Europe > Moldova > Chișinău (KIV)
The Car or no Car advice for Chișinău can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Chișinău ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Chișinău ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Chișinău?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚋 Getting around Chișinău without a car
Exploring Chișinău itself is easy. You can walk between most central sights, including the Cathedral Park, Valea Morilor Lake, the Triumphal Arch, and the National Museum. The trolleybus network is extensive, inexpensive, and surprisingly efficient. Minibuses (rutieras) fill most gaps, although they can be crowded during peak hours. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also widespread and affordable, so you rarely feel stuck.
Because the city spreads gently rather than vertically, strolling feels pleasant and safe. For many visitors, especially those staying only a couple of days, the urban experience does not require a rental car.
🍇 Wineries: Moldova’s greatest attraction
Chișinău becomes far more interesting once you step outside the city. Moldova is one of Europe’s underrated wine regions, and many travellers come specifically to visit wineries such as:
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Cricova, with its underground “wine city”
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Milestii Mici, home to one of the largest wine cellars in the world
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Château Vartely, combining vineyards with scenic views
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Purcari, offering more of a countryside resort experience
You can reach some wineries by taxi or organised tour. These are popular, affordable, and allow you to sample freely. However, if you want flexibility, a rental car helps you visit several estates in one day. Just remember that rural roads vary in quality, especially in winter.
⛪ Monasteries and country drives
Moldova’s monasteries are another major reason to leave Chișinău. Orheiul Vechi is the most famous, with dramatic cliff scenery, cave monasteries, and hiking paths. It is accessible by tour, taxi, or rental car, but self-driving offers the most freedom. Other monasteries, such as Căpriana and Hâncu, sit deep in forested landscapes where public transport is limited or slow.
If your trip focuses on rural Moldova, a car quickly becomes the simplest option. Distances aren’t huge, yet the lack of direct bus links means progress can be slow without one.
🛬 Arriving at Chișinău International Airport (KIV)
KIV sits only 15–20 minutes from the city centre. Major rental companies operate at the terminal, and pick-up is usually smooth. Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate fixed-rate airport transfers, so you never need a car simply to reach your hotel.
🚨 A note on driving standards
Driving in Chișinău is generally manageable, but the countryside can be uneven. Expect narrow rural lanes, occasional potholes, and limited lighting after dark. However, traffic volumes are low, and most journeys are straightforward with a bit of caution.
🧭 Conclusion – Should you rent a car in Chișinău?
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🚗 Yes if you want to visit wineries, monasteries, and Moldova’s countryside at your own pace. Public transport is patchy outside the city.
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❔ Maybe if you’re staying mostly in Chișinău, because local transport, taxis, and tours make a car unnecessary.
