Ultimate Guide: How to Travel from Hohhot to Ordos
Traveling from Hohhot to Ordos is a quick, seamless, and highly popular regional route within the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. These two wealthy, culturally rich cities form part of the dynamic Hohhot–Baotou–Ordos economic triangle. Moving between the capital city of Hohhot and the desert-and-monument hub of Ordos involves a geographic distance of only about 160 to 190 kilometers (depending on your precise destination), making it an easy trip to complete in a single morning or afternoon.
The premier transportation options available to cover this short regional crossing include high-speed trains, driving, and intercity buses.
Option 1: Taking the High-Speed Train (The Fastest & Most Convenient Way)
For the vast majority of tourists, business travelers, and daily commuters, the modern railway network is the absolute best way to travel from Hohhot to Ordos due to its exceptional speed, punctuality, and comfort.
- Departure Stations: Hohhot Railway Station (呼和浩特站) or Hohhot East Railway Station (呼和浩特东站).
- Arrival Station: Ordos Railway Station (鄂尔多斯站) — Note: The main railway terminal is located in the Dongsheng District, with easy local connections to the futuristic Kangbashi District.
- Train Duration: Approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours on the fast “D” series bullet trains.
- Frequency: Multiple trains depart daily from early morning until late evening, providing flexible booking windows.
- Pro-Tip: High-speed trains are highly climate-controlled and run reliably year-round, making them completely unaffected by plateau winter snows or heavy summer storms that could potentially slow down highway traffic.
Option 2: Driving via the Highway (The Best Route for Road Trips)
For travelers who prefer total point-to-point independence, have heavy luggage, or are booking a private vehicle charter, driving offers direct convenience.
- Primary Route: The G6 Beijing–Tibet Expressway (京藏高速) and G65 Baotou–Maoming Expressway (包茂高速) smoothly connect the two cities.
- Driving Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours under standard traffic conditions.
- Road Conditions: The route utilizes well-maintained, multi-lane national expressways that cross the Yellow River and pass through the fertile plains onto the rolling Ordos plateau.
- Important Note: If you are planning a self-drive trip during late autumn or winter, always check highway closure notices ahead of time, as high winds and black ice can occasionally prompt temporary safety restrictions. [1]