Getting to Moldova
Flights into Chișinău, trains, coaches and driving across. Real journey times and the documents you need.
By air
The quickest way into the Republic of Moldova is a flight to Chișinău International Airport (IATA code: KIV), the country’s only major civil airport. The reliable direct route from Romania is Bucharest (Otopeni, OTP) → Chișinău, a flight of roughly one hour.
The route is flown by carriers including HiSky, Wizz Air and TAROM (check current availability with the airline itself). There are usually no direct flights to Chișinău from Iași or Cluj — from there it is more practical to travel overland, particularly from Iași, about 2 hours from Chișinău.
Rough price: €50–150 return, depending on the season and how far ahead you book.
Find flights to Chișinău
Compare fares to Chișinău International Airport (KIV) and back.
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By coach
Coaches and minibuses are the most common way to travel between Romania and Moldova, with dozens of departures a day. The busiest routes:
- Iași – Chișinău: 2 hr 30 – 3 hr 30 (including the Sculeni crossing). The best-served route — dozens of departures a day, at short intervals.
- Bucharest – Chișinău: about 8 hours (via the Albița – Leușeni crossing), with daily direct services.
- Cluj / Suceava / Galați – Chișinău: international services run, but take longer (Cluj – Chișinău is over 12 hours).
Rough price: from 65–75 lei on the Iași – Chișinău route and from 110–130 lei on Bucharest – Chișinău (varies by operator and season).
By train
The train is slower but scenic, run by Moldovan Railways (CFM) together with CFR Călători on the international routes:
- Chișinău – Iași (Socola): a daytime service, running daily again, taking roughly 4 hr 45 (including the border crossing at Ungheni).
- Bucharest – Chișinău: the „Prietenia" night train (services 401 / 402), with couchettes and sleeper cars; the journey takes about 13–14 hours.
The long journey is down to distance, but also to the change of track gauge at the Ungheni border (Moldova uses the wide, ex-Soviet gauge) — an operation that slows the journey down, but is an experience in itself.
Timetables and seasonal services change — always check the current schedule on the official CFM site.
By car
A car gives you the most freedom — Moldova is best seen on country roads, between vineyards and villages. Rough distances:
- Iași – Chișinău: 120–150 km, 2–3 hours (via the Sculeni crossing).
- Bucharest – Chișinău: about 450 km, 6–7 hours of driving plus the border (Albița – Leușeni).
The main border crossings (on the Prut)
Documents you need
- A valid identity document — Romanian citizens may enter on a national ID card; visitors from outside the EU need a passport.
- For the car: your driving licence and the vehicle registration document.
- A Green Card (international motor insurance) — Moldova is in the Green Card system; check with your insurer whether your policy covers MD, otherwise buy cover at the border.
- If the car is not registered in your name, a notarised letter of authority is recommended.
Car hire and transfers in Moldova
Arrived in Chișinău? Hire a car to reach the wineries and monasteries, or book a transfer from the airport.
Chișinău airport transfer
Book a private transfer from Chișinău International Airport (KIV) to your hotel, a winery or anywhere else.
Book a transferHire a car in Moldova
The easiest way to reach the wineries, monasteries and villages. Compare prices across local and international suppliers.
See carsTravel insurance
Medical and baggage cover for your stay in the Republic of Moldova. A quote takes seconds.
Get a quoteServices offered through Travelpayouts partners (Kiwitaxi, Discover Cars, EKTA). Booking is completed on the partner site.
Where to stay when you arrive
Hotels and apartments in and around Chișinău, on the map — prices compared across Booking, Airbnb and other platforms.
Map provided by Stay22. Bookings are completed on the partner platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about travelling from Romania to Moldova
How long does it take from Bucharest to Chișinău?
About 1 hour by air, 6–7 hours by car (450 km plus the border), around 8 hours by coach, and 13–14 hours on the night train.
How long does it take from Iași to Chișinău?
Very close: 2–3 hours by car or coach (120–150 km, via the Sculeni crossing) and 4 hr 45 by train.
What documents do Romanian citizens need?
You can enter on a national ID card or a passport. For a car you need your licence, the registration document and a Green Card (motor insurance valid in Moldova).
Which airlines fly to Chișinău?
HiSky, Wizz Air and TAROM fly the direct Bucharest – Chișinău route. Check current availability and fares with each airline.
Which border crossing is used most?
Sculeni on the route from Iași, and Albița – Leușeni on the route from Bucharest. Waiting times vary, particularly at weekends.
Made it to Moldova? Let’s plan the rest
Wineries, monasteries, Orheiul Vechi, a city break in Chișinău — Mira and our guides can help.
