Introduction: Why It’s Worth the Trip
Cricova Winery sits about 15 kilometers north of Chișinău, Moldova’s capital, and stands as one of the world’s most remarkable wine destinations. Founded in 1952, this underground wine city boasts over 120 kilometers of tunnels maintained at a constant 12°C with 97-98% humidity—perfect conditions for aging approximately 30 million liters of high-quality wine. Cricova has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for its impressive underground galleries and exceptional role in Moldovan winemaking tradition.
For visitors to Moldova, Cricova is practically a mandatory stop. However, figuring out how to get there from Chișinău requires some planning. This guide covers four main transport options—public bus, taxi, self-driving, and organized tours—to help you choose what fits your needs best.
1. Public Bus: The Budget Option
The public bus is the cheapest way to reach Cricova, ideal for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a short walk.
Route and Stops: Bus route 2 (operated by I.M. Parcul Urban de Autobuze) departs from str. Florilor station in Chișinău and heads toward Cricova. You can get off at either “or. Cricova, str. 31 August 1989” or “Cotitura Cricova”. If you’re starting from the central bus station (Gara Chișinău), you’ll need to take bus 112 or 184 first to reach the str. Florilor stop, then transfer to bus 2—a journey of about 36-38 minutes total.
Frequency and Duration: Buses run every 10 minutes, which is remarkably frequent. The ride takes approximately 16 to 21 minutes, depending on your stop. The earliest departure is around 6:10 AM, and the last bus leaves at about 11:23 PM.
Cost: A one-way ticket costs roughly 9-10 Moldovan Lei (about ¥9 or $0.50), making it exceptionally affordable.
Important Considerations: The bus terminates in Cricova village center, not at the winery entrance. From there, you’ll need to walk to the winery—locals describe it as “close, and the road is beautiful,” but you should allow time for this and have a map or translation app ready. The bus is basic in comfort, so if you’re carrying luggage or dressed formally, this might not be ideal.
2. Taxi: The Most Convenient Option
If you value convenience and comfort, a taxi is the most straightforward choice.
Distance and Time: From central Chișinău to Cricova Winery is about 16-17 kilometers, taking roughly 18-22 minutes in light traffic. From Chișinău Airport, the distance is about 26 kilometers, taking around 31 minutes.
Cost: Based on 2026 pricing, a taxi from Chișinău to Cricova costs approximately 71 MDL (about ¥28-30), with a base fare of 30 MDL and 4.3 MDL per kilometer. Other sources cite a range of 35-50 MDL depending on the exact route and traffic conditions. It’s wise to confirm the price with the driver before departure or use a ride-hailing app to avoid disputes.
Waiting Service: If you want the driver to wait while you tour the winery, expect to pay about 60 MDL per hour. Since Cricova tours typically last 2-4 hours, waiting fees can exceed the one-way fare—worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
Practical Tips: Ask your hotel reception to book a taxi in advance, and ensure the driver knows the exact winery entrance at str. Chișinăului 124, Cricova. For the return trip, the winery reception can usually call a taxi, but it’s best to confirm this beforehand.
3. Self-Driving: Maximum Freedom
If you’ve rented a car in Moldova, driving to Cricova gives you the most flexibility.
Route and Time: From central Chișinău, take the road north toward Cricova—about 16 kilometers, normally 18 minutes of driving. The winery address is str. Chișinăului 124, Cricova.
Parking: The winery offers parking facilities, but it’s advisable to confirm capacity and any fees by calling ahead (+373 79 202 999).
What to Remember: The underground tunnels maintain a constant temperature of 12-14°C, so bring a jacket even in summer. Driving also lets you combine Cricova with nearby attractions like Old Orhei or Curchi Monastery. The round-trip distance is only about 32 kilometers, so fuel costs are minimal.
4. Organized Tours: The Stress-Free Option
For travelers who don’t want to worry about transport and tickets, organized tours offer a one-stop solution.
Typical Itineraries: Many tours combine Cricova with Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) and Curchi Monastery into a full-day trip. A typical schedule includes hotel pickup, a 45-minute drive to Cricova, a 2.5-hour winery tour, then onward to Old Orhei and the monastery, with return to Chișinău after about 8 hours. Some tours also pair Cricova with Mileștii Mici, the world’s largest wine cellar, for a 6-hour private experience.
What’s Included: Tours to Cricova generally cover private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a professional guide. Cricova entrance tickets and wine tasting are sometimes included and sometimes extra—check carefully. Typical tasting packages at Cricova range from €25 for a basic tour to €37-40 for a tour with 4-wine tasting.
Pros and Cons: The advantage is zero logistics stress and often valuable cultural context from guides. The downside is less flexibility and a higher total cost compared to DIY travel. Additionally, some tours list wine tasting as optional, requiring extra payment on-site.
How to Choose: A Decision Guide
Different transport options suit different travelers:
Choose the public bus if: Your budget is tight, you don’t mind walking, you have plenty of time, and you want to experience local transit. Remember to allow walking time from the village center to the winery and confirm the entrance direction in advance.
Choose a taxi if: You value convenience and comfort, you’re traveling with 2-4 people (splitting the cost makes it worthwhile), and you’d rather not spend energy on transport logistics. Book ahead, confirm the price, and ask about waiting fees if applicable.
Choose self-driving if: You already have a rental car, you enjoy flexibility, and you plan to combine Cricova with nearby attractions. Don’t forget a jacket for the underground cellars.
Choose an organized tour if: You want everything handled for you, you don’t want to worry about tickets or routes, you value guide commentary, or you’re traveling solo but prefer company. Confirm exactly what’s included—tastings often cost extra.
Practical Tips
Dress Code: Regardless of how you get there, bring a jacket for the underground cellars. The temperature stays around 12-16°C, a sharp contrast to surface weather.
Booking: Cricova tours usually require advance reservation, especially on weekends and holidays. Book through the winery’s official website or call +373 79 202 999.
Opening Hours: The winery is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. On weekends and holidays, prices increase by €10 per person. Weekday visits offer better value and a less crowded experience.
Combining Attractions: If time allows, consider pairing Cricova with Old Orhei archaeological site and Curchi Monastery. Many tours offer this combination, and self-drivers can easily do the same.
Language Preparation: While Cricova guides often speak English or Russian, bus drivers and villagers may only speak Romanian or Russian. Have the winery address ready in Romanian (Vinăria Cricova, str. Chișinăului 124) or use a translation app.
Whichever option you choose, getting from Chișinău to Cricova is not complicated. The underground wine city’s magnificent tunnels and fine wines are well worth the effort of planning your transport.
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