Moldova: Traveling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

There are several means of transport in the city of Chisinau: buses, taxis or trams.  The buses are cheap and cover several routes in the city.  Taxis are the recommended means of transport for people visiting the city.  They are easily available near hotels, train stations and airports.  It is highly advised to go through a taxi company and to avoid unlicensed taxis.

Maps of Urban Networks

Google Map: Map of the country and the capital city.
Multimap: Map of the country and the capital city.

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Chisinau (KIV)	12 km / 7 miles	15-20 min	USD 20 / 15 min	-	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

The railroad network is in a very bad state and is not a sure means of transport for travellers.  The roads are also badly maintained with no road surface markings. It is not advisable to rent a car.

Rail Companies

Ministry of Transport and Road Industry of the Republic of Moldova (in Moldovan)

Airlines

You Can Consult the List of Airlines Banned Within the EU. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling By Yourself

Recommendation

The road network has been abandoned because of lack of public investment.  It is thought to be around 12,719 km of which 10,977 km are paved.  The current network dates from the Soviet era and was built in the shape of a star around the capital, Chisinau. This means there are 4 major roads north-south and east-west with additionally a major road going from the north to the south of Transnitria.
Driving is on the right.
Cars or buses remain the best means of transport.  There are 2 main train stations at Chisinau:
- the main bus station (Mitropolit Varlaam),
- the south-east bus station (road of Hincesti, 146).

Road Maps

Multimap

Find an Itinerary

Multimap

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

The Republic of Moldova has many historical sites and monuments as well as a number of museums and churches.  There is namely the Capriana monastery (dating from 1429), the historical city of Orheiul Vechi which contains the remnants of ancient geto-daces dwellings, signs of a medieval Tartarian city, ruins of the fifteenth century Moldovan city and the Church of Caucani.

Cultural

There are a number of theaters and operas in the Republic of Moldova and also festivals like the one of the painters of the Republic of Moldova, which takes place in Chisinau.  For more information, refer to the cultural page of the Moldovan official website

Nature

The landscape in the Republic of Moldova comprises mainly of hills, all different from each other. People visiting the country can enjoy the large green expanses and take advantage of the fresh water sources especially in the villages of Tipova, Saharna, Rudi, Tsaul, Vadul-lui-Voda.

Religious

The church of the "Assumption of the Virgin Mary" merits a visit.  The Church is one of the oldest places in the country and its architecture is surprising as the structure is partially burried. There are three famous monasteries in the Republic of Moldova which should be visited without fail, these are in Capriana, Hincu and Hirjeuca.

Thermal

There is no spa tourism in the Republic of Moldova but Romania which, is not far, offers the possibility of spending time in a spa center.

Beach

There are no beaches in the Republic of Moldova however, the sea is not very far.

Winter Sports

There are no winter sports in the Republic of Moldova.

Outdoor Activities

It is possible to visit many of the country's vineyards which are mostly located around Chisinau.  It is also possible to do some walking and go on excursions to many of the country's hills.  For more information, refer to the Republic of Moldova's tourism office website.

Shopping

Wines and liquors of excellent quality can be bought and the prices are ridiculously low for a person coming from abroad.  It is also possible to buy good chocolates.  These products are available in the whole country and mainly in Chisinau and the wine region.

Tourism Organizations

Republic of Moldova Tourism office

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

The quality of medical care is very low in the whole country, even at Chisinau.  In case of serious illness or a bad accident, it is highly advisable to go to a western European country.  Hospitals are inadequate and lack equipment.  The most basic medication is often out of stock.  People with daily medical treatments should stock enough medication to last for the duration of their stay or more.  A number of medicines sold in pharmacies are fakes.

International Hospitals

There are no international hospitals in Chisinau.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

Recommendation on the US Department of State website.

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

Travellers advisory on US Department of State website

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Chisinau (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer)

Summer Time Period

Summer time from March to October