Moldova Taxis and Car Rental

Taxi travel is economic and practical for short and long journeys in Moldova provided common sense is used. Cabs can be picked up on the street or booked by phone. It’s best to negotiate a fare before departing as drivers regularly overcharge foreign visitors, and rates are even higher in the early morning and late at night. Always take a licensed taxi, easy to spot by their four-digit number beginning with 14 on the "taxi" sign on their roof and avoid sharing cabs with strangers. Your hotel can recommend a trusted firm that uses properly-maintained vehicles. Two to try are Taxi-Service (+373-22-758-518) and Taxi Senator (+373-22-721-600).

Self-drive gives the freedom and flexibility to make the most of your vacation in Moldova, although driving here can be an interesting experience due to poor rural roads and erratic driver's habits. One way to see the sights is to rent a driver along with a vehicle, with many car rental agencies offering this service at a reasonable price. Chisinau is easy to get around, but road conditions outside the city are another story. If you’re planning to drive to Transnistria, make sure that your rental company allows this and can provide the necessary documents. Fully comprehensive insurance is cheap and highly recommended, and international rental companies can be found in Chisinau’s airport.

Moldova Water Taxis

Ferries ply the Danube River from Giurgiulesti, Moldova to Istanbul, Turkey via the Black Sea. The trip through the Danube delta is an unforgettable experience.

Moldova Trains and Buses

Moldova’s rail network runs on narrow-gauge single tracks and is divided into three categories: suburban, regional and long-distance. Regional services cover domestic travel, linking cities and a few international routes such as Chisinau-Odessa, while long-distance trains mostly head for Russia, Ukraine and Romania. Comfort levels depend on the route and ticket class. Cheaper options can be overcrowded and much of the rolling stock is ex-Soviet Union. At present, tickets can only be purchased within the country, but train travel is an economical way to get around.

Chisinau’s three bus stations serve routes across the country linking cities, towns and villages, with bus travel the most economical and comfortable form of public transportation. Small minibuses seating up to 15 are the fastest way to see the sights, but larger buses, although slower, are safer. Chisinau has a state-owned trolley network with a good number of new vehicles and a restricted minibus service with fewer routes. Minibus companies are privately owned and can be found in most of Moldova’s cities.