Train travel in Moldova offers a slower, quieter, and more scenic way to explore the country.
While not as widely used as buses or minibuses, trains connect key cities and regions, and are especially useful for longer distances or cross-border travel.
The railway network reflects Moldova’s history and landscape - simple, functional, and closely tied to the countryside.
For visitors, traveling by train is not just transportation - it is a way to see Moldova unfold beyond the roads.
Main Railway Stations
The railway network in Moldova is centered around a few important stations:
- Chișinău Railway Station – the main hub of the country
- Ungheni – key connection point near the Romanian border
- Bălți – serving northern Moldova
- Tighina (Bender) – regional connection in the southeast
From these stations, trains connect different parts of the country and extend to international destinations.
Where Trains Go
Train routes in Moldova are more limited than road transport, but they still connect:
Chișinău → Ungheni
Chișinău → Bălți
Chișinău → Tighina (Bender)
And international routes such as:
Chișinău → Bucharest
Chișinău → Iași
Chișinău → Odesa / Kyiv (depending on current conditions)
Travel Experience
Trains in Moldova are:
- Comfortable for longer journeys.
- Less crowded than minibuses.
- Scenic, especially through rural areas.
But also:
- Less frequent departures.
- Slower than road transport.
- Limited network coverage.
Tickets & Information
You can check schedules and buy tickets here:
Tickets are also available:
- at railway station ticket windows.
- sometimes directly at the station before departure.
Example Train Routes with Travel Time, Distance & Price
Chișinău → Ungheni
Approx. 105 km
2.5 – 3 hours
Approx. €3 – €6
Chișinău → Bălți
Approx. 135 km
4 – 5 hours
Approx. €4 – €8
Chișinău → Tighina (Bender)
Approx. 65 km
1.5 – 2 hours
Approx. €2 – €5
Chișinău → Iași (Romania)
Approx. 150 km
4 – 6 hours
Approx. €10 – €20
(Includes border procedures and gauge change)
Chișinău → Bucharest (Romania)
Approx. 450 km
10 – 13 hours (overnight train)
Approx. €25 – €50
(Depending on seat or sleeper)
Prices are approximate and may vary depending on ticket type, class, and availability.
Sit by the window…
There is always something beautiful to see 😊
Moldova is currently entering a new phase of railway development and modernization.
For many years, the railway system remained largely unchanged. Today, this is beginning to shift, with new investments, upgrades, and international cooperation shaping the future of rail transport in the country.
Several projects are already underway or planned, including:
- Modernization of existing railway lines.
- Improvements to infrastructure and efficiency.
- Closer integration with European transport networks.
A key step is the development of modern railway connections towards Romania and the European Union, including the upgrade of the Iași – Ungheni line, which will become Moldova’s first electrified railway section.
This project is part of a broader effort to:
- Reduce travel times.
- Improve reliability.
- And create stronger cross-border connections.
At the same time, Moldova is working to align its railway system with European standards and become part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), opening the country to new corridors, investments, and opportunities.
Reforms are also ongoing to modernize the railway sector itself - making it more efficient, sustainable, and better suited for future travel and transport needs.
What This Means for Visitors
While today’s train system reflects Moldova’s past, these developments
are shaping its future.
Over time, travelers can expect:
- Faster connections.
- Improved comfort.
- Better international links.
A Small Perspective.
Moldova’s railways are not standing still -
they are evolving.
And if you travel by train today, you are experiencing a system
in transition between history and future.
Chișinău Railway Station
Connections to southern regions and international routes.
