Whether you're driving to Lake Ohrid or through the bustling streets of Skopje, this guide covers everything you need to ensure your journey is enjoyable and hassle-free. At the end, you'll find all the details summarized for quick reference.
Yes, Italian travelers can rent and drive in North Macedonia if they meet the minimum age and licence-holding requirements and present the correct documents and payment card at pickup.
Form of ID:
Foreign renters must present a valid passport.
Driving licence:
The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1–5 years depending on vehicle category. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP serves only as a translation and must be presented together with the original licence).
Accepted cards:
Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Visa and MasterCard are accepted for all offers; some vehicle categories also accept AMEX and Diners Club. Prepaid and debit cards are generally not accepted at pickup.
Age requirements:
Depending on vehicle category, the minimum age to rent ranges between 18 and 26, and the maximum between 69 and 99. Typical bands include: 18–69, 19–99, 21–75, 21–99, 25–75, and 26–75 years. Young driver surcharges may apply: for example, 18–21 years: about US$ 5.90 per day; 19–20 years: about US$ 11.80 per day; 21–24 years: about US$ 20.89 per day. Exact applicable age band and fee depend on the selected car group and will be confirmed in the specific rental offer.
Requirements may vary between rental companies. Always confirm details when booking.
Explore reliable car rental options in Macedonia suitable for travelers arriving from Italy.
Global Chain Companies
Local Brands
Alamo
Locations:
16Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and families
SIXT
Locations:
28Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Travelers seeking affordable luxury options
Europcar
Locations:
34Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business professionals
Hertz
Locations:
0Prices:
$$$Key Advantages
Best for
Business travelers and premium vehicle needs
Enterprise
Locations:
19Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Leisure travelers and business rentals
AVANTCAR
Locations:
2Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and families
GOLDCAR
Locations:
7Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers looking for reliable options
INTERWAYS
Locations:
8Prices:
$-$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local needs
Surprice Rent A Car
Locations:
4Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and long-term rentals
Autounion
Locations:
8Prices:
$$Key Advantages
Best for
Budget-conscious travelers and local rentalsChoosing the right rental car can make your journey more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Think about your travel group, the destinations on your route, and the type of driving you'll be doing. With QEEQ, you can compare multiple car types and policies to find the one that best suits your journey.
Consider your travel group size and luggage needs
Economy cars (2-4 people, 1-2 suitcases)
Perfect for city driving and short trips
Compact cars (4-5 people, 2-3 suitcases)
Good balance of space and fuel efficiency
Mid-size cars (5 people, 3-4 suitcases)
Comfortable for longer distances
Full-size/SUV (5-7 people, 4+ suitcases)
Ideal for families and group travel
Choose between automatic and manual transmission
Automatic transmission
Easier for city driving and traffic, more common in MK
Manual transmission
Often cheaper, better fuel economy, more control
Most Italian drivers prefer manual for European road trips
Consider your comfort level with left-hand driving and automatic cars
Check what insurance coverage comes with your rental
Basic liability
Covers damage to other vehicles and property, usually included
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to your rental car, often optional
Theft protection
Protects against car theft, may be included or additional
Personal insurance
Check if your Italian insurance or travel insurance covers rentals
Understand booking flexibility and fees
Free cancellation
Usually available up to 24-48 hours before pickup
Prepaid vs. Pay-at-counter
Prepaid often cheaper but less flexible
Change fees
Cost to modify dates, locations, or car type
Travel insurance
Consider coverage for trip cancellations or delays
Check distance restrictions and additional charges
Unlimited mileage
Best for long road trips and cross-country travel
Limited mileage
Cheaper daily rate but extra charges for excess miles
Consider your planned route distance and potential detours
Factor in mileage costs when comparing total rental prices
Understand fuel requirements and costs
Full-to-Full
Return with same fuel level, most economical option
Full-to-Empty
Pay upfront for full tank, convenient but often more expensive
Same-to-Same
Return with same level as pickup, fair pricing
Pre-purchase fuel options
Compare costs with local gas station prices
Quick Decision Guide
Compact/Economy car with automatic transmission, full-to-full fuel policy
Skopje, Bitola, OhridMid-size/Full-size car with unlimited mileage, flexible cancellation
cross-countryConvertible/SUV with comprehensive insurance, prepaid fuel option
Ohrid Lake, Mavrovo National Park, Pelister
Compare with Confidence on QEEQ
Macedonia boasts a rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, making it an excellent destination for exploration. Popular cities such as Skopje, Ohrid, and Bitola offer unique experiences for travelers. Renting a car allows you to discover hidden gems and traverse the country's diverse terrain with flexibility and ease.
You'll need at least basic insurance to legally drive in North Macedonia. To ensure peace of mind during your trip, consider extra coverage options. Insurance rules may vary, and what's included in your rental price could be minimal. Choosing the right protection can help avoid unexpected costs in case of an accident or theft.
Covers damage to the rental car from collision or theft.
Protects against theft of the rental vehicle.
Covers injury or damage to others and their property.
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
Perfect for travelers who want comprehensive protection without the complexity. One price covers everything, and AXA's trusted network ensures reliable claims processing throughout North Macedonia. Get comprehensive coverage online for about 50% less than counter rates.
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Fully Covered
Planning your car rental smartly can make your trip from Italy to North Macedonia more affordable and hassle-free. These tips are tailored to help Italian travelers maximize savings while ensuring comfort.
Important considerations and potential issues to watch for when renting a car in North Macedonia.
Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent stressful situations. Take time to understand all terms and inspect your rental thoroughly.
Italy and North Macedonia have differences in traffic regulations, including road signage, alcohol limits, and driving practices.
Road Signage
Signs use Cyrillic script alongside international symbols.
Signs use Latin script alongside international symbols.
Alcohol Limits
Strict limit at 0.01% BAC.
Moderate limit at 0.05% BAC.
Driving Side
Drive on the right side of the road.
Drive on the right side of the road.
Mobile Phone Usage
Hands-free device required by law.
Hands-free device required by law.
