 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
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The Prietenia leaves Bucharest Gara de Nord at 19:10, calling at Ungheni (Moldovan border) 04:08-06:03, arriving Chişinău 08:44.
It has 1st class 2-bed sleepers and 2nd class 4-bed sleepers, and a buffet counter. The train is jacked up at Ungheni to have its wheelsets changed from standard gauge to broad gauge.
Chişinău ► Bucharest
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The Prietenia leaves Chişinău at 17:05, calling at Ungheni (Moldovan border) 19:58-21:35, arriving Bucharest Gara de Nord 06:47.
It has 1st class 2-bed sleepers and 2nd class 4-bed sleepers, and a buffet counter. The train is jacked up at Ungheni to have its wheelsets changed from broad gauge to standard gauge.
How much does it cost?
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Bucharest to Chişinău costs 182 Romanian Lei (around €37) one-way standard tariff in a 2nd class 4-berth sleeper, around 207 Lei (€42) in 2-berth sleeper or 273 Lei (€55) with a single-bed sleeper to yourself.
Booked in advance online, you may find special fares for a bed in a 4-bed sleeper from just 131 Lei (€27).
How to buy tickets
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Option 1, book at the Romanian Railways website, bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro.
Booking opens 60 days ahead. Click EN top right for English. Bucharest is listed as Bucuresti. Chişinău is listed as Chisinau.
The Romanian Railways site can sell the 1st class 2-berth compartments as either single (for sole occupancy) or double.
You can book the train in either direction, tickets can be printed out or shown on your phone.
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Option 2, book at the Moldovan Railways site www.railway.md.
The English booking page is on.railway.md:10000/?lang=en, please let me know if that link stops working.
Booking opens 30 days ahead. The Moldovan Railways site only sells the 1st class compartments as 2-berth, so if you want sole occupancy you have to add a phantom child.
You can book the train in either direction, tickets can be printed out or shown on your phone. It has been confirmed by several travellers that it accepts most international Visa & MasterCard credit cards (if one fails, try another). Further feedback always appreciated.
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Alternatively, you can book the Bucharest to Chişinău train in person at the international booking office at Bucharest Nord station as there are usually places available even on the day.
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.
The Prietenia from Chişinău to Bucharest at Chişinău. Photos below courtesy of Malcolm B, Peter Brogdale, Raphaël Lorenzo & Dominik Bruehwiler.
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
Chişinău station. Courtesy of @AndyBTravels and Discoverbyrail.com.
Chişinău station interior. Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels and Discoverbyrail.com.
Chişinău station platforms. Below, the Prietenia is ready to leave. Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels and Discoverbyrail.com.
