Traveling from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to Beijing, China, by train is one of the great overland trips of Asia. Part of the famous Trans-Mongolian Railway, this route crosses grasslands, deserts, and borders, connecting two very different capitals. For many travelers, it is the highlight of their trip—slow, scenic, and full of cultural encounters.
The journey covers about 1,350 kilometers (840 miles) and takes roughly 30 hours. It is not the fastest way to travel between the two cities, but it is the most memorable.
The Train
The Ulaanbaatar to Beijing train usually runs once or twice a week, depending on the season. The most common option is Train K23, operated by Chinese Railways, which departs Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon and arrives in Beijing the following evening. In the other direction, Train K24 runs from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar.
Carriages are typically divided into three classes:
- Hard sleeper (platzkart): Open compartments with six bunks. Cheapest option but crowded.
- Soft sleeper: Four-bed compartments with a door for privacy. Most popular with travelers.
- Luxury class: Two-bed compartments with added comfort, available at higher cost.
Each carriage has a samovar with hot water, basic toilets, and a carriage attendant. A dining car is usually attached, though many travelers bring their own food.
Leaving Ulaanbaatar
The train departs from Ulaanbaatar Railway Station, a busy hub on Peace Avenue. Arrive early to find your platform, buy snacks, and get comfortable. Once aboard, you settle into your compartment, meet fellow travelers, and watch as the city gives way to rolling steppe.
The first stretch passes through green grasslands, dotted with gers (yurts) and herds of horses, sheep, and camels. Small villages and lonely stations appear as the train heads south.
Scenery Along the Way
One of the joys of this journey is the changing scenery.
- Mongolian Steppe: Wide open grasslands, nomadic camps, and grazing animals.
- Gobi Desert: Flat, arid landscapes with dunes, scrub, and occasional herds of camels.
- Chinese countryside: After crossing the border, the land becomes greener, with villages, fields, and eventually the mountains near Beijing.
The slow pace gives you time to take it all in, often framed by incredible sunsets and starry nights.
Border Crossing
Crossing from Mongolia into China is the most unusual part of the trip. It takes place at night and can last several hours.
- Mongolian side (Zamyn-Üüd): Passengers hand over passports for exit stamps. The train may sit at the station for an hour or more.
- Chinese side (Erenhot): Passports are checked again, and customs officials may board.
At Erenhot, something unique happens: the train bogies are changed. Mongolia uses a Russian gauge, while China uses a standard gauge. The entire train is lifted carriage by carriage, and the wheels are swapped. Passengers can usually stay onboard, though the process is noisy and fascinating to watch.
Life Onboard
Traveling 30 hours by train gives plenty of time to settle into a rhythm. Compartments become social spaces, with travelers sharing snacks, tea, and stories.
- Food: Dining cars serve basic meals, but options vary in quality. Many bring noodles, bread, fruit, or snacks. Boiling water is always available from samovars.
- Entertainment: Books, cards, or simply watching the view. With limited Wi-Fi or phone service, it is a chance to unplug.
- Rest: Beds are firm but comfortable. Sheets and pillows are provided in soft sleeper and luxury classes.
Arriving in Beijing
After nearly a day and a half, the train pulls into Beijing Railway Station. The contrast with Mongolia is immediate: from steppe and desert to one of the world’s busiest capitals. The arrival feels both exhilarating and overwhelming, a reminder of how far you have traveled.
From the station, you can take the subway, taxis, or ride-hailing apps to reach your accommodation.
Costs
Prices vary depending on class and season:
- Hard sleeper: Around $100–$120 USD
- Soft sleeper: Around $160–$200 USD
- Luxury: $250 USD and up
Tickets can be purchased through travel agencies, online booking sites, or at the station, though popular routes often sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer.
Tips for the Journey
- Book early, especially in high season (June to September).
- Bring food and snacks. Dining cars are convenient but not always reliable.
- Pack entertainment. Books, music, or games help pass time.
- Have patience at the border. The process is long but part of the experience.
- Carry some cash. Small purchases onboard or at stations may not take cards.
- Pack layers. Temperatures can vary between Mongolia and northern China.
Why Take the Train Instead of Flying
Flying between Ulaanbaatar and Beijing takes just a few hours, but the train offers experiences no plane can match. You see landscapes change slowly, meet locals and other travelers, and feel the distance in a way that air travel skips over. The border crossing and bogie change add character, while the camaraderie in the compartments makes the trip memorable.
Final Thoughts
The Ulaanbaatar to Beijing train is more than just transportation. It is a journey across cultures and landscapes, from nomadic Mongolia to bustling China. It blends adventure with relaxation, history with modern travel.
If you have time in your itinerary, choose the train over the plane. It is a chance to step into the rhythm of overland travel, watch the world pass by your window, and arrive with stories you’ll remember long after the trip ends.
