I've had mixed experience at Chinggis Khaan Airport. The national airline lost my luggage bit both the airline authority and the airport authority couldn't help me with that. Even after one year they couldn't return my luggage. It's a small airport which has basic facilities. Except for the luggage issue overall experience was good. Even the immigration process was really smooth.
The Airport in the past were boring and dull, now in these days it's better now.
The airport quality has increased a lot recently, ever since the ASEM. Very very easy to travel in the airport since there is only 1 terminal.
haha get rdy to pick out stuff in your luggage and pay a "fine" , don't expect a receipt tho!
The airport is fine except for the security, they are a bad joke. They'll randomly decide something is not allowed that all other airports allow, then lie and say it's the airline. (Who have no problem, including on the flight IN to UB)
The staff clearly know they're wrong as then won't tell a manager or their names.
The airport website have a complaints form which is then ignored.
Worst tourist experience in an otherwise amazing country.
Simple small but efficient. Enough Duty free shops
The airport is roughly 11km from the city centre which makes transfers easy and quick. The airport itself is two stories - top for departures and bottom for arrivals.
Departures
If you’re someone that likes to check-in early then two hours is good. Any earlier and the desks will probably not be open. Even if busy, having checked-in the security check and Immigration process rarely takes more than 30 minutes and there is only one departure gate for international flights.
Arrivals
Immigration can take time but no longer than most other places. Luggage claim is as you would expect it to be. If your luggage doesn’t arrive, there is a small desk where you can record your lost luggage. Remain patient as this can take time. If you haven't booked a transfer and are relying on a taxi then be prepared to bargain hard.
It is a small and simple airport although t's recently had an update so the facilities are fairly good - with cafes, cashmere shops, duty free, bank facilities and ATM's. But the shops / cafes can shut early. There is Wi-Fi but don't rely on it working.
Be careful of pick-pockets that operate in both the departures and arrivals area.
There is a new airport being built approximately 50km outside of UB but the opening has been delayed to at least spring 2018.
Small airport, nobody speaks English. They lost my luggage and I heard from many others that it happens all the time here. Be sure to tag your bag with your name etc! Pretty well excessible by bus, you really don't need to take a taxi.
I have travelled through this airport four times. On the last trip out of Mongolia I was dropped off four hours before my flight and had a chance to explore this facility. First there is WiFi availability but it is limited to certain locations. Best to check when there where it is best to get WiFi as it may have changed. This is not a large airport and the stores at the entrance shut down around 6:00 in the evening. I was not able to check in until an hour before the flight so do not come early as there is limited places to stay.
Suddenly there is a notice that you can check in. There is a big rush to the other rooms to check baggage. There is a great deal of crowding as the space is small. After going through the X-ray exams into the area with the gates there is much more room and there are duty free stores but again their hours are also limited so do not expect to be able to spend the rest of your Mongolian money before leaving. Also limited magazines but some good books on Mongolian history so I purchased a few. Again I do not recommend that you arrive early as there is little that one can do in the limited area for departing waiting and you will not be able check in early!
If you need to escape from the Russians, this is an ideal place to do it.
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Be careful of taxi scam, better use airport taxi or hotel pickup. The taxi driver agreed on 20,000tug/ride but later said $20, have to argue with him. Such a bad impression when first arriving Ulaanbataar
Clean and simple. Not very modern and not very many options for food, but great duty free selections. Better than I was expecting.
Small, fast, modern interior with friendly staff. Upstairs is the duty free area with coffee shops and fast food.
Our flight was delayed 1hour. The personal just asked us to seat down without explaination. Just tell us ! And please smile just a little ! The rest, check in and security is fine.
It's a very small airport and the only one to get into or out of the country. Almost no one speaks English, so be prepared or come with a translator. They have a small cafe and coffee shop, but like most things in Mongolia, they aren't always open when you want something. They have a few souvenir and book shops to browse while waiting for your flight. Be careful when choosing a taxi when you leave. They WILL try to make you pay too much. The best thing would be to try and find a Mongolian who will share a taxi with you. They will haggle for the best price and hopefully you can benefit. Taxi drivers in general are a bit shady, so be aware at all times and don't let the wonder of being in a new place distract you. If you arrive during the day, and are brave, there is a bus stop out by the road, but if you've got a lot of luggage, it'll be a hassle to get over there.
I have been through this airport 3 times. This airport is a two story setup. Top tier takes you to departures, while the first floor is for arrivals. The security checkpoint is fast and easy. You will be searched before going to the ticket line for luggage check-in. Then you will be searched again before going to your gate. Luggage claim is straight forward, but crowded after arrival. Immigration can take time to get through. Duty free shops have a large selection of alcohol and cashmere. As usual, you can find lower prices outside the airport, but the shops within the secured area still offer a great, but limited selection of gift ideas. Food shops open late and close early. There is a great coffee shop in the secured area. Take time to view the artwork of the Great Khaans, Mongol rulers, located in the main lobby before entering your gate.