1. Bus from Ohrid to Bitola

Start your journey at Ohrid’s central bus station and take a bus to Bitola — the closest major town to the Greek border crossing at Niki/Florina.

Duration: ~2 hours

Frequency: Several daily departures; more in summer/high season

Cost: Approximately €5–8

Tip: Buy your ticket a few days in advance during peak season (summer) to secure a seat. The ride offers beautiful views of the Macedonian countryside.

2. Crossing the Border: Bitola to Florina

There are no direct public buses or trains across the border from Bitola to Florina (the first town on the Greek side). The best and most common option is a private taxi or transfer.

Distance: ~35 km

Duration: 45 minutes (plus 15–60 minutes at the border depending on queues)

Cost: Approximately €50 for a private car/taxi (often shared among passengers)

Options:

• Drivers wait at Bitola bus station — negotiate price upfront
• Pre-arrange a transfer via your Bitola hotel or local agency
• Stay overnight in Bitola (charming town) and cross the next day

3. From Florina to Thessaloniki (Public Transport)

Once in Florina, the most convenient and scenic way to Thessaloniki is a combination of replacement bus and train operated by Hellenic Train.

Florina to Edessa (replacement bus): ~80 km, ~1 hour through orchards and mountains

Edessa to Thessaloniki (train): ~1.5 hours, comfortable and scenic

Total duration: 3–4 hours including transfer time

Cost: €10–20 for the full route (single ticket available)

Booking: Purchase through the Hellenic Train website or app — one ticket covers both bus and train legs

4. Alternative: Taxi All the Way from Bitola

If you prefer maximum convenience and don’t mind the cost, hire a private taxi or transfer directly from Bitola all the way to Thessaloniki.

Duration: ~3–4 hours (including border time)

Cost: €150–250 (depending on vehicle size and number of passengers)

Advantages: Door-to-door, flexible departure time, no waiting for trains/buses, comfortable ride

How to Arrange: Ask your Bitola hotel/guesthouse, use local agencies, or pre-book via apps like GetTransfer or local drivers

5. Arriving in Thessaloniki

Once in Thessaloniki, you’ll arrive at the main train station (Thessaloniki Railway Station) or a central drop-off point if using a taxi.

Next Steps:

• Taxis/Bolt/Uber to city center or hotels (€5–15)
• Local buses or OASTH metro (under construction, check updates)
• Continue to Halkidiki beaches, Athens, or international flights from SKG airport

Thessaloniki is a vibrant city with excellent connections — perfect base for northern Greece exploration.

6. Total Journey Time & Cost Comparison

Budget Option (bus + bus/train): 6–8 hours total, €20–40 per person

Comfort Option (taxi all the way): 3–4 hours total, €150–250 (shared much cheaper)

Key Factors:

• Border wait time (15–60 min)
• Season (summer = busier border and trains)
• Number of people (sharing taxi saves a lot)

Public transport is reliable and scenic; private transfer is faster and more flexible.

7. Important Practical Tips & Warnings

Border Crossing: Have passport ready, €50 cash for taxi, and proof of accommodation if asked.

Timing: Start early — last buses/trains from Florina/Edessa can be limited in off-season.

Luggage: Buses have storage; taxis handle large bags easily.

Currency: Have some euros ready on Greek side (taxis, small shops); cards widely accepted in Thessaloniki.

Backup Plan: If missing connections, Bitola and Florina both have hotels and restaurants.

8. Alternative Routes & Options

Via Albania: Longer but possible — Ohrid to Tirana (bus), Tirana to Thessaloniki (bus/flight). More scenic but adds time.

Fly: Ohrid (seasonal) or Skopje to Thessaloniki (SKG) — quick but more expensive and less adventurous.

Rent a Car: Drive the whole way — border crossing at Niki, scenic route, full flexibility. International driving permit recommended.

Organized Tour: Some agencies offer day trips or transfers from Ohrid to Thessaloniki — convenient but less flexible.