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HomeRoad TripsEuropeEast EuropeMoldovaMoldova
Moldova countryside

Moldova Road Trip

Chișinau - Tiraspol - Orhei - Soroca - Bălți - Călărași

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Moldova Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km613 h/stage2.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Moldova Road Trip in Moldova?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 324EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 695EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,019EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 638EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,183EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,723EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,242EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 869EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,595EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,837EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,350EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 330EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 781EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,131EUR
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Moldova Road Trip Itinerary

The Moldova Road Trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the country. Starting in the capital city of Chișinau, the trip covers a distance of 613km and is recommended to take 6 days. Traveling through Tiraspol, Soroca, and Călărași, you can enjoy the sights of various towns, rivers, and forests. The best time of the year to take this trip is during the spring or summer, when the weather is mild and the roads are in good condition. Although the roads are partly curvy, they are suitable for any driver. The whole trip can be managed with a low budget, making it an ideal option for those looking to explore Moldova on a budget.
number of days 6 number of days
route length 613 km route length
budget low budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Chișinau

Distance 607 km Driving time 12.8 h Pace: modest 157.9 kWh Airports KIV
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Chișinau, the capital of Moldova, is the perfect starting point for the "Moldova Road Trip". The city itself is worth exploring with its architecture, culture and atmosphere. The National Museum of History and Archeology, the National Art Museum, the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History and the National Library of Moldova are all worth a visit. The open-air Museum of Folk Architecture and Life is a great place to learn about the country’s history. Chișinau also has several beautiful parks, like the Valea Morilor Park, that are perfect for a relaxing stroll. The city is served by Chișinau International Airport (KIV), making it very easy to get to. The airport offers various car rental services, making it easy to start the road trip right away. From Chișinau, travelers can explore the rest of Moldova and its stunning countryside. With its picturesque villages, rolling hills and vineyards, Moldova offers an unforgettable experience. The "Moldova Road Trip" is sure to be an adventure to remember. So don't forget to start your journey in the beautiful city of Chișinau.

1 Chișinau - Tiraspol

Distance 65 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: modest 16.8 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Chișinau, Moldova to Tiraspol? This stage of your journey is only 65km long and it takes less than 2 hours of driving. The first stop in Chișinau is the Triumphal Arch, a symbol of the city and its history. Then, you can visit the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, where you can learn more about the culture and nature of Moldova. After that, you can explore the Calea Basarabiei, a street full of bars, restaurants, and shops. The next stop is Tiraspol, the capital of the unrecognized Transnistrian Republic. Here, you can visit the Central Market, one of the largest in the region, and the Victory Square, a memorial to the Soviet victory in World War II. You can also explore the city’s many churches and monasteries, as well as its museums and galleries. This is just one stage of your road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, get ready for an amazing journey from Chișinau to Tiraspol!

2 Tiraspol - Orhei

Distance 136 km Driving time 2.6 h Pace: modest 35.3 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues
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Embark on a thrilling road trip starting in Tiraspol, Moldova and ending in Orhei, 136 km away. Driving through the picturesque countryside, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most fascinating historical sites in the region. First, you will visit the old city of Tiraspol, where you can admire the restored fortress and the historical monuments of the Soviet era. Then, you will drive along the banks of the Dniester River and explore the ancient city of Soroca, famous for its medieval fortress. Continuing your journey, you will pass through the city of Dubasari and its picturesque surroundings, before reaching the city of Orhei. Here, you will find the Orheiul Vechi archaeological complex and the unique cave monastery of Butuceni. This stage of your road trip will take you less than three hours to complete, and it will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Be sure to pay attention to all the wonderful sights along the way, and don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites.

3 Orhei - Soroca

Distance 163 km Driving time 3.5 h Pace: modest 42.3 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Orhei to Soroca! The 163km journey will take you less than 4 hours and you'll have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places along the way. Start by visiting the Orheiul Vechi Monastery Complex, an ancient monastic complex dating back to the 14th century. Then, drive to Butuceni, a village located near the Prut River and home to some of the oldest churches in Moldova. Next, take a detour to the Tipova Monastery, a stunning cliffside monastery located on the Dniester River. As you continue your journey, take in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and winding roads. Make sure to stop in Criuleni, a small town located on the border of Moldova and Ukraine, and explore its historical sites. Finally, end your journey in Soroca, a city known for its beautiful fortress and vibrant nightlife. Along the way, you'll find plenty of accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. For more information, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Bon voyage!

4 Soroca - Bălți

Distance 71 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: modest 18.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Soroca to Bălți! This stage is 71 km long and can be completed in less than 2 hours. During your trip, you will have the chance to admire the most interesting places in both cities. In Soroca, you can visit the Soroca Fortress, a 15th century fortification, or the Stephen the Great Monument, a sculpture of a knight on horseback. You can also take a stroll around the Soroca market, where you can find a variety of local products. In Bălți, you can visit the Old City Hall, a former administrative building, and the Monument to the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War, a memorial to the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. You can also admire the beautiful Orthodox churches of Bălți. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

5 Bălți - Călărași

Distance 88 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 26.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues
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Welcome to the Bălți-Călărași road trip stage! This stage of your journey will take you through 88 km of beautiful scenery, and you'll reach your destination in less than 2 hours. As you leave Bălți, you'll be able to visit the St. George Church, an Orthodox Church with a beautiful bell tower, and the Monument of Stephen the Great, a tribute to the famous Moldovan ruler. Then, you'll pass through the city of Florești, where you can visit the Monument of the Heroes of the War of Independence. As you reach the city of Căușeni, you'll find the Monument of the Victims of the Holocaust, and the Monument to the Heroes of the War of 1812, a tribute to the Moldovan soldiers who fought against the Ottoman Empire. Finally, you'll reach Călărași, where you can visit the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, and the Monument to the Heroes of the War of 1877-1878. These are just some of the attractions you can visit during this stage of your journey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy your road trip, and have a safe and enjoyable journey!

6 Călărași - Cricova - Chișinau

Distance 86 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: slow 19.7 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues
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Welcome to the amazing road trip stage that starts in Călărași, Moldova and ends in Chișinau, covering a distance of 86km in less than 3 hours. This is one of the most interesting stages of the tour and you will be amazed by the historical sites along the way. The first stop is Cricova, a small city famous for its unique underground wine cellars. Here you can take a tour of the cellars and taste some of the best wines in the region. Then, you can visit the historic center of Chișinau, where you will find many interesting attractions, including the Nativity Cathedral, the Triumphal Arch and the National Museum of History. As you drive through this stage, you can also visit the nearby villages and admire the beautiful landscapes. In each of these places, you will find a variety of attractions, from historical sites to traditional restaurants. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

  Chișinau

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After the long and eventful Moldova Road Trip, your final destination is the beautiful city of Chișinau. Located in the center of the country, this vibrant and bustling city is the perfect place to end your journey. Chișinau is the capital of Moldova and home to a number of fascinating sights and attractions. Take a stroll through the old city center and admire the buildings, churches, and monuments that make up the city’s rich history. Visit the stunning Catedrala Nasterea Domnului, a stunning Orthodox church located in the heart of the city. Another must-see is the Triumphal Arch, which commemorates the liberation of Moldova from Ottoman rule. For a dose of culture, head to the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the National Museum of Fine Arts, or the National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Or, for a taste of local cuisine, Chișinau has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. When traveling to Chișinau by car, the closest international airport is Chisinau International Airport (KIV). From there, it’s just a short drive to the city center. At the end of your Moldova Road Trip, Chișinau is the perfect place to relax and take in the sights of this captivating city.

Moldova Road Trip at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on a captivating 613km journey over 6 days with the Moldova Road Trip, which offers an immersive experience into the heart of Eastern Europe. This excursion allows Roadtrippers to explore Moldova's lush countryside, distinctive cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. Starting from the bustling capital of Chișinau, the route meanders through verdant landscapes, beside meandering rivers, and into the depths of ancient forests, offering a window into the unsung natural beauty of this charming country.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Chișinau: The adventure kicks off in Moldova's vibrant capital, where the blend of Soviet-era architecture and modern European charm sets the tone. Don't miss the National Museum of History of Moldova and the stunning Nativity Cathedral.
  • Tiraspol: Journey into a city frozen in time in the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, or Transnistria. Here, Soviet monuments and relics coexist with a lively local culture.
  • Soroca: This historical town is famed for the Soroca Fortress, a well-preserved medieval bastion, and the Candle of Gratitude monument, which symbolizes the nation's cultural heritage perched on the banks of the Dniester river.
  • Călărași: Recharge in this quaint town amidst rolling hills and vineyards. It's an ideal spot to experience Moldova's rural charm and sample local wines.

Best Time to Go:

To savor the Moldova Road Trip at its best, plan your visit during spring (May to June) or summer (July to August). These seasons promise lush landscapes, comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, and a full calendar of cultural festivals.

Potential Risks:

While navigating Moldova's Roads, be prepared for varying conditions. Some areas may present windy routes through hills and require cautious driving. Additionally, keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid any unexpected storms or heavy rainfall that could impact your travel.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • Moldova boasts over 120 wineries and is home to the largest wine cellar in the world by number of bottles, Mileștii Mici, which holds a Guinness World Record. Wine enthusiasts should not miss the chance to taste Moldova's rich selection of wines.
  • With an affordable cost of living, Moldova offers an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious travelers to enjoy an enriching cultural experience without breaking the bank.
  • Carry Moldovan Leu for convenience, especially in remote locations where ATM access may be limited and electronic payments aren't as widespread.

A good choice for:

Ideal for culture buffs and nature lovers alike, the Moldova Road Trip is a journey that promises a blend of adventure, relaxation, and a deep dive into the nation's rich tapestry of history and traditions. This hidden gem of a destination offers an off-the-beaten-path experience that is both accessible and enriching.

Facts for safer driving in Moldova

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.3
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 90 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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