Destination board of the Prietenia

The Prietenia at Chişinău.

Introducing the Prietenia

A sleeper train called the Prietenia (Friendship) links Bucharest (Bucuresti) & Chisinau, capital of Moldova, every day, with comfortable if elderly 1, 2 & 4 bed sleepers and a cafe counter.  It's a real experience!

Bucharest ► Chişinău

Chişinău  ► Bucharest

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

What's the train like?

The Prietenia has 1st class 2-bed sleepers and 2nd class 4-bed sleepers, and a buffet counter selling simple snacks and drinks.  The carriages are Moldovan, of the classic ex-Soviet type.

Chisinau-Bucharest train about to leave

The Prietenia from Chişinău to Bucharest at Chişinău.  Photos below courtesy of Malcolm B, Peter Brogdale, Raphaël Lorenzo & Dominik Bruehwiler.

Destination board of the Prietenia   A 2-berth 1st class sleeper on the bucharest to Chisinau train

Destination board in car 4.

1st class 2-berth compartment.  Larger photo.

A 4-berth 2nd class sleeper on the bucharest to Chisinau train   A 2-berth 1st class sleeper on the bucharest to Chisinau train

2nd class 4-berth compartment.  Larger photo.

The Prietenia at Bucharest Gara de NordCourtesy Dominik Bruehwiler

Buffet counter on the Bucharest to Chisinau train   Buffet counter on the Bucharest to Chisinau train   Buffet counter on the Bucharest to Chisinau train

Buffer counter.  Larger photo.

Food from the buffet

Sleeper corridor. Larger photo.

The Bucharest to Chisinau train has its wheels changed   The Bucharest to Chisinau train has its wheels changed

At Ungheni, the carriages are separated, jacked up, and the bogies are changed because of the difference in track gauge between Romania (standard gauge) and Moldova (broad gauge).  You remain on board while this happens.  Photos courtesy of @Simply_Railway.

Chişinău station

The 'Pretenia' train from Bucharest to Chisinau, having its wheelsets changed

Chişinău station.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels and Discoverbyrail.com.

Chisinau station interior   Chisinau station interior

Chişinău station interior.  Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels and Discoverbyrail.com.

Chisinau station platforms   Chisinau station

Chişinău station platforms.  Below, the Prietenia is ready to leave.  Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels and Discoverbyrail.com.

The 'Pretenia' at Chisinau

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