Overview of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, also known as the Tibet Train, is a high-altitude marvel that connects Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, to Lhasa, the heart of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Spanning over 1,956 kilometers (1,215 miles), this railway journey offers passengers a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, including the majestic Tibetan Plateau. The train journey typically takes around 21 hours, depending on the type of train and class of service chosen. Renowned as one of the most impressive engineering feats globally, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway boasts over 80% of its track built at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters (13,124 feet). This incredible railway not only connects two significant regions but also provides an unforgettable travel experience through the roof of the world.
Tibet Train Schedule And Cost
Qinghai Tibet train is the highest railway in the world and it has a total distance of 1972 kilometre from Xining to Lhasa. The highest altitude on the range of Mount Nyenchen Thanglha (Tang’gu’la in Chinese) is shoot up with 5072 meters along with railway. Therefore, the landscape attracts lots of travellers by choosing train to Lhasa every year. Starting train from Xining, you will have Qinghai Lake and vast grass lands which are home to Tibetan people in Amdo. We also have Amazing tours in Amdo to deal with nomad herders before you take train to Lhasa. 2-5 days short stays in Amdo makes you comfortable for acclimatisation in any means of travelling to Tibet. Our Tibet train Schedule incudes everything and we help booking Qinghai tibet railway ticket for tour reserved customers.
Any trains from Beijing, Shanghai and other cities in mainland China are crossing Qinghai as Xining is the gateway Lhasa. It takes only 21 hours riding a train to the holy city. Here, we have details about Tibet train schedule and cost of each standards including Beijing to Tibet. Check all our train tours to Tibet and reserve the best package on your holiday.
For convenience, you can purchase a Tibet train ticket online to avoid language barriers and long queues.
Book Qinghai-Tibet Railway Ticket
We still recommend Qinghai-Tibet railway, as the port of takeoff for Tibet is best from and to Xining (21 hours), the capital of Qinghai Province.
Note: You are required to show Tibet travel permit before boarding a train to Lhasa. If you are confused, just read Tibet travel guide page with maps and detailed information about how to visit Tibet.
Boarding train to Tibet is what we suggest as every travellers take it into consideration for better acclimatisation. A short stay in Amdo by taking day trips from Xining is benefit booking reserve any Tibet tours. The following Tibet train schedule is up to date and cost is transparent. Check our Xining to Lanzhou tour if you are planning to board a train Lhasa at the end point.
Inward Trains to Lhasa, Tibet
Book the best suitable Tibet train ticket with us. Adventures in Tibet is a leading travel agency in Lhasa and worked in the travel industry almost 20 years. No hide cost for any tours and bookings.
During the Tibet train ride, much of the journey is spent at low elevations before gradually ascending to higher altitudes, with significant acclimatization occurring only during a brief segment of the trip.
Beijing – Lhasa Train Schedule And Cost
Train Details: Train No.21 | West of Beijing 20:00 – Lhasa 12:20 | 40 Hours/20 Minutes | 3757 km
Ticket Cost: Hard Seat: 360RMB | Hard-sleeper: Upper/Middle/Lower 720/742/763RMB | Soft-sleeper Upper/Lower 1144/1186RMB
Shanghai – Lhasa Train Schedule And Cost
Train Details: Train No.Z164/Z165 | Shanghai 20:10 – Lhasa 18:25 (Arrival on 3rd day) | 46 Hours/15 Minutes | 4373 km
Ticket Cost: Hard Seat: 402.5RMB | Hard-sleeper: Upper/Middle/Lower 793.5/817.5/841.5RMB | Soft-sleeper Upper/Lower 1262.5/1310.5RMB
Chongqing – Lhasa Train Schedule And Cost
Train Details: Train No.Z223 | Chongqing 22:25 – Lhasa 09:55 (Arrive on day 3) | 35 Hours / 30 Minutes | 3050 km
Ticket Cost: Hard Seat: 302.5RMB | Hard-sleeper: Upper/Middle/Lower 627.5/645.5/663.5RMB | Soft-sleeper Upper/Lower 997.5/1034.5RMB
Xining – Lhasa Train Schedule And Cost
Train Details: Train No.Z6801 | Xining 14:01 – Lhasa 11:14 (Arriving on the 2nd day) | 21 Hours/13 Minutes | 1972 km
Ticket Cost: Hard Seat: 224RMB | Hard-sleeper: Upper/Middle/Lower 495/507/521RMB | Soft-sleeper Upper/Lower 781/808RMB
Xining – Lhasa Train
Train Details: Train No.Z6811 | Xining 20:20 – Lhasa 17:25 (Arrive on the 2nd day) | 21 Hours/5minutes | 1972 km
Ticket Cost: Hard Seat: 224RMB | Hard-sleeper: Upper/Middle/Lower 495/507/521RMB | Soft-sleeper Upper/Lower 781/808RMB
Chengdu – Lhasa Train
Train Details: Train No.Z322/Z323 | Chengdu 21:37 – Lhasa 09:55 (Arrive on 3rd day) | 36 Hours /18 Minutes | 3360 km
Ticket Cost: Hard Seat: 328RMB | Hard-sleeper: Upper/Middle/Lower 668/689/709RMB | Soft-sleeper Upper/Lower 1062/1101RMB
Lanzhou – Lhasa Train Schedule And Cost
Train Details: Train No.Z917 | Lanzhou 11:16 – Lhasa 10:56 (Arrive on 2nd day) | 23 Hours / 40 Minutes | 2188 km
Ticket Cost: Hard Seat: 240RMB | Hard-sleeper: Upper/Middle/Lower 522/535/550RMB | Soft-sleeper Upper/Lower 823/852RMB
Tibet Train Ticket Information
Booking Tibet train tickets can be done either online or directly at the railway station. Given the popularity of the Tibet train tour, especially during peak seasons like July, August, and early October, it is highly recommended to secure your train tickets well in advance. The train ticket includes a seat or berth, depending on the class of service, and grants access to essential amenities such as food, water, and restrooms. Passengers can choose from various types of trains, including the Z-series, T-series, and K-series, each offering different levels of comfort and service. For convenience, Tibet train tickets can be booked through authorized ticketing agents or online platforms, such as Tibet Vista, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free booking process.
Tibet Travel Permit Requirements
Traveling to Tibet requires all foreign visitors to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. This permit is mandatory for all travelers, including those taking the train to Lhasa. The permit can be obtained through a licensed tour operator or travel agency, such as Tibet Vista. Typically, the permit is issued 7-10 days before the trip and must be presented at the train station or airport before boarding. It is valid for the duration of your stay in Tibet and must be carried at all times while in the region. Ensuring you have the Tibet Travel Permit is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey to the mystical land of Tibet.
Train Types and Classes
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers a variety of train types and classes of service to cater to different budgets and preferences. The most common types of trains are:
Z-series: These trains provide the highest level of comfort and service, featuring soft sleeper berths and amenities such as a restaurant car and oxygen supply.
T-series: Offering a mid-range level of comfort, these trains come with hard sleeper berths and basic amenities.
K-series: These budget-friendly trains offer hard seats and limited amenities, making them an economical choice for travelers.
The classes of service available on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway include:
Soft Sleeper: This class offers the highest level of comfort, with private berths and access to amenities such as a restaurant car and oxygen supply.
Hard Sleeper: A mid-range option, this class features shared berths and basic amenities.
Hard Seat: The most budget-friendly option, this class provides shared seats and limited amenities.
Whether you are looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway has options to suit every traveler’s needs, ensuring a memorable and comfortable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.
Tibet train ticket booking form
Let us book your train ticket to Tibet. We also help booking Tibet train tickets to Lhasa even in the busiest time. We do not charge any booking fees for clients who already confirmed a trip with us. You can also book your ticket at 12306 China Railway.
Booking a Tibet train ticket online is convenient to avoid language barriers and long queues.