How to Get from Chinggis Khaan Airport to Ulaanbaatar
Step-by-step guide to getting from the airport to your hotel. Taxi apps, official taxis, buses, and what to do at 3am.
Quick Rules
Quick Facts
- Distance: 18km from airport to city center
- Time: 30-45 minutes depending on traffic
- Cheapest option: Bus 11 (₮5,000 / ~$1.50)
- Best option: UB Taxi app (₮15,000-25,000 / ~$4-7)
- Most convenient: Official airport taxi (₮30,000-40,000 / ~$9-12)
Your Options
Option 1: UB Taxi App (Recommended)
Why it's best: Cheapest taxi option, price shown upfront, driver accountability.
Requirements:
- Working SIM card with data OR airport WiFi
- UB Taxi app downloaded
How to do it:
- Connect to airport WiFi or use your SIM data
- Open UB Taxi app
- Set pickup: "Chinggis Khaan Airport - Arrivals"
- Set destination: Your hotel address
- Confirm booking
- Wait for driver (5-15 minutes)
Cost: ₮15,000-25,000 to city center (~$4-7 USD)
Pro Tip
Download UB Taxi before you land. The app works on airport WiFi, so you can book a ride while waiting for luggage.
Option 2: Official Airport Taxi
Where: Exit arrivals, taxi counter is immediately outside.
How it works:
- Go to official taxi counter
- Tell them your destination
- They assign a driver and give you a ticket
- Walk to taxi stand, show ticket
- Pay at destination (cash or card)
Cost: ₮30,000-40,000 fixed rate (~$9-12 USD)
Pros: No haggling, safe, always available Cons: More expensive than app taxis
Option 3: Bus 11 (Budget Option)
Route: Airport ↔ City Center Cost: ₮5,000 (~$1.50 USD) Hours: 7am - 9pm (doesn't run late night) Duration: 60-90 minutes (many stops)
Where to catch it: Exit arrivals, turn left, walk to bus stop (signposted).
Not for everyone
Only take the bus if you have light luggage, aren't exhausted, and arrive during daytime. If you land after 9pm, it won't be running.
What If You Arrive at 3am?
Very few flights land between midnight-5am, but if yours does:
- SIM card counter: Probably closed → Use airport WiFi instead
- ATM: Works 24/7 → Get cash
- Bus: Not running → Use taxi
- UB Taxi app: Limited drivers at night → May need to wait longer
- Most reliable: Official airport taxi desk (always staffed when flights arrive)
Late night reality
At 3am, the official airport taxi is your most reliable option. Expect to pay the standard ₮30,000-40,000 rate. There's no night surcharge.
Before You Leave the Airport
Airport Exit Checklist
Common Mistakes
Accepting Random Offers
Don't accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal. Use official taxis or apps only.
No Cash Backup
Even if planning to use app payment, have ₮50,000 cash. Drivers often prefer cash.
Related Guides
- Money in Mongolia - ATMs and currency
- SIM Cards - Get connected
- Taxis & Transport - Getting around the city