Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
If it's your first visit to Mongolia, the best way to get into the city is to organise a pick-up
from your hotel/guesthouse (just email them with your flight details). This may be free
(usually if you book three nights' accommodation) or cost around US$15 to US$20. Taxi
drivers will find you in the airport terminal but will almost certainly try to overcharge
first-time visitors. After agreeing a price, some might demand more (up to US$50) when
you reach your destination; drivers also might hold your luggage hostage until you pay
their price; to avoid this, keep your luggage with you in the car, rather than in the boot.
During the month of July the city runs an airport bus to and from the Bayangol Hotel
bus stop. The bus runs every 30 minutes and the fare is T2000. However, the service was
new in 2013 and it's not clear if it will continue.
If you don't mind walking a little, you can use either bus 11 or 22 (T500). These con-
nect the city centre and the district of Nisekh, close to the airport. At the airport, go out
of the terminal and across the parking lot to the main road (a 500m walk). At the main
road turn right and walk about 400m, until you reach the bus turn-out (there is no sign
but you'll see others waiting). Only do this during daylight (for safety reasons). A bus
comes by every 15 minutes or so until 9pm. Once in the city you can get off at the bus
stop near the main library (opposite the Drama Theatre).
To the airport, bus 11 or 22 will stop at Ard Kino on Baga Toiruu, and also near the
Bayangol Hotel, but it won't drop you at the terminal. You still have to haul your luggage
500m from the bus stop on the highway.
TO/FROM THE TRAIN STATION
It's a 25-minute walk from the train station to the State Department Store. International
trains arrive early in the morning while the city is still quiet, so with a backpack it's easy
to walk into town. Guesthouses and hotels may pick you up if contacted ahead of time
(some hostel owners will be at the station anyway, trawling for guests).
The nearest bus stop is across the street from the station. Bus 20 will get you to the
State Department Store and Chinggis Khaan (Sükhbaatar) Sq. To the train station, bus 20
takes Seoul St so you won't see it if waiting near the State Department Store. In this dir-
ection you should take trolleybus No 4.
Some taxi drivers at the train station, like those at the airport, may agree on one price
and then charge more once you reach the hotel. If this happens, stay calm and be patient
and polite. Don't give in to their demands. Eventually they will get bored with trying to
rip you off and will just accept a reasonable price. Keep your luggage in their car so they
can't hold it hostage in the boot. If you must use a taxi, head out of the station and up the
