Transportation in Moldova

Moldova's transport scene is built around marshrutkas (minibuses) and trolleybuses for everyday hops, with shared taxis and rail for longer runs. Marshrutkas are dirt-cheap and go everywhere. But they leave only when full, great for locals, maddening if you're on a schedule. Trolleybuses are slower yet even cheaper and cover the main corridors. Buy the ticket from the conductor once you board. Inter-city trains exist but are infrequent and slower than the shared taxis that line up outside the main bus stations. Treat rail as a scenic option, not a time-saver. From Chișinău International, the trolleybus into the centre is the bargain move, slow but costs a fraction of a taxi. If you land late or with luggage, the official taxi rank is the safer bet. Insist on the meter and skip the freelance drivers who swarm the arrivals hall. Ride-hailing apps work in the capital and spare you the haggle. Yet outside Chișinău coverage drops fast, keep small bills handy for marshrutka fares and always confirm the destination with the driver before boarding.