Overview
Kosovo is a country in Europe according to payhelpcenter. Kosovo is currently recognized by less than a third of UN member states. It is questionable whether Kosovo will be able to join the UN any time soon, as both the Russian Federation and China have vetoed it. Despite everything, Kosovo, which has not yet established itself as a travel destination and has yet to develop into a real nation, is very worthwhile for interested tourists. Cultural and religious conflicts have erupted in this region since 1389, when the combined Serb-Albanian troops were defeated by the Ottomans in the Battle of Kosovo. But between the wars there were long periods of peaceful coexistence and cultural exchange. Around 88% of the population of Kosovo are Muslim Albanians, followed by the Serbs, who are mostly Christian Orthodox, and a number of smaller ethnic groups with their own culture and way of life.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Eurowings (EW) flies non-stop to Pristina from Frankfurt/M., Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Munich, Basel, Zurich and Vienna, among others. Wizz Air (W6) connects Basel, Dortmund and Memmingen with Pristina. easyJet (U2) flies non-stop to Pristina from Basel, Berlin and Geneva, among others. Austrian Airlines (OS) and Wizz Air (W6) offer flights from Vienna to Pristina. Swiss (LX) flies non-stop from Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne to Pristina, Edelweiss Air (WK) from Zurich and Chair Airlines (GM) from Basel, Geneva and Zurich to Pristina.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Pristina: 2 hours 20 minutes; Vienna – Pristina: 1 hour 40 minutes; Zurich – Pristina: 2 hours 5 minutes (both non-stop)
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
There are numerous border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo. The R6 highway runs continuously from Skopje in North Macedonia to Pristina. Long-distance bus: Eurolines Germany connects major German cities with destinations in Kosovo. Eurolines Switzerland offers connections between Switzerland and places in Kosovo. Bus connections also exist between Pristina and Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. Toll: There are no toll roads in Kosovo. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient.
Arrival by train
Trainkos trains connect Skopje (North Macedonia) with Pristina.
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
The road network covers around 2,000 km. Two highways cross the country; the R7 runs east-west via Pristina to the Albanian border and the R6 connects Pristina south to the Macedonian border. Tolls: There are currently no toll roads in Kosovo. However, the introduction of a toll is being planned. The motorway exits are already laid out in such a way that toll booths can be set up. There are enough petrol stations everywhere.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The main connecting roads are generally passable. In rural areas, on the other hand, some places can only be reached via gravel roads or dirt roads and are difficult to drive on, especially when it rains heavily. Overland journeys in rural areas should be avoided at night.
Road classification
The Kosovan road network consists of motorways, national roads, regional roads and transit roads, each of which is identified by a letter and numbered consecutively: – motorways are identified by an R and a number; – national roads with M or N and a number; – regional roads with R and a three-digit number and – transit roads with RT and a number.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at airports and in major cities. Drivers must be at least 18 years old; A young driver fee is often payable under the age of 26.
Taxi
Metered taxis are available in larger cities. For unmetered taxis, passengers should agree on a price before the ride.
Coach
Buses usually run between the cities from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 20 minutes. Tickets are available on the bus. It is also possible to disembark in places along the route on request.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. – Seatbelt and crash helmet obligation. – Children under the age of 12 must be transported in the back seat. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on expressways: 110 km/h; – on motorways: 130 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient. The Green Insurance Card is not valid in Kosovo. If you arrive with your own vehicle, liability insurance must be taken out at the border for the duration of your stay.
Traveling in the city
Inexpensive city buses operate in Pristina. Tickets are available on the bus. Taxis are also available.
Locally on the way by train
National railway routes served by Trainkos include Pristina-Peja with the Klina-Prizren branch, Pristina-Livadica, Leshak-Hani i Elezit and a connection between Pristina railway station and the airport.
