Getting Around Moldova
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use trolleys and buses for Chisinau. Rural: Rent a car for countryside exploration. Wine Regions: Buses and marshrutkas. For convenience, book airport transfers from Chisinau to your destination.
Train Travel
CFM National Rail
Limited but reliable train network connecting Chisinau to major cities like Bender and Balti with daily services.
Cost: Chisinau to Bender 20-40 MDL, journeys 1-3 hours between key routes.
Tickets: Buy via CFM website, stations, or counters. Cash or card accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends for better availability and seats on popular routes.
Rail Passes
Monthly passes available for frequent travelers, around 200-300 MDL for unlimited regional travel.
Best For: Multiple short trips within Moldova, savings for commuters or extended stays.
Where to Buy: Train stations or CFM offices with ID required for activation.
International Connections
Trains link to Romania (Iasi) and Ukraine (Odessa), with sleeper options available.
Booking: Reserve in advance via CFM or international sites for discounts up to 20%.
Chisinau Station: Main hub is Chisinau Central, with connections to regional lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for rural areas and wine tours. Compare rental prices from 500-800 MDL/day at Chisinau Airport and cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Full coverage advised, often included but verify for cross-border travel.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 100 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal, some bridges require small fees (10-20 MDL).
Priority: Yield to right at intersections, pedestrians in crosswalks have priority.
Parking: Free in rural areas, paid in Chisinau 10-20 MDL/hour, use apps for zones.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at 20-25 MDL/liter for petrol, 18-22 MDL for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation, download offline maps.
Traffic: Congestion in Chisinau during rush hours, roads improving but some rural potholes.
Urban Transport
Chisinau Trolleys & Trams
Electric trolleybuses and trams cover the capital, single ticket 6 MDL, day pass 20 MDL, 10-ride card 50 MDL.
Validation: Buy and validate tickets from drivers or machines, fines for non-compliance.
Apps: CFM or local apps for routes, schedules, and electronic tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Chisinau via Vel Chisinau, 20-50 MDL/day with stations in central areas.
Routes: Growing cycling paths in Chisinau and along the Dniester River.
Tours: Guided bike tours for wine regions and city sightseeing available.
Buses & Marshrutkas
Minibuses (marshrutkas) and buses connect cities, 10-50 MDL per ride depending on distance.
Tickets: Pay conductor or driver in cash, no cards usually.
Intercity: Frequent services to Balti, Tiraspol, and wine villages like Cricova.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near central Chisinau for easy access, or wine villages for rural charm.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and wine harvest festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for regional travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to buses before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in cities, 3G in rural Moldova, improving 5G in Chisinau.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 50 MDL for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Orange, Moldcell, and Unite offer prepaid SIMs from 50-100 MDL with solid coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, kiosks, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 100 MDL, 10GB for 150 MDL, unlimited for 200 MDL/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and some public squares in Chisinau.
Public Hotspots: Train stations and tourist sites offer free access.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Chisinau Airport 13km from city center, bus 183 to center 6 MDL (30 min), taxi 150 MDL, or book private transfer for 200-300 MDL.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Chisinau station (20-50 MDL/day) and airport services.
- Accessibility: Buses and trolleys have limited access, trains better for wheelchairs in main cities.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 20 MDL), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on buses off-peak for 10 MDL, free on trains with space.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Moldova
Chisinau International Airport (RMO) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Chisinau International (RMO): Primary gateway, 13km southeast of city with bus connections.
Balti Airport (BZY): Small domestic hub 150km north, limited flights mainly to Chisinau.
Tiraspol Airport: Limited operations in Transnistria, not recommended for international arrivals.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Bucharest or Odessa and taking bus/train to Moldova for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Turkish Airlines, FlyOne, and Wizz Air serve Chisinau with European and regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 10-20 MDL, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Growing use in Chisinau, Apple Pay and Google Pay in larger stores.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and small vendors, keep 200-500 MDL in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.