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Chisinau Layover Guide (KIV)

What are you looking for in KIV?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Chisinau Airport (KIV) is an international airport located in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Chisinau. The airport officially opened in 1970. Chisinau is the largest city in Moldova and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for its Soviet-era architecture, green parks, and thriving wine culture, making it a unique destination in Eastern Europe.

Can you leave Chisinau Airport (KIV) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers may leave Chişinău Airport during a layover but must pass immigration control. Nationals of visa-exempt countries (EU, US, Canada, etc.) may stay up to 90 days visa-free. Other travelers must obtain a Moldovan entry visa (Type C short-stay) prior to arrival. No separate dedicated airport-transit visa is currently available. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ștefan cel Mare Park Stroll through Chisinau’s central green oasis lined with monuments, fountains, and cafes, offering a peaceful escape amid bustling city life and revealing charming sculptures alongside lush vibrant flower beds throughout. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or bus 165 (~50 min))
• National Museum of History of Moldova Explore Moldova’s heritage through extensive archaeological, ethnographic, and art collections housed in a majestic building, tracing the nation’s evolution from prehistoric settlements to modern identity, complete with immersive interactive exhibits. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or bus 165 (~50 min))
• Cricova Winery Descend into vast underground cellars at Cricova Winery to tour endless wine galleries, sample world-renowned sparkling and red wines, and learn traditional vinification methods in a unique historic subterranean setting. (Time required: 3–4 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~30 min))
• Nativity Cathedral & Cathedral Park Admire the elegant Nativity Cathedral within Cathedral Park, featuring striking neoclassical architecture, serene picturesque gardens, and enclosing historic monuments, offering insights into Moldova’s spiritual traditions and green tranquil urban respite. (Time required: 30–45 minutes / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or bus 165 (~50 min))
• Triumphal Arch View the iconic Triumphal Arch, a historic symbol commemorating Russian victory of 1841, framed by leafy boulevards and adjacent government buildings, perfect for memorable photography and quick cultural historical reflection. (Time required: 15–30 minutes / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or bus 165 (~50 min))
• Piata Centrala (Central Market) Wander through Piata Centrala, Chisinau’s bustling indoor market, where vibrant colorful stalls sell fresh produce, local cheeses, traditional handmade crafts, and aromatic snacks offering authentic tastes and immersive cultural exchanges. (Time required: 45–60 minutes / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or bus 165 to 1 Mai (~40 min) + walk)
• Chisinau Botanical Garden Meander through the expansive Chisinau Botanical Garden, home to diverse flora from around the world, glass greenhouses, peaceful seasonal ponds, and shaded paths ideal for tranquil photography and serene contemplation. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~25 min) or bus 165 + walk (~1 h))
• Memorial Museum of Alexander Pushkin Visit the Memorial Museum of Alexander Pushkin, located in the poet’s former residence, displaying unique manuscripts, personal touching artifacts, and intimate period interiors that transport visitors to 19th-century literary circles. (Time required: 30–45 minutes / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or bus 165 to Cathedral Park + 10 min walk)

Things to Do in Chisinau Airport (KIV)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Business Lounge sits airside on the second floor past passport control, open 24/7, offering air-conditioning, showers, refreshments, Wi-Fi, newspapers, TV, fax and telephone. A VIP lounge handles pre- and post-flight formalities in one room, with premium seating and refreshments. Access fees apply; advance booking recommended. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within 5 km of the terminal, from the 5-star Prezident (gym, pool, business centre, paid shuttle) to budget studios. Many offer round-the-clock airport transfers—complimentary or for a small fee—on request. Options range from business-class suites to simple one-bedroom apartments, suitable for both leisure and business travelers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
No dedicated rest zones, nap pods or cots exist. Seating consists of fixed benches and a few sofas; all areas remain brightly lit and staffed. Travelers report safe but basic conditions—no free drinking fountains and bottled water only. Expect to buy refreshments in duty-free and concessions on two floors.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport Wi-Fi covers the entire terminal. Access is granted via a simple registration process, offering up to five hours of connectivity within any three-day window. Speeds suit email, browsing and messaging; streaming may be throttled. No paid premium tiers or lounges with enhanced bandwidth are currently offered.

SIM/eSIM Card: In the arrivals hall, kiosks for Moldcell, Orange and Unite sell prepaid SIMs (from ~50 MDL) with data bundles, voice and text. Plans range from entry-level data-only to combo packages; top-ups available in convenience stores citywide. eSIM options can be arranged online pre-departure for instant activation on arrival. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Chisinau Airport (KIV) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A taxi desk in the arrivals hall operates 24/7; official vehicles use meters. Standard fares start at ~50 MDL initial and ~5 MDL per km, so a trip to central Chişinău (13 km) is ~100–160 MDL (€5–8). Card payment is often accepted, but confirm fare and method before boarding.

Train: There is no rail link to the terminal. The nearest station is Chişinău Railway, 13 km away; reach it by taxi, bus or shuttle. From there, national and regional trains run under CFM’s network. Timetables and tickets are on CFM’s official site. more info

Bus: Public transport connects the airport to downtown. Trolleybus 30 runs from 06:00–22:59; one-way tickets cost 2 MDL. Minibus 165 departs every 10 minutes from 05:45–22:00; tickets cost 3 MDL. Both stop along main boulevards, reaching “Ştefan cel Mare” central areas in 30–45 minutes. more info

Shuttle: Numerous nearby hotels provide airport shuttle services—complimentary for select properties, or fee-based on request. Private operators offer shared-van transfers (from ~€4) with online booking and meet-and-greet. Advance reservation ensures prompt pickup from arrivals and may include English-speaking drivers and door-to-door service.

Car rentals: Car hire desks line the landside arrivals area: Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, City Auto Rent, Good Rent, Prim-Auto and VIP Rent. Vehicles range from economy to luxury, with CDW insurance options. Book online for best rates; agencies offer one-way drop-off across Moldova, subject to availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: A modern four-level garage sits directly opposite the terminal. Rates start at 10 MDL for the first hour, 100 MDL per day, 200 MDL for two days, 300 MDL for three. Covered spaces except top level; accessible spots and elevators available. Payments in cash or card at automated kiosks and control room.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

No luggage-storage facilities or lockers are offered in the terminal. Travelers must carry belongings or use off-site services. If this changes, updates may appear on the airport’s official site. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Chisinau Airport (KIV) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks