Coach Moldova – France

The coaches cross Romania and Hungary, then Austria or the Czech Republic and Germany, and usually enter France through Strasbourg or Metz, followed by Reims and Paris. That is why a journey to Paris takes about 40–48 hours, and to the south of the country (Lyon, Nice, Marseille) it takes longer.

To most French cities there are departures on only one or two days a week (usually Wednesday, Thursday or Friday): check the day in the table before you buy your ticket.

Book early for busy periods (summer, the winter holidays), when seats sell out quickly.

The same cities are often served by 2–4 companies, each with different days, departure times and conditions. On ZUM.MD you see them all in one place, without calling each one. Here is what is worth comparing:

• Departure day: choose the day that suits you, then compare the price; the days are different for each company.
• Boarding and drop-off points: on each route page you can see the stops and addresses. Ask the carrier to confirm the exact spot, especially in big cities.
• Luggage: many companies include between 30 and 50 kg per passenger; extra weight is usually charged per kilogram.
• Children: the age limits and the discount vary (see the “Children” column in the table). With some companies, small babies travel free, on the lap.
• Price: it is set by the carrier. The price you see on ZUM.MD is the carrier’s own price; you pay nothing extra.

For a coach to the European Union you need a valid document to cross the border: a passport (for citizens of the Republic of Moldova, usually a biometric one) or, if it applies to you, a European passport or ID card. Check the expiry date before you leave.

Citizens of the Republic of Moldova with a biometric passport can enter the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; for a longer stay or for work, residence permits are required. The rules can change: check the official websites of the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova (border.gov.md) and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the border you may have to wait for several hours, especially at weekends and in the summer season. The arrival times in the tables are only approximate: carriers warn that delays of a few hours can happen because of customs, traffic and weather.

Meat and dairy products brought in from outside the European Union are generally not allowed for personal use, and cash amounts over €10,000 must be declared. Ask the carrier and check the customs rules before you pack.

Official sources: border.gov.md · mfa.gov.md

Each carrier has its own rules: usually between 30 and 50 kg included per passenger, plus hand luggage. Excess weight is paid separately, per kilogram, directly to the carrier. In the table above you can see the luggage included, as declared by each company.

Bulky items (bicycles, furniture, household appliances) and pets must be announced in advance. Many companies also carry parcels: ask them about rates, schedules and the conditions for food.

Children generally travel at a discount, and babies can sometimes travel free, on the lap, without a seat of their own. The age limit and the discount vary from one company to another: you will find them in the “Children” column of the comparison table.

A minor crossing the border with only one parent, or without parents, usually needs a notarised statement from the other parent (or from both), depending on the child’s document and the situation. The rules depend on the type of passport (Moldovan, Romanian, etc.): check with the Border Police (border.gov.md) and ask the carrier for the list of documents they require.

Booking is free and needs no card. Here are the steps:

• Choose the city and the departure date.
• Press “Book” and fill in the passengers’ names and your phone number.
• We send the request to the carrier, who confirms your seat.
• You receive the confirmation and a personal link that lets you view or cancel the booking (you can cancel up to 2 hours before departure).
• You pay the carrier directly, in the way they specify (usually on the coach or at their office). Nothing is paid online on ZUM.MD.

For long distances a flight can be faster, but luggage fees, the transfer to the airport and waiting time add to both the price and the journey. The coach takes you straight to the city, with a more generous luggage allowance. Compare the final price: you can also see flights on our dedicated page.

See flights Chișinău – France →