Moscow to Ulaanbaatar Train

Railways in Russia is one of the largest rail networks in the world. There is no doubt that taking the train belongs to the most popular way to explore the vast Russia and mysterious Mongolia. Moscow, considered as the political and economic center of Russia, attracts masses of tourists every year. Ulaanbaatar, the center of Mongolian culture, economy and transportation, lies on the Trans-Mongolian Railway and the transportation radiates in all directions. 

The railroad between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar is just one part of the Trans-Mongolian Railway and it still goes to the southeast, heading for Beijing. The Trans-Mongolian Railway can be regarded as the most interesting and beaten route which you can experience the contrasting landscape of Siberia and the Gobi desert.

There are 2 pairs of trains operating between Moscow and Ulaanbaatar at present. Train 004 departs from Moscow on every Tuesday night and arrives in Ulaanbaatar on Sunday morning, then continues its trip to Beijing after 45-minute stay. Train 003 runs the opposite route from Beijing to Moscow on every Wednesday morning. Train 006/005 also serve this route once every two weeks (train 006 eastbound on Wednesdays and train 005 westbound on Fridays).

Basic Facts

Open Time: 1949
Travel Time: About 100 hours
Running Distance: 6,266km (3,894 miles)
Travel Peak Season: May 30 to August 30
Stations along the way: Moscow, Perm, Ekaterinburg, Tyumen, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, Naushki, Suha Bator, Ulaanbaatar.  

Moscow to Ulaanbaatar Train Schedule

(Last Update on April 27, 2020)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Duration	Operation Date
004	23:55 -- 06:45+5	97h50m	Tuesday
006	23:55 -- 06:45+5	97h50m	Once a week on Wednesdays

Note: The above timetable is only for reference and it is based on local time.

Ulaanbaatar to Moscow Train Schedule

(Last Update on April 27, 2020)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Duration	Operation Date
003	15:22 -- 13:58+4	99h36m	Thursday
005	15:22 -- 13:58+4	99h36m	Once a week on Fridays

Note: The above timetable is only for reference and it is based on local time.

How to get to Moscow Yaroslavskiy Train Station?

The address of the train station is: 5 Komsomolskaya Sq., Moscow and the metro lines "Komsomolskaya" are available every day which could take you to the city center directly. This train station is near to many scenic spots as well. It is about 45-minutes walking distance from the Moscow Yaroslavskiy Train Station to Red Square.

How to get to Ulaanbaatar Train Station?

It is about 45-minutes walking distance from the city center to Ulaanbaatar Train Station. If taking a taxi, it will take you about 15 minutes. Most of travelers also tend to pre-book a taxi or hire a car for this transfer.

Gobi Desert

Mongolian Yurts

Which Visas will I need if taking the trip of Moscow – Ulaanbaatar?

If you would like to travel by train from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar, the Russia and Mongolia, visas are the necessity. If taking the whole trip of Trans-Mongolian to Beijing, you will also need the Chinese Visa. Travelers should live themselves a plenty of time to apply for multiple visas, as arranging a visa is really a complex and time-consuming process. 

• Russian Tourist Visa can be applied for a maximum of six months in advance from the first entry date and allows stays of up to 30 days.
• Duration of stay for Mongolian Tourist Visa with either single or double entries is up to 30 days.
• If taking the whole journey of Trans-Mongolian to Beijing just passing by Mongolia, the Mongolian Transit Visa is required and allows up to 10 days in transit.