One of the most interesting international trains in Europe is the “Prietenia” train, which connects Bucharest and Chișinău. This overnight train is comprised of Moldovan railway carriages that date back to the Soviet era.
The Bucharest – Chișinău train departs from Bucharest at 19:10 and arrives in Chișinău at 08:44.
Passengers travel in sleeper cars with 2- and 4-bed compartments, and there is also an option to buy a first-class ticket for a private compartment.
The train runs daily, but this schedule may change. There have been times when it only operated twice a week or was suspended for extended periods.
Onboard facilities:
A bar car is available, offering hot meals, but prices are relatively high.
Major disadvantages:
No air conditioning, which is especially problematic during summer heatwaves.
A three-hour stop is required for bogie changing due to different railway gauges. During this time, toilets are unavailable, so passengers with intestinal problems will have a problem.
Tickets:
Bucharest to Chișinău: Tickets can be purchased on the CFR website and then collected in person at the ticket office.
Chișinău to Bucharest: Tickets are available on the Moldovan Railways website, but availability is limited. However, in practice, buying a ticket on the day of departure is usually not a problem. purchased through the Moldovan Railways website may vary slightly.
While preparing the guide, the Bucharest – Chișinău ticket in a 4-person compartment cost 26 EUR under the promotional fare and 36.5 EUR under the regular fare. A ticket in a 2-person compartment costs approximately 42 EUR, and if you want a private compartment, the price is 55 EUR. Ticket prices purchased through the Moldovan Railways website may vary slightly.
Smoking is officially prohibited on the train, but passengers often smoke in vestibules and on the platforms between carriages.
Related articles:
Train travel in Romania – a comprehensive guide
Train travel in Moldova – a comprehensive guide
