Car Rental in Ulaanbaatar - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Ulaanbaatar is generally not recommended for tourists exploring the city itself, as traffic congestion can be severe and parking is challenging. However, car rental becomes highly practical for venturing into Mongolia's countryside, where public transportation is limited and the freedom to explore remote areas, national parks, and traditional nomadic settlements is invaluable. Mongolia drives on the right side of the road. Road conditions vary dramatically—paved roads exist in the city and major highways, but many countryside routes are unpaved tracks requiring 4WD vehicles, especially during rainy seasons. Winter driving presents additional challenges with ice and snow. Tourists should note that driving in rural Mongolia requires navigation skills, as signage is minimal and GPS coverage can be unreliable. Many visitors opt for hiring a car with a local driver who knows the terrain and conditions. If you do rent independently, ensure you have a 4WD vehicle for countryside exploration and verify your insurance coverage extends to unpaved roads. For city-only visits, taxis and ride-hailing apps offer better value and convenience than dealing with urban traffic yourself.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for specific IDP requirements in Mongolia. Check with rental agencies and your embassy before travel.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Verify age requirements with your chosen rental company.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Acceptance rules for foreign licenses vary - confirm requirements before arrival.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included with rentals, but comprehensive coverage is recommended due to road conditions. Check coverage details with rental agencies.

Credit Card for Deposit

A credit card in the driver's name is generally required for security deposits. Verify deposit amounts and accepted cards with rental companies.

Winter Driving Permit

Information not available regarding special permits for winter driving. Check current requirements if traveling during winter months (November-March).

International car rental agencies are typically available at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and in central Ulaanbaatar - airport pickup often includes easier paperwork and immediate access, while city locations may offer more competitive rates from local agencies.

Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for existing damage and ensure it's documented with photos, verify you have emergency contact numbers, and confirm whether your rental includes winter tires if traveling during cold months (September-May).

GPS and mobile navigation can be unreliable in rural areas outside Ulaanbaatar - download offline maps beforehand and consider requesting a local SIM card or portable WiFi device from your rental agency for better connectivity in the city.

Fuel stations are readily available in Ulaanbaatar but become sparse outside the capital - fill up before leaving the city, note that most stations accept cash, and confirm your rental's fuel policy (full-to-full is standard).

Plan to return your vehicle with adequate time for inspection, as agencies will check for damage and fuel level - keep all receipts and documentation, and confirm return procedures if dropping off outside business hours or at the airport.

Ulaanbaatar experiences extreme winter conditions with temperatures dropping below -40°C, creating black ice and hazardous road surfaces - winter tires and cautious driving are essential from November through March.

Road quality varies dramatically throughout the city, with potholes, unpaved sections, and poor road markings common even on main routes - drive defensively and watch for sudden road condition changes.

Traffic congestion is severe during morning (8-10 AM) and evening (5-7 PM) rush hours, particularly on main arteries leading to the city center - plan extra travel time during these periods.

Local driving customs include frequent lane changes without signaling, vehicles stopping unexpectedly, and pedestrians crossing anywhere - maintain defensive driving practices and expect unpredictable behavior from other road users.