A busy, compact center
Ulaanbaatar is the country’s largest city by far, and much of the national population lives in or near it. The central district, with its main square, museums, shops and many restaurants, is small enough that a lot can be done on foot. Beyond the center, the city spreads out along a river valley and up the surrounding hillsides, so getting between neighborhoods usually involves a vehicle. Anyone interested in how the wider city is arranged can read about the Ulaanbaatar capital and its ger districts, which sit on the edges of the built-up area.
Transport details, routes and fares change, and this article gives general patterns rather than specifics. Ask your accommodation for current local advice.
Traffic is the main factor
The single biggest thing to know is that traffic in the capital can be heavy, particularly at commuting hours and on weekday evenings. A trip that looks short on a map can take much longer in congestion, and it is wise to leave generous time before flights, trains or tours. Streets can be crowded, drivers sometimes behave assertively, and not every road has clear lane markings. Winter conditions, with ice and snow, add further difficulty.
Many residents plan their days around traffic, and visitors benefit from doing the same. If you have an early departure, consider arranging transport the day before.
Walking
Walking is pleasant in the central area, especially on a clear day. Some points to keep in mind:
- Pedestrian crossings exist, but vehicles do not always yield, so look carefully before stepping out.
- Sidewalks can be uneven, with open drains, curbs or construction, particularly after dark.
- In winter, sidewalks can be icy; shoes with good grip are important.
- Air quality can be poor in the colder months, and some travelers choose to limit time outdoors on bad days.
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places such as markets and busy squares. As in most big cities, pickpocketing is a possibility, so carry valuables securely.
Buses
The city has a public bus network, and buses are widely used by residents. They can be crowded, and signs and announcements may be mostly in Mongolian, so route-finding is easier if you have a little of the language. Learning some Mongolian phrases helps when asking for directions. Payment methods have changed over time, and may involve a card or a mobile application rather than cash, so ask locally how to pay. Buses can be a cheap and interesting way to travel but are less convenient with luggage or at rush hour.
Taxis and ride options
Taxis are a common choice for visitors. There are official taxis, and there are also private drivers who give rides informally, which is a longstanding local practice. For reasons of safety and clarity, many travelers prefer to use a taxi arranged through their hotel or a well-known app, if available, and agree on the destination clearly. Having your destination written in Mongolian script or shown on a map can avoid confusion. Ask your accommodation about how fares are normally handled; some trips use a meter, others involve agreeing on a price beforehand. Avoid getting into a vehicle where you feel uneasy, and do not travel alone late at night in unfamiliar areas if you can avoid it.
Getting to and from the airport and stations
The main international airport is outside the city, and the journey into town can take a significant amount of time depending on traffic. Arrange your transfer in advance if possible, particularly for late-night arrivals. Long-distance buses, shared vehicles and trains leave from specific stations, and the exact location may differ by destination, so confirm it the day before. Those arriving by rail on the trans-Mongolian railway will find the station central, but the same traffic advice applies.
Practical habits
- Keep your accommodation’s address in Mongolian to show drivers.
- Carry some small cash for fares, even if cards are common.
- Allow a buffer for anything time-sensitive.
- Use a taxi after dark rather than walking through quiet areas.
- Dress warmly in winter; waiting for transport can be bitterly cold.
When to hire a driver
For trips outside the city, including to a national park nearby such as Terelj park, you will usually want a vehicle with a driver rather than relying on city transport. That is covered in more detail in the articles on roads and on hiring drivers and guides. Within Ulaanbaatar itself, a mixture of walking, an occasional taxi and, for the adventurous, a bus ride, is enough for most visitors.