Inner Mongolia Transportation: How to Get to and Travel Around

Written by Veronica | Updated September 12,2025

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is a massive region in northern China, with an area of 463,323 square miles (1.2 million square kilometers). It borders Russia and Mongolia in the north, so there’s a rich mix of Chinese ethnic minority culture, Mongolian culture, and Russian culture. You’ll notice elements of nomadic culture, Tibetan Buddhism, as well as Genghis Khan culture.

Inner Mongolia is also rich in natural resources. Its massive land is home to a wide range of amazing inland landscapes, including grasslands, deserts, forests, alpine meadows, mountains, and wetlands. It has attracted countless visitors from home and abroad to witness this land of treasure personally.

However, because of its remote location and massive size, transportation can be a daunting task for many people planning their Inner Mongolia tour. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Inner Mongolia transportation, including different modes of traveling, prices, getting around the three major cities, Hohhot, Hulunbuir, and Ordos.

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• Getting to Inner Mongolia
• How to Get to and around Hohhot
• How to Get to and around Hulunbuir
• How to Get to and around Ordos
• How to Get to and around Baotou
• How to Get to and around Badain Jaran Desert
• How to Get to and around Xilamuren Grassland
• How to Get to and around Huitengxile Grassland
• How to Get to and around Ejina

Getting to Inner Mongolia

How to Get to Inner Mongolia by Flight

Choose your departure city: There are a number of airports in Inner Mongolia. Most travelers fly into Hohhot Baita International Airport (IATA: HET). Many cities in China offer direct flights to Hohhot, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. If you’re flying in from outside of China, you may need to connect through one of these cities or another major hub.

Book your flight: Many major airlines have flights to Hohhot, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines. You can book directly with an airline or through a booking website. For your reference, a flight from Beijing is about 1.5 hours, 3 hours from Shanghai, 2 hours from Chengdu.

Arrive at Hohhot Baita International Airport: When you arrive at the airport, you have the options of taxis, buses, and shuttles to reach your final destination in Inner Mongolia. Or you might need to transfer for other flights in Hohhot.

Consider other airports: Other airports in Inner Mongolia include Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport, Baotou Erliban Airport, Ordos Ejin Horo Airport. It may be easier to fly into one of these airports instead depending on where you’re traveling to.

How to Get to Inner Mongolia by Train

If you don’t mind spending more time on the road and would like to witness a change of scenery across China, taking a train to Inner Mongolia is also viable.

Direct trains connect major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu with Inner Mongolian cities such as Hohhot, Baotou, Ordos, and Tongliao. The cost and duration of the train rides depend on train type, start point, and destination. For reference:

Related reading: How to Plan an Inner Mongolia Tour

How to Get to and around Hohhot

Getting to Hohhot

By Flight: Hohhot Baita International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Inner Mongolia. It’s connected with major domestic and international cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Urumqi, Zhengzhou, Harbin, Ulan Bator. It’s only about 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from the city center, easily accessible by airport shuttle or taxi.

By Train: Trains are also a convenient means of transportation in Inner Mongolia. Hohhot has two major railway stations, Hohhot Railway Station and Hohhot East Railway Station with both high-speed and normal train services. You can board a train to Hohhot from many cities in China, including Beijing, Datong, Zhangjiakou, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu.

By Bus: Several long-distance bus stations in Hohhot have buses to and from nearby places such as Baotou, Ordos, Wulanchabu. You can buy tickets ahead of time online or at the station when you get there.

Traveling around Hohhot

Taxi: Hailing a taxi is the easiest and quickest way to get around the city. Cost is calculated by a CNY 8 starting price for the first 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) adding CNY 1.5 per kilometer thereafter.

Bus: Hohhot has a well-designed network of buses that connects most of the city’s attractions and city center. The fare is usually only CNY 1 per person. Check online for bus routes and schedules. You can even find out when the bus will be arriving at your station.

Subway: Hohhot has two subway lines, Line 1 and Line 2. They operate from 6:30 to 22:00 daily. The fare varies from CNY 2 to 6 depending on the distance. You can buy tickets at the station, or if you’ll be using the service extensively, you can buy a subway card.

Bike: Hohhot has a public bike-renting system that covers most of the city’s area. There are rental and return points almost everywhere across the city. To use this service, you need to register with your phone number and pay a deposit of CNY 200. The rental fee is CNY 1 every hour. It’s a cheap option for short journeys or exploring the city at your own pace.

Recommended Hohhot Travel Tours

• 4 Days Hohhot and Xilamuren Grassland Tour
• 5 Days Inner Mongolia Tour

How to Get to and around Hulunbuir

Getting to Hulunbuir

By Air: Hulunbuir Dongshan International Airport (HLD) is the second busiest airport in Inner Mongolia, only about 5.3 miles (8.5 kilometers) from the downtown area. A taxi ride will be around 20 minutes. It makes flying to Hulunbuir very convenient from major cities like Beijing, Hohhot, Harbin.

By Train: Hailar Railway Station is the primary train station in Hulunbuir. There are services to and from large cities such as Beijing, Hohhot, Harbin. The station is 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) away from city center.

Traveling around Hulunbuir

By Car: Transportation can be difficult in Inner Mongolia because there are remote and vast areas of natural landscapes like grasslands, forests, lakes, and deserts.

So when you explore Hulunbuir, the most flexible to get around is to either rent a car or hire a private driver. However, you need to have a valid Chinese driver’s license or an international driver’s permit to drive in China. Navigating remote areas can be challenging as well.

By Bus: There are long-distance buses at Hailar Bus Station, around downtown area of Hulunbuir, that connect other cities and towns in Hulunbuir such as Manzhouli, Genhe, and Ergun.

By Train: The train service runs between Hailar Railway Station and other places in Hulunbuir, such as Manzhouli, Genhe, and Ergun. But keep in mind that the trains can be relatively slow and infrequent. Still you’ll get to enjoy a change of scenery across Hulunbuir.

Recommended Hulunbuir Travel Tours

• 5 Days Inner Mongolia Hulunbuir Grassland Tour
• 9 Days Hulunbuir Grassland Tour with Reindeer Experience

How to Get to and around Ordos

Getting to Ordos

By Air: Ordos Ejin Horo Airport (DSN) is the primary airport in Ordos City. There are flights to and from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu. The airport is about 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from downtown Ordos, which is a 20-minute drive.

By Train: If you travel to Inner Mongolia by train, Ordos Railway Station and Dongsheng West Railway Station are two of your options. There are services to and from cities such as Beijing, Hohhot, Baotou, Datong. The two stations are about 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) and 40 minutes away from downtown Ordos by car.

By Car: If Ordos is not your first stop in Inner Mongolia, it’s also viable to drive there from nearby cities such as Hohhot, Baotou, and Yulin.

Traveling around Ordos

By Car: Again, the easiest way of transportation in Inner Mongolia is probably driving yourself or hiring a driver, so you can explore the beauty of Ordos Plateau and Kubuqi Desert.

By Bus: At Ordos Bus Station, you’ll find long-distance buses that connect Ordos’ Kangbashi District with other places, such as Dongsheng District, Dalad Banner, and Ejin Horo Banner.

By Taxi: Taking a taxi is convenient and efficient for getting around the city. Cost is calculated by a CNY 8 starting price for the first 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) adding CNY 1.8 per kilometer thereafter.

Recommended Ordos Tours

· 5 Days Classic Inner Mongolia Tour with Leisure Hike

How to Get to and around Baotou

Getting to Baotou

By Air: Baotou Donghe Airport (BAV) serves as the main airport in Baotou, with regular flights connect passengers to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Hohhot. The airport is located about 14 miles (23 kilometers) from downtown Baotou, which would takepeople around 30 minutes by car to go there.

By Train: Baotou city has two key stations, which are Baotou Railway Station and Baotou East Railway Station. Both of them offer high-speed and regular trains services for people to reach Hohhot, Beijing, Datong, and other major cities.

By Car: If you’re traveling from nearby cities like Ordos, driving would also be a convenient and widely applied choice.

Traveling around Baotou

By Car: Renting a car or hiring a driver to explore Baotou and nearby attraction allows you to travel at your own pace.

By Bus: Baotou has a network of public buses and long-distance buses that serve both urban and surrounding areas.

By Taxi: Taxis are easily available. The starting fare is around CNY 6-8 for the first 1.9 miles (3 kilometers), and later it will cost you an additional CNY 1.5–2 per kilometer afterward.

How to Get to and around Badain Jaran Desert

Getting to Badain Jaran Desert

By Air: Alxa Right Banner Badanjilin Airport (RHT) is the nearest from the desert  (1h 20min). However, this airport only provides limited flights mainly connecting to Hohhot and other regional hubs. Another option is Alxa Left Banner Bayanhot Airport (AXF), but this one is about 4 hours away from the site by car.

By Train: There’s no direct train service connect to the desert. The closest major railway station from the site is in Zhangye (in neighboring Gansu Province), where you can transfer to a local vehicle and take a 3–4 hour drive to the desert entrance.

By Car: Self-driving or hiring a local driver from Zhangye, Jinchang, or Alxa is the most practical way to reach the desert. Most desert tours begin at Badain Jaran Town.

Traveling around Badain Jaran Desert

By Off-Road Vehicle: If you want to explore the desert by car, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle because of  the deep sands and vast terrain, and since that, many tourists would join local guided jeep tours.

By Camel: If you want, you can try camel rides in some areas of the desert, which can give people a more traditional and immersive experience.

Note: Independent travel without a local guide is not recommended due to the remoteness and harsh conditions.

How to Get to and around Xilamuren Grassland

Getting to Xilamuren Grassland

By Air: Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET) is the nearest to the grassland, which about 55 miles (90 kilometers) away from the site.

By Train: You can take a train to Hohhot Railway Station, then transfer to a car or tour bus to get your final destination.

By Car: Driving or joining a guided group tour from Hohhot is the most common and convenient way to go to the Xilamuren Grassland.

Traveling around Xilamuren Grassland

By Car or Tour Bus: Most visitors would join organized tours or hire cars (either by themselves or with a local guide) to visit the grassland.

By Horse or Camel: Traditional Mongolian travel experiences will definitely include horse riding or camel riding across the grasslands. Don’t miss it.

How to Get to and around Huitengxile Grassland

Getting to Huitengxile Grassland

By Air: When visiting this site, it is recommended to first fly into Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET). The grassland is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) northeast of Hohhot, and this journey is going to take around 2 hours by car.

By Train: When traveling by train, your first destination should also be Hohhot. Once arrived, you can drive or join a tour to Huitengxile. There is no direct railway to the grassland itself.

By Car: Self-driving or taking a local tour from Hohhot is the most efficient way to get there.

Traveling around Huitengxile Grassland

By Car or Tour Vehicle: Once at the site, it is recommended for you to join an organized tour. And this type of tour will often provide scenic drives across the grassland.

By Horseback or Hiking: The vast open terrain makes it ideal for horseback riding or light trekking in the summer months.

Note: The area is known for strong winds and sudden weather changes, so dress appropriately.

How to Get to and around Ejina

Getting to Ejina

By Air: Ejina Qi Taolai Airport (EJN) is a small regional airport with seasonal flights from/to cities like Hohhot, Xi’an, and Lanzhou. And these flights will mainly be operated during peak seasons like October when the Euphrates poplar forests attract increasing tourists. The airport is just 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Ejina Town.

By Train: The most convenient railway access is via the Jiayuguan–Ejina railway. The terminus station, Ejina Railway Station, is located about 9 miles (15 kilometers) from the main town.

By Car: Driving from nearby cities such as Jiuquan or Alxa Left Banner is, indeed, possible, though the journey may take 5–8 hours. What’s more concerning is that desert roads can be super challenging, so experienced drivers or guides are definitely needed.

Traveling around Ejina

By Car or Tour Vehicle: Just like traveling in other sites, most visitors here would also hop on rented cars or join guided tours to explore the famous places like poplar forest, Heicheng Historic Site, and Juyan Lake Basin.

By Shuttle Bus: During peak seasons, shuttle buses run between Ejina Town and the main scenic areas.

By Bicycle: Some adventurous travelers rent bikes to explore the region, though long distances and desert conditions make it a challenge.