Trans-Mongolian: Ulaanbaatar to Zamyn-Uud

Ulaanbaatar Railways (UBTZ)
Mongolia
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The Journey

Navigate from Ulaanbaatar Railway Station to Zamyn-Uud Railway Station across a span of 606km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Spectacular Gobi Desert passage — vast apricot-coloured dunes and rocky plains
  • Broad view of Mongolian steppe from carriage windows
  • Spectacular desert sunrise or sunset views depending on direction of travel
  • Traditional Gers (yurts) scattered across the landscape visible from track
  • Night sky over the Gobi — among the least light-polluted skies on Earth
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    14.7 hours

  • Distance

    606 km

  • Est. Price

    45,000–95,000 MNT depending on class

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None (hot water samovar available)

Ensuite: No

Meals: None (hot water samovar available)

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Diesel-electric locomotive (various Chinese and Mongolian-built locomotives)

Locomotive Weight

Varies by locomotive class

Track Gauge

1,520 mm (Russian broad gauge)

Braking Technology

Compressed air (vacuum for older rolling stock)

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Gauge-change at Zamyn-Uud border (1,520mm → 1,435mm) requiring wheel-bogey exchange

  • Water scarcity in the Gobi — limited servicing infrastructure at remote stations

  • Extreme temperature variations: −40°C winter to +40°C summer operating conditions

  • Sand dune encroachment near Gobi sector requiring track maintenance

Track operator

Ulaanbaatar Railways (UBTZ)

Route distance

606 km

Maximum speed

100 km/h (freight precedence may reduce average speed)

Gauge at border

1,435 mm standard gauge (China side after Erlian)

Carriage type

Soviet-era ex-Russian/Mongolian rolling stock

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    14.7 hours

  • Distance

    606 km

  • Est. Price

    45,000–95,000 MNT depending on class

Official Booking Provider