How to find a cheap car rental deal in Mongolia
In search of a cheap rental car in Mongolia? With prices starting from $494 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're looking for an economy ride, a large SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the top deals to get you real value.
For travel plans that last more than a few days, $3,455 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Check out the car rentals in Moron and make your travel budget go further. It's the most affordable place in Mongolia to book a set of wheels.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Ulaanbaatar.
If you're unsure which company to go with, check out Sixt. It stands as the number one choice in Mongolia.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Moron Airport, Ulgit Airport and Dalanzadgad Airport offer car rental pickup locations either at the terminal or close by.
Ulaanbaatar, Moron and Ulgit are among the most convenient cities to pick up a set of wheels.
A one-way rental could work in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Mongolia, select 'Return car to a different location' to access those deals.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you'll get a discount with a month-long booking, so try tweaking your dates to find the lowest rates.
Avoid extra costs by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and return it full, so you pay only for the fuel you've used.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' let you cover more ground without racking up added charges. Search for this option using the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like.
Best time to book a car rental in Mongolia
Score the best price on a car rental in Mongolia by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the car that fits and a rate that works.
The most affordable month to rent a car is August, with rates averaging $129 a day.
April is the most expensive time of year.
Compare car rental types in Mongolia
Economy: Set off in one of these and help keep your travel budget on track. Lower daily rates and strong fuel efficiency mean you spend less overall while still getting a comfortable, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Mini and economy cars fall into this category. Their compact size and easy handling make city driving less stressful. And with engines designed to use less fuel, they're a practical choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Mongolia.
Medium: Medium rentals are a comfortable middle ground. Neatly bridging the gap between small and large, they offer a little more comfort and space without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: No elbow battles. No bags sliding around your feet. Also known as full-size, large cars offer plenty of passenger space and the luggage capacity to match. Choose this category when you're covering serious ground or bringing everyone with you.
SUV: Road trips across Mongolia are a dream in one of these. The higher seating position allows a clearer view of the road ahead and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Engineered for versatility, they can take you from main highways to more remote routes with ease.
Van: For commercial transport or large group travel, this type of car for rent in Mongolia gives you the hauling power you need. These commercial vans and trucks focus on space and smart design, so you can move bigger loads without the hassle.
Luxury: Hit the road in ultimate style. Featuring premium design, innovative technology, and performance tuned for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a rental experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your rental car offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so take the time to shop around.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Mongolia.
Driving in Mongolia: What you need to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Mongolia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Find out if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in Mongolia.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in Mongolia.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 30mph in urban areas and 60mph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Mongolia is 0.02%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Weather and driving conditions in Mongolia
Weather
Mongolia has four distinct seasons, with warm summers from June through August and cold winters spanning December through February. Spring runs from March to May and autumn from September to November, both bringing shifting temperatures and changeable conditions across the country.
Snow is the condition that shapes driving in Mongolia most significantly, blanketing mountain passes and open steppe tracks from late autumn through early spring — slow down and leave extra stopping distance on any stretch that looks compacted or icy. Summer brings intense heat across the southern Gobi, so check your coolant and carry extra water before heading into that region.
Driving conditions
Most of a road trip in Mongolia unfolds on unpaved dirt tracks and open steppe rather than sealed roads. The highway connecting the capital to the country's borders is paved, but you'll need a four-wheel-drive for almost anywhere else.
Ulaanbaatar's traffic congestion is significant for a city its size, with bottlenecks common around the central districts. Parking is informal in many areas, and city roads weren't designed for current traffic volumes.
Outside Ulaanbaatar, marked roads give way quickly to open steppe tracks with minimal signage. Gas stations and services are scarce across vast stretches, so filling up whenever you can is genuinely important.
Livestock roam freely across Mongolia's unfenced steppe roads year-round, so horses, camels, yaks, and sheep can appear at any time. Stay especially alert at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Where to road trip in Mongolia?
Mongolia is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan and Erdenet, plus airport pickup points like Chinggis Khaan International Airport. If you're planning car rental in Mongolia, these routes show how different pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types can shape your journey.
Nomadic Heritage: The Orkhon Valley and Central Mongolia
Pick up your car in Ulaanbaatar and drive west toward one of Mongolia's most historically layered valleys, passing ancient monastery ruins and open steppe. It's a strong choice for travelers who want a culture-rich drive without covering punishing distances every day.
Recommended car: 4WD or high-clearance SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Good for: History enthusiasts, first-time visitors and culture travelers.
Road conditions: Paved highway, dirt tracks, unpaved steppe crossings.
Best time to go: June to August for dry, passable ground.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Kharkhorin, Erdene Zuu.
Wilderness and Wildlife: The Northern Forests and Lake District
Head north from Ulaanbaatar toward Mongolia's lake-filled interior, where taiga forest and open grassland border some of the country's largest freshwater bodies. This route suits patient drivers comfortable with long daily distances on rough, unmarked terrain.
Recommended car: 4WD expedition vehicle.
Suggested pickup point: Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Good for: Nature lovers, wildlife watchers and adventure travelers.
Road conditions: Unpaved forest tracks, river crossings, loose gravel.
Best time to go: June to early September for accessible roads.
Trip length: Seven to ten days.
Key stops: Khövsgöl Lake, Mörön.
Desert and Dinosaurs: The Gobi and Southern Steppe
Drive south from Ulaanbaatar into Mongolia's vast southern basin, where eroded canyons and fossil-bearing rock formations stretch across a near-empty landscape. It suits self-sufficient drivers who are comfortable navigating by landmark over long, isolated desert stretches.
Recommended car: 4WD or heavy-duty SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Good for: Geology enthusiasts, off-road drivers and solo explorers.
Road conditions: Packed gravel, open desert terrain, sandy tracks.
Best time to go: May or September for manageable heat.
Trip length: Six to nine days.
Key stops: Bayanzag, Khongoryn Els.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
Wherever your drive takes you, a good overnight stop can make all the difference after a long day on the road. Once you've booked your car rental in Mongolia, browse the range of hotels in Ulaanbaatar or compare Moron accommodation options while mapping out the rest of your trip.
