Getting to Mongolia

Flights, the Trans-Mongolian railway, and what to expect on arrival in July.

UBN
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
2–4 mo
how far ahead to book July flights

By air: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) at Khöshig Valley, ~50 km from the city, is Mongolia's gateway. Direct flights connect Ulaanbaatar with Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Bishkek and more, on MIAT Mongolian Airlines and regional carriers. July is peak season — book flights two to four months ahead, as Naadam week sells out.

By rail: the Trans-Mongolian line links Ulaanbaatar with Moscow and Beijing — one of the world's classic rail journeys. International services and border formalities change; check current schedules when planning.

From the airport: official taxis and hotel transfers take 60–90 minutes to the centre. During Naadam week (11–15 July is a public holiday) traffic is heavy and hotels fill early — arrange your transfer and accommodation before you land.

Within the city, ride-hailing apps and metered taxis work well; for Khui Doloon Khudag and the countryside, go with a tour or hired driver — public options are limited during the festival.

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