Train Tickets to Mongolia: Complete Travel Guide (2026)

You can currently reach Mongolia by train from Beijing (weekly, about 31 hours) or from Irkutsk in Russia (weekly, about 24 hours). The Moscow–Ulaanbaatar–Beijing through-service remains suspended because of the war in Ukraine, with no confirmed restart date. Tickets should be booked around two months in advance, and hard-copy tickets are usually delivered to your hotel just before departure.

Mongolia sits on the historic Trans-Mongolian Railway, the branch line that connects the wider Trans-Siberian network between Russia and China. The train route runs through Ulan-Ude, across the Mongolian border, through the Gobi Desert, and into Ulaanbaatar.

Taking the train is not just transport. It's a slow, scenic way to see three very different cultures — Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese — in a single journey. Many travelers arrive by train and fly out, or the reverse, so they experience both.

Route availability has changed a lot since 2020. Here is the current situation:

Operated jointly by China Railway and Mongolian Railways (UBTZ)
Resumed service in June 2025 after a five-year pause
Runs once a week in each direction
Journey time is about 30–31.5 hours
Covers roughly 1,550 km, including a gauge-change stop at the China–Mongolia border, which takes several hours

Resumed in late 2022
Runs weekly, more frequently in the summer high season
Journey time is around 24 hours
Popular with travelers combining Lake Baikal with Mongolia

This is the classic "Trans-Mongolian" through-route
Currently suspended due to the war in Ukraine and related sanctions
No confirmed restart date as of 2026
Travelers wanting the Russia–Mongolia–China experience should currently plan around Irkutsk instead of Moscow

Because schedules change with the seasons and with international relations, always confirm the latest timetable before finalizing your trip.

Discover Mongolia is based in Ulaanbaatar, which means we can secure Mongolian-side train tickets directly and handle the paperwork for you. The process is simple:

Select your ticket – Choose your direction (arriving or departing Ulaanbaatar) and preferred date.
Send your inquiry – Fill in your travel details through our booking form.
Get in touch – Our team responds with a quote and seat availability, usually within 24 hours.
Payment – Confirm your payment method and complete the booking.

Hard-copy tickets are issued a few days before departure and delivered to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar or Beijing. Because these trains run only once a week, booking at least two months ahead is strongly recommended, especially for July and August travel.

Book early. Weekly trains sell out fast in peak season (June–September).
Bring cash. Card payment is unreliable on board; carry Mongolian tögrög, Chinese yuan, or US dollars depending on your route.
Pack snacks. Restaurant cars exist but menus are limited, and prices are higher than at home.
Expect a border stop. The China–Mongolia crossing includes a wheel-gauge change that can take several hours. This is normal, not a delay.
Check visa rules. If your route passes through China, confirm whether you need a Chinese visa or transit visa, since this is not the same as a Mongolian visa.
Dress in layers. Cabins can be warm, but platforms during stops can be cold, especially outside summer.
Charge devices in advance. Power outlets on older carriages are limited.

Here is the route information broken down into bullet points:

Beijing – Ulaanbaatar
- Frequency: Weekly
- Duration: Approximately 30 to 31.5 hours
- Status (2026): Operating
- Best for: The shortest and most reliable option, making it the easiest to plan your trip around.
Irkutsk – Ulaanbaatar
- Frequency: Weekly (with increased frequency during the summer)
- Duration: Approximately 24 hours
- Status (2026): Operating
- Best for: A strong choice if you are looking to combine your trip with a visit to Siberia.
Moscow – Ulaanbaatar – Beijing
- Frequency: N/A
- Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 days (pre-suspension)
- Status (2026): Suspended

The train itself is part of the Mongolia experience. Expect a mix of nationalities in the carriages, conductors who switch between Mongolian, Russian, and Chinese, and long stretches of open steppe visible from your window as you approach Ulaanbaatar. Many travelers say the final approach into Mongolia, watching the landscape open into grassland, is one of the highlights of the whole trip.

June to September is the busiest and most comfortable season, with warm days and the best access to Mongolia's countryside after arrival.
Shoulder months (May, late September) offer fewer crowds and lower prices, but pack for colder nights.
Winter travel is possible but trains run less frequently, and Ulaanbaatar temperatures can drop well below freezing.

Booking your train ticket alongside your Mongolia tour itinerary helps avoid gaps in your schedule, since trains only run once a week on most routes.

Discover Mongolia Travel has operated since 2004 and organizes cultural and travel experiences across Mongolia.

Is it safe to travel to Mongolia by train?

Yes, train travel to Mongolia is generally safe and well-used by international travelers. Keep valuables close, especially during border stops, and follow standard travel precautions.

How much do train tickets to Mongolia cost?

Prices vary by class and route, with hard sleeper tickets typically cheaper than soft sleeper or private cabins. Contact a local agent for current pricing, since fares are set separately by each national railway.

How far in advance should I book?

Book at least two months ahead, since most international routes run only once a week and seats sell out quickly in peak season.

Is the Moscow to Mongolia train running in 2026?

No, the through-service between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar via Beijing remains suspended due to the war in Ukraine. Travelers wanting a Russia connection currently need to use the Irkutsk–Ulaanbaatar train instead.

Do I need a visa to take the train to Mongolia?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and route, especially if you pass through China. Check requirements with the relevant consulate well before your trip.isa requirements depend on your nationality and route, especially if you pass through China. Check requirements with the relevant consulate well before your trip.

What is the best time of year to take the train to Mongolia?

June through September is the most popular and comfortable season, with easier onward travel across the Mongolian countryside after you arrive.

How long does the train journey to Mongolia take?

From Beijing, the journey takes about 30–31.5 hours. From Irkutsk, it takes about 24 hours. The former Moscow route took five to six days when it was running.

Can I combine the train with flights?

Yes, many travelers arrive in Mongolia by train and depart by air, or the reverse. This is a common way to experience the train once without committing to a long return journey.

Discover Mongolia has organized tailor-made tours since 2004.

We handle flights, accommodation, guides, vehicles — you focus on the journey.