stopped at a very small shopping centre (Robne Kuće Beograd) to make use of the cool air. There was a DM shop there too so we bought some refreshments. We also passed a few banks so took the chance to withdraw some local currency – 6000 RSD (Serbian Dinar) equates to around €50. The larger shops take card so we didn’t need a lot of cash for the day.
Arriving in the pedestrianized centre of Vranje, we took time to stop for another iced coffee in the shade. There is a great choice of cafes on the main street and a lot down the side streets as well. It’s really pleasant to just take a leisurely stroll and discover these places. However, when it came to mealtime we found that a lot of restaurants didn’t open until later. But it was 3pm on a weekday!
Things to See on a Day trip from Skopje to Vranje
This little town has a few quirky places that are well worth checking out on your day trip from Skopje to Vranje. Here are a few of our favourites. However, if you want more detail, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to do in Vranje Serbia.
Beli Most – the White Bridge of Vranje
Feeling rejuvenated, we walked up to the north of the town to see the White Bridge, or Beli Most. It had been recommended as a pretty site to visit in the town so we walked for around 15 minutes to find it. The bridge is a small Ottoman era footbridge and has become an emblem of Vranje.
As we are in the Balkans, there is of course a legend behind the building of the bridge. Also known as the “Bridge of Love” it is said that the daughter of the Ottoman governor in Vranje, Aisha, fell in love with Stojan, a shepherd. One day they met by the river. Aisha’s father caught them and tried to kill Stojan. In his attempt to do so, he killed his own daughter as she threw herself in front of her love. Stojan later took his own life. Check out some more Balkan folklore HERE.
The marble plaque on the side of the bridge (roughly translated) reads:
“This bridge is called White Bridge, and it will serve to help people. The water that is flowing beneath it, will serve for the people’s health! Passers-by, cross the bridge and cross it back. You will see that it was built for the good of every man. Muhamed, Mustafa, help the human Aisha the owner. Guardian, forgive the sins of the beautiful and good Aisha and the sins of her parents!”
“Cursed shall be the one who divides what love unites.”
The walk up through the quiet neighbourhood is worth it though and you get a wonderful feel for the small city.
Day trip from Skopje to Vranje – The Museum of Bora Stankovic
After checking out the bridge, we looped round and walked back towards the centre passing by the Museum of Bora Stankovic – Vranje’s famous writer. The exhibition has been created in the writer’s former house and is a bit like going back in time time. Well worth a visit if you like Serbian history.
An afternoon in Vranje
In the afternoon heat we spent some time in City Park, which lies just off the pedestrian centre. We enjoyed the shade and a few interesting statues before heading for some dinner. We stopped at Simple Caffé and Restaurant which had a good choice of food and really friendly staff. As Vranje is definitely not a tourist town, not that many people speak English. But locals were so friendly and really curious as to why we were visiting their city.
Here are a few super basic Serbian phrases to try out on your day trip to Vranje.
| English | Serbian | Pronounced |
| Yes | Da | dah |
| No | Ne | neh |
| Please | Molim | moleem |
| Thank you | Hvala Vam | hvahlah vahm |
| Hello | Zdravo | zdrahvo |
| Good bye | Do viđenja | doveejehñah |
After one last ice cream stop, we headed back to the bus station to return to Skopje. This bus was very similar to the one we were on earlier but it had heated up even more throughout the course of the summer’s day. The 2 hour journey was uneventful but not exactly comfortable. We spent the time dozing and watching the beautiful evening views out the window.
Back in Skopje
We arrived back in Skopje just before dark and made our way back to our apartment for a well-earned shower and sleep!
A day trip from Skopje to Vranje is definitely worthwhile if you have the time. Vranje is a quaint town where people go about their daily lives and tourists are an unusual sight. Visiting here is a great insight into modern Serbian life. There is not much in the way of tourist attractions but take time to enjoy the food and soak up the atmosphere with a coffee or ice cream in one of the many cafes.
A day trip from Skopje to Vranje – More Info
Where to go next
Inspired by our day trip from Skopje to Vranje? You might want to continue on the same bus north to historic Nis or Belgrade, Serbia’s capital city.
Other day trips from Skopje include Priština, Kosovo. It is only a two hour journey by bus. For an amazing day in Priština, check out this fantastic post on JOURNICATION.
ALBANIA also borders North Macedonia and there are travel links to Saranda, in the south, and the capital, TIRANA.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Vranje or anywhere else in Serbia? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Short on time? Save “How To Take A Fantastic Day Trip From Skopje To Vranje” for later by pinning the image below.
Oh this is such a fantastic day trip guide. I would love to visit once I can travel to Europe again!
Thanks for sharing this day trip guide to Vranje! I would love to visit Beli Most, its legend is very interesting!
I know very little about North Macedonia and Serbia. This is a great post with a lot of helpful tips. I like that you included the bus information, because I have had the same problem in different places I have traveled to with not a lot of information online.
Macedonia seems so beautiful and I have not had a chance to visit this part of the world yet so I loved reading about your trip! I hope to get to do this one day as well 🙂
I love that they have managed to keep some
Historic architecture.
I think we are very lucky in europe. Macedonia is somewhere I’d love to see.
I love recommendations of a good day trip – and this looks excellent. The details for the timelines by transport is such a huge help. Vranje looks fascinating, and the White Bridge was particularly gorgeous.
Vranje looks like a lovely small city to enjoy a break from the standard tourist routes! Sounds like it would be the perfect destination to stop en route between Skopje and Belgrade. I have never been to the Balkans (on my travel wish list!), but whenever I plan my trips I try to always visit at least one or lesser known towns. As you said, you really get the opportunity to see more into daily life in the country/region, and it is a good opportunity for a slower-paced day enjoying strolls and coffee. A nice break from the sightseeing hustle! Thanks for the tips about the taking the bus. Very useful.
Sounds like a fab day trip from Skopje! I still need to visit this part of the world, and it’s definitely on my list 🙂
The bus seems so cheap it would be rude not to, huh!?
I’ve only been to Belgrade but have always wanted to see more of Serbia, so it’s good to know the border crossing is so easy to do!
Love this, and some interesting history too. Would be easy for me to be convinced to go back to the Balkans, I loved this region!
That’s a great itinerary! I haven’t been to these cities yet, totally gonna put that on my list!
What a great day trip! If I’m ever in Skopje I’ll definitely have to check this out. Thanks so much for sharing.
I have not visited Vranje or anywhere else in Serbia, so all the information provided is new for me. It’s interesting to learn about new places. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never seen anything like it before!
That’s all part of the fun! We didn’t stick around at the border to find out. But with an EU passport, things go pretty smoothly
Amazing! Are you planning to go back after covid?
Yeah it was actually quite straight forward. But it’s one of these things that seems complicated before you do it.
I love getting a new stamp in my passport!
Hey Sharyn, yeah unfortunately the Balkans aren’t too safe, covid wise, just now. Hopefully that will all change soon!
If you have more time you can easily go all the way up to Belgrade on the same bus. Let us know if you go!
You’re welcome Jenny. There’s a ledgend behind everything in the Balkans!
I am not familiar with this area so it was great to learn more about it. I want to visit all the countries in the Balkans. I have been to some and absolutely loved them. Can’t wait to go back.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed post. definitely saving for later!
I loved the photo of the camera. So interesting!
What a great little guide! I love reading about all these little gems I’ve never heard of. It seems so easy to travel by public transit as well (kinda scary to think the bus will leave without you if you don’t have the proper documents but I assume there is another one yo can catch?). I would love to travel through these towns at some point. So much to learn about!
I love how easy it is to get around the Balkans and cross borders. We did a day trip from BiH to Tara National Park in Serbia – it was fantastic. I think my favourite day trip from Skopje was to Tetovo. The mosque there is just divine.
Sounds like a great place to visit. I’ve never heard about it before but for sure I would love to visit one day! Great guide 🙂
Awesome I have never heard about Vranje before! I love the recap sheet you created at the end: great idea!
Crossing the border sounds like an interesting experience, especially getting that stamp!
Vranje looks like a nice day trip from Skopje! I always love doing day trips, especially if it involves crossing borders 🙂
What an interesting trip. I haven’t explored this part of the world yet. I hope to over the coming years when we are free to travel again. I’m going to bookmark this post for the future.
Thanks for all this information! Sounds like an amazing day trip to do!
Wow, the Old Bazaar in Skopje looks incredible! Sounds like an awesome day trip, I will for sure be doing this once I get to North Macedonia as a way into Serbia! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like an interesting trip. I liked hearing the history about the white bridge. Thank you for sharing 🙂