Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
destination and then trying to hitch from there. Many drivers will expect you to pay your
way so clarify any costs before hopping in.
MINIVAN & JEEP
The national bus network is now fairly comprehensive but if you are unable to get a tick-
et the fallback option is to take a privately operated jeep or minivan.
Vehicles heading for destinations in the north and west (but not east) leave from the
Dragon Avto Vaksal, the same place as the main bus departures. For eastern destinations,
use the Bayanzürkh Avto Vaksal. Minivans are also available from the Naran Tuul Mar-
ket (
Click here
)
but it's a fairly chaotic place and far less user-friendly compared to the
bus stations. Note that there are no vehicles at Naran Tuul on Tuesdays, when the market
is closed. Shared cars to Darkhan can sometimes be found across the street from the train
station.
Minivans are privately run, so drivers will try to stuff as many people and as much
luggage as they possibly can into their vehicle. There is no set schedule; never expect to
leave straight away, even if the van is full. Some might not be leaving for another day. If
you can find out when it will leave, you could ask the driver to save your seat, and return
later. For destinations reachable by paved road you might find a Korean compact car.
Van destinations are posted on the dashboard (in Cyrillic). Prices are usually about
10% to 15% higher than the bus trip (eg to Chinggis Khot, bus T13,000, minivan around
T15,000). Most travellers prefer buses, as they tend to leave on time and are considered
safer and more reliable.
TAXI
At the time of writing, the cost of hiring a taxi to places near Ulaanbaatar started at T700
per kilometre, although by the time you read this it will likely be higher. The taxi drivers
may want more for waiting if you are, for example, visiting Mandshir Khiid, or because
they may be returning with an empty vehicle if dropping you off somewhere remote.
This is not unreasonable, but it
is
negotiable.
To avoid any argument about the final charge, make sure that you and the driver have
firstly agreed on the cost per kilometre, and have discussed any extra charges. Then write
down the number shown on the odometer/speedometer before you start.
DOMESTIC TRAIN TIMETABLE
Departure times are approximate as they shift from year to year. Trains 34 and 22 are in-
ternational trains which continue on to Hohhot in China.
