By Train From Ulaanbaatar to Beijing
On a recent trip across Asia, I took the train from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, which proved to be a fantastic travel experience.
Below is a full account of my trip on the Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train, along with details on how to book your ticket.
About the Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train
The Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train is one of several services linking Mongolia with China, alongside trains from Ulaanbaatar to Hohhot, Jining, and Erlian (Erenhot).
On DiscoverByRail you can find practical details about these Mongolia–China trains, as well as information on how to book your ticket.
The Chinese sleeper train from Beijing arrives at the station of Ulaanbaatar. ©AndyBTravels
The Ulaanbaatar to Beijing night train. ©AndyBTravels
Ulaanbaatar station
The weekly Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train currently departs from the Mongolian capital every Thursday at 07:18.
It’s an early start, but it has its advantages, as you avoid the atrocious Ulaanbaatar traffic when taking a taxi to the station.
Unfortunately, Tom N Toms Coffee inside the station had not yet opened – they really should open earlier to serve passengers on this train, as it would be good business.
The Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train arrived at the platform about 45 minutes before departure, and passengers were able to board early if they wished – which is exactly what I did.
Ulaanbaatar station. ©AndyBTravels
Inside the station. ©AndyBTravels
On the train
The newly-built Chinese train from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing was fantastic, and I was certainly pleased with my compartment.
I had booked a soft sleeper – or, more precisely, a luxury class compartment – which came with an en-suite bathroom.
I booked it for solo occupancy, which is possible when travelling from Mongolia to China by buying both berths (there are two) in this type of compartment.
Everything in the bathroom worked well, although the following morning the shower had low water pressure and cold water, which was my only minor complaint – along with the fact that no towel was provided.
Boarding the night train to Beijing. ©AndyBTravels
Luxury sleeper compartment on the train to Beijing. ©AndyBTravels
En suite bathroom. ©AndyBTravels
Food and drinks on the train
From Ulaanbaatar all the way to the Chinese border, the Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train has a Mongolian dining car, which looks absolutely stunning with its purple seats and wood-carved design elements.
I didn’t use it though, since I had brought a little picnic along to enjoy in the privacy of my own compartment.
At the border, the Mongolian dining car is detached from the train, and a Chinese dining car is added, remaining in place until arrival in Beijing.
I made use of the Chinese dining car for breakfast and lunch the following morning.
Each coach on the train also has a samovar (hot water dispenser), allowing you to make your own tea, coffee, or noodles.
The Mongolian dining car of the Ulaanbaatar-Beijing train. ©AndyBTravels
A Chinese dining car is attached at the border station of Erlian. ©AndyBTravels
Breakfast in the Chinese dining car. ©AndyBTravels
Lunch on the train. ©AndyBTravels
Views from the train
The Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train follows the route of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, offering excellent views of the vast steppes for which Mongolia is famous.
It’s fascinating to look out and watch the world go by.
The train stops a few times along the route, giving passengers a chance to stretch their legs on the station platform, with many also using the stops for a smoke break.
View from the train. ©AndyBTravels
The Ulaanbaatar to Beijing trains stops at an intermediate station in Mongolia. ©AndyBTravels
At the border
When the train reaches the border at Zamiin-Uud, Mongolian passport control is carried out on board.
The train then continues across the border to Erlian (Erenhot) in China, where all passengers must disembark with their luggage to go through Chinese immigration.
Passengers are not allowed to leave the station and must wait in a transit hall until they are given the signal to get back on the train.
The hall is not particularly pleasant, as there were quite some cockroaches crawling around, though there is a shop where you can buy drinks or pot noodles, with both Mongolian and Chinese currency accepted.
By this stage of the journey, it is almost midnight, and the wait at the border is long, so it’s a good idea to bring a book, or perhaps to take some time to listen to the Ride the Rails Podcast!
AndyB in the waiting room at the station of Erlian. ©AndyBTravels
Boarding the train again at the station of Erlian once all immigration and customs checks have been completed. ©AndyBTravels
On to Beijing
Once you’re back on board, you can settle in for the night in your sleeper compartment as the train continues its journey through Outer Mongolia en route to Beijing.
Unfortunately, there was severe flooding in northern China when I made this journey, so the Ulaanbaatar–Beijing train was diverted along a much longer route.
Although I didn’t mind personally, this meant the train only arrived in Beijing six hours late, at 20:35 instead of the usual 14:35.
My bed is ready for the night! ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
The Ulaanbaatar–Beijing night train is a comfortable and well-appointed service, and by far the best option for anyone who wants to travel from Mongolia to China.
This train follows the route of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, offering excellent views over the grasslands of Mongolia.
If you’re interested in experiencing this great train adventure yourself, check out the Mongolia to China page on DiscoverByRail for practical information and instructions on how to book your ticket.
