Want to Visit Mongolia? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Getting There

To reach Mongolia, the main ways are by air, by train and by car. Here are the detailed info:

International Flights to Mongolia

The easiest and most popular way to get to Mongolia is by flying into Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar (UBN), the capital of Mongolia. Mongolia maintains direct flight connections with 8 countries, facilitating travel to and from various international destinations. 

The following countries and cities have direct flights to Mongolia, and all are major international transit hubs providing connections to many countries. 

Which countries have direct flights to Mongolia?

Direct flights from China to Ulaanbaatar: 

• Beijing: MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Air China, Hunnu Air 
• Hong Kong: MIAT Mongolian Airlines 
• Hohhot: Aero Mongolia and Air China. 
• Guangzhou: MIAT Mongolian Airlines offers seasonal direct flights from October to December.
• Manzhouli: Hunnu Air 

Direct flights from South Korea to Ulaanbaatar:

• Seoul: Aero Mongolia, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Korean Air, MIAT Mongolian Airlines, and T'way Air. 
• Busan: Air Busan, Jeju Air, and MIAT Mongolian Airlines. 
• Daegu: T'way Air  

Direct Flights from Japan to Ulaanbaatar

• Tokyo Narita: MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Aero Mongolia
• Osaka: MIAT Mongolian Airlines 

Direct Flights from Turkey to Ulaanbaatar

• Istanbul: Turkish Airlines, MIAT Mongolian Airlines (refuelling en route!) 

Direct Flights from Germany to Ulaanbaatar

• Frankfurt: MIAT Mongolian Airlines 

Direct Flights from Russia to Ulaanbaatar (stopped for a while)

• Moscow: Aeroflot 

Direct Flights from Kazakhstan to Ulaanbaatar

• Almaty: Hunnu Air 

United Airlines will begin seasonal nonstop flights to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from Newark and Washington D.C. on May 1, 2025. These flights will stop in Tokyo. 

International Train to Mongolia 

Traveling to Mongolia by train offers a unique and scenic experience, though it requires several long hours and days of travel. There are two main train routes connecting Mongolia with its neighboring countries: Russia and China.

1. From Russia:

• The Trans-Siberian Railway connects Moscow to Ulaanbaatar via the Trans-Mongolian Railway. This route provides travelers with an incredible journey through Siberia, entering Mongolia from the north.
• Duration: The trip from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar by train takes approximately 5 to 6 days to travel 6,266 kilometers (3,894 miles), depending on the route and number of stops.Note: Since February 2020, direct train services (Trains 003/004 and 005/006) between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar have been suspended. Alternatively, travelers can go from Moscow to Irkutsk and then transfer to a train heading to Ulaanbaatar. 

2. From China:

• The Beijing to Ulaanbaatar train is another popular option. It is part of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, offering a direct rail connection between China and Mongolia.
• Duration: The journey typically takes around 24 to 30 hours, depending on the route and transfers.The railway distance is approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles). 
  Note: Direct train services (Trains K23 and K24) between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar have been suspended since February 2020. However, alternative routes are available via Hohhot and Erlian, where trains to Ulaanbaatar have resumed operations. Travelers can go from Beijing to these cities and then transfer to a train heading to Ulaanbaatar.

Check International train timetable: Trans Mongolian train schedule

Entering Mongolia overland

If you're planning to enter Mongolia overland, whether in your own vehicle or using a vehicle designated for the crossing, you have several international border crossings to choose from. The most common and accessible ones are:

1. Zamiin-Uud Border (China)

• Location: Connects Erlian (Erenhot) in China with Zamiin-Uud in Mongolia.
• Details: This is the most popular crossing for budget travelers from China. After crossing into Mongolia, you can continue to Ulaanbaatar via train or bus. It’s an efficient route, but be prepared for customs and immigration checks that can take time.

2. Altanbulag Border (Russia)

• Location: Connects Kyakhta in Russia with Altanbulag in Mongolia.
• Details: This crossing is widely used by those traveling from Russia, especially from Irkutsk or Ulan-Ude. The route is well-maintained and suitable for private vehicles or buses.

For more information on international border crossings, you can read the details here Mongolia Border Crossings