Book a Rental Car in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Book the best car rental and travel Mongolia at your own pace. No tour, no guide, just you and the open road. The best rental car options, prices, security deposit details, and more.
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Take it from me, there is absolutely no better way to see and experience Mongolia than by car. (Or by motorcycle, which happens to be a close second in my book.)
Nothing compares to it. Being able to get in a car, explore at your own pace, make side quests when you discover something new, and doing it all while being self-sufficient.
Granted, I have a car that’s completely kitted out for overlanding and living out of it. But still. You don’t my full set up to have a life-changing experience driving around this scenic country.
Find the best rental car options, including prices and important things to know below.
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Land Cruiser car rentals starting at $220 per day.
- Land Cruiser 76 (Manual, petrol, 2023): $220/day
- Land Cruiser 200 (Automatic, petrol, 2024-2025): $250/day
- Land Cruiser 300 GR.X (Automatic, petrol, 2024-2025): $250/day
All rentals include vehicle insurance. All travel expenses including petrol are not included.
To reserve your rental car, fill out the Google Form below and the local rental company we trust and work exclusively with will be in touch.
Renting a Car in Ulaanbaatar
There are a few important things to know when you rent a car in Mongolia.
First, only two major rental car companies exist in Mongolia, Avis and Sixt.
After that, there are several smaller rental car companies to choose from. These rental companies don’t own their fleets but instead rent cars from locals when they are reserved.
Don’t let this stress you out, these vehicles are very well taken care of and maintained. You will be booking with a small, locally-owned car rental company if you fill out the booking form above.
I can’t speak for every company, but when you rent one of the vehicles above, they are delivered fully prepared (fueled, cleaned, and equipped). On your return rental date, the local team will also arrange to pick up the car from you at your hotel or guesthouse.
Because driving in Mongolia can be very hard on vehicles, a security deposit of $1,500 is required. When the vehicle is returned, as long as there is no damage, your security deposit is returned in full.
You will have to provide a copy of your driver’s license prior to picking up your rental.
If your driver’s license complies with the Vienna Convention, you are allowed to drive in Mongolia for up to one year.
Why are Rental Rates in Mongolia so Expensive?
This is the number one question and complaint I get from people who want to rent a car here. And really, there’s no short answer.
The reason rental cars in Mongolia are so expensive is because Mongolian roads are very tough on vehicles.
Almost everyone experiences a flat tire at one point in their trip, things shake loose, and circuits short out. To get to most places here you have to drive on dirt roads, which can be horribly corrugated and washed out. It’s also not uncommon for popular “routes” to have river crossings. Be sure to map out your adventure carefully before setting out with your rental vehicle so that heavy rains don’t leave you stranded on the wrong side of a river.
With all that being said, no matter how well you prepare a vehicle for all of the above, it’s you who also needs to be prepared for these situations to happen. Because they most likely will, no matter how careful you drive or try to avoid them. And it’s important that you manage these risks wisely so you don’t damage vehicles beyond repair, which is what the rental rate and security deposit helps account for.
And that, in my opinion at least, is why the daily rate for renting a car in Mongolia is so expensive.
What Kind of Vehicle Should I Rent for my Dream Mongolia Road Trip?
You’ve finally made the decision to start planning your dream Mongolia road trip.
Now, you need to choose what kind of vehicle you’re going to rent. Let me break down three of the best cars to rent for a road trip across Mongolia.
Land Cruiser 76
Manual, petrol, 2023: $220/day
I’m biased for Land Cruiser 70-series models because that’s what I drive! And I absolutely love mine. I wouldn’t trade it in for anything.
These sturdy and reliable 4×4 vehicles do however have their limitations. If you prefer reliability and a car that can handle anything that’s thrown at it, a Land Cruiser 76 is it.
However, if you prefer more comfort during your road travels, this isn’t the vehicle for you to rent.
Pros:
- Super sturdy and reliable to drive.
- Can be fixed by anyone across Mongolia and parts are easy to find.
- Ideal for 1-2 people and luggage and gear.
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable 4×4 to ride in for long hours.
- No bells and whistles inside the car.
- Driving in them can be cold in winter.
- Space becomes tight for more than 2 people with luggage and gear.
- Manual drive only.
Land Cruiser 200 and Land Cruiser 300 GR.X
Automatic, petrol, 2024-2025: $250/day
These Toyotas are the best of the best when it comes to 4×4 vehicles for rent. They have all the bells and whistles, drive incredibly smooth, and they’ll get you anywhere.
Pros:
- Drive incredibly well and you can take them anywhere.
- Super comfortable to ride in for long hours.
- Easily fits 4 people and luggage and gear.
- The safest option if you plan to travel with kids.
Cons:
- Expensive daily rental rate.
- If you aren’t used to driving a big car, navigating Ulaanbaatar’s tight streets and parking will take time to get used to.
- Repairs will also be expensive if you accidentally damage the car.
Are Collision Insurance and Emergency Support Included?
The last thing you want to do on your big Mongolia adventure is get into an accident. But it happens. You understand that and car rental companies understand that.
That’s why car insurance is already included with every rental.
You’re automatically covered with collision insurance and 24/7 emergency support back in Ulaanbaatar, should anything go wrong.
This insurance doesn’t include theft or any other protection in case of medical emergencies. Only damage to the car is covered if there’s any sort of collision or accident.
For Theft and Medical Coverage: Unless you’re a resident of New York, Oregon, or Texas, under the World Nomads Explorer travel insurance plans available in the United States, reimbursement for damage to a rental car while in your possession, for any cause not within your control, including theft or natural disaster, may be covered (refer to their policy wording for full details) .
Driving Tips for the Road
Never, ever, and I mean ever, drive at night. Herds of animals, potholes, bad weather, you name it, it will all try to get you. Thankfully, the sun sets late in the summer, giving you generous daylight until past 9 pm.
Speaking of daylight, my own personal rule of thumb is to start setting up camp by 7 pm. That means I have plenty of daylight to cook dinner, wash up, get organized, plan my route for the next day, and make my bed before nightfall.
In the summer, the sun rises around 4:30 am if you need to get an early start on a long driving day.
Consider this your warning that it’s illegal to talk on your cell phone without a hands-free device while driving in Mongolia. Which, in most cases isn’t a problem. Be most cautious of this law while you’re in Ulaanbaatar.
Speaking of Ulaanbaatar, download all your maps, playlists, podcasts, audio books, and everything else before you leave the city limits.
If you plan to get an eSIM, consider Airalo.
Book Now
Land Cruiser car rentals starting at $220 per day.
- Land Cruiser 76 (Manual, petrol, 2023): $220/day
- Land Cruiser 200 (Automatic, petrol, 2024-2025): $250/day
- Land Cruiser 300 GR.X (Automatic, petrol, 2024-2025): $250/day
All rentals include vehicle insurance. All travel expenses including petrol are not included.
To reserve your rental car, fill out the Google Form below and the local rental company we trust and work exclusively with will be in touch.
Author: Breanna Wilson
Hi! Sain uu! I’m Breanna, an American travel writer and adventurer living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for more than 5 years. I’ve written for and been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, CNN, Forbes, and the New York Times, among others. Read more of my Mongolia travel articles here.
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