Flights to Ulaanbaatar

Flights to Ulaanbaatar land at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA code UBN), which opened in July 2021 in the Khöshigt valley, about 50 km south of the city centre. Allow roughly an hour by road to reach central Ulaanbaatar — often longer in traffic — and arrange your transfer in advance, especially if you arrive late at night.

About Chinggis Khaan International Airport

The new airport replaced the old Buyant-Ukhaa airport (code ULN) on the western edge of the city. It lies in Sergelen soum of Töv province, was built with Japanese development financing, and is operated by a Mongolian–Japanese joint venture. Check that your ticket shows UBN; older material may still refer to ULN. The arrivals hall usually has currency exchange, ATMs, mobile operator counters and cafés, though services and opening hours can change.

Getting from the airport to the city

• Pre-arranged pickup: hotels and tour operators commonly arrange transfers — the most reliable option, especially for night arrivals.
• Taxis: use the official taxi counter or rank in arrivals, agree the fare in advance or confirm the meter is used, and avoid unofficial drivers. Fares change, so ask at the information desk.
• Bus: public bus routes link the airport with the city; check current routes and timetables locally or with the city's official public transport information.
• Car rental and ride-hailing apps: some companies serve the airport.

A dedicated highway connects the airport with the southern edge of the city. The journey usually takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, longer at rush hour. When departing, leave the city at least 3–4 hours before an international flight.

Domestic flights onward

Domestic flights are operated mainly by Aero Mongolia and Hunnu Air, and MIAT has also flown some domestic routes; check current routes with the airlines. Popular destinations include:

• Dalanzadgad — the Gobi
• Mörön — Lake Khövsgöl
• Ölgii — the Altai and the Golden Eagle Festival
• Khovd and Ulaangom — the far west
• Choibalsan — the east

Domestic flights generally depart from the same airport, but confirm on your ticket. Aircraft are small and baggage allowances are lower than on international flights, so check the limit in advance. Weather delays, schedule changes and cancellations are common, and there are more flights in summer. Book early around Naadam and the Golden Eagle Festival.

Timing and connections

Leave a buffer day between a domestic flight and your international departure. You need your passport for domestic flights too. On arrival you pass through immigration and customs; check visa rules with the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular service and the Immigration Agency of Mongolia. Mongolia is on UTC+8.

Practical tips

• Flight times, routes and prices change often, so confirm directly with your airline.
• In winter, keep a warm jacket in your hand luggage; it can be extremely cold outside the terminal.
• Withdraw or change a small amount of tögrög at the airport before heading into the city.
• Have a working SIM card or Wi-Fi so you can call your driver if your pickup is delayed.