Mongolia Transportation Guide
Mongolia Transportation Guide: Nomadic landscapes challenge transportation; roads can be rugged, and vast distances make journeys long, often relying on local vehicles.
Mongolia Transportation Guide – International Airports
Mongolia has three international airports:
Chinggis Khaan International Airport: located in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, and the largest airport in the country.
Altai Airport: located in the western province of Bayan-Ölgii, and serves as a gateway to the Altai Mountains and the Kazakh border.
Donoi Airport: located in the eastern province of Khentii, and serves as a gateway to the eastern part of Mongolia, including the Khentii Mountains and the Genghis Khan Mausoleum.
National Airports
In addition to the international airports in Mongolia, there are also several national airports that serve regional and domestic flights. Here are some of the major national airports in Mongolia:
Khovd Airport: located in the western province of Khovd and serves the surrounding region.
Bayankhongor Airport: located in the southwestern province of Bayankhongor and serves the surrounding region.
Choibalsan Airport: located in the eastern province of Dornod and serves the city of Choibalsan and the surrounding region.
Dalanzadgad Airport: located in the southern province of Umnugovi and serves the city of Dalanzadgad and the surrounding Gobi desert region.
Mörön Airport: located in the northern province of Khövsgöl and serves the city of Mörön and the surrounding region.
Ulaangom Airport: located in the western province of Uvs and serves the city of Ulaangom and the surrounding region.
Mongolia Transportation Guide – Trains
The Trans-Mongolian Railway is the main railway line in Mongolia, connecting Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, with Russia and China. This railway line passes through some of the most scenic areas of Mongolia, including the Gobi desert, the grasslands of the central region, and the mountains of the north.
There are several train options for travelers in Mongolia, including:
The Ulaanbaatar Express: This train runs between Ulaanbaatar and Beijing, China, passing through the Gobi desert and several other scenic areas. The journey takes approximately 30 hours.
The Trans-Siberian Railway: This train runs from Moscow, Russia to Beijing, China, passing through Ulaanbaatar and several other cities in Mongolia. The journey takes approximately six days.
Domestic trains: There are several domestic trains in Mongolia, connecting Ulaanbaatar with other cities and towns throughout the country. These trains are a popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.
Mongolia Transportation Guide – Buses
Buses are an important mode of transportation in Mongolia, especially for local travel between cities and towns. Here are some of the main types of buses in Mongolia:
City buses: These buses operate within the cities and towns of Mongolia and are an affordable way to get around. They often run on set routes and have designated stops.
Intercity buses: These buses connect different cities and towns in Mongolia and are a popular way to travel longer distances. They are often more comfortable than city buses and offer amenities such as air conditioning and reclining seats.
Minibuses: These smaller buses are often used for shorter trips within cities and towns, and can also be hired for private tours and excursions.
Tourist buses: These buses are often used for guided tours and excursions, and are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. They are often equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, comfortable seats, and audio systems for tour commentary.
Links of interest
Airlines:
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Choibalsan Airport
Dalanzadgad Airport
Erdenet Airport
Trains:
Buses:
Ulaanbaatar Transportation Department
Ride-Sharing:
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Mongolia travel tips
Our guide offers essential Mongolia travel tips and insights for an unforgettable journey. Plan your trip with us!
Mongolia Transportation Guide – SIM Cards
Major Providers: Choose from providers like Mobicom, Unitel, and Skytel for reliable network coverage.
Data-Only Options: For internet access, consider data-only SIM cards; they are cost-effective and widely available.
Compatible Devices: Ensure your phone is unlocked before arrival to use a local SIM card.
Registration Process: Be prepared to register your SIM card upon purchase; this is a regulatory requirement in Mongolia.
Data Limits: Check data limits on your chosen plan; top-up options are usually available.
Duration of Validity: Choose a SIM card with a validity period that aligns with your travel dates.
Top-Up Convenience: Familiarize yourself with top-up methods to extend your data or talk time.
Language Barrier: Some staff may not speak English fluently, so be patient and use translation apps if needed.
Coverage Areas: Confirm that your chosen provider offers good coverage in the areas you plan to visit.
Customer Support: Choose a provider with accessible customer support in case of any issues.
Hotspot Usage: Confirm if your chosen plan allows you to use your phone as a personal hotspot.
Public WiFi: Rely on public WiFi in urban areas; however, having a local SIM is essential for remote locations.
Pre-order Online: Some providers allow online pre-orders, making it convenient to pick up your SIM upon arrival.
Return Policy: If renting a SIM card, understand the return process to avoid additional charges.
Keep Passport Handy: Have your passport ready, as it may be required for purchasing and registering a SIM card.
