Car Rental in Chisinau – Everything You Need to Know.
Moldova is compact, welcoming, and perfect for a self-drive itinerary. Use Chisinau as your base, then plan day trips to nature reserves, wineries, and historic sites at your own pace. For quick booking details and fleet options, start on AutoInMoldova (EN), check answers to common questions in the FAQ, and reach out anytime via Contacts.
Chisinau – the Perfect Starting Point
The capital blends cultural heritage with a modern city feel: wide boulevards, leafy parks, and landmarks that tell the country’s story. Stroll through “Ștefan cel Mare” Park, see the Triumphal Arch and the Nativity Cathedral, visit the National History Museum, and taste traditional Moldovan cuisine at local restaurants. With a rental car in Chisinau, you can flexibly plan your day and include areas that are hard to reach by public transport.
Orheiul Vechi – Living History in Stone
About an hour from Chisinau, Orheiul Vechi is an archaeological and natural complex of ancient fortifications, cave monasteries, and dramatic cliffs carved by the Răut River. Walk scenic trails, photograph the landscapes, and explore nearby villages with authentic homes and warm hospitality. A car lets you arrive outside peak hours and combine Orheiul Vechi with other countryside stops.
Cricova & Mileștii Mici – Wineries and Tastings
Moldova’s wine heritage shines at two headline cellars. In Cricova you’ll find kilometers of underground galleries, collections, and guided tastings; at Mileștii Mici you can see one of the largest wine collections in the world. With a rental car, it’s easy to visit both in one day and add smaller family-run wineries along the route.
Codrii Reserve, Saharna & Țâpova – Nature and Serenity
Nature lovers will enjoy the Codrii Nature Reserve with dense forests and diverse flora/fauna. Saharna is known for its waterfalls and monastery, while Țâpova features a chain of cliffside monasteries overlooking the Dniester River. Plan one to two days by car to cover these sights without rushing.
Castel Mimi & Purcari – Architecture and Terroir
Castel Mimi combines a winery, elegant architecture, and refined dining; Purcari is a historic estate famed for premium wines and picturesque vineyards. Both are easy additions to a self-drive itinerary.
Why Choose Car Rental in Chisinau
Renting a car in Moldova gives you the freedom to design your route, save time, and travel comfortably. You can reach remote corners, enjoy scenic drives, and explore at your own rhythm. For planning and practical details, browse AutoInMoldova – FAQ and contact us via Contacts to match the car to your itinerary.
How to Travel by Car in the Republic of Moldova: Useful Tips for Drivers and Tourists
If you want to discover the Republic of Moldova at your own pace, the best option is a car rental in Chișinău. You can book a car right in the city center or choose the convenient option of car pick-up at Chișinău Airport as soon as you land. This way, you save time and start your journey with full comfort.
What You Need to Know at the Border of R.Moldova
When driving only within Moldova, you don’t need to pay extra road taxes if you use national routes. However, if you plan to cross the border, keep in mind:
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you will need a Green Card for international car insurance;
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you must purchase a vignette depending on the country you enter;
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if you plan to pass through the Transnistrian region, an additional insurance for your vehicle is required.
These are simple rules, and if you prepare them in advance, your trip will be smooth and stress-free.
Scenic Routes Across Moldova
With a rental car, you can drive from the north to the south of Moldova in just one day. The national roads will take you through diverse landscapes and charming towns:
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Hîncești and Leova – peaceful areas with rural scenery;
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Bălți – the second-largest city in Moldova, ideal for a short urban stop;
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Cahul – famous for its thermal spas and relaxed atmosphere.
For cultural travelers, don’t miss Orheiul Vechi, Moldova’s famous wineries, and historic monasteries.
Recommended Cars for Moldovan Roads
To make your trip comfortable and safe, we recommend reliable cars that are perfect for national routes and rural adventures:
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Dacia Duster – robust and practical, ideal for both paved roads and countryside;
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Suzuki Vitara – versatile and comfortable, perfect for long-distance trips.
Both models are available for car rental in Chișinău and can be booked online in just a few clicks. If you arrive by plane, you can enjoy the convenience of car pick-up at Chișinău Airport, making your travel experience even easier.
Practical guide: how to rent a car at Chisinau Airport
Renting a car at Chisinau International Airport is one of the most convenient solutions for tourists and for those returning home from abroad. The process is simple, fast, and adapted to the needs of every customer. In this guide you will find step by step how the car pick-up works, what advantages you get if you book online, what the deposit conditions are, and how to enjoy a stress-free experience.
Picking up the car in just 10 minutes
After landing at Chisinau Airport, you do not need to waste precious time. The reserved car is waiting for you directly in the airport parking lot, and the pick-up takes no more than 10 minutes.
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You do not need to travel to external offices.
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You do not need to pay extra parking fees, these are already included in the price.
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Everything is designed so you can get behind the wheel immediately and continue your journey.
The return process is just as quick: you bring the car back to the same parking area, with no hidden costs and no complicated formalities.
The deposit of 100 euros
For the safety of both parties, at the time of signing the contract a deposit of 100 euros is required. This serves as security to cover any minor damages or unforeseen costs.
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The amount is blocked at the beginning of the rental period.
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It is refunded immediately after the contract expires, if the car is returned under the agreed conditions.
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There are no delays or complicated procedures, the money is returned on the spot.
This practice provides clients with peace of mind and confidence, proving the company’s transparency and fairness.
Online booking: fast and without a credit card
One of the greatest advantages for clients is that a credit card is not required to reserve or rent a car.
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You can book online in just a few minutes, directly on the website.
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Payment can be made easily, with a debit card or even in cash at pick-up.
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The procedure is simple and accessible for everyone, including tourists who do not have international credit cards.
Online reservations are not only faster, but also safer: the car you want is guaranteed to be waiting for you in the parking lot.
The difference between short-term and long-term rental
Those who come to Chisinau for a few days or a week usually prefer short-term rental. Costs are slightly higher, since the daily rate includes maximum flexibility.
On the other hand, long-term rental is the ideal solution for:
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extended business trips,
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expats or people temporarily staying in Moldova,
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families who need mobility for a longer period.
In this case, the daily price decreases significantly, becoming much more financially advantageous. The longer you rent, the less you pay per day.
Unlimited mileage
Another important advantage is unlimited mileage, which gives you the freedom to explore Moldova without restrictions.
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Unless otherwise specified in the contract, you can drive as much as you want.
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There are no worries about hidden charges for extra kilometers.
This flexibility is perfect for tourists as well as for those who travel frequently for work.
How to return the car?
To avoid any issues, the car must be returned in the same condition in which it was received:
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Clean – do not return the car dirty, since dirt can hide scratches or defects that are only visible after a proper inspection.
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With the same fuel level – if you received the car with a full tank, return it full.
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Without personal belongings – do not leave luggage, documents, or money inside.
Respecting these conditions ensures the deposit is refunded quickly and guarantees a smooth experience. More info please see here.
Additional services at the airport
Chisinau International Airport provides free internet in the terminal, which allows you to easily contact the company staff immediately after landing.
If you need to pick up or return the car outside regular working hours (at night), an additional fee of 20 euros applies. This option is very useful for night flights or unexpected delays.
Flexibility in changing the location
You can rent the car in Chisinau and return it at the airport rental office, or the other way around. If you want to change the drop-off location, a logistical fee of 10 euros applies.
This flexibility is a big advantage for clients who are not sure exactly where their trip will end.
Who is allowed to drive the rented car
An important detail: the vehicle may only be driven by the person who signed the rental contract.
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If you want to add an additional driver, this must be specified when signing the agreement.
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This rule protects both the client and the company from possible legal or insurance problems.
Renting a car at Chisinau Airport is a fast, safe, and convenient process. In just a few minutes you can pick up your car directly from the parking lot, without hidden fees and without stress. The deposit is refunded immediately, online reservations are simple and accessible, and unlimited mileage gives you complete freedom.
Whether you choose a short-term or long-term rental, you benefit from transparency, flexibility, and services adapted to your needs. All that is left is to start your journey and discover the beauty of Moldova with full comfort and freedom. call us by whatsapp.