Are you planning a trip to Kosovo and want to explore beyond the capital, Pristina? Maybe you’ve heard about Mitrovica and are curious to check it out? Well, you’re in the right place!
Back in September 2023, I visited Kosovo as my 40th country (yay, milestone!), and while Pristina was fascinating, I was eager to see more of what this small but intriguing country had to offer. That’s how I ended up in Mitrovica—a city with a unique story and a vibe unlike anywhere else.
But here’s the thing: figuring out how to get to Mitrovica from Pristina wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. In fact, it was a bit of a headache. The internet wasn’t much help, and I ended up wasting time and energy trying to figure it out. So, to save you the trouble, I’ve put together this no-nonsense guide to help you navigate the journey like a pro.
First, Let’s Talk About Mitrovica
Mitrovica is a city in northern Kosovo, and it’s definitely one of those places that feels like it has a story to tell. It’s divided by the Ibar River, which acts as a natural border between the northern and southern parts of the city. The northern side is predominantly Serbian, while the southern side is mostly Albanian. This division reflects the complex history and sometimes tense relationship between the two communities.
Now, I’ll be honest—when I asked locals about Mitrovica, most of them shrugged and said, “There’s not much to see.” But as someone who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, I was intrigued. And you know what? I’m glad I went. The southern part of the city (the Albanian side) felt more vibrant to me, but both sides have their own unique character. Plus, if you speak a Slavic language like Serbian or Russian, you’ll have an easier time communicating in the northern part.
Getting To Mitrovica From Pristina: The Struggle Was Real
The night before my trip, I scoured the internet for info on how to get to Mitrovica from Pristina. Sites like Reddit and Rome2Rio claimed that buses left from the Pristina bus station. Spoiler alert: They don’t.
The next morning, I packed my bag, headed to the bus station, and spent a solid 40 minutes wandering around like a lost tourist. No buses in sight. I asked a few people, but no one seemed to know where the bus was. Frustrated, I went inside the station and asked at the ticket counter. The woman there didn’t speak English, but I managed to understand that the buses actually leave from a nearby parking lot—not the station itself.
Long story short, I didn’t find the parking lot that day and ended up heading back to my hotel. Determined to figure it out, I turned to Reddit, where a kind local finally set me straight. Turns out, the buses (or rather, minivans) to Mitrovica don’t operate from the bus station because the drivers are independent and don’t want to pay station fees. Mystery solved!
Here’s How To Actually Get To Mitrovica
If you’re standing near the Pristina bus station, here’s what you need to do:
- Look for the bridge in front of you.
- Walk under it and stay on the right side of the road.
- When you see Ilaz Kodra Street on your left, head that way.
- You’ll spot a bunch of minivans parked there—those are your rides to Mitrovica.
Pro tip: Here’s the exact location to make your life easier.
Times, Prices, And What To Expect
- Cost: A one-way ticket from Pristina to Mitrovica costs around €1.80. On the way back, I paid €2, so prices can vary slightly depending on the driver.
- Schedule: The first minivan leaves at 7:00 AM, and the last one departs at 8:45 PM.
- Duration: The trip takes about 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
As for the minivans themselves, they’re not exactly luxury vehicles, but they’re comfortable enough for the short ride. Just don’t expect Wi-Fi or air conditioning!
Final Thoughts
Mitrovica might not be the most touristy spot in Kosovo, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history, culture, and seeing a side of the country that many travelers miss. Sure, getting there can be a bit of an adventure, but now that you have this guide, you’ll be way ahead of the game.
So, go ahead—add Mitrovica to your Kosovo itinerary. And when you’re there, take a moment to appreciate the city’s unique character and the stories it has to tell. Safe travels!
