Planning to explore Mongolia? Getting around the vast steppe and rugged terrain can be tricky if you don’t know what your options are. Fortunately, Mongolia has a few different ways to get from point A to point B, from traditional public transportation to renting a car and tackling the countryside yourself.
Public Transportation in Mongolia
In Mongolia, public transportation is available mainly in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. It’s not widespread across the country, but it works for getting around the city.
Buses
City buses in Ulaanbaatar are affordable and easy to use. A trip usually costs around 500 MNT (less than 0.20 USD). You’ll need a pre-paid card to ride, though. These cards can be bought and recharged at kiosks in major bus stops and supermarkets.
Buses tend to run frequently, especially on the main roads, but they can be crowded. Public buses are also very slow during rush hours because Ulaanbaatar has some serious traffic jams. Plan your day accordingly if you rely on them for transport.
Trolleybuses
Ulaanbaatar also has trolleybuses, which operate on major routes like Peace Avenue. They’re just as cheap as the regular buses. Like the buses, trolleybuses are also prone to delays because of traffic. However, they’re clean and reliable enough for general sightseeing around the city.
Keep in mind that locals speak limited English, but you can typically get by with a bit of hand signaling and asking for help. Live translation apps work well here, too.
Inter-city Buses
If you want to travel between cities, there are also long-distance buses. You can take buses between Ulaanbaatar and cities like Darkhan, Erdenet, and Karakorum. These buses are very affordable, but don’t expect too much comfort. The roads outside of Ulaanbaatar are often unpaved and bumpy, so be ready for some rough rides.
This option is great if you’re on a tight budget and not in a hurry. However, if frequent stops, slow speeds, and long travel times are not for you, this might not be the best route.
Taxis in Mongolia
In Mongolia, taxis are widely available in Ulaanbaatar. They’re the most convenient way to get around for short trips within the city. Official taxis have yellow license plates, and you can flag them down easily on the street.
Costs
Taxi fares in Ulaanbaatar start at around 1,000 MNT (less than 0.35 USD) for the first kilometer, then about 850 MNT per kilometer after that. It’s pretty cheap overall.
Always try to negotiate the fare before you start the ride. Mongolian taxis do not always use meters, and some drivers might overcharge tourists if you’re not careful. Stick to taxis with meters when you can. If there’s no meter, agree on a price first and avoid arguments later.
Safety
For safety, be cautious if the taxi doesn’t look like an official one. Though Ulaanbaatar is generally safe, it’s always a good idea to avoid unofficial taxis, especially at night. Stick to taxis from accredited services or ride-hailing apps if you’re unsure.
Ride-hailing Services in Mongolia
Ride-hailing apps have started becoming popular in Ulaanbaatar. Bolt is the main ride-hailing service used here, similar to Uber or Lyft. If you have the app, it’s probably the easiest way to get around the city and skip the hassle of negotiating fares.
Prices are affordable. You’ll also have the advantage of not needing to speak the local language to explain where you want to go since you can enter your destination directly in the app.
Reliability
Bolt is reliable, especially during the day. It may sometimes be slower or less available late at night, but there shouldn’t be any big issues during normal working hours.
Cost
Costs for Bolt rides are slightly higher than regular taxis but still more affordable than ride-hailing services in most other parts of the world.
Car Rentals in Mongolia
If you’re planning on venturing outside of Ulaanbaatar and into the countryside, renting a car might be the best option. Having your own set of wheels gives you much more freedom, especially since public transportation in rural areas is non-existent.
Rental Agencies
In Ulaanbaatar, you can rent a car from global companies like Hertz, Avis, and local rental shops. The process is generally the same as in other countries, but it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially in the busy summer months when tourism picks up. Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old and have an international driver’s license before you can rent a car.
Cost
Expect to pay around 50 to 100 USD per day for a standard car rental. If you want something bigger, like a 4×4, which will be essential for more remote areas, the cost will be higher, closer to 150 to 200 USD per day.
You might also need to pay a security deposit, which can be anywhere from 200 to 500 USD. It varies based on the company or car you’re renting.
Driving Conditions
Driving in Ulaanbaatar is similar to any large city: expect traffic, lots of cars, and some aggressive drivers. Once you’re out of the city, though, the conditions change drastically.
The Mongolian countryside is vast and has very few actual paved roads. You’ll mostly find dirt paths and off-road driving. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended if you’re heading to rural areas. The terrain is rugged, and some paths can be tough to navigate, especially after rain when roads turn to mud.
GPS and Navigation
Don’t solely rely on Google Maps or GPS. These may not always cover the vast open areas or may lead you astray. Getting a local map or asking locals for directions can sometimes be key to not getting lost.
Fuel
Make sure to fuel up often. Gas stations become rarer the further you get from Ulaanbaatar, and you’ll want to ensure you have enough fuel for the trip between rural towns or tourist destinations.
Tips for Renting a Car in Mongolia
Insurance
Make sure to get proper insurance. Some rental companies include basic coverage, but you’ll likely need additional insurance to cover accidents or damage, especially if you’re going off-road. Double-check your coverage so you don’t get hit with huge fees later.
Driver’s License
As mentioned before, most companies require you to have an international driver’s permit (IDP). If you don’t have one, you might not be allowed to drive legally in Mongolia.
Driving Rules
Mongolia drives on the right side of the road. Speed limits in urban areas are generally 60 km/h, and on highways, the limit is around 80 km/h. However, don’t expect strict enforcement outside the city. Things are a bit more relaxed on the open steppe, but it’s best to drive carefully and adhere to general road safety.
Final Thoughts on Getting Around Mongolia
In the end, how you get around Mongolia depends on where you’re going and how comfortable you are with travel flexibility. Public transportation is simple and budget-friendly if you’re staying in Ulaanbaatar. Taxis and ride-hailing apps make it easy to skip the hassle of buses, while renting a car gives you the freedom to explore off the beaten path.
Just be aware that roads outside of Ulaanbaatar aren’t always in great condition. If you’re planning to venture deep into the countryside, a 4×4 is a must. Whether you’re sticking to the city or heading out into the wilderness, there’s an option for you based on your budget and sense of adventure.
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