Bus Services in Mongolia

Overview: National Road Transport Center

Road transport plays a vital role in Mongolia’s daily life. As a landlocked country, Mongolia relies heavily on roads for moving people, goods, and mail. The National Road Transport Center manages intercity and interstate passenger buses, postal transport, freight, and some cross-border services. It connects Ulaanbaatar with every provincial capital, and also with select cities in Russia and China.

Bus Schedules
Bus schedules are generally consistent year-round, though they are reviewed and updated monthly. Most buses depart:

• Morning: 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM

• Evening: 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM (in some cases, only a morning departure is available)

To check the current schedules or book tickets, visit the official site:
🔗 eticket.transdep.mn
📞 Tel: +976-1900-1234

Tickets and Fares
Intercity bus ticket prices vary depending on distance:

• Typical range: MNT 20,000 – MNT 130,000 (approx. USD 6–37)

You can:
– Buy paper tickets at bus terminals in Ulaanbaatar or provincial centers
– Purchase online tickets via the official website
After paying online, click on “Check Order Information / Ebarimt” to view or print your receipt. Be sure your name and ID number match the ticket exactly.

Bus Terminals in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar has two main bus departure points based on the direction of travel:

• Dragon Center (Western and Northern provinces)
  📍Dragon tuv, SHD – 29 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 18072

• Tenger Plaza (Eastern and Southern provinces)
  📍 Tenger, plaza, BZD – 39 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 13302

International Bus Routes

Ulaanbaatar – Ulan-Ude (Russia)

• Departs daily from Dragon Center at 07:30

• Additional buses at 19:00 on Fridays and Sundays

• Fare: MNT 49,600–132,000 (depending on destination within Russia)

• Return times follow the same schedule (based on local time in Ulan-Ude)

Ulaanbaatar – Manzhouli (China)

• No direct service. You must:

  1. Take a bus to Kherlen Sum (Dornod Province) from Tenger Plaza (Daily at 08:00, 13:00, and 18:00; approx. MNT 61,800)

  2. From Kherlen, transfer to a bus to Manzhouli (Mondays and Fridays at 07:00; approx. MNT 80,000)

Ulaanbaatar – Ereen (Erlian), China

• Direct service from Tenger Plaza at 07:00 and 21:00 daily

• Fare: Approx. MNT 97,000

Major Domestic Bus Routes

Ulaanbaatar – Murun (Khuvsgul Province)

• From Dragon Center daily at 08:00, 15:00, 18:00, 20:00 and 21:00

• Duration: ~16 hours | Distance: 788 km

• Fare: Approx. MNT 60,800

Ulaanbaatar – Dalanzadgad (South Gobi)

• From Dragon Center at 08:00 or 15:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

• Return: Daily except Saturdays at 04:20 or 08:00

• Duration: ~12 hours | Distance: 580 km

• Fare: Approx. MNT 44,700

Ulaanbaatar – Karakorum (Kharkhorin, Uvurhangai)

• From Dragon Center daily at 11:00

• Duration: ~ 8 hours | Distance: 365 km

• Fare: Approx. MNT 37,400

Ulaanbaatar – Bayan-Ulgii

• From Dragon Center daily at 10:00 or 13:00

• Duration: ~32 hours | Distance: 1,709 km

• Fare: Approx. MNT 130,000

Travel Tips for Bus Journeys in Mongolia

• • Stops & Facilities: Buses stop every 2–3 hours for 10–20 minutes at provincial centers or sums. You’ll find basic toilets and small shops at most stops.

  • Toilets: In cities, sit-down flush toilets are common. In rural areas, squat toilets are used—bring your own toilet paper.

  • Food: Buses usually stop for meals at local cafeterias, but it’s wise to carry snacks and bottled water.

  • Luggage: Each passenger is allowed to bring standard luggage. If you’re carrying excess baggage or cargo, ask in advance about additional fees.

  • Weather: Long-distance buses run year-round, but severe winter weather can cause delays. Dress warmly in colder months and keep essentials with you.