⛽ How to Refuel and Navigate Remote Mongolia Safely

Driving in Mongolia: Be Prepared, Not Surprised

How to Refuel and Navigate: One of the most important aspects of planning a self-drive trip in Mongolia—especially in remote regions like the Gobi Desert—is understanding how and where to refuel. Gas stations in Mongolia can be few and far between once you leave major towns. At Gobi.Rent, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers safely explore the far corners of the country with well-equipped 4×4 vehicles and smart refueling strategies.

Where Are Gas Stations in Mongolia?

How to Refuel and Navigate: Gas stations (often called petrol stations) are readily available in cities and provincial centers like:

• Oulan-Bator

• Dalanzadgad

• Kharkhorin

• Bayankhongor

• Choibalsan

• Murun

However, outside of these towns, fuel availability drops significantly. Many small villages have only one gas station—or none at all. Some rural stations may run out of diesel temporarily or only operate during certain hours. During the summer in the Gobi especially Diesel is hard to find as many gas stations are out of stock. Petrol engine cars are easier to refuel.

Tips for Finding Gas Stations in Mongolia

1. Use Maps.me or OSMAnd

Google Maps is unreliable in rural Mongolia. Instead, use Maps.me ou OSMAnd, both of which display fuel stations and allow for offline navigation.

2. Ask Locals

Mongolians are friendly and helpful. If you’re unsure whether fuel is available in the next town, stop and ask. Even basic phrases or gestures will help.

3. Top Up Frequently

Never wait until you’re near empty. In Mongolia, when you see a gas station, refill—even if your tank is half full. It may be a long drive to the next one. Tanks that are nearly empty also cause the cooling of the fuel pump due to the circulating fuel to decrease. This can cause to overheating na breakdowns. Therefore never drive with less than 1/3 full fuel tank in the hot Gobi desert.

Diesel Fuel in Mongolia

All of Gobi.Rent’s 4×4 vehicles run on diesel, which is widely available in most towns. Here’s what you need to know:

• Ask for “Dizel” (Дизель) at the pump

• Look for larger fuel chains like Petrovis, Shunkhlai, or NIC

• Keep a 20L reserve jerrycan filled if heading into very remote areas

We provide jerrycans with every rental to help you travel safely between refuel points. Do not store the jerry cans inside the vehicle.

How to Navigate Remote Mongolia Safely

The Gobi and other rural regions can feel like another planet—but with the right tools and mindset, it’s entirely doable.

Use Offline Navigation Tools

We recommend:

• Maps.me – best for offline detail

• OSMAnd – highly accurate for rural roads

• Garmin GPS (optional rental from Gobi.Rent)

Download Offline Maps in Advance

Before leaving Ulaanbaatar or Wi-Fi zones, download full offline maps of your region.

Carry a Compass or Backup Navigation

Tech can fail. We include a basic compass and printed map with every vehicle rental, just in case.

Gobi.Rent Gives You the Tools to Succeed

All Gobi.Rent vehicles come with:

• Full tank of diesel

• 20L jerrycan for extra fuel

• Offline navigation app instructions

• Printed maps & compass

• Emergency contact info & satellite support options

We also walk you through how to plan your refueling stops and identify rural fuel risks during vehicle handover.

Bonus Tip: Charging Devices

Many areas have no electricity. To stay charged:

• Use the 12V plug or inverter in our Land Cruisers

• Bring power banks or solar chargers

• Only use high-power devices (drones, laptops) when the engine is running

Suggested Fuel Stop Points (Gobi Loop Example)

If you’re driving the classic Gobi route from Ulaanbaatar → Dalanzadgad → Khongor Els → Bayanzag → Ulaanbaatar:

Recommended fuel stops:

1. Ulaanbaatar (full tank + jerrycan)

2. Mandalgovi (top up)

3. Dalanzadgad (refuel fully)

4. On return: Same locations

Refuel in both directions—even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

Ready to Explore Mongolia Safely?

A self-drive tour in Mongolia is one of the last great road adventures on Earth—but only if you’re prepared. At Gobi.Rent, we equip you with everything you need to refuel, reroute, and remain calm—even hundreds of kilometers from the nearest town.

Book your Land Cruiser now and we’ll help you map your fuel stops before you go.