There are 2 way(s) to get from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
Before committing to a long bus ride to the Gobi, always check flight options. Domestic flights to Dalanzadgad (Dalanzadgad Airport, DLZ) are surprisingly affordable and save you a significant amount of travel time and discomfort compared to the bus. Don't assume there's no flight.
Especially during peak season (June-August), domestic flights to popular destinations like the Gobi can fill up quickly. Booking a few weeks ahead ensures you secure your spot and often a better price, avoiding last-minute stress and potential disappointment.
If you choose the bus, be prepared for a long and potentially bumpy ride. Bring snacks, water, a good book or entertainment, and a neck pillow. Roads outside Ulaanbaatar can be unpaved, making for a challenging but authentic Mongolian experience.
The only reliable train services in Mongolia run along the northern corridor (Ulaanbaatar-Darkhan-Erdenet-Sükhbaatar). Do not expect trains to the Gobi (Dalanzadgad), Lake Khövsgöl (Mörön), or the Kazakh west (Ölgii). These regions are primarily served by buses or domestic flights.
When comparing flights and buses, remember to add transfer times to and from airports/bus stations. A 1-hour flight to Dalanzadgad plus airport transfers is often still faster than an 8-hour bus, especially when considering comfort and fatigue.
🛣️ The journey experience
Planning your trip from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, the gateway to the Gobi, can feel overwhelming. Mongolia's vastness means transport options vary wildly – from comfortable trains on specific routes to long, sometimes arduous, bus journeys and quick domestic flights. For the Gobi, knowing whether a flight is a sensible splurge or an absolute necessity can save you days and discomfort. We're here to give you the honest lowdown on travel times and what to expect.
For this particular route, you have two distinct options. The fastest and most convenient is flying, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and prices starting around €35. Airlines like Aero Mongolia and Hunnu Air operate these routes. Alternatively, you can opt for the bus, which takes about 8 hours and costs approximately €18. These buses depart from Ulaanbaatar's Dragon Center bus station and offer a more budget-friendly, albeit longer, overland experience.
While the bus is cheaper, flying to Dalanzadgad is almost always the sane choice. Mongolia’s roads outside the capital, especially towards the Gobi, can be challenging. An 8-hour bus ride often translates into a bumpy, dusty, and tiring experience, taking up a full day of your precious travel time. Given the relatively low cost of flights, the time saved and the comfort gained make flying the superior option for reaching the Gobi quickly and refreshed, ready to explore this incredible landscape.
Frequently asked questions — Ulaanbaatar → Dalanzadgad
No, there are no train services connecting Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad. The Mongolian railway network is primarily limited to the northern corridor (Trans-Mongolian line). For Dalanzadgad and the Gobi region, your options are either a long-distance bus or a domestic flight.
By domestic flight, the journey is approximately 1 hour, costing around €35. By bus, it's a much longer trip of about 8 hours, with tickets priced at roughly €18. These times are for the direct travel portion and don't include transfers to/from terminals.
For most independent travelers, flying is the best option. While slightly more expensive, the 1-hour flight saves you roughly 7 hours of bumpy travel time compared to the bus. It allows you to maximize your time exploring the Gobi rather than enduring a long road journey. It's a wise investment for comfort and efficiency.
Typically, domestic flights to Dalanzadgad (Dalanzadgad Airport, DLZ) are operated by Mongolian airlines such as Aero Mongolia and Hunnu Air. It's recommended to check their official websites or a reputable online travel agency for current schedules and booking options.
✨ Why visit Dalanzadgad?
- ✓ Explore the stunning Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and its diverse landscapes.
- ✓ Visit Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley) for unique ice formations and wildlife viewing.
- ✓ Discover the 'Flaming Cliffs' (Bayanzag) famous for dinosaur fossil discoveries.
- ✓ Experience local nomadic culture with a visit to a ger camp.
- ✓ Marvel at the singing sands of Khongoryn Els dune.
☀️ When to visit Dalanzadgad?
DESERT CONTINENTAL FROID
June to September — Pleasant temperatures and less rain, ideal for outdoor exploration and wildlife spotting.
What to do in Dalanzadgad?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Dalanzadgad?
For independent French-speaking travelers, a 4-day trip is ideal to explore the main attractions around Dalanzadgad, including the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and the Yolyn Am ice canyon. With 7 days, you can venture deeper into the Gobi Desert for a more authentic experience. Book local tours upon arrival for flexibility.
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