Transportation

Transportation in Moldova

Moldova's transportation infrastructure is developing, with Chisinau offering basic public transit while most of the country remains car-dependent.

Public Transportation in Chisinau

Types Available:

• Buses
• Trolleybuses
• Microbuses (marshrutkas)

Operators:

• Regia Transport Electric Chișinău (RTEC) - trolleybuses
• Various private companies - buses

Coverage: Reasonable within city, less frequent to suburbs

Hours: Generally 6:00 AM - 12:00 midnight

Frequency: 10-30 minutes depending on route

Fares (2026)

Single Ride: 6 MDL (~€0.30)

Monthly Pass: 234 MDL (~€12.47)

Payment: Cash to conductor or contactless card (being introduced)

Airport Connection:

• Bus 165: City center to airport (6 lei / €0.30)
• Trolleybus 30: Also serves airport
• Duration: 30-40 minutes

Route Planning

Apps:

• map.md - Moldovan route planner
• Moovit - International app with Chisinau coverage
• Google Maps - Improving but not always accurate

Language: Route signs in Romanian, some Russian

Taxis and Rideshare

Recommended Apps:

• Hip (iTaxi) - Most popular
• Letz - Good alternative
• TaxiClub 14444 - Traditional call service

Costs:

• Within city center: €2-5
• To/from airport: €10-15
• Rates lower than Western Europe

Tips:

• Use apps to avoid overcharging
• Cash preferred, some accept cards
• Check price estimate before confirming

Street Taxis: Can be more expensive, negotiate first

Driving in Moldova

License Requirements:

• International Driving Permit valid for visitors (90 days)
• Exchange foreign license or take Moldovan test for residents
• EU licenses: Can use for extended periods

Road Conditions:

• Chisinau: Reasonable, improving
• Highways: Variable quality
• Rural roads: Often poor (potholes, unpaved sections)
• Winter: Can be hazardous (ice, snow)

Driving Culture:

• Aggressive driving common
• Traffic rules not always followed
• Defensive driving essential
• Pedestrian crossings not always respected

Fuel Costs: Lower than Western Europe

• Gasoline: ~€1.10-1.20/liter
• Diesel: ~€1.00-1.10/liter

Car Ownership

Buying a Car:

• Used cars common and affordable
• European imports popular
• Registration required (bureaucratic process)

Insurance: Mandatory

• Third-party minimum
• Full coverage recommended
• Costs: €200-600/year depending on car

Parking:

• Chisinau center: Paid parking zones (€0.50-1/hour)
• Residential areas: Free but crowded
• Private lots: Available, €30-80/month

Car Rental

Available In: Chisinau mainly

Companies: International (Hertz, Europcar) and local

Costs: €25-50/day

Requirements:

• Valid license
• Credit card
• Minimum age (usually 21-25)

Note: Roads outside cities challenging—consider carefully

Intercity Transportation

Buses:

• Network connects major cities
• Affordable (€5-15 for most routes)
• Variable comfort levels
• Stations: Chisinau North/South bus stations

Trains:

• Limited network
• Slow but scenic
• Very cheap
• Overnight options to some destinations

Marshrutkas (minibuses):

• Frequent service
• Cheaper than buses
• Less comfortable
• Flexible routes

International Travel

Chisinau International Airport (KIV):

• Main airport
• Connections to EU, CIS countries, Middle East
• Limited long-haul flights
• Budget airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair serve some routes

Border Crossings:

• To Romania: Multiple crossings, relatively smooth
• To Ukraine: Multiple crossings, check current situation
• Transnistria: Special considerations, check advisories

Cycling

Infrastructure: Poor

• Few bike lanes
• Aggressive traffic
• Not recommended for transport in Chisinau

Recreation: Some parks have bike paths

Bike Sharing: Not available (as of 2026)

Walking

Chisinau Center: Walkable

• Pedestrian areas exist
• Sidewalk conditions variable
• Watch for cars (crosswalks not always respected)

Outside Center: Less pedestrian-friendly

Accessibility

Public Transport: Limited accessibility features

Sidewalks: Often poor condition, wheelchair access difficult

Taxis: Accessible vehicles rare

Overall: Challenging for mobility-impaired individuals

Transportation Costs Summary

Monthly Budget:

• Public transport only: €12.47 (pass)
• Occasional taxi: €20-30
• Car ownership: €150-300 (fuel, insurance, parking, maintenance)

Tips for Getting Around

1. Public transport: Get monthly pass if using regularly
2. Taxi apps: Always use Hip or Letz to avoid overcharging
3. Driving: Only if comfortable with challenging conditions
4. Airport: Public bus much cheaper than taxi (€0.30 vs €10-15)
5. Route planning: Download map.md and Moovit apps
6. Cash: Keep small bills for public transport conductors
7. Winter: Extra caution driving, allow more time

Best Transportation Strategy

Chisinau Living Without Car:

• Possible in city center
• Public transport + occasional taxis
• Budget: €30-50/month

Chisinau Living With Car:

• More convenience
• Needed for frequent trips outside city
• Budget: €150-300/month

Outside Chisinau:

• Car generally necessary
• Public transport limited
• Factor into living costs