Transportation in Mongolia

Traveling in Mongolia is part of the adventure. With vast open landscapes, limited roads, and long distances between destinations, transportation works a bit differently here than in other countries. Whether you’re exploring the Gobi Desert, trekking in the Altai, or visiting nomadic families in the steppe, this guide will help you navigate Mongolia safely and smoothly.

✈️ 1. Domestic Flights

The fastest way to reach remote regions

✔ Major domestic destinations:

• Ölgii (Bayan-Ölgii – eagle hunters & Altai Mountains)
• Murun (Khuvsgul Lake, Tsaatan community)
• Dalanzadgad (Gobi Desert)
• Khovd
• Choibalsan
• Ulaangom

✔ Advantages:

• Saves time on long road trips
• Comfortable and reliable
• Best option for far-western or northern trips

✔ Notes:

• Limited schedules
• Tickets should be booked early during peak season (June–September)

🚙 2. 4x4 Off-Road Travel (Most Common Option)

The classic Mongolian travel experience

Mongolia is a country where the road often becomes the destination. Outside major cities, paved roads are limited, so 4x4 vehicles are essential.

✔ Most used vehicles:

• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Lexus 470
• Mitsubishi Delica
• UAZ Vans (“Bukhanka”)

✔ Why travelers prefer private 4x4 tours:

• Flexible itinerary
• Safe, powerful vehicles
• Experienced local drivers
• Access to remote areas with no roads
• Ideal for Gobi, Orkhon Valley, Khuvsgul, and Altai regions

✔ Expect:

• Long driving hours (4–8 hours per day)
• Bumpy roads and river crossings
• Incredible landscapes all along the way

🚌 3. Public Buses

Budget-friendly but limited options

Buses connect major towns, but they are not suitable for deep countryside travel.

✔ Pros:

• Cheap
• Runs daily between cities like UB → Darkhan, Erdenet, Dalanzadgad, Murun

✔ Cons:

• No English support
• Fixed schedules
• No access to national parks or nomadic areas
• Long travel times

Public buses are only recommended for experienced travelers or locals.

🚖 4. Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Ulaanbaatar

✔ Options:

• InDrive
• Local taxi companies
• Street taxis (negotiate fare beforehand)

✔ Cost:

• Usually 1,500–2,000 MNT per km
• Airport → City: 25,000–40,000 MNT

✔ Tip:

Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps for safety.

🐎 5. Horseback Travel

Traditional nomadic transportation

In many rural areas, locals still use horses as their main form of transport.

✔ Best regions for horse trekking:

• Orkhon Valley
• Khuvsgul Taiga
• Altai Mountains
• Eight Lakes
• Khentii wilderness

Guided horse treks are safe and highly recommended for adventure travelers.

🚤 6. Boats & Ice Transport (Seasonal)

Summer:

• Boats available at Khuvsgul Lake
• Some rivers offer rafting experiences

Winter:

• Cars and horses travel across frozen lakes (only where local guides confirm it’s safe)
• Ice sleds & dog sleds in Khuvsgul region

🚧 7. Road Conditions in Mongolia

✔ Paved roads:

• Ulaanbaatar → Darkhan → Erdenet
• Ulaanbaatar → Gobi (mostly paved)
• Ulaanbaatar → Khuvsgul (partially paved)

✔ Unpaved/off-road:

• Altai Tavan Bogd
• Zavkhan sand dunes
• Khuisiin Naiman Nuur (Eight Lakes)
• Many national parks

Always expect:

• Rocky trails
• River crossings
• Dust or mud depending on season

⏳ 8. Travel Time Between Major Destinations