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.
- Public
- City buses cover Ulaanbaatar extensively at ₮500 per ride but are crowded during rush hour and routes can be confusing without Mongolian language skills
- Taxi
- Taxis and ride apps (UBCab, Bolt) are the most practical option for visitors — affordable, widely available, and safe when using apps
- Rental
- Car rental with driver is essential for countryside exploration. Paved roads only connect major cities — everywhere else requires 4WD vehicles on dirt tracks
- Walking
- Central Ulaanbaatar around Sükhbaatar Square is walkable but sidewalks are uneven and winter ice makes walking treacherous November-March
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Public bus X19/X20: ₮15,000 ($4.25), 90-120 min to city center
- Shuttle
- Taxi: ₮100,000-150,000 ($28-42), 55 min in light traffic
- Bus
- Airport shuttle: ₮60,000 ($17), 90-120 min shared service
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
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.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- 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.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
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.
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.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
From centre: 52 km from Sükhbaatar Square
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
Ulaanbaatar Buyant-Ukhaa Airport (Old)
From centre: 15 km southwest (closed for commercial flights)
Options: No longer used for commercial flights since July 2021; New airport is Chinggis Khaan International (UBN)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
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.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
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