Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to Mongolia

Direct flight routes to Mongolia

Currently there are no regular non-stop flights between any European city and Mongolia. Previously, MIAT Mongolian Airlines operated seasonal direct flights from Berlin and Frankfurt to Ulaanbaatar, but these routes have been discontinued.

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub offering connections to Ulaanbaatar with average layover times of 4-6 hours. Modern airport with extensive shopping and dining options. Free city tour available for longer layovers.

Moscow (SVO) – Aeroflot’s main hub with regular connections to Mongolia. Typical connection times of 3-5 hours. Visa may be required even for transit.

Beijing (PEK) – Air China’s hub with frequent flights to Ulaanbaatar. Connection times average 4 hours. 144-hour visa-free transit possible for eligible nationalities.

Seoul (ICN) – Korean Air connections with average layover of 5 hours. Excellent transit facilities including free shower rooms and rest areas. Free transit tours available.

Time vs money

Routes with multiple stops generally offer lower prices but significantly increase total travel time. One-stop connections through Istanbul or Seoul typically provide the best balance between cost and travel time.

Tips and recommendations

• Book flights through Istanbul or Seoul during summer months for most reliable connections


• Consider overnight layovers in Beijing to take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy


• Lowest fares typically available when booking 3-4 months in advance


• Check if your chosen route requires transit visa, particularly for Russia and China


• Korean Air and Turkish Airlines often offer stopover programs with free or discounted hotel stays

• Turkish Airlines offers the best value-for-money route to Ulaanbaatar via Istanbul, with fares typically 15-20% lower than competitors. Their Boeing 787-9 features comfortable 31″ pitch in economy and generous 18″ width, while the Istanbul layover can be turned into a free city tour if longer than 6 hours. The airline serves multiple European departure points including secondary cities like Brussels, Budapest, and Prague.
• Consider booking MIAT Mongolian Airlines’ direct flights from Berlin during summer season (June-September), operated with Boeing 737-800s. While ticket prices are slightly higher than connecting flights, the total journey time is reduced by 5-7 hours, and the airline offers complimentary destination guides and cultural programs onboard.
• Korean Air’s route via Seoul provides excellent connection times and superior comfort with their A330-300 aircraft featuring 34″ pitch in economy. The Seoul layover allows for convenient connections to regional Mongolian destinations, and the airline frequently offers promotional fares from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris that match Turkish Airlines’ prices.
• Book flights for Tuesday or Wednesday departures to save up to 25% on fares, particularly on Aeroflot’s routes via Moscow. The Russian carrier maintains consistent year-round service to Ulaanbaatar with convenient morning arrivals, though aircraft types vary between A320 and B737 depending on season.
• Travelers from Southern Europe can leverage Air China’s routes through Beijing, offering competitive fares from Rome, Madrid, and Athens. Their A350 service features newer cabin products with 32″ pitch, and the airline’s frequent promotions often include free stopovers in Beijing for up to 72 hours.

1. Ignoring the seasonal route limitations Most European routes to Ulaanbaatar operate only during summer months (June-September), making winter travel complicated and often requiring multiple connections through Moscow or Beijing.
2. Not considering the hub options While Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Aeroflot via Moscow are popular choices, travelers often overlook Korean Air’s route through Seoul which can offer better connection times and competitive prices.
3. Booking last-minute during Naadam Festival Flights to Mongolia during the national Naadam Festival in July see astronomical price increases and often sell out months in advance, requiring early booking for this peak period.
4. Missing transit visa requirements Many travelers get stuck when transiting through China or Russia without proper transit visas, even for short layovers at Beijing or Moscow airports.
5. Underestimating Chinggis Khaan Airport logistics The new airport serving Ulaanbaatar is located 50km from the city center, but many visitors still plan their arrival assuming the old airport’s proximity to downtown.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive European connection network to Mongolia with 120+ departure cities.

Operating daily flights to Ulaanbaatar from Istanbul, with major connections from London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Frankfurt. Economy class offers generous 32-inch seat pitch, high-rated Turkish cuisine, and complimentary amenity kits. Typical layover in Istanbul ranges 2-4 hours. Passengers consistently rate their Economy experience 4 out of 5 stars, praising the food quality and entertainment options.

MIAT Mongolian Airlines

Best for: Only airline offering direct flights from Europe (Berlin) to Ulaanbaatar.

Operates from 3 European cities (Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris) with twice-weekly frequency. While the airline’s fleet is smaller, their Boeing 767s offer comfortable 31-inch seat pitch and traditional Mongolian hospitality. In-flight meals blend Asian and Western cuisine. Passengers appreciate the direct routing option, though service standards can be inconsistent.

Aeroflot

Best for: Shortest total journey time from most European cities via Moscow.

Connects 45 European cities to Ulaanbaatar, with main hubs in London, Paris, and Berlin. Modern A330 fleet features 32-inch seat pitch and updated entertainment systems. Layovers in Moscow Sheremetyevo average 2 hours. Economy class receives good ratings for seat comfort and crew service, though meal quality can vary.

Air China

Best for: Most economical fares with reliable service standards.

Serves Mongolia from 25 European cities, primarily through London, Frankfurt, and Paris connections. Beijing layovers typically range 3-5 hours. Economy cabin offers standard 31-inch pitch, decent Asian-inspired meals, and modern entertainment options. Passengers rate the airline 3.5/5, noting good value for money despite longer total journey times.

Smart routing to Mongolia using Asian carriers

Traveling from Europe to Mongolia can be expensive when booking with major carriers, but utilizing regional Asian airlines can significantly reduce costs. The key is breaking up the journey strategically.

1. Book separate tickets: Instead of a single ticket to Ulaanbaatar, book a flight to a major Asian hub like Beijing, Seoul, or Hong Kong using a mainstream carrier
2. Use regional carriers: From these hubs, airlines like MIAT Mongolian, Air Busan, or Air China offer shorter routes to Ulaanbaatar at lower prices than integrated long-haul tickets
3. Consider secondary hubs: Cities like Irkutsk in Russia or Hohhot in China often have cheaper connections to Mongolia through smaller carriers

When using this strategy, allow ample time between flights (minimum 4 hours) and remember to check visa requirements for transit countries. The best savings typically come during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) when booking 2-3 months in advance.

While this approach requires more planning and potentially longer travel times, savings can reach 30-40% compared to traditional routing. Remember to factor in baggage fees and transfer costs when calculating total expenses.