How to get to Chisinau

When planning a journey to Chisinau, you are heading to the cosy and green capital of Moldova, situated in the very heart of the country. This city, renowned for its shady parks and rich winemaking traditions, serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the region. You can reach it in various ways: from a quick flight to a picturesque trip by train, bus, or car, enjoying the landscapes of Eastern Europe along the way.

The capital's main air gateway is Chisinau International Airport (RMO), which welcomes millions of passengers annually and ensures convenient connections with major European hubs. The airport is located just 13 km from the city centre, allowing tourists to quickly reach their accommodation immediately after arrival.

As an alternative option, travellers often choose to fly into the Romanian city of Iasi, located less than 100 km from the border. From there, regular transport links are established, allowing for a comfortable continuation of the journey to Moldova by ground transport.

Although the region's railway network has its specificities, travelling by train remains an atmospheric and convenient way to get to Chisinau, especially from the Romanian side. The daily "Prietenia" (Friendship) train, operating on the route from Bucharest, arrives at the capital's central station, allowing tourists to comfortably cross the border overnight.

For travellers arriving from other directions, the nearest major railway hubs can be Iasi or Odessa. From these cities, it is easy to reach the final destination by transferring to an international bus or using transfer services.

Bus services connect the capital with many neighbouring cities, offering budget-friendly and scenic routes. The trip from the Romanian city of Iasi covers a distance of 127 km in approximately 4.5 hours, taking into account the time for border control. The journey from the country's northern capital, the city of Balti, is one of the fastest: the bus covers about 130 km in 2–2.5 hours.

The route from the coast is also popular: the bus from Odessa travels about 162 km. The travel time on this route is usually around 5.5 hours, allowing you to reach the centre of Moldova relatively quickly.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to plan stops independently. The shortest and fastest route lies from the city of Balti: the distance of 136 km on a good highway can be covered in just 1.8 hours.

If you are driving from Iasi, expect to spend about 2.5 hours on the road (151 km), however, it is worth considering potential waiting times at the border. The route from Odessa, spanning 194 km, usually takes about 3 hours of pure driving time, not counting stops at checkpoints.

To make your stay in Chisinau as comfortable and safe as possible, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations. This city is distinguished by its hospitality and calm pace of life, but knowing local nuances will help you adapt faster.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: Summers here are hot, so choose light natural fabrics, while for the damp and windy winter, be sure to bring a windproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
2. Transport: It is convenient to move around the city by trolleybuses and minibuses, which are very affordable. For greater comfort, use mobile taxi apps — this is more reliable than hailing a car on the street.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). Supermarkets and restaurants accept cards, but always keep cash handy for purchases at colourful markets and kiosks.
4. Health and Water: Drinking tap water is not recommended; it is better to buy bottled water. Pharmacies are frequently found, but it is best to bring a basic medical kit with you.
5. Communication: The state language is Romanian, however, the majority of residents fluently understand and speak Russian. English is widely spoken among the youth and in the tourism sector.
6. Local Etiquette: Moldova is famous for its hospitality. If you are invited to a home, it is customary to bring a small gift (sweets, cake, or wine) — this is considered a rule of good manners.
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph government buildings and strategic objects without permission. Also, avoid exchanging currency with street money changers — use only official banks.
8. Wine Tourism: Be sure to set aside time to visit the famous underground wine cities (Cricova or Milestii Mici) — a unique architectural experience available right near the capital.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus entirely on exploring the culture and sights of this sunny land.