
Table of Contents
Where to Rent a Bike in Chisinau
VeloMania
One of the most popular bike rental services in Chisinau. They offer mountain bikes, city bikes, and kids’ bikes. A convenient service— they’ll deliver the bike to your hotel or to your address. No need to go anywhere yourself—they’ll deliver and pick up the bike.
Phone: +373 60 872 119
Price: starting at 3–5 EUR per day
Delivery: available (check the cost when booking)
Velopoint
A bike rental with a convenient location in the city center near the theater. They offer city and sports bikes, with helmets included. Convenient 24/7 service—you can pick up a bike in the evening and return it in the morning.
Address: 6 Teatruluii St.
Hours: 24/7
Price: starting at 3 EUR/day; hourly rates available
Autochirie Velo
The Autochirie car rental service also offers bike rentals. This is a good option if you plan to combine a car rental with a bike rental for different parts of your route.
Biking Routes
Valya Morilor Park and the Lake
The best urban route. The bike path around the lake (34 hectares) in Valya Morilor Park features smooth asphalt, minimal traffic, and beautiful scenery. The loop around the lake is about 3 km. You can continue deeper into the park (114 hectares)—a few more kilometers through the trees. Perfect in the morning or evening during the summer.
Distance: 3–8 km
Difficulty: easy, flat terrain
Where to start: from the park entrance on the side facing Cuză Vodă Boulevard
Stefan cel Mare Boulevard
A bike path along the main boulevard—from the train station to Central Park. About 3 km. Wide, shaded, and traffic-free. Stops along the way: Central Park, the Triumphal Arch, and cafes with outdoor seating.
Distance: 3 km (one way), 6 km round trip
Difficulty: easy
Botanical Garden
The paths through the Botanical Garden—though not strictly a bike-only area—are perfect for a leisurely ride. A great option for a morning stroll in the spring when the trees are in bloom. Admission is a nominal fee.
Long Route: City Center → Ryshkanovka Park → Valya Morilor Park → City Center
A 15–20 km circular city route. It connects three parks via less-trafficked streets. You’ll need a map and a basic understanding of the streets—Google Maps can help you plan a route through the parks while avoiding major thoroughfares.
Distance: 15–20 km
Time: 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace
Bike-Sharing in Chisinau
There is no traditional municipal bike-sharing system (similar to Nextbike or BOLT Bikes in Warsaw or Riga) in Chisinau. Bike rentals are available only through companies like VeloMania, Velopoint, and similar providers. This is a downside, but it also offers an advantage—they’ll deliver the bike right to your hotel.
Tips
- Reserve a bike in advance (one day ahead)—during the tourist season, demand is high and the sizes you need may not be available.
- Helmet: Some rental companies include one; be sure to check. If not, we recommend buying one at a bike shop (150–300 MDL) or avoiding streets with traffic.
- The roads in the city center are bumpy. The parks are excellent. For riding on city streets, a city bike or mountain bike is better than a road bike.
- There are no designated bike lanes on the streets (except in parks and on a few streets). Ride in the right-hand lane or on the sidewalk—this is standard practice here.
- Parking: Lock your bike—theft isn’t widespread in Chisinau, but a lock will slightly reduce the risk.
FAQ
Are there bike paths in Chisinau?
There are some sections in parks and on a few streets, but there is no comprehensive network. Valya Morilor Park is the best place to ride a bike away from traffic.
How much does it cost to rent a bike for a day in Chisinau?
From 60–100 MDL (3–5 EUR) per day at rental companies. The hourly rate is 30–50 MDL per hour.
Are children’s bikes available for rent?
VeloMania has them. Please specify the child’s age and height when booking.
Where can I store my bike at the hotel?
Most hotels have storage space or allow you to bring your bike into your room. Please check when you check in.