Taxis

If you don’t speak Romanian or Russian, downloading a taxi app is your best bet for getting around Chisinau.

The three most popular taxi apps are itaxi, and Yandex Go, and TaxiClub 14444.

You need a phone number in order to register with the apps - it doesn't need to be a Moldovan number, but we recommend getting one - in case you need to contact the driver. Read our guide about buying Moldovan SIM cards.

Itaxi

Itaxi has Android and iOS apps for ordering taxis.

Once you’ve downloaded the app and registered your contact and payment details, you can book a taxi straight away.

You can also pre-book taxis in advance via the itaxi app.

Itaxi occasionally offers promotions on its website and Facebook. Check the Romanian language homepage and Facebook page to see if there are any promotions running.

If you’re in Chisinau you can try the promo code “SEARA10” for a 10-lei discount from 19:00 to 07:00.

Itaxi has been operating in Moldova since 2012.

Yandex Go

Yandex Go has Android and iOS apps for ordering taxis.

Download the app and register your contact and payment details in order to get started with booking a ride.

Yandex Go provides an estimate of the cost of the trip before you confirm your booking - a handy feature that’s currently missing in the itaxi apps.

There is an in-app discount for referring friends.

If you are a Visa card holder, you may be eligible for a discount on your rides. Details here.

TaxiClub 14444

TaxiClub is a simple taxi app for Android and iOS.

Download the app and register your contact details to get started.

You can book rides via the app, but payment is cash only.

Pre-booking rides is available.

Local Taxi Companies

You can call one of the following numbers to speak with a local taxi company:

  • 14222
  • 14999
  • 14428
  • 14002
  • 14006

Operators may not speak English, but if you know where you are and where you’re going, that’s all they need to hear.

Taxis are equipped with meters. Prices start from 20-25 lei, the final total will depend on the distance and time you have travelled.

Local taxis are cash only in Moldovan Lei. It’s up to the discretion of the driver, but some may accept Euros or Dollars; make sure to discuss payment with them beforehand.

Trolleybus

The trolleybus system is an important part of the Moldovan transport network.

You can find trolleybus systems in Chisinau, Balti, Tiraspol, and Bender.

Prices vary between cities - as of 2021 they are 2 lei in Chisinau and Balti, and 2.5 Transnistrian rubles (about 2.3 lei) in Tiraspol and Bender.

Most of the trolleybuses are cash-only, but a few newer buses in Chisinau accept contactless card payments.

Children under 7 ride for free.

Riding the trolleybus for the first time

If you’re a first time rider the trolleybus may appear a little daunting, but we’re here to help.

Firstly, make sure you have cash, either small notes or coins - the exact amount isn’t required. The newer trolleybuses have contactless card readers, but most are still cash only.

Get on and find a seat if you can. A ticket collector (usually in a blue or red vest) with a badge and money pouch will come around and sell you a paper ticket.

You do not need to go to the collector to buy a ticket, they will come to you.

Drivers don’t sell tickets.

Tickets can only be used once. You need to buy a new ticket for each ride.

Make sure you hold onto your ticket until your ride has finished, in case the ticket collector asks to see it.

Stops are announced in Romanian, but the newer buses also have a display showing the next stop.

Trolleybus Travel Cards

Monthly unlimited travel cards are available for those using the Trolleybuses regularly.

You can purchase travel cards from the [Moldpresa kiosks]().

  • 180 lei/month for adults
  • 320 lei/month for companies
  • 70 lei/month for students
  • 50 lei/month for concessions
  • Travelling without a valid ticket

If you travel without a valid ticket you will be fined 50 lei, paid directly to the trolleybus ticket collector.

The fine goes up to 75 lei if you are unable to pay immediately, paid within 72 hours.

After 72 hours the case will go to court. The fine will be determined by the judge - it’s usually about 200 lei.

Minibuses

Known as “maxitaxi” in Romanian or “marshrutka” in Russian. Minibuses are one of the fastest ways to get around Moldova, both for short urban trips and long distances between cities, towns and villages.

Minibuses cost 3 lei per ride in Chisinau.

Download the Moovit app for minibus schedules in Chisinau.

Download the EasyWay app for minibus schedules for all of Moldova.

If you have Google Maps, you can click on any bus station sign. You'll see a list of minibus routes for that stop as well as their estimated departure times.

Riding the minibus for the first time

When you take your seat, hand your money to the driver. If you're at the back, pass the money to a fellow passenger and they will pass it forwards to the driver.

It's best to give the exact amount so the driver and passengers aren't wasting time with change.

You won't receive a paper ticket.

When you get to where you want to go along the route, tell the driver to stop ("Opriți, vă rog" in Romanian), and they will pull over where they are allowed to stop.