Minibus No. 165 is the most popular way to get to the city center. It departs directly from the arrivals terminal every 10–15 minutes, from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The fare is 6 lei (~0.30 EUR). The route goes to the Central Market (Piața Centrală), from where it’s easy to walk or take another ride to most hotels.
Travel time: 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic. On weekdays in the morning and evening, there are traffic jams at the city entrance, so allow up to 40 minutes.
Note: The minibus is small, so it may be cramped if you have large luggage. The driver accepts cash only.
Municipal Bus No. 30 stops right outside the terminal exit. The fare is 4 lei (~0.20 EUR). However, it runs much less frequently: from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at approximately 40-minute intervals. It’s suitable for morning and daytime trips. The final stop is downtown.
A taxi is the most convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are arriving on a late-night flight. Official taxis are parked outside the terminal exit, but their prices are usually inflated.
How to save money: Order a taxi through an app right at the airport—Bolt and inDriver work great in Chisinau. The fare from the airport to the city center via the app is 60–100 lei (3–5 EUR). Through the “hailing drivers” at the entrance, it’s 200–300 lei or more.
Travel time: 15–25 minutes. At night—with no traffic—it can take as little as 12–15 minutes.
Transfers starting at 120 lei can be booked in advance online or through your hotel. The driver will meet you with a sign in the arrivals hall. This is convenient for families with children, large groups, or if you’re not confident in your language skills. The price is fixed, with no surprises.
The airport terminal features offices for Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and others. If you’re planning trips outside the city (Cricova, Orhei, Saharna), renting a car right there may be more convenient than taking round-trip transportation. For more details, see our article on car rentals in Chisinau.
To the train station (Gara Ferroviară): Take minibus No. 165 to the city center (Piața Centrală), then take a minibus or walk for about 15 minutes. Or take a taxi via Bolt—70–120 lei.
To the bus station (Gara Autobuzelor): The train station and the Central Bus Station are located next to each other. Minibus No. 165 serves both.
How long does it take to get from Chisinau Airport to the city center?
15–25 minutes by taxi, 20–35 minutes by minibus, depending on traffic.
Is there nighttime transportation from the airport?
Public transportation stops running after 10:30 p.m. Your only options are taxis (Bolt, inDriver) or a pre-booked transfer.
How much does a taxi cost through the app?
60–100 lei (3–5 EUR) via Bolt or inDriver. If you hail one on the street, it’s significantly more expensive.
Is there a bus from the airport at night?
No. Minibus No. 165 runs until 10:30 p.m., and bus No. 30 runs until 7:00 p.m.
Where can I get Moldovan lei at the airport?
There are ATMs in the terminal, as well as a currency exchange office. ATMs offer the best exchange rate.
Do taxis accept cards?
Bolt taxis do—the fare is charged to your card automatically. Regular taxis accept cash only.
