Your Simple Guide to Reaching Mongolia from the USA, UK, Australia & Canada

If you’re planning to ride across the wild steppe, conquer remote trails, and experience a land where time slows down, your adventure will almost always begin in one place — Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

At Ride The Mongolia, many riders ask us one common question:
“How do I actually get to Ulaanbaatar?”

Good news — it’s much easier than most people think.

This guide breaks everything down in simple, rider-friendly language so you can plan your journey smoothly, no matter whether you are flying from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada.

We’ll also help you understand what happens once you arrive and how to prepare for your Mongolia motorcycle tour.

Let’s start your journey.

Why Ulaanbaatar Is Your Starting Point

Ulaanbaatar (often called UB) is the capital of Mongolia — and the gateway to all motorcycle adventures in the country.

Whether you’re joining one of our Mongolia motorcycle tours or flying in for a custom expedition, every journey begins in this energetic, modern, rapidly growing city.

UB is where:

• You land
• Clear immigration
• Pick up your luggage
• Meet our team
• Get your first orientation
• Rest and adjust after a long flight
• Start your trip with Ride The Mongolia

So let’s break down how to get here from different corners of the world.

Flying to Ulaanbaatar: The Easiest Options From USA, UK, Australia & Canada

Ulaanbaatar’s international airport is:
Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) – Modern, clean, and well-organized.

There are no direct flights from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada (yet), but there are easy, popular connecting routes.

Below is a simple breakdown depending on where you’re flying from.

1. Traveling From the USA

Most riders from the United States choose one of these routes:

✔ USA → Seoul → Ulaanbaatar

• Korean Air
• Asiana Airlines
• Mongolian Airlines (MIAT)

This is the smoothest and most reliable route.

✔ USA → Istanbul → Ulaanbaatar

• Turkish Airlines (one of the most convenient for East Coast & Midwest)

✔ USA → Tokyo → Ulaanbaatar

• Japan Airlines
• MIAT

Best Departure Cities in the USA

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Chicago
• New York
• Seattle

These cities offer the best pricing and quickest connections.

Average travel time: 18–28 hours
Why riders love this route: Smooth connections, fewer delays, modern airports

2. Traveling From the UK

For riders from England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the most convenient routes are:

✔ London → Istanbul → Ulaanbaatar

(Turkish Airlines — very popular for UK travellers)

✔ London → Seoul → Ulaanbaatar

(Korean Air / Asiana / MIAT)

✔ London → Frankfurt → Ulaanbaatar

(Lufthansa + MIAT)

Average travel time: 12–16 hours
Pro Tip: Istanbul is usually the cheapest and fastest connection from the UK.

3. Traveling From Australia

Australian riders are among the most adventurous guests we host at Ride The Mongolia, and your flight paths are:

✔ Sydney → Seoul → Ulaanbaatar

(Korean Air / Asiana)

✔ Melbourne → Beijing → Ulaanbaatar

(Air China + MIAT)

✔ Brisbane → Tokyo → Ulaanbaatar

(JAL + MIAT)

✔ Perth → Singapore → Seoul → Ulaanbaatar

(Singapore Airlines + Korean Air)

Average travel time: 16–24 hours
Why it’s easy: Seoul and Tokyo offer smooth transit; luggage usually follows the entire route.

4. Traveling From Canada

Canadian travellers typically use:

✔ Toronto → Istanbul → Ulaanbaatar

(Turkish Airlines — very reliable)

✔ Vancouver → Seoul → Ulaanbaatar

(Korean Air / Asiana / MIAT)

✔ Toronto → Seoul → Ulaanbaatar

(Great for Eastern Canada)

✔ Calgary / Edmonton → Vancouver → Seoul → Ulaanbaatar

Average travel time: 16–23 hours
Traveler favourite: Vancouver → Seoul → UB is the fastest route from Western Canada.

Visa Requirements (USA, UK, Australia & Canada)

Here’s the good news:

🇺🇸 USA Citizens:

Visa-free for up to 30 days.

🇬🇧 UK Citizens:

Visa-free for up to 30 days.

🇦🇺 Australia Citizens:

Visa-free for up to 30 days.

🇨🇦 Canada Citizens:

Visa-free for up to 30 days.

Important:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

No paperwork. No embassy visits.
Just book your flight and arrive — you’re ready to start your Mongolia motorcycle adventure.

Arriving at Ulaanbaatar Airport (UBN): What to Expect

Chinggis Khaan International Airport is new, modern, and very easy to navigate.

✔ Immigration is quick

Usually 2–10 minutes for visa-free travellers.

✔ Baggage arrives fast

The airport is not crowded like big hubs.

✔ Free Wi-Fi available

You can message family or update us upon landing.

✔ ATMs and currency exchange available

You can withdraw Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) easily.

Airport Pickup by Ride The Mongolia

Once you confirm your tour with us, we arrange your airport pickup.

✔ Our team will be waiting for you

You’ll see a Ride The Mongolia sign as soon as you exit.

✔ We help you load your luggage

Top boxes, duffles, helmets — no worries.

✔ Direct transfer to your hotel

UB city is about 45 minutes from the airport.

✔ We handle everything

You just relax, recover from your flight, and enjoy the first day in Mongolia.

Your First Day in Ulaanbaatar

Before your Mongolia motorcycle tour begins, here’s what usually happens:

✔ Check-in at a comfortable hotel in UB

Hot shower + good rest after long flights

✔ Welcome introduction

Meet our team and other riders

✔ Final preparation for the ride

We brief you on:

• The route
• Weather
• Safety
• Riding formations
• Communication signals
• What to pack on the bike each day

This is not training — just a friendly, clear orientation to help you feel confident before hitting the trail.

What Happens When Your Motorcycle Adventure Begins

Every motorcycle expedition Mongolia with us starts with:

✔ Motorcycle handover

Clean, serviced, ready-to-ride bikes
(Himalayan / Honda / Enduro — depending on the tour)

✔ Luggage loading

Your big luggage goes into the support truck.

✔ Safety check

Helmet fit, gloves, gear — make sure you’re 100% comfortable.

✔ Warm-up ride (short)

The first few kilometres help you adjust to:

• The bike
• The terrain
• The riding group

✔ And then… your journey begins

Open steppe, blue sky, wild horses, endless freedom.
This is why people fly halfway across the world.

Why Riders From USA, UK, Australia & Canada Love Mongolia

✔ Zero traffic

Ride for hours without seeing a single vehicle.

✔ Real wilderness

Mountains, deserts, rivers, grasslands — raw and untouched.

✔ Friendly locals

Nomads welcome you with tea, food, and big smiles.

✔ Adventure without extreme danger

Challenging enough to be exciting, but not overly technical.

✔ Pure freedom

No fences, no restrictions, no stress — just riding.

This is why Ride The Mongolia exists:
To help riders experience the world’s last true riding frontier.

Travel Tips to Make the Journey Easier

Before starting your motorcycle expedition Mongolia, here are some rider-friendly travel recommendations:

✔ Choose long layovers (3–4 hours) for comfort

It gives you time to relax, eat, and stretch between flights.

✔ Keep essential riding gear in your carry-on

Especially:

• Helmet
• Riding boots
• Jacket
• Medications
• Personal valuables

Always better safe than sorry.

✔ Book your flights early

Mongolia is seasonal. June–September is peak motorcycle season. Flights get booked fast.

✔ Travel one day earlier if possible

Gives you:

• Time to rest
• Avoid delays
• Adjust to weather and altitude

Your ride becomes much more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Your Mongolia Adventure Starts the Moment You Arrive

Getting to Ulaanbaatar is simple, especially from the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. With smooth connections, visa-free entry, a modern airport, and our team ready to welcome you — your Mongolia motorcycle tour starts without stress.

And once you hit the road…
You’ll understand why riders call Mongolia the greatest adventure on Earth.

Whenever you’re ready —
Ride The Mongolia is ready for you.