Istanbul to Ulaanbaatar (Sergelen) (IST–UBN) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
IST–UBN is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 3,711 miles in approximately 7h 55m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines | 4 | 333 | 7h55 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · UBN: +08
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 11:00 PM in Ulaanbaatar (Sergelen).
Turkish passport holders enter Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days per visit. No advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. A return or onward ticket may be requested at immigration. Turkey and Mongolia share Turkic and Mongol cultural connections, and the visa exemption reflects the bilateral relationship.
At Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar, immigration stamps your passport after a brief check. For stays beyond 30 days, register with the Mongolian Immigration Agency within 7 days of arrival and apply for an extension. Extensions cost about MNT 31,000 (TRY 300) and allow an additional 30 days.
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Ulaanbaatar in about 7 hours. MIAT Mongolian Airlines also serves the route seasonally. Mongolia uses the Mongolian tugrik (MNT), trading at roughly 100 MNT per TRY 1. ATMs in Ulaanbaatar dispense tugrik. Card payments work at hotels, restaurants, and shops in the capital. Outside Ulaanbaatar, carry cash. The Mongolian countryside operates on cash only. Ger camp stays in the Gobi Desert or near Terelj National Park start at MNT 80,000 per night (about TRY 800) including meals.
Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.
IST–UBN Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Istanbul to Ulaanbaatar
Istanbul to Ulaanbaatar covers about 6,300 km with nonstop flights taking 7 to 7.5 hours. Turkish Airlines operates the route from Istanbul Airport with 2 to 3 weekly frequencies. MIAT Mongolian Airlines has also served this city pair. The new Chinggis Khaan International Airport opened in 2021, about 50 km from the city center.
This route connects Turkey with Mongolia, a destination that draws visitors for its steppe landscapes, nomadic culture, and the annual Naadam Festival in July. Istanbul serves as a connecting point for Mongolian passengers heading to Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Summer is the primary travel season as Ulaanbaatar's winter temperatures are among the coldest of any world capital.