Has anyone taken the train from Bucharest to Chisinau? I know it is very slow but what was your experiences? Is it safe for a single traveler overnight? Will I have problems with border patrol and customs? Thanks for input.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1600 posts
I once boarded a train that was bound for Chisinau - got on at Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria (or the station close by) and rode it to Bucharest. The train continued onto Chisinau.
This was almost 10 years ago. It was a sleeper train where it was mandatory to pay for the berth. It was an average long distance train that was running almost 3 hours behind scheduled when I jumped on it (the train I originally booked was also running over 3 hrs late so I took a chance and boarded it - just had to pay the rez fee to the conductor on board).
Is there a reason for wanting to ride the train? A quick search on google flights shows flights for $68 on Tarom. I would look to fly unless your heart is set on traveling by train.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR
82 posts
Taking the train because it is one of the last Soviet sleepers operating. Just doing it for the experience.
Posted by
226 posts
It's been almost 20 years, but I once was escorted out of this train with an AK-47 poked in my back on a snowy night at the Ungheni border-crossing (where they literally lifted the train cars to change the wheels to adjust from Romanian-gauge tracks to the Moldovan/Soviet-style tracks). I did not have my "exit ticket" attached to my passport, so they threatened to turn me away. The customs official who helped me to remain on the train reminded me of the actor who played the Russian ambassador on The Hunt for Red October.
Things have improved greatly since that late 90's. But, it could be a fantastic experience!