Planning guide
Arriving by Train: The Trans-Mongolian Railway in 2026
Short answer
Based on published information we checked in October 2026, the Beijing–Ulaanbaatar train (K23/K24) runs about weekly in each direction after resuming in June 2025, taking around 30 hours with a bogie change at the border. Irkutsk–Ulaanbaatar trains run weekly in winter and twice weekly in summer (about 24 hours). The Moscow–Ulaanbaatar–Beijing through train (K3/K4) is reported suspended. Timetables change — check the railways before planning.
Key facts
- Beijing ↔ Ulaanbaatar
- K23/K24, ≈ weekly each way, ≈ 30–31 h (resumed June 2025)
- Irkutsk ↔ Ulaanbaatar
- Weekly in winter, twice weekly May–early Oct, ≈ 24 h
- Moscow–Beijing via UB (K3/K4)
- Reported suspended — confirm before planning
- Border
- China–Mongolia gauge change at Erenhot (bogies swapped, several hours)
The railway through Mongolia — part of the historic Trans-Mongolian route between Russia and China — is a memorable way to arrive, crossing the Gobi and steppe in one long, slow journey.
Current services (as published)
- Beijing ↔ Ulaanbaatar (K23/K24). Resumed in June 2025 after a long pause; about weekly in each direction, around 30 hours. At the China–Mongolia border at Erenhot, carriages are lifted and bogies changed for the different track gauge — it takes a few hours, usually at night.
- Irkutsk ↔ Ulaanbaatar. Weekly in winter, twice weekly from May to early October; about 24 hours.
- Moscow ↔ Beijing via Ulaanbaatar (K3/K4). Reported suspended with no confirmed restart.
Timetables and fares change; check the operators or a reputable agency for your dates.
Practical tips
- Book early for summer.
- Bring food and water; dining cars vary.
- Have your Mongolian entry arrangements sorted — see visa & entry.
- The train arrives at Ulaanbaatar’s central station — far easier than the airport for getting into town.
Questions travelers ask
Can I take the Trans-Siberian to Mongolia from Europe?
Through services from Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar are reported suspended. Some travelers combine Russian domestic trains with the Irkutsk–Ulaanbaatar service, subject to their own visa and travel-advice situation. Check your government's advice first.
How do I book the Beijing–Ulaanbaatar train?
Through China Railway (12306) for China-side bookings, Mongolian Railway (UBTZ) for Mongolian-side tickets, or agencies. Book early in summer.
Sources and further reading
We link sources for facts that matter (prices, entry rules, dates, distances). Third-party prices are what those sources published, not quotes from us.
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