Ulaanbaatar to Beijing Train

Currently, there are 2 trains running from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing and 4 trains can take you to Erlian. For opposite direction, they runs in same way. The distance is about 616km (382 miles) to Erlian and taking around 14 to 17 hours. To Beijing, the duration is over 30 hours for a 1,553-kilometers (965 miles) long trip. This rail line means a lot for both Mongolia and China as it is the only rail connection and also a part of the magnificent Trans-Siberian route. In the past, business men and thousands tons of goods relied on this rail line, but recently it is more popular among international travelers.

The rail service is only available on certain days of a week and can be slightly changed during different seasons and years. Travelers need to check detailed operation days before making a travel plan. On the way from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, there are some major stops, for example: Choir, Sainshand, Dzamyn-ude, Erlian and Jining. 

Ulaanbaatar – Erlian - Beijing Train Schedule

(Last Update on May 24, 2020)

Beijing – Erlian - Ulaanbaatar Train Timetable

(Last Update on May 24, 2020)

Ticket Fare of Ulaanbaatar to Erlian/Beijing Train

(Last update on May 24, 2020)

Basic Information of Ulaanbaatar to Beijing Train

22/21:

22/21 originated between Ulaanbaatar and Erlian running a distance of 616km (382 miles) 4 times a week. Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Firday, it departs from Ulaanbaatar and reach destination the next day. Each Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday it departs from Erlian reaching Ulaanbaatar the second day. This train is very popular among Trans-Mongolia and Trans-Siberian travelers. Most passengers prefer to cut the long trip into two or three parts to save the cost and have a chance to visit cities along the way. This Ulaanbaatar-Erlian trip is always a part of this travel plan.

34/33:

34 and 33, which is called 4654 and 4652 in China part are the only pair of trains running between Ulaanbaatar and Hohhot. They started for service since year 1991, the total running distance is 1,210km (752 miles). Sharing the same rail line of Trans-Mongolia Railway, it stops at Erlian, the border too. The trains run twice a week, one operated by Chinese Railway Company which runs every Monday from Ulaanbaatar and arrives at Erlian on Tuesday. It returns from Erlian on Saturday and finally reaches Ulaanbaatar on Sunday. The Mongolian one runs every Friday from Ulaanbaatar and backs on Tuesday from Erlian reaching Ulaanaatar on Wednesday. There are only 2 hard sleeper carriages set up on the train for passenger use. 

24/23:

This route was put into service since July 2nd, 1985. There are 2 pair of trains a week during summer time, one by China Railway Company and one by Mongolia Railway Bureau. The operation days may adjust each year. They run a total distance of 1,553 kilometers (965 miles) stopping at Erlian on halfway where passengers crossing China-Mongolia border. The route for Ulaanbaatar-Erlian part is about 616km (382 miles) and usually takes around 14 hours. During winter time (off-season), only one train operated by China Railway Company is in service.

The Chinese train consist of 2 deluxe soft sleeper carriages, 2 soft sleeper carriages, 9 hard sleeper carriages and one luggage carriage. A dining carriage is also set up but only serve the trip within China territory. In Mongolia territory, a dining carriage offered by Mongolia Railway Company will take place. All sleeper carriages are equipped with air-conditioners; deluxe soft sleeper carriages has own toilets and shower facilities.

The train operated by Mongolia has 13 carriages for passenger use in total, including 3 deluxe soft sleeper carriages and 10 hard sleeper carriages. One luggage carriage and dining carriage are also set up, and the same, dining carriage only serve within Mongolia. Air-conditioners are available in all sleeper carriages.

4/3:

This pair of train runs 7,826 kilometers (4,863 miles) along Trans-Siberian Railway between Beijing and Moscow and is the most important international train of China. The train is operated by China Railway Company once a week with Chinese train attendants. It began to serve travelers of China, Mongolia and Russia since June 4th, 1959 and Ulaanbaatar and Erlian are crucial stations on the way. Trains in service are older than 24/23, air-conditioners only equipped in deluxe soft sleeper carriage, hard sleeper carriages are heated by coal in winter and cooled by fan in summer. Also, one toilet each carriage, no matter for deluxe soft sleeper or hard sleeper. However, each two deluxe soft cabins share one hand washing sink. Most people would choose hard sleeper cabin which has 2 upper beds and 2 lower beds with a cabin door that can be locked. It is the most economic option and comfortable enough for a 30 hours trip. The most important thing is that the windows inside hard sleeper carriage can be opened, very friendly to photographers. Surely, if you are a group of 2 and would like to have a private room, deluxe soft sleeper is very suitable for you. Just like 24/23, dinning carriages of each country will be used within its territory. Travelers who depart from Beijing will get a coupon for one free lunch and one free dinner, it can be used in Chinese dinning carriages.

Tips

1. Mongolian and Chinese customs will occurs at Dzamyn-ude and Erlian. Passengers are advised to fill the passenger declaration cards in advance on the train.

2. Mongolian visa and Chinese visa is needed. Please apply visa in advance and make sure it is valid at the time you crossing border. This rail trip cannot be applied to any visa-free transit in China.

3. Due to different widths of rail track, trains will change wheels at Erlian Station. This process will take hours. Passengers can stay on the train to watch it or get off and take a walk around the station. Please note that toilets on train will be closed during this process.