Complete Guide to Transportation in Moldova: Airports, Minibuses, and Intercity Travel
Transportation in Moldova is straightforward: getting into Chișinău from the airport is quick, and intercity travel relies on minibuses and taxis. Using apps is more reliable than haggling over prices.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Airport | Ways into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Chișinău International Airport (KIV) | Taxi (Yandex Go) / Airport buses A and 165 | Taxi: around 15–20 minutes, 80–150 lei; Bus: around 30 minutes, 3–6 lei |
| Land border (Romania/Ukraine) | International minibuses or trains (e.g., Bucharest–Chișinău night train) | From Bucharest: around 9–11 hours |
Chișinău Airport is just about 13 km from the city center. The taxi pickup area is located to the left as you exit customs. Using Yandex Go offers more transparent pricing, and it’s recommended to book your ride after clearing immigration.
Getting Around the City
- Trams and Buses: Cover the main urban areas. Single rides cost around 6 lei; buy your ticket from the conductor onboard.
- Taxis: Yandex Go is recommended. Short rides within the city typically cost 40–80 lei. Avoid unlicensed street taxis that don’t use meters.
- Walking: Many attractions along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard are within walking distance, and the city center is compact enough to explore on foot.
Intercity Travel
- Minibuses (Marshrutka): The main form of intercity transport. Depart from the North and South bus stations in Chișinău. Frequent services to destinations like Soroca, Orhei, and Ungheni. Fares range from 30–80 lei; pay in cash when boarding.
- Long-distance Buses: Depart from terminals like Gara Auto Nord/Busateo to major towns across the country and nearby countries. Schedules can be checked online.
- Trains: Limited routes. There are seasonal trains from Chișinău to Tiraspol (border checks may apply), and the Bucharest night train is suitable for land connections.
Tickets and Apps
- No day passes for city buses; just carry small change and buy tickets directly onboard. No need for a transportation card.
- Useful apps: Yandex Go (for taxis), Moovit or 2GIS (for public transit), Google Maps (for offline maps).
- For wine tour transfers, book through your hotel front desk or a local travel agency. It’s best to confirm the itinerary in writing in advance.
Practical Tips
- Minibus services are reduced on Sundays and holidays. For popular routes, try to travel in the morning.
- A one-day wine or monastery tour by private car costs around 1,000–1,500 lei, which is good value when split among 3–4 people.
- When traveling to Transnistria, carry small amounts of cash for transport and local expenses.