Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan Layover Guide (ULN)

Maximize an 8-hour layover with chauffeured transport to Ulaanbaatar’s iconic sites: the Winter Palace, Zaisan Hill, Turtle Rock, Terelj National Park, Genghis Khan Statue Complex, and Aryabal Meditation Temple—no guide, just seamless transfers » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Gandantegchinlen Monastery Explore one of Mongolia’s most significant Buddhist monasteries, featuring a 26.8-meter gilded Buddha statue, colorful murals and daily chanting ceremonies offering deep spiritual insights. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: approx. 45 min by taxi or 1 h by bus #10 to city centre stop then 5 min walk.)
• Sukhbaatar Square Stroll across the symbolic heart of Ulaanbaatar, flanked by government edifices, the Parliament House and Sükhbaatar’s statue, often hosting public events and vibrant cultural performances under open skies. (Time required: 30 min. / Airport to here: approx. 45 min by taxi or 1 h by bus #10 to city centre stop.)
• National Museum of Mongolia Delve into Mongolia’s rich history at the National Museum, showcasing prehistoric fossils, Silk Road artifacts and nomadic heritage exhibits in a modern facility blending interactive displays with centuries-old relics. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: approx. 45 min by taxi or 1 h by bus #10 to city centre stop then 10 min walk.)
• Zaisan Memorial Climb to the Zaisan Memorial hill to admire panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar and the Tuul River. The Soviet-era monument honors fallen soldiers and features colorful murals around its base. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: approx. 50 min by taxi or 1 h 15 min by bus #10 plus transfer to local minibus.)
• Winter Palace of Bogd Khan Visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, the former royal residence now museum preserving personal artifacts, paintings and religious items of Mongolia’s last monarch. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: approx. 45 min by taxi or 1 h by bus #10 to city centre stop then 5 min walk.)
• Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue Marvel at Asia’s largest equestrian statue of Genghis Khan on a vast complex; ride elevators inside the horse for sweeping steppe vistas and learn about the Mongol Empire through informative exhibits. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: approx. 1 h by taxi or 1 h 30 min by bus #10 plus transfer.)
• Naran Tuul “Black Market” Wander through the sprawling Naran Tuul “Black Market”, where vendors sell traditional crafts, cashmere garments and fresh produce, offering an authentic glimpse into Mongolian daily commerce. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: approx. 45 min by taxi or 1 h by bus #10 to city centre stop then 10 min walk.)
• Modern Nomads Restaurant Sample authentic Mongolian cuisine at Modern Nomads, featuring signature suutei tsai, hearty buuz dumplings and grilled meats in a cozy setting blending tradition with contemporary flair. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: approx. 45 min by taxi or 1 h by bus #10 to city centre stop then 5 min walk.)

Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar Airport (ULN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
The Link Business Lounge accommodates 70–80 guests in a calm atmosphere. Open to all international passengers regardless of ticket class, it offers complimentary refreshments, snacks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, showers and a private VIP room. Accessible for departures and arrivals via pay-per-use or membership access, it ensures a peaceful layover and facilities. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within 5–10 miles of the airport. Kharaa Hotel & Restaurant offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, private parking and shuttle service. Sunjin Grand features non-smoking rooms, a terrace, bar and complimentary airport transport. Most properties provide 24-hour reception, breakfast options and luggage storage for convenient overnight stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The terminal has limited dedicated rest zones but padded benches near Gates 1–6 with no armrests allow reclining. Land- and air-side seating areas are generally free to use overnight. Quiet corners can be found near arrival halls, though blankets and pillows are not provided. Lighting remains on 24/7 for safety and visibility.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. To connect, select the airport network, register using your mobile number or email and accept terms. Speeds are suitable for browsing and messaging but may be limited during peak hours. Charging stations are located near seating areas and power outlets are accessible in most lounges, gates and rest zones.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM and eSIM cards from major Mongolian carriers (Unitel, Mobicom, Skytel) are sold at kiosks in the arrivals hall. Data-only and voice-data bundles start from 1 GB. Activation and top-up require passport registration. eSIM plans can be ordered online in advance and activated via QR code upon arrival for immediate connectivity without physical SIM swapping. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi counters in the arrivals area offer flat-rate and metered services to central Ulaanbaatar. Expect a 50–60-minute drive for the 52 km journey. Standard taxis cost around 60 000–80 000 MNT. Ride-hailing apps (Bolt) also operate here. Always confirm the fare or request the meter upfront. Drivers usually accept cash; some accept mobile payments and credit cards.

Train: There is no direct train link at the airport. The nearest railway station is in central Ulaanbaatar on the Trans-Mongolian line. Travelers typically take bus or taxi to the city (52 km) before connecting to trains for domestic or international routes. (more info)

Bus: A public bus line X19 operates from 05:00 to 01:40 between the airport and Sukhbaatar Square, with departures roughly every hour. Adult fare is 15 000 MNT, children pay 7 000 MNT. Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with luggage racks. Tickets can be purchased on board. (more info)

Shuttle: Shared and private shuttle services run between the airport and various city hotels. Minivans and sedans operate hourly from early morning until late evening. Sedan shuttles suit up to three passengers with normal luggage; vans accommodate larger groups. Rates start at around 4 000 MNT per person with scheduled departures from 04:00 to 22:00.

Car rentals: Several international and local car rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Soyol) have counters in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compacts to SUVs. Rentals require a valid driver’s license, passport and credit card deposit. Pick-up and drop-off are available 24/7. Insurance options, GPS units and child seats incur extra fees. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots (P1, P2) are located adjacent to the terminal. Hourly rates start at 500 MNT; daily maximum is around 8 000 MNT. Both open-air and covered spaces are available. Payment is via kiosk machines accepting cash or card. Lots are monitored by CCTV and staffed during operating hours.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A left-luggage office in the arrivals hall offers manned storage services. Small lockers are limited; travelers can store suitcases, bags and valuables for daily rates of about 3 000 MNT. The facility operates 24/7 with security cameras and staff assistance. Pre-booking is not available; drop-off is first-come, first-served. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Ulaanbaatar Airport (ULN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks