Most domestic flights in Mongolia are point-to-point from Ulaanbaatar. Our domestic carriers are Aero Mongolia, Hunnu Air and MIAT Mongolian Airlines.
Popular domestic routes for travellers
These are the routes travellers use most:
- Ulaanbaatar → Ölgii (West Mongolia): gateway to the mountains, eagle hunting and Kazakh culture.
- Ulaanbaatar → Mörön (North Mongolia): Lake Khövsgöl, the reindeer herders and motorbike trips.
- Ulaanbaatar → Dalanzadgad (South Mongolia): the Gobi Desert.
- Ulaanbaatar → Khovd (Southwest Mongolia): the southwestern natural regions.
- Ulaanbaatar → Ulaangom (Northwest Mongolia): remote lakes and UNESCO sites.
- Ulaanbaatar → Choibalsan (East Mongolia): the eastern grasslands, less visited by travellers.
Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii (West Mongolia)
- Airport codes: UBN → ULG
- Flight time: about 3 hours non-stop
Ölgii is the entry point for Mongolia’s best-known nomadic experiences. Travellers come to West Mongolia for nomad life, trekking in the Altai mountains and golden eagle hunting. Flying saves several days of overland driving.
Book early for the Eagle Festival. Flights sell out around October, and prices can jump 2–3 times closer to the festival.
From late October to March, heavy snow can disrupt flights. If a plane can’t land in Ölgii, the airline may divert to a nearby airport and arrange a shuttle. If you travel in winter, keep an eye on the airline’s announcements.
Ulaanbaatar to Mörön (North Mongolia)
- Airport codes: UBN → MXV
- Flight time: about 1 hour
Mörön is the access point for Lake Khövsgöl, one of Mongolia’s most pristine lakes. Its wide grasslands also make it a popular start for cross-country motorbike tours. The route runs year-round.
Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad (South Mongolia)
- Airport codes: UBN → DLZ
- Flight time: about 1 hour 5 minutes non-stop
This is the most popular domestic route for travellers heading to the Gobi Desert. Dalanzadgad is the main gateway to the Flaming Cliffs, the sand dunes and the national parks of the south. Flights are frequent in peak season, and you can also drive south from Ulaanbaatar.
Ulaanbaatar to Khovd (Southwest Mongolia)
- Airport codes: UBN → HVD
- Flight time: about 1.5–2 hours
Khovd is the hub for southwestern Mongolia, with striking landscapes and a mix of cultures. Travellers often stop here when combining the Altai with other natural sights.
Ulaanbaatar to Ulaangom (Northwest Mongolia)
- Airport codes: UBN → ULO
- Flight time: about 1.5–2 hours
Ulaangom serves northwestern Mongolia and Uvs Province, known for dramatic lakes and landscapes recognised by UNESCO. Fly here if your trip includes remote natural heritage sites.
Ulaanbaatar to Choibalsan (East Mongolia)
- Airport codes: UBN → COQ
- Flight time: about 1.5–2 hours
Choibalsan is the main airport for eastern Mongolia and a good start for the grasslands and the region’s cultural sights. Few international travellers come here, but it is useful for regional circuits.
Questions
Which airlines fly domestic routes in Mongolia?
Aero Mongolia, Hunnu Air and MIAT Mongolian Airlines. Most flights are point-to-point from Ulaanbaatar.
How long is the flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii?
About 3 hours non-stop. It saves several days of driving across the country.
When do flights to Ölgii sell out?
Around the Golden Eagle Festival in early October. Book ahead, as prices can rise 2–3 times closer to the festival.
