Public transportation in Chisinau

Updated: March 2026

Chisinau’s public transportation is one of the most affordable in Eastern Europe: a single ride on a trolleybus, bus, or minibus costs just 6 lei (about €0.30). The city has three types of public transportation: trolleybuses, buses, and minibuses. There is no metro, but an extensive network of 22 trolleybus routes covers all areas of the city and its suburbs. By the way, Chisinau’s trolleybus fleet is one of the largest in the region and carries about 250,000 passengers daily.

Types of Transportation in Chisinau: Overview and Prices

Chisinau’s transportation system rests on three pillars: trolleybuses cover everything from the center to the suburbs, buses supplement them on long-distance routes, and minibuses are the fastest way to get anywhere. The fare is the same for all three modes— 6 MDL per trip. There is no single transit card with automatic payment in Chisinau, but there are passes (travel cards) that significantly reduce the cost of each trip.

Public transportation schedule in Chisinau

There is no public transportation in Chisinau at night. After 11:00 PM, the only option is a taxi via the Bolt, Hip, or Letz app.

How to Pay for Public Transportation in Chisinau

The payment system on Chisinau public transportation is simpler than it seems. Trolleybuses and buses have conductors who approach passengers themselves—you don’t need to look for a validator or stand at a turnstile. The main rule: always carry small bills or coins.

Passes

Monthly passes are the most cost-effective option for those staying in the city for more than a few days. They are valid on both trolleybuses and buses, including suburban routes.

You can purchase a pass at Moldpresa kiosks throughout the city, as well as at RTEC ticket offices. The current list of sales locations is available on the website rtec.md.

Cash payment

The main method in Chisinau. The conductor approaches each passenger and issues a paper ticket—you must keep it until the end of the trip, as inspections are sometimes conducted. A fine is imposed for riding without a ticket. Try to pay the exact amount—conductors often do not have change.

Payment via QR code / SMS (Moldcell)

Some trolleybuses have QR codes posted near the doors. Scan the code, receive an SMS request, send a reply to 4000 —and you’ll get a digital receipt. This is convenient, but it only works for Moldcell subscribers. Tourists without a local SIM card cannot use this method.

Bank card / NFC

Contactless card payments are not yet widely accepted on Chisinau public transportation. Most trolleybuses and buses accept cash. Before your trip, make sure you have 5–10 MDL bills on hand.

Discounts and Free Rides

The following ride for free: children under 7, students in grades 1–4, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and 18 other categories of citizens upon presentation of the appropriate ID.

Trolleybuses in Chișinău

The trolleybus is the city’s main mode of transportation. Twenty-two routes cover all areas: from the center along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard to the suburb of Durlești. The average interval during rush hour is 4–5 minutes, making the trolleybus a predictable and convenient option. The fleet is being actively updated: new low-floor AKSM-321 models run alongside older Soviet ZiU models.

Fare: 6 MDL. Hours of operation: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM daily.

Routes useful for tourists:

• No. 30 — from Chisinau International Airport to the city center (Great National Assembly Square). The most important route for tourists.
• No. 1, No. 2 — along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard through the entire city center.
• No. 22 — one of the busiest routes, connecting residential areas with the city center.
• No. 25 — convenient for trips to parks and tourist attractions.

Important: Trolleybuses sometimes stop due to power outages or traffic accidents. If a trolleybus is stopped for more than 10 minutes, switch to a minibus or call a taxi. Full route map: rtec.md → “Routes” section.

City Buses in Chisinau

There are 26 bus routes operating in Chisinau. Unlike trolleybuses, many buses connect the city center with the suburbs—so during rush hour, they can be crowded even at city stops. If you need to get to the outskirts or suburbs, the bus is often the only option.

Cost: 6 MDL. Hours of operation: 6:00 AM–12:00 AM (depending on the route). Frequency: 10–20 minutes on weekdays.

Useful routes:

• No. 33 — stops near the airport (but not as close to the terminal as trolleybus No. 30).
• No. 165 — also runs toward the airport.
• Nos. 8, 9, 11, and 52 — popular routes through the city’s main districts.

Stops are marked with canopies and paper schedules. Routes are always up to date on the map.md app and Google Maps.

Shuttle minibuses (marutki)

Routes, or “rutier,” are the fastest way to get anywhere in Chisinau. There are about 40 routes in the city. They do not follow strict stops: you can flag one down with a wave of your hand at any convenient spot where the driver can safely pull over.

Cost: 6 MDL — pay the driver upon boarding. Hours of operation: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Warning: minibuses are known in the city for their aggressive driving—drivers rush to pick up as many passengers as possible. Cash is required—cards and QR codes are not accepted.

Taxis in Chisinau

Taxis in Chisinau are among the cheapest in the region. A ride through the city center costs 35–60 MDL (€2–3). The service is well-developed, the apps work smoothly, and there is no language barrier when ordering through the app.

Apps for ordering a taxi

Street taxis

Street taxis are available, but without an app, you risk overpaying by 2–3 times. Taxi drivers at the train station and airport often quote inflated prices to foreigners. Always agree on the fare before getting in or book through an app—the price will be fixed.

Airport transfer by taxi

The trip from Chisinau International Airport to the city center is about 13 km. Via Bolt or Hip — 60–90 MDL (€3–5), travel time — 15–25 minutes. At the official counters in the terminal — more expensive, approximately 150–200 MDL. We recommend booking in advance via the app: the driver will pick you up right at the terminal exit.

How to get from Chisinau Airport to the city center

Chisinau International Airport is located 13 km southeast of the city center. There are three ways to get there.

Our recommendation: with a light backpack — trolleybus No. 30, you can’t get any cheaper. With luggage or at night — Bolt/Hip, wait no more than 5 minutes.

Apps for transportation and navigation in Chisinau

Common mistakes tourists make when using public transport in Chisinau

❌ Getting into a street taxi at the airport without agreeing on a price.
→ The driver quotes 300–500 MDL instead of the actual 60–90 MDL.
✓ Order through Bolt or Hip—the price is fixed before you get in.

❌ Waiting for change on a minibus with a large bill.
→ The driver shrugs his shoulders—no change—and you’re already on your way.
✓ Always have coins or 5–10 MDL bills on hand.

❌ Throw away your paper ticket immediately after receiving it.
→ Inspectors check periodically—there’s a fine for riding without a ticket.
✓ Keep your ticket until you exit the vehicle.

❌ Plan your trip to the airport by trolleybus after 11:00 PM.
→ Trolleybus No. 30 stops running around 11:00 PM; at night, only taxis are available.
✓ If your flight is early in the morning or late at night, book a Bolt in advance.

❌ Don’t count on paying for the trolleybus with a bank card.
→ Most routes do not accept contactless payments.
✓ Exchange a small amount of currency for Moldovan lei immediately upon arrival—50–100 MDL will be enough for the first few hours.

Transport Tips for Tourists in Chisinau

• For your first trip from the airport: take trolleybus No. 30—it takes you straight to the center for 6 lei. That’s 10 times cheaper than a taxi from the stand.
• Download map.md before you arrive —it’s the main navigation map for Chisinau. Google Maps works too, but map.md knows the local routes better.
• Rush hour is 7:30–9:00 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m. Trolleybuses are packed, and minibuses are crowded. Allow an extra 15–20 minutes or take a taxi.
• Exchange money in advance: ATMs are available throughout the city center. Public transportation only accepts exact change or small bills.
• In the summer, air conditioning is a gamble: out of 173 air-conditioned trolleybuses, drivers don’t always turn it on. In hot weather, choose the newer low-floor models—they’re more likely to be cool.
• Booktaxis only through apps: Bolt and Hip provide transparent pricing. It’s best to avoid street taxi drivers near tourist attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Transportation in Chisinau

How much does public transportation cost in Chisinau?
A single trip on a trolleybus, bus, or minibus costs 6 MDL (about €0.30). The fare is the same for all types of ground transportation, including suburban routes. If you buy a monthly pass (234 MDL), the cost per trip drops to 3.9 MDL for two trips a day.

How do you pay for public transportation in Chisinau?
The main method is cash. The conductor approaches each passenger and issues a paper ticket. On minibuses, pay the driver when boarding. Some trolleybuses have a QR code for payment via SMS—only for Moldcell subscribers. Bank cards are rarely accepted on Chisinau public transport—bring cash.

How late does public transportation run in Chisinau?
Trolleybuses run until 11:00 PM. Buses on some routes run until midnight. Minibuses usually run until 10:00 PM. There is no night public transportation in the city. After 11:00 PM, the only option is a taxi via Bolt or Hip.

Can you pay with a bank card on public transportation in Chisinau?
On most trolleybuses and buses—no. Contactless payments are accepted on a few routes as part of a pilot program. It’s safer for tourists to have cash in Moldovan lei—you can exchange currency right at the airport or in the city center.

Do you need a pass or monthly ticket in Chisinau?
For a short visit (1–3 days)—no, you pay a one-time fare of 6 MDL. If you’re staying longer and plan to take several trips a day, a monthly pass for 234 MDL pays for itself after about 40 trips. You can buy it at Moldpresa kiosks throughout the city.

How do I get from Chisinau Airport to the city center?
The most budget-friendly option is trolleybus No. 30: it drops you off right at the terminal entrance and takes 30–40 minutes to reach the city center (Great National Assembly Square), costing 6 MDL. A taxi via Bolt or Hip costs 60–90 MDL, but takes only 15–25 minutes and is more convenient with luggage.

Is it safe to take a taxi in Chisinau?
Generally speaking, yes. With apps like Bolt, Hip, or Letz, you can always see the car, the driver, and the fare before the ride. Be careful with street taxi drivers, especially near the airport and train station: without a pre-agreed fare, they may significantly overcharge you.

What is Chisinau’s trolleybus network, and why is it unique?
Chisinau is one of the few cities in the region where a trolleybus network of 22 routes serves as the primary mode of transportation. Trams have not operated in the city since 1961—they were completely replaced by trolleybuses. Daily ridership is about 250,000 people. This makes the trolleybus a truly functional system you can rely on.

Can you ride without a ticket—how do ticket inspectors work?
Conductors on trolleybuses and buses approach every passenger and issue a ticket—it’s difficult to ride without one. On popular routes (No. 8, No. 22), there are also separate ticket inspectors. Riding without a ticket results in a fine. Keep your ticket until you exit.

How do you use public transportation with children?
Children under 7 ride for free, as do students in grades 1–4. The new low-floor AKSM-321 trolleybuses are equipped with a convenient entrance for strollers. It’s best not to take a stroller on minibuses—they’re cramped and overcrowded.