Moldova is close to Romania — from Iași to Chișinău takes under four hours by car. Here are the options, in brief, with times and tips.
By plane
Chișinău International Airport has flights from Bucharest, a journey of about an hour, and from other European cities. It is the fastest option, with prices that vary a great deal depending on the season and how early you book. It is about 15 km from the airport to the city centre, by taxi or bus.
By car
The most used route runs through Iași, with the border at Sculeni or Albița. From Iași to Chișinău is roughly 3-4 hours, depending on congestion at the border. A car gives you the greatest freedom, since many wineries and monasteries are hard to reach by public transport.
By coach
There are daily services from Bucharest, Iași and other cities. Bucharest – Chișinău takes 8-10 hours, Iași – Chișinău about 4-5 hours. It is the cheapest option and can be booked online or at ticket offices.
By train
There is a rail link between Iași and Chișinău, but the trains are slow and infrequent. It is an option for those who want the experience itself rather than speed. Check the current timetable before you travel.
At the border
- Romanian citizens can enter with an identity card or passport.
- Cars need motor insurance valid in Moldova, which can be arranged at the border.
- Early in the morning and in the evening, queues at customs are as a rule shorter.
A small note on connectivity
Check your roaming options before you leave; Moldova is not in the European Union, so tariffs can differ. A local SIM card or an eSIM solves the problem cheaply.
Important: entry conditions can change. Always check official sources before you travel. Whichever option you choose, Moldova is worth the effort: it is close, inexpensive and surprisingly little visited. See also the practical guide.
In short, what to choose
If you want speed, you fly from Bucharest in an hour. If you are setting off from Iași or want freedom once you are there, the car is best — 3-4 hours and you can get anywhere. If your budget is tight, the coach covers the journey cheaply, even if more slowly. The train remains a curiosity for enthusiasts.
Once you have crossed the border
Once you arrive, internal distances are short: Chișinău is central, and most of the sights are one to two hours from the capital. Get a local SIM card for cheap data, change some lei at an exchange office and use the taxi apps in the city. From there, Moldova reveals itself without any fuss.
Whichever way you choose to come, the journey is short, and the reward at the end of it is worth it.
