Erenhot (China) - Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) Trains

Erenhot (二连浩特) is China’s largest land border crossing to Mongolia, adjacent to Zamiin-Uud (扎门乌德) in Mongolia. Traveling from Erenhot to Ulaanbaatar (乌兰巴托) can be done via two main methods: a direct international train or a combination of cross-border bus + Mongolian domestic night train. The route passes through the Gobi Desert and Mongolian grasslands, offering an immersive experience of cross-border landscapes. This guide covers train schedules, ticketing, border procedures, luggage rules, scenery, and city transfers with the latest 2026 updates.

1. Main Routes & Train Schedules (2026 Update)

Option 1: Direct International Train (K23 / 685 / 686)

Features: One-stop service, no transfers. Runs infrequently, tickets require advance purchase. Due to the different rail gauges, trains undergo bogie exchange in Erenhot, taking ~5 hours.

Schedule (Beijing / Mongolia local time, no time difference):

Return (Ulaanbaatar → Erenhot):

Option 2: Erenhot → Zamiin-Uud (Bus) + Zamiin-Uud → Ulaanbaatar (Night Train) [Recommended]

Features: Multiple daily departures, flexible, cost-effective, ideal for independent travelers. First cross the border by bus, then continue on Mongolian domestic night train.

Segment 1: Erenhot → Zamiin-Uud (Cross-border Bus)

• Tickets: Purchase at Erenhot International Bus Station, cash only, 40-50 RMB per person.
• Schedule: 11:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 15:30, extra buses during peak.
• Duration: ~2 hours including border formalities. Passengers remain on the bus or walk across, luggage无需搬运。

Segment 2: Zamiin-Uud → Ulaanbaatar (Night Train)

• Schedule: 18:05 departure, arrival next day 08:40, 1 daily train.
• Duration: ~14 hours 35 minutes overnight.
• Tickets: Hard sleeper (4-person compartment) ~50 RMB, soft sleeper (2-person compartment) ~300 RMB (paid in Mongolian Tugrik, cash).

2. Ticketing Guide (2026)

1. International Direct Train (K23 / 685 / 686)

• Where to buy: Erenhot train station international window or Hohhot Station Window 12 (14:00–18:00). 12306 online does not sell these tickets.
• Ticket prices (RMB, 2026):
  • K23: Hard sleeper 1220, Soft sleeper 1765
  • 685 / 681: Hard sleeper ~1000, Soft sleeper ~1500
• Tips: Book 7–15 days in advance. Monday / Friday trains are popular; holidays require earlier booking.

2. Zamiin-Uud → Ulaanbaatar Night Train

• Where to buy: Zamiin-Uud train station, 2nd floor, cash in Mongolian Tugrik. No pre-purchase required; tickets usually available on the day.

3. Border Procedures (Erenhot → Zamiin-Uud)

1. Documents Required

• Passport: >6 months validity, ≥2 blank pages.
• Mongolia visa: e-Visa printed.
• Entry card: Pre-fill via “arrivemn” app.

2. China Exit (Erenhot)

• Bus / train arrives at Erenhot port, all passengers disembark.
• Health declaration via QR code.
• Passport & visa check, exit stamp.
• Luggage inspection (no fresh food, meat, plants).

3. Cross-border Transfer

• Walk / shuttle (~5 min) across the border into Mongolia Zamiin-Uud customs building.

4. Mongolia Entry (Zamiin-Uud)

• Passport + visa + entry card check, stamped.
• Customs inspection; limits: 2 cigarettes, 1 bottle alcohol.
• After entry: taxi (~10,000–15,000 MNT ≈ 20 RMB) or 30-min walk to train station.

4. Train Facilities & Luggage Rules

International Train (K23 / 685)

• Old-style green train, coal heating in winter.
• Hard sleeper: 4-person, Soft sleeper: 2-person. Bedding provided.
• Facilities: Public toilets, no private bathroom, no outlets (bring power bank), dining car sells noodles, milk tea, meat.

Mongolian Domestic Night Train (Zamiin-Uud → Ulaanbaatar)

• Clean but older train. Hard sleeper 4-person, soft sleeper 2-person.
• Facilities: Public toilets, some carriages have charging ports, no dining car (bring food & water).

Luggage

• Free check-in: International train 20kg; Mongolian domestic train none. Carry-on: 2 items.
• Forbidden: Power banks in checked luggage, fresh food, meat, plants, excess alcohol/cigarettes, knives, flammable items.

5. Scenery & Travel Experience

• Erenhot → Zamiin-Uud: Gobi Desert, barren plains, border markers, desert-grassland transition.
• Zamiin-Uud → Ulaanbaatar: Overnight train, morning grasslands with herds, yurts, rivers, distant mountains.
• Experience: Slow rhythm green train, ideal for leisure travelers. Interaction with Mongolian passengers offers cultural immersion.

6. Ulaanbaatar Train Station → City Center

• Location: Southwest Ulaanbaatar, 5 km from Sukhbaatar Square (成吉思汗广场).
• Transport:
  • Taxi: ~15,000 MNT ≈ 30 RMB, 15 min.
  • Bus: Routes 1 / 2, 2,000 MNT ≈ 4 RMB, 20 min.
  • Walk: 40 min, city street views along the way.

7. Practical Tips

• Currency: Bring small Mongolian Tugrik from Erenhot; ATMs in Zamiin-Uud offer better rates.
• SIM Card: Buy at Zamiin-Uud station (~10 RMB), remember PIN code.
• Food: Bring instant noodles, snacks, water; Mongolian trains/buses have limited expensive food.
• Clothing: Large day-night temperature difference. Summer nights ~10°C, thin jacket; winter requires thick coat.
• Safety: Border and Ulaanbaatar generally safe, keep valuables close, avoid walking alone at night.