How to get to Mongolia from United States

Mongolia is a landlocked country, the main ways to reach it are by air, train, or car, each offering a unique experience depending on your preferred travel style and starting point.

Traveling to Mongolia by Air

Travelers from the United States can reach Mongolia by air, with both direct and connecting flight options.

1. Direct Flights

Starting May 1, 2025, United Airlines will offer seasonal nonstop flights from major U.S. cities to Ulaanbaatar (ULN), Mongolia's capital. This will be the fastest and most convenient way to travel.

2. Connecting flights

Currently, there are no year-round direct flights from the U.S. to Mongolia, so travelers typically fly with one stop via major international hubs. Popular connecting routes include:

Asia: Beijing (PEK), Seoul (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), Tokyo (NRT)
Europe: Frankfurt (FRA), Moscow (SVO), Istanbul (IST)

Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN), the only international airport in Mongolia, located 55 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, we offer a range of airport transfer options with various types of cars. For more details, visit: Airport transfer service

Traveling to Mongolia by Train

If you're interested in traveling to Mongolia by train, the Trans-Mongolian Railway, a branch of the Trans-Siberian Railway, offers a unique and scenic journey. Although the trip requires long travel times across vast landscapes, it connects Mongolia with both China and Russia.

Moscow to Ulaanbaatar: The Trans-Mongolian Railway covers 6,304 km, with the journey typically taking 4 to 5 days.
Beijing to Ulaanbaatar: The train ride from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar takes about 27 hours, covering approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles).

For updated information on the Trans-Mongolian train schedule, check out the link below:
Trans Mongolian train schedule

Travel by car to Mongolia

You can reach Mongolia by car from both China and Russia, offering a flexible and adventurous way to travel across these vast landscapes.

From China to Mongolia

You can take a bus or taxi at Erlian to Zamiin-Uud is the main border crossing between China and Mongolia.
Another crossing, Takeshenken, is located in the southwest and is closer to western Mongolia.

From Russia to Mongolia

The most common entry point is Ulaan-Uud, where buses run between Russia and Mongolia.
If you're driving, Tashanta (Russia) and Ulaan Baishint (Mongolia) are the main border crossings in the northwest, linking the Russian Altai region to western Mongolia.

How about Mongolian Visa ?

If you're staying in Mongolia for less than 90 days, a visa is not required. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your arrival date.

The Time difference between Mongolia and the United States

The time difference between Mongolia and the United States varies depending on the specific time zones:

Mongolia Standard Time (MST) is UTC+8
Western Mongolia (Bayan-Ölgii Province) follows UTC+7

New York (Eastern Time Zone - EST) - Ulaanbaatar is 13 hours ahead (UTC-5 vs. UTC+8)
Washington, D.C. (Eastern Time Zone - EST)- Ulaanbaatar is 13 hours ahead (UTC-5 vs. UTC+8)
Chicago (Central Time Zone - CST) - Ulaanbaatar is 14 hours ahead (UTC-6 vs. UTC+8)
Houston (Central Time Zone - CST)- Ulaanbaatar is 14 hours ahead (UTC-6 vs. UTC+8)
Denver (Mountain Time Zone - MST)- Ulaanbaatar is 15 hours ahead (UTC-7 vs. UTC+8)
Seattle (Pacific Time Zone - PST)- Ulaanbaatar is 16 hours ahead (UTC-8 vs. UTC+8)
Los Angeles (Pacific Time Zone - PST) - Ulaanbaatar is 16 hours ahead (UTC-8 vs. UTC+8)
Fairbanks (Alaska Time Zone - AKST) - Ulaanbaatar is 17 hours ahead (UTC-9 vs. UTC+8)
San Francisco (Pacific Time Zone - PST) - Ulaanbaatar is 16 hours ahead (UTC-8 vs. UTC+8)