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Transportation Guide

Getting Around Mongolia 2025

Navigate Mongolia like a local with our transportation guide.

Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture unchanged for centuries. Experience horseback riding across endless grasslands, stay in traditional gers, and witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and throat singing.

Transportation Overview

Quick comparison of transport options in Mongolia.

🚌

Public Transit

Availability: ★★★☆☆

City buses cover Ulaanbaatar extensively at ₮500 per ride but are crowded during rush hour and routes can be confusing without Mongolian language skills

🚕

Taxis

Availability: ★★★★☆

Taxis and ride apps (UBCab, Bolt) are the most practical option for visitors — affordable, widely available, and safe when using apps

🚗

Car Rental

Recommended: ★★★★☆

Car rental with driver is essential for countryside exploration. Paved roads only connect major cities — everywhere else requires 4WD vehicles on dirt tracks

🚶

Walking

Suitable: ★★★☆☆

Central Ulaanbaatar around Sükhbaatar Square is walkable but sidewalks are uneven and winter ice makes walking treacherous November-March

Getting There

How to arrive in Mongolia.

✈️ By Air

Airport

Chinggis Khaan International Airport

UBN

Transfer options: Public bus X19/X20: ₮15,000 ($4.25), 90-120 min to city center, Taxi: ₮100,000-150,000 ($28-42), 55 min in light traffic, Airport shuttle: ₮60,000 ($17), 90-120 min shared service, Private transfer: ₮120,000-180,000 ($34-51) pre-booked
Airport

Ulaanbaatar Buyant-Ukhaa Airport (Old)

ULN

Transfer options: No longer used for commercial flights since July 2021, New airport is Chinggis Khaan International (UBN)

Airport Transfer Options

🚕 Taxi

Public bus X19/X20: ₮15,000 ($4.25), 90-120 min to city center

🚐 Shared Shuttle

Taxi: ₮100,000-150,000 ($28-42), 55 min in light traffic

🚌 Public Bus

Airport shuttle: ₮60,000 ($17), 90-120 min shared service

🚗 Private Transfer

🚗

Complete Transportation Guide

Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.

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Local Transportation

Getting around within Mongolia.

🚌 Buses

Extensive city bus network, fare ₮500 ($0.14) per ride, runs 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Purchase electronic cards at kiosks. Routes cover most of city but can be crowded during rush hour.

🛺 Local Alternatives

metro, taxi, rideshare

Taxis & Rideshare

On-demand transport options.

Taxi

Regular Taxis

Base fare ₮3,000-5,000 ($0.85-1.40), then ₮1,000/km ($0.28). Official taxis have meters and company logos. Cash preferred, some accept cards.

Typical fare:
App

Ride-Hailing Apps

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Taxi Safety Tips

  • Use official taxis or verified ride-hailing apps
  • Agree on fare before starting or ensure meter is running
  • Have your destination written down in local language
  • Keep small bills for payment - drivers may not have change
  • Share your ride details with someone if traveling alone at night

Intercity Travel

Getting between cities and regions.

Bus

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses connect Ulaanbaatar to provincial capitals. Comfort varies widely. Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin ₮20,000 ($6), 8 hours. To Dalanzadgad (South Gobi) ₮50,000 ($14), 12-14 hours. Departures from Dragon Bus Terminal and Bayanzurkh Bus Station.

Shared

Shared Taxis/Minivans

Air

Domestic Flights

Aero Mongolia, Eznis Airways, and Hunnu Air serve provincial centers. Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii ₮250,000-400,000 ($70-113) one-way. To Dalanzadgad ₮180,000-280,000 ($51-79). Summer season more frequent flights. Book early.

Private

Private Car/Driver

Driving in Mongolia

Information for self-driving travelers.

Recommended?

Generally not recommended

Driving Side

Right-hand traffic

License Required

International Driving Permit recommended

Road Conditions

Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.

Driving Considerations

  • Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
  • Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
  • Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
  • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
  • Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)

Transportation Tips

Essential advice for getting around.

💡

Download UBCab or Bolt app immediately on arrival — essential for safe, fairly priced city transport and avoiding tourist overcharging

💡

For the Gobi Desert and countryside, hire a driver with a reliable 4WD (Land Cruiser or similar) — GPS is essential and local driver knowledge is invaluable

💡

Bus X19/X20 from Chinggis Khaan Airport is the cheapest option (₮15,000/$4.25) but takes 90-120 minutes depending on traffic

💡

Always negotiate car hire price per day including fuel before departing — confirm whether the driver's accommodation and meals are included

💡

Domestic flights book up fast in summer — reserve Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, Ölgii, or Khövsgöl flights at least 4-6 weeks in advance

Useful Apps

UBCab

Mongolia's most popular ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. English interface available, credit card accepted. Most reliable for airport transfers and city rides.

Bolt

International ride-hailing app operating in Ulaanbaatar. Good rates and English interface. Available across city center areas.

Yandex Go

Russian-origin ride app with coverage in Ulaanbaatar. Sometimes cheaper than local alternatives during non-peak hours.

Navigate Mongolia Like a Local

Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.

Download Transport Guide