The Trans-Mongolian Express with Kids: A Complete Family Guide

Embarking on the legendary Trans-Mongolian Express with kids may seem like a daunting challenge, but it is an extraordinary journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and an immersive travel experience like no other. This guide covers everything you need to know about traveling the Trans-Mongolian Railway with children, from planning and packing to onboard activities and kid-friendly stops along the way. Whether you're an adventurous family or first-time train travelers, this guide ensures a smooth and memorable trip for everyone.

The Trans-Mongolian Express with Kids

Table of contents

• The Trans-Mongolian Express with Kids
• Choosing the Perfect Rail Route for Your Trip
• The perfect Trans Mongolian Railway itinerary
• Why Travel the Trans-Mongolian Express with Kids?
• Family-friendly Trans Mongolian itinerary
• Kid-Friendly Accommodations
• Essential Packing Tips
• Meal Options Along the Route
• Planning Your Trans-Mongolian Journey
• Packing Essentials for Kids
• Life on Board: What to Expect
• Services on the Train
• Best Stops for Families Along the Route
• Tips for a Smooth Journey with Kids
• Conclusion

Choosing the Perfect Rail Route for Your Trip

The Trans-Mongolian Express is part of the greater Trans-Siberian Railway network, and selecting the best route depends on your family’s travel style, time constraints, and interests. Here are the primary route options:

• Classic Trans-Mongolian Route (Moscow - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing): The most popular choice, offering a mix of Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese culture.
• Trans-Siberian Route (Moscow - Vladivostok): A longer journey staying within Russia, perfect for families who want to explore Siberia in depth.
• Trans-Manchurian Route (Moscow - Beijing via Harbin): An alternative to the Trans-Mongolian, bypassing Mongolia but offering a unique Chinese experience.

Consider the length of the journey, visa requirements, and preferred landscapes when selecting your route.

Which Route to Choose?

Each route has its advantages, depending on what your family is looking for in the journey. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Classic Trans-Mongolian Route (Recommended for Most Families)

• Duration: Around 6-7 days without extended stops
• Highlights: Moscow, Irkutsk & Lake Baikal, Ulaanbaatar, Beijing
• Best For: Families who want a mix of culture, history, and adventure across three distinct countries.
• Pros:
  • Experience three unique cultures in one trip.
  • Visit famous landmarks like the Great Wall and Genghis Khan Statue.
  • Opportunity for exciting outdoor activities in Mongolia.
• Cons:
  • Requires visas for Russia, Mongolia, and China.
  • Some long train stretches might be challenging for younger kids.

2. Trans-Siberian Route (For Families Wanting a Russia-Only Trip)

• Duration: Around 7 days without extended stops
• Highlights: Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Vladivostok
• Best For: Families who want to explore Siberia and Russia in depth.
• Pros:
  • No need for multiple visas—only Russia’s visa is required.
  • Stunning Siberian landscapes, including Lake Baikal.
  • Explore Russian history and culture in depth.
• Cons:
  • Misses out on Mongolia and China.
  • Fewer cultural contrasts compared to the Trans-Mongolian route.

3. Trans-Manchurian Route (For Families Interested in China and Russia)

• Duration: Around 7-8 days without extended stops
• Highlights: Moscow, Harbin, Beijing
• Best For: Families who want to explore China more while skipping Mongolia.
• Pros:
  • No need for a Mongolian visa.
  • Harbin is home to the famous Ice Festival (if traveling in winter).
• Cons:
  • Skips Mongolia, which is a unique part of the Trans-Mongolian experience.
  • Fewer scenic landscapes compared to the Trans-Mongolian route.

Our Recommendation

For most families, the Classic Trans-Mongolian Route is the best choice. It offers an exciting mix of cultures, landscapes, and historical landmarks, making it an unforgettable journey for both kids and adults.

The perfect Trans Mongolian Railway itinerary

A well-planned itinerary makes the journey more enjoyable and stress-free. Below is a family-friendly itinerary for the Classic Trans-Mongolian Route with suggested stops and activities.

Day 1-2: Moscow, Russia

• Visit Red Square & Kremlin – Iconic landmarks with interactive history lessons for kids.
• Explore Gorky Park – Great for outdoor play and family-friendly attractions.
• Take a Moscow Metro Tour – Kids will love the ornate, palace-like subway stations.

Day 3-4: Train Journey to Irkutsk

• Relax on the train, enjoy scenic landscapes of Siberia.
• Keep kids entertained with games, books, and onboard storytelling sessions.

Day 5-6: Irkutsk & Lake Baikal, Russia

• Take a day trip to Lake Baikal – The world's deepest freshwater lake.
• Explore Listvyanka Village – Offers family activities like hiking and visiting the Baikal Museum.
• Try local fish specialties like omul, a delicacy of the region.

Day 7-8: Ulaanbaatar & Mongolian Steppe

• Visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex – A massive silver statue kids will love.
• Stay in a yurt (ger) camp – Experience traditional Mongolian nomadic life.
• Explore Terelj National Park – Horseback riding and nature walks.

Day 9-10: Train Journey through the Gobi Desert

• Witness stunning desert landscapes from the train windows.
• Spot wild camels and local wildlife.
• Engage in creative storytelling sessions with the kids about the adventures ahead.

Day 11-12: Beijing, China

• Walk the Great Wall of China – A kid-friendly adventure with breathtaking views.
• Explore Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City – Learn about China’s rich history.
• Visit the Beijing Zoo & Panda House – A highlight for kids.

Why Travel the Trans-Mongolian Express with Kids?

The Trans-Mongolian Railway is one of the most scenic and fascinating train routes in the world. Running from Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia, this epic rail journey covers over 7,600 kilometers, passing through diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and remote regions. Here’s why it’s a fantastic trip for families:

• Educational Experience: Kids learn about history, geography, and different cultures firsthand.
• Comfortable Travel: Compared to long-haul flights, train travel allows kids to move around freely.
• Adventure & Exploration: From the Russian tundra to Mongolia’s vast steppes and China’s Great Wall, every moment is an adventure.
• Quality Family Time: With no distractions from modern gadgets, you get precious bonding time with your children.

Family-friendly Trans Mongolian itinerary

Kid-Friendly Accommodations

• Moscow: Stay at Azimut Hotel Smolenskaya or Radisson Blu Olympiyskiy, both offering family rooms and kid-friendly amenities.
• Irkutsk & Lake Baikal: Opt for Baikal View Hotel for a relaxing stay with a scenic view of the lake.
• Ulaanbaatar: Stay in a Ger Camp in Terelj National Park, a fun way for kids to experience traditional Mongolian culture.
• Beijing: Choose NUO Hotel or Novotel Peace Beijing, both centrally located with family-friendly services.

Essential Packing Tips

• Clothing: Pack layered outfits suitable for different climates (cooler in Siberia, warmer in China).
• Entertainment: Bring books, puzzles, and travel games to keep kids engaged during long train rides.
• Snacks: Stock up on healthy snacks like dried fruits, nuts, and instant oatmeal.
• Medical Kit: Carry motion sickness medicine, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary prescriptions.
• Travel Stroller or Carrier: Useful for walking tours and station transfers.
• Reusable Water Bottles: Keep the family hydrated throughout the journey.

Meal Options Along the Route

• Onboard Dining Car: Offers Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese cuisine, but options can be limited.
• Moscow: Try family-friendly restaurants like Mari Vanna (Russian cuisine) or Grabli (buffet-style dining).
• Irkutsk: Local dishes like Omul fish are a must-try.
• Ulaanbaatar: Visit Modern Nomads for traditional Mongolian meals.
• Beijing: Enjoy kid-friendly dining at Din Tai Fung (dumplings) or Little Yunnan.
• Supermarkets & Local Markets: Stock up on fresh fruits, snacks, and instant meals at stops along the way.

Planning Your Trans-Mongolian Journey

Best Time to Travel

The best seasons to take the Trans-Mongolian Express with kids are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These months offer mild temperatures and stunning scenery. Summer (June-August) is warm but can be crowded, while winter (November-March) is harsh but offers unique snow-covered landscapes.

Booking Tickets

There are two main ways to book tickets:

1. Through official railway websites like Russian Railways (RZD), Mongolia Railways, and China Railways.
2. Via travel agencies specializing in Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian routes.

When booking, opt for a 4-berth Kupe compartment (second class) for privacy and comfort.

Visas & Documentation

Families need to arrange multiple visas:

• Russia: Apply through Russian consulates or visa agencies.
• Mongolia: Many nationalities require a visa; check your country’s requirements.
• China: A Chinese visa is mandatory for most travelers.

Ensure your passports have at least six months of validity and carry multiple copies of important documents.

Packing Essentials for Kids

Clothing

• Layered outfits (temperatures vary across regions)
• Comfortable shoes for station stops and city explorations
• Raincoats & jackets (weather can be unpredictable)

Entertainment & Activities

• Coloring books & activity kits
• Download audiobooks & kid-friendly travel podcasts
• Small travel toys & puzzles
• Tablets with pre-loaded movies and games

Snacks & Food

• Non-perishable snacks (nuts, dried fruit, granola bars)
• Instant noodles & soup packets (hot water available on the train)
• Reusable water bottles

Health & Safety

• First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, fever medicine)
• Motion sickness remedies
• Hand sanitizers & baby wipes

Life on Board: What to Expect

Daily Routine on the Train

A typical day includes watching the scenery, playing games, enjoying meals, and getting off at stops for short breaks.

Sleeping Arrangements

If traveling with young kids, opt for lower berths for safety. Bring a small pillow and blanket for added comfort.

Dining Options

Each train has a restaurant car with basic meals, but bringing your own food ensures you have familiar snacks for kids.

Services on the Train

Traveling on the Trans-Mongolian Express is an adventure, and understanding the onboard services helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip with kids.

1. Sleeping Arrangements

• 1st Class (2-Berth Compartments): Ideal for families seeking privacy and comfort.
• 2nd Class (4-Berth Compartments): Great for families with older kids who can share a compartment.
• 3rd Class (Open-Plan Dormitory): Budget-friendly but not ideal for families due to limited privacy.

2. Dining Car

• Offers a rotating menu based on the country the train is passing through (Russian, Mongolian, and Chinese dishes).
• Limited options, so bringing your own snacks and instant meals is advisable.

3. Bathrooms & Showers

• Shared toilets at the end of each carriage (Western-style or squat toilets, depending on the train).
• Showers available only on some premium-class trains. Otherwise, sponge baths are the best option.

4. Hot Water Dispensers

• Every carriage has a samovar (hot water boiler), perfect for making tea, coffee, or instant meals.

5. Entertainment & Socializing

• No Wi-Fi, so bring downloaded movies, books, and games.
• Kids can play card games, color, and chat with fellow travelers for a fun, social experience.

6. Safety & Security

• Train staff ensures security, but always keep an eye on belongings.
• Compartments can be locked from the inside for added safety.

Best Stops for Families Along the Route

1. Moscow, Russia

Before boarding, spend time exploring:

• The Kremlin & Red Square
• Moscow Zoo
• VDNKh Park (with space museum and interactive exhibits)

2. Yekaterinburg, Russia

• Ganina Yama Monastery
• Children’s Railway Park
• Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center (kid-friendly exhibitions)

3. Irkutsk & Lake Baikal, Russia

• Listvyanka Village (fishing village on the lake)
• Taltsy Open-Air Museum
• Baikal Museum (aquariums and exhibits for kids)

4. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

• Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (horse riding and yurt stays)
• Genghis Khan Statue Complex
• National Museum of Mongolia

5. Beijing, China

• The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section)
• Temple of Heaven Park (great for kids to run around)
• Beijing Zoo (pandas!)

Tips for a Smooth Journey with Kids

• Prepare for long stretches: Some train segments are 24-48 hours long, so ensure kids have entertainment.
• Encourage interaction: Many locals and fellow travelers enjoy chatting with families.
• Take breaks at station stops: Let kids stretch their legs and explore safely.
• Keep essentials handy: Have a day bag with snacks, wipes, and entertainment items.

Conclusion

Traveling the Trans-Mongolian Express with kids is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With proper planning and the right mindset, it can be an enjoyable, stress-free experience filled with cultural immersion and unforgettable memories. Whether it's gazing at the Siberian forests, sleeping in a Mongolian yurt, or marveling at the Great Wall, this journey is bound to be the highlight of your family's travel stories.

Would you take your kids on this epic rail adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!