Bitola to Skopje…

This may sound like a bitching and moaning session. Primarily because that’s exactly what it is.

We decided to take the train from Bitola to Skopje. We adore trains, and the prospect of doing this leg by train instead of bus was really exciting for us. We were aware that the train would take longer than a bus – possibly about 3.5 hours, though information online was scare and purely hearsay. But for us it was worth it for the comfort and scenery.

Suffice it to say, it was a huge mistake. Firstly, the train left at 1:45pm – an hour later than scheduled. It was filthy, stank of petrol, and the only toilet on board was locked and unavailable. None of this really mattered to us, as we had been on dirtier and much worse trains in the past. However, we weren’t aware quite how slow it was. An hour after leaving Bitola it slowed right down. Then, for the next 4 hours, averaged approximately 10kph. It was infuriatingly slow. It is also the only train we’ve ever been on where the train stops at every level crossing. So, all in all, the 114km trip took 5.5 hours. 5.5 slow, uncomfortable, toilet less, infuriating hours. We had read that the Macedonian railway was dying a slow death, and was seeing lower and lower passenger numbers. We can see why! Maybe someone should just euthanise it and put it out of its misery.

We hearby vow to never step foot on another Macedonian train ever again!