Moldova

Brief History

In 1865, the first railroad line from Razdelnaya station to Kuchurgan was laid in Moldova. Since then, the real era of railroad travel in this region began.

The year 1867 brought a new expansion of the network: the road was extended to Tiraspol, and four years later, in 1871, it reached the capital – Kishinev.

In the following years, railway lines were laid throughout Bessarabia, and by the beginning of the XX century their length exceeded 850 km.

The Great Patriotic War made its adjustments. The railroads became a frontline highway, providing evacuation of enterprises and transportation of troops and ammunition.

After the war, reconstruction and modernization of the network began. In 1953, the Moldovan Railroad was merged with the Odessa-Kishinev Railroad, and then separated into a separate department.

In recent decades, important infrastructural changes have taken place: electrification of sections, construction of new lines and modernization of old ones.

 At the beginning of 2020, the state-owned company Railways of Moldova was preparing to receive the first batch of 12 new locomotives, which will contribute to even more comfortable and efficient rail travel in this wonderful region.

General Information and Statistics

The main operator of passenger railway transportation in Moldova is the state-owned enterprise "Railways of Moldova" (Calea Ferată din Moldova, CFM). 
How many stations, how many kilometers of railways.

As of 2018, the operational length of the road is 1,151 kilometers, of which 472 kilometers are equipped with automatic interlocking systems. There are 80 separate stations and points in the railroad network of the Republic of Moldova, of which 57 stations are freight stations, 41 stations are passenger stations

There are no electrified tracks in Moldova.

What connections to other countries there are.

Geographically, the Moldovan railroad overlaps with the Ukrainian and Romanian railroads.

Are trains fast in Moldova in general? How much time to cross the country?

Moldova does not have a well-developed railroad network, and rail service within the country is generally slow. Moldova's railway system mainly serves freight traffic, and passenger trains are limited in speed and frequency.

Most passenger trains in Moldova are regular trains that run at moderate speeds and stop at various stations along the route. High-speed trains, as is common in some other countries, are not a characteristic feature of the Moldovan rail network.

The journey from Kishinev to Iasi-socola takes 4:52 hours from Kishinev to Bucharest 12:59 hours.

What railway companies are available?

The main railroad company operating in Moldova is Calea Ferată din Moldova (CFM). CFM is the state-owned railway operator responsible for managing the railway infrastructure and providing passenger and freight transportation services within the country.

CFM serves the majority of rail routes in Moldova, including domestic and international routes. However, it should be noted that Moldova's railroad network is relatively small and not as extensive as in some other countries.

What train types are available in Moldova

Suburban trains as well as long-distance international trains run through Moldova.

Are there high-speed-trains available?

There are no high-speed trains in Moldova.

Most important train stations / hubs.

The main hubs of the road are Chisinau, Basarabeasca, Ungheni, Balti-Slobozia, Ocnita.

Websites to buy train tickets for Moldova?

https://on.railway.md:10000/?from=2300000&to=5310017

Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Moldova?

No mobile app.

Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Moldova?

Yes, it is possible to buy tickets at the railway station.

Can I buy my ticket by phone?

No, you can't buy tickets over the phone.

Return the ticket.

In case of refusal of the trip, train delay, illness, etc., the owner of the reservation presents the printed EZC and an identity document, the data whose data are indicated in the EZC, to the ticket office of the station of SE "CFM", for making a mark.
the corresponding mark.
The refund of the money due shall be made in a claim procedure, depending on the terms of refund, with a deduction of the amount of the refund. depending on the terms of return, with withholding of commission fees for the operation of The refund is made in accordance with the rates established at the ""CFM"" SE.

Train ticket prices

The website does not show the price for local connections, they ask you to come to the train station to buy a ticket.

Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?

A ticket from Kishenev to Iasi-Sokola costs from 4.45 € for an adult ticket, and from Kishenev to Bucharest from 34.40 €.

Where to find timetables.

Find train schedules on http://railway.md/?l=ru&h=uUbEYmvj06tbm0nB/16NCvf%D1%83FT7%D1%83NN2RPURPJkB6du1BaY5EcwGXbxGI1j6pcc6b8Z78EollWEBhYBi3N6xQ05Lojbmqxk0yWpS1SKr6rLw=

Buying tickets in advance or right before the train

Do not leave the purchase of tickets to the last day .There are situations when people went to buy tickets for the same day, but there were no tickets, and they had to go by bus (which, of course, is less convenient for a 10-12 hour trip).

Types of tickets.

Of the tickets currently on the website, there is only a "Full" ticket and a "Children's" ticket available.

Interrail/Eurail Passes in Moldova

Interrail/Eurail Passes are not available.

Saver price.

There are no such tickets in moldova. Buy either a regular ticket if you are an adult or a child ticket.

Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?

Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.

Flexible tickets.

Flexible tickets are not available.

Rules of boarding.

Passenger boarding is performed upon presentation to the conductor of the car of the passenger's identity document corresponding to the details specified in the EPC.
After verification of the passenger's passport data with the boarding register of paid e-order coupons, the conductor gives the passenger a travel document for travel in the train

Discounts for group travel.

There are no discounts for a group of people.

Age groups and discounts.

One child not older than 5 years old can travel free of charge with a passenger. When more than one child under 5 years of age travels with a passenger, children tickets are purchased for the other children and for children between 5 and 10 years of age. Senior travellers aged 65 and over can get special saver fares from EUR 15.90.

Age limitations for minors.

There is no information from what age children can travel alone on Molodova trains.

Handicapped passengers.

There is no information on the official website about any discounts or assistance for people with disabilities.

Seat reservations in trains in Moldova.

When you buy a ticket, you choose your seat.

Comfort classes on the trains.

There are two classes available on the Prietenia night train between Bucharest and Chisinau.
The are 2nd class couchettes with four berths in each compartment and 1st class sleepers with two beds in each compartment.
On the route Kishenev - Iasi-Sokola there is a choice of 3 seating comfort classes.

Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Moldova.

There is no restaurant car or any catering, bring your own food and drinks.

Night trains in Moldova?

There are night trains from Chisenevo to Bucharest.

Important train routes in Moldova.

There is no way to see ticket prices, as well as travel time and availability of local trains, when buying tickets online. So only international destinations are listed, for which it is possible to view prices and availability.

Kishinev-Iasi-Sokola / 4:40 hours / from 4.66 EUR / 2 trains a day.
Kishinev-Bucharest / 12:59 hours / from 34.45 EUR / every 30 minutes.

International train routes.

At the moment it is possible to buy tickets from Moldova only to Romania. Although in November 2022, the Kiev-Kishenev trains were to be launched.

Tourist / scenic routes in Moldova.

Moldova does not have an extensive railroad network for scenic routes specifically designed for tourists. However, there are several scenic routes that can be traveled to enjoy the countryside and see the beauty of this small and charming country. Here are a few potential scenic train routes in Moldova:

    • Chisinau to Ungheni:
This route connects Moldova's capital city of Chisinau to the town of Ungheni, located near the border with Romania. Along the way you will pass through picturesque countryside, vineyards and traditional Moldovan villages. Ungheni is a historic town with beautiful architecture, and it is a great place to explore the local culture.

    • Chisinau - Bender (Tighina):
Another scenic route is from Chisinau to the city of Bender, also known as Tighina. This route passes through the heart of Moldova and offers views of rolling countryside and agricultural fields. Bender is a historically significant city with a fortress and other interesting sights.

Although not touristy or scenic, these routes offer a glimpse of rural beauty and traditional Moldovan charm.

Luggage information.

Passengers are entitled to carry hand baggage up to 36 kg free of charge and an additional 50 kg for a fee at the baggage tariff.

Bicycle on the train.

No up-to-date information was found.

Ski or snowboard on the train.

No up-to-date information was found.

Luggage lockers on the stations in Moldova.

There is a luggage room at the Chisinau train station: when you enter the main hall, turn left. There you will find a sign in three languages (Russian, Romanian, English) under two electronic departure and arrival boards. However, the opening hours are not known.

Lost and Found Items.

If a passenger discovers that he or she has forgotten things on the train when leaving the train, he or she should contact the station (station) manager or other official.

Pets on the trains.

Dogs, small animals and birds with a passenger on suburban trains are carried on tickets sold at suburban ticket offices.