How to Get to Chisinau. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airlines and Routes to Chisinau KIV

Major & Low-Cost Carriers

Airlines like Turkish Airlines (connecting through Istanbul), Lufthansa (Frankfurt), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), and TAROM (Bucharest) offer flights to Chisinau.

Carrier Information

These carriers give connections to major global hubs.
Wizz Air and Ryanair have historically operated routes to Chisinau.
Route availability and operations can be is not fixed; always check current airline schedules.

Typical Routes & Connectivity

Direct flights mainly connect KIV to main European airports like Istanbul, Frankfurt, Vienna, Bucharest, Warsaw, London, Rome, Paris, and Milan.

Connecting Flights

No direct flights operate from North America.
Travelers typically connect via a major European gateway.
Plan for at least one layover if coming from outside Europe.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices generally increase during peak summer (June-August) and major holidays.

Best Value Travel

Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often feature more competitive prices and better value.

Airport Facilities

Chisinau International Airport (KIV) delivers free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, cafes, ATMs, and car rental agencies.

Transfers from KIV to City

Public Transport Options

Bus (Express Bus 30): Operates frequently between the airport and Dimitrie Cantemir Square. Journey takes ~40 mins. Cost: 6 MDL (0.30 EUR).
Trolleybus (Route 33): Connects the airport to various city parts. Journey is longer (~50-60 mins), also 6 MDL.
Taxi: Official airport taxis are available. A ride to the central area typically costs 80-120 MDL (4-6 EUR).
Agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid potential overcharging.

Pre-Booked & Rental Options

Private Transfer: Pre-book through your hotel or online transfer services for convenience.
Car Rental: Agencies like Hertz and Sixt have counters at the airport.
This option delivers maximum flexibility for onward travel.
Explore options via DiscoverCars.com.

Air Travel Overview

Main Gateway

Chisinau International Airport (KIV) serves as Moldova's main air travel hub.

Direct Connections

Direct flights are predominantly available from major European cities.

Optimal Booking

Book flights during shoulder seasons for more for your money fares.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing Information

Moldova shares borders with Romania and Ukraine. These crossings offer different perspectives on the region.

Crossings Overview

Romania: Crossings like Leuşeni-Albiţan and Sculeni-Sculeni are generally straightforward for EU and visa-free nationals.
Ukraine: Multiple crossings exist. Travelers should check current travel alerts due to the ongoing conflict.
Transnistria: The de facto border (unrecognized internationally) involves passing through Transnistrian "customs." Be prepared for scrutiny.

Train Connections & Bus Options

Chisinau Central Station (Gara Centrală) is the main railway station in Chisinau.

Transport Services

International Train Routes: Direct trains connect Chisinau with Bucharest (Romania), and Kyiv and Odesa (Ukraine).
Long-Distance Buses: Chisinau's Central Bus Station and North Bus Station serve extensive international and domestic routes.
Purchase bus tickets directly at the bus stations.

Self-Driving in Moldova

Driving Requirements & Conditions

Requirements: Valid national driver's license, International Driving Permit (IDP), vehicle registration, and international motor insurance (Green Card).
Road Conditions: Main roads in Chisinau are generally acceptable. Outside the capital, roads can be poorly maintained with potholes.
Safety Concerns: Aggressive driving habits, unmarked road hazards. Moldova has a zero-tolerance guidelines for drunk driving.

Sea & River Arrivals Not Applicable

Moldova is a landlocked country, meaning no direct sea access. River transportation principally provides for cargo rather than passenger tourism.

Limited Waterways

The Giurgiulesti International Free Port, on the Danube River, is Moldova's only port for sea-river vessels.
It functions mainly as a cargo port.
Sea or river travel is not a practical option for reaching Chisinau as a tourist.

Departure Information

No specific departure taxes are levied for air travel from Chisinau International Airport (KIV).
Your airline ticket price includes any applicable fees.
For international flights, arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.

This timing allows for check-in, security screening, and passport control.
If returning a rental car, allow extra time for that process.
Airport (KIV) facilities: duty-free, cafes, business lounge. Bus/train stations offer basic amenities.

Border Crossing Tips

General Crossing Advice

Border crossings with Romania and Ukraine are generally straightforward for EU and visa-free nationals.

Smooth Border Passages

Expect potential queues during peak travel times, especially holidays.
Have all required travel documents readily available.
Stay informed about current travel advisories, especially for the Ukrainian border.

Transnistria Specifics

Special Considerations

Be prepared for scrutiny at Transnistrian "customs."
Entering and exiting via Moldovan-controlled checkpoints is advisable.
This helps avoid issues with Moldovan authorities regarding illegal entry.

Train Travel

International train services connect Chisinau to major cities like Bucharest and Kyiv.

Road Quality

Main roads in Chisinau are acceptable, but outside the capital, quality varies, with potholes common.

Domestic Travel

Buses and marshrutkas are the main modes of intercity transport within Moldova.

Self-Driving & Local Travel

Driving Laws

Moldova maintains specific driving regulations that all drivers must observe.

Rules of the Road

Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Headlights must be on at all times, day and night.

Speed Limits & Alcohol

Adhering to speed limits and alcohol policies is for safe driving.

Important Regulations

Speed limits: typically 50 km/h (31 mph) urban, 90 km/h (56 mph) outside urban, 110 km/h (68 mph) on motorways.
Moldova has a zero-tolerance policy for getting around by car under the influence of alcohol.
Be aware of aggressive driving habits and unmarked road hazards.

Parking & Rural Roads

City Parking

Street parking is available in Chisinau, often paid via parking meters or dedicated apps.

Hotel Parking

Many hotels offer private parking for guests.

Rural Roads

Rural roads may be narrow or unpaved, and horse-drawn carts operate in agricultural areas.

How to Get to Chisinau