Odessa Travel Forum

My travel book says there are two trains per day from Odessa to Chisinau. However when I look online, I don't see any. Does anyone know of these trains, and what the schedule might look like? Thanks for the help!

John

Do you speak Russian or Ukrainian? You could go to the train station in Odessa and ask for specific times. There are some travel agencies nearby the main train station you could inquire at. There are some agents that speak English, but don't bet on it.
I found the following on <theodessaguide.com> I don't know how up-to-date the times are, however. There are some ads there for travel agencies in Odessa you could also check with them to verify the below schedule.

If you have any other questions about Odessa or Ukraine, I have been there several times, so please ask me!

City Train No DAYS DEP Odessa ARR Train No DAYS DEP ARR Odessa Russian Name
Kishinov, Moldova 642 Everyday 11:40 16:38 641 Everyday 6:32 11:15 &#1050;&#1080;&#1096;&#1080;&#1085;&#1077;&#1074;, &#1052;&#1086;&#1083;&#1076;&#1086;&#1074;&#1072;
Kishinov, Moldova 658 Everyday 17:57 22:36 657 Everyday 12:50 17:28 &#1050;&#1080;&#1096;&#1080;&#1085;&#1077;&#1074;, &#1052;&#1086;&#1083;&#1076;&#1086;&#1074;&#1072;

I am not sure about the current situation, but at least few monthes ago the Odessa - Chisinau train was cancelled because of some political tensions between Moldova and Transdniestr (the train is/was going through territory of Transdniestr). In www.bahn.de there is a time table for Odessa - Chisinau train, but I don't know if you can rely on this information. But it could happen that this train is going again. Calling to Odessa train station (if you speak Russian or Ukrainian) would be the best way to obtain reliable information.

Ok, here's the situation.

The trains that are mentioned in all databases are "normal" long-distance trains, but at this point there is no regular train, they are being "appointed" by the railway company from time to time. The two daily trains that were mentioned above are diesel trains with sitting seats only. Don't take these trains as they are dirty and take forever to get to Chisinau.

It takes about 3.5-4 hours to get to Chisinau by bus from the bus station (they run frequently). There are also private drivers at the bus station, who pack the car to Chisinau with 3-4 people, and thus make a living. It would take you only 2.5 hours this way. So forget the train, go to the bus station.

By the way, I'm taking this route on Sunday, so if want to have fresh impressions, please remind me to share them.

I came to the bus station at 11:50 am, and was approached by a driver. He was taking another person to Tiraspol (Transnistria, about half way between Odesa and Chisinau) for UAH100, and wanted the same money from me to go right away. I told him I need to go to Chisinau, and he offered to take me there for UAH300. We agreed on UAH250, but there my be room for more bargaining. I personally was happy with the price, and was in Chisinau within 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Don't be disturbed by the appearance of these drivers - it's still much better than the bus. I had three bags, and was comfortable in the back of an old Golf all by myself. I'm not sure whether it's as easy to get such a deal at any time, but I took a taxi from Chisinau to Odesa 3 years ago in the same "shared" way. There may be some opportunities to go like this quite a few times every day. Alternatively, if you are willing to pay $70 or a bit less all by yourself, you can go at any time, I guess.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you think it would be as easy to negotiate if you only spoke English?

Well, you can always have a sheet of paper with &#1050;&#1080;&#1096;&#1080;&#1085;&#1077;&#1074; and the price you're willing to pay written down. The driver can write down his price on the same sheet, and this way you'll be able to talk. Best is to have someone speaking Russian or Ukrainian there.

Alternatively, I have the number of the driver I used, who lives in Tiraspol. If you tell me when you're travelling, I may be able to negotiate that he comes to Odesa to pick you up for about the same money. Let me know anyway.

Taking a car may be the way to go, also. But be careful!
Many of these "cabs", the drivers speak English, they usually brag about it,too! So you may not have that much difficulty finding someone who speaks English.
I didn't think they would go to Moldova, but apparantly, they do.

Pikine, thanks for all the good advice you give on this site. Big fan!

I was wondering if he has an additional obstacle being American and getting across the border (I pretend to ask for him but I wanted to know for myself:)). I once traveled from Kisheniv to Tiraspol. I thought I got across the border with my Moldovan visa but found out later that my host got me a paper (I've never found out what it was. Maybe transnestrian visa?). I never saw it. :) Last September, while I was in Odessa, I wanted to go to Tiraspol but they would not give this paper to my host this time. I never went but was wondering if I could get this at the border. I would like to do it in the spring this year. I know Moldova does not require visas for Americans anymore but can't figure Transnistria out. What light can you shed on my confusion?

Dennis,

As far as I can tell, there is no visa to Transnistria for anyone. I've crossed the border a number of times, but never heard of such a thing. They may want your money (a small amount, though) at some point for something, but they will defenitely let you in.

Let me know when you're actually going - I'll check this again for you.

It is not that good idea to go by train from Odessa to Chisinau. It is okey when you are Ukrainian or Moldavian but if you have other citizenship there might be some problems...

As Transdniestr is not independent country there is no possibility to get assistance from the embassy or consulate. And Russian soldiers often "ask for" money for crossing the border. In addtition, you are out of reach when crossing Ukrainian and Moldavian border as mobiles phones do not work (those using roaming). I crossed the border three times and twice I managed to be safe and once I had real problem on the border...

For a nominal fee, Unipress travel in Odessa can book trains for you and verify schedules. If you do not know Russian or Ukrainian the train station may be difficult for you as there are different sections and lines. Also, Ukrainians are not too great at waiting their turn in line and this could frustrate you. Unipress can also recommend alternative travel arrangements and Oksana is helpful. They are honest and refunded hotel money to me when I had to cut a visit to another city short even though I did not ask for it.

I just found out that the train service has been been suspended from Odessa to Chisinau.

well, that kind of settles that, eh? guess he needs to hitchhike now!

I'd say getting a driver to take you would be the best and easiest way. Depending on negotiating skills, I'd bet you could get one for less than $70. Pikine says $70 and he is more knowledgable than me but I would negotiate for less with a few drivers before agreeing to $70.

Any recent experience travelling from Odessa to Chisinau? Am planning on making the trek in 2 weeks. Understand that there is no train service. Any idea of bus schedules? Was advised to take a route that goes around transdniestr. Any thoughts on how such a route would add to transit time? Thanks.

I used to go from Odessa to Chisinau by train. The trip took about 4 hours but it is risky as you need to pass Transdniestria.

Only busses.. I was there in june and there was no train to odessa from Moldova