How to Get to Mongolia – Complete Travel Guide (Flights, Trains & More)
Planning a trip to Mongolia? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Mongolia, including international flights, train routes, border crossings, and travel tips to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
By Air – Flying to Mongolia
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Mongolia is by international flight to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city.
Main Airport:
Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) – Located 52 km from Ulaanbaatar.
Airlines Flying to Ulaanbaatar:
MIAT Mongolian Airlines – Mongolia’s national carrier
Korean Air – From Seoul
Turkish Airlines – From Istanbul
Air China – From Beijing
Aeroflot – From Moscow (seasonal)
Hunnu Air – Some regional routes
Direct Flights to Ulaanbaatar From:
Seoul, South Korea
Tokyo, Japan
Istanbul, Turkey
Beijing, China
Frankfurt, Germany (seasonal)
Tip: Summer is high season, so book flights early for the best fares.
By Train – Trans-Siberian & Trans-Mongolian Railway
If you’re looking for an overland adventure, you can enter Mongolia via train on one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys.
Route:
Trans-Siberian Railway → Trans-Mongolian Line
Popular connection: Moscow → Ulaanbaatar → Beijing
Trains are a great way to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Siberia, Ulaanbaatar, and northern China, with stops in major cities like Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, and Erlian.
By Road – Border Crossings into Mongolia
Mongolia shares land borders with:
Russia (North) – Main entry points: Altanbulag, Sükhbaatar, Tsagaannuur
China (South) – Main entry points: Zamiin-Uud (connected to Beijing by rail), Erenhot, and Bulgan
Important: Some border crossings are not open to foreigners or are seasonal. Always check with Mongolian authorities or a tour operator before planning overland travel.
Visa Requirements for Mongolia
Mongolia offers visa-free entry to citizens of several countries (e.g., Japan, South Korea, Germany, Canada, and a few others). Most other travelers will need to apply for a Mongolian tourist visa at an embassy or online (eVisa system launched in 2021). eVisa.mn
Common Visa Info:
Tourist visa duration: 30 days (can be extended once in Ulaanbaatar)
Documents needed: Passport, application form, travel itinerary, sometimes an invitation letter