Chengdu to Lhasa Train

Starting from Chengdu, Train Z322 links it with your dream city - Lhasa. After spending several days in the homeland of Giant Pandas, you can jump on the train from Chengdu to Lhasa. It departs every other day from Chengdu West Railway Station at 21:10. After 34 hours and 31 minutes on the approximately 3,222-kilometer-long railway, this Chengdu Lhasa train will arrive in Lhasa at 07:41 on the third day.

For those planning a trip to Tibet via Chengdu as the transit city, taking the train to Lhasa can help you acclimatize to the high altitude while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau. This comprehensive article provides you with detailed information about the Chengdu to Lhasa train route map, train schedule, train costs for each type of carriage, necessary documents for the journey, and scenic highlights along the train ride, etc.

Basic Facts about Chengdu to Lhasa Train

Chengdu to Lhasa Train Open Date: 2006
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Route: Z322
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Type: Z-series
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Departure Station & Time: Chengdu West Railway Station (21:10)
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Arrival Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (07:41)
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Distance: 3,016 km (1,874 miles)
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Duration: 34hrs 31mins
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Frequency: Every other day
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $137), Hard Sleeper (from $86), Hard Seat ($42)
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Avg. Speed: 100-110 km/h (about 62-68 mph)
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Stops: Chengdu, Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Lhasa
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Highlights: Qinghai Lake, Nagqu Grassland, Nyainqentanglha Mountains, Yangpachen Valley, Yuzhu Mountain, Tanggula Mountain Pass

Chengdu to Lhasa Train Route Map

The train journey from Chengdu to Lhasa passes through 3 provinces and 1 autonomous region: Sichuan Province, Gansu Province, Qinghai Province and Tibet Autonomous Region. The scenery along the way is rich and diverse, showing the natural and humanistic charm of western China. The main stations passing through the train include Chengdu, Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, and Lhasa.

Chengdu to Lhasa Train Schedule: Station, Altitude, Time, and Distance

The train from Chengdu to Lhasa takes you to cross 3 provinces and 1 autonomous region on the way. And the splendid scenery along the road will never let you down and everyone will mark the journey on the train to Lhasa from Chengdu as the most unforgettable experience. You will not be bored and your time will not be wasted on the Tibetan Plateau since you will get the chance to enjoy the fascinating views that can cheer you up all the time. Endless mountain ranges, grassy plains beneath vast horizons, limpid turquoise lakes, meandering rivers, awe-inspiring prayer flags and wild animals with extraordinary features will come into your sight every minute. Check the major railway stations and altitude changes in the following real-time train schedule.

Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, Hard Seat, and Ticket Price

There are three types of carriages on Chengdu to Lhasa train: soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat. Each type meets the needs of different travelers according to its comfort and service facilities. The prices vary by Tibet train ticket classes. You can choose the most suitable ticket according to your personal budget and comfort needs. Next, we will introduce the prices of various tickets and how to choose the type of carriage that suits you best.

1. Chengdu to Lhasa Train Soft Sleeper

The Chengdu to Lhasa train soft sleeper will take you on a comfortable and relaxing journey with spectacular views of the Tibetan Plateau. A soft sleeper carriage contains 9 compartments and each compartment has 4 berths (two upper berths $137 and two lower berths $143). Each berth is equipped with a pillow, a blanket, and a sheet. The compartment door is closed for privacy, bedding, and personal space. You can also find a shared bathroom in the soft sleeper carriage.

2. Chengdu to Lhasa Train Hard Sleeper

The Chengdu to Lhasa train hard sleeper is a more affordable option compared to the soft sleeper, offering basic comfort for the long journey across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. A hard sleeper carriage contains 11 compartments and each compartment has 6 berths stacked in three tiers (two upper berths $86, two middle berths $89 and two lower berths $90). While the hard sleeper offers less privacy and space, it is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, providing a chance to rest during the trip. No worries, the hard sleeper carriage is also equipped with shared washrooms, hot water, and basic amenities.

3. Chengdu to Lhasa Train Hard Seat

The Chengdu to Lhasa train hard seat is the most economical way to Tibet, suitable for travelers who have limited budgets and can accept long train rides with less privacy. The hard seat carriage is open with long rows of seats. Usually three passengers sit in a row and each seat costs $42. The hard seat carriage is also equipped with basic facilities such as air conditioning, a pressurized oxygen supply system, a toilet, a washbasin, etc., to ensure comfort in high-altitude environments.

4. Which kind of train ticket should I choose?

For the long train journey from Chengdu to Lhasa, we highly suggest our clients choose the soft sleeper instead of the hard sleeper or hard seat to ensure a more comfortable and safer Tibet train trip. Of course, when deciding which kind of train ticket to choose for your trip from Chengdu to Lhasa, you should consider factors such as your budget, comfort preferences, and the overall travel experience you're looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of tickets:

About Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ticket Price: The ticket prices above are the net price. The actual ticket booking price is higher with the service fee included. Because the Chengdu to Lhasa train is one of the most popular routes to Tibet, we suggest you book your train ticket as soon as possible.

Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ticket

When you decide to go to Lhasa by train, be sure to book your train ticket to Lhasa as early as possible. Currently, you can book your Tibet train ticket 15 days before your departure to Lhasa.

1. How to book Chengdu to Lhasa train ticket?

You have three ways to book the tickets from Chengdu to Lhasa:

Option1: Go to any railway station in big cities to purchase.
Option2: Book the tickets on your own on 12306.cn.
Option3: Book with Tibet Horizon in advance to get a train ticket for a perfect trip to Tibet from Chengdu. And we also offer Chengdu to Tibet train tour packages for you, which include local tour routes and train ticket booking services. Just feel free to contact us and send us your requirements and we will do the rest for you.

Notice: The train tickets from Chengdu to Lhasa are easy to be sold out because many tourists will choose to get to Tibet from this amazing city. So, it is nearly impossible for foreign tourists to book a ticket offline even during the off-season of Tibet tourism.

2. Where and how to get Chengdu to Lhasa train ticket?

If you purchase Chengdu to Lhasa train ticket at the railway station or 12306.cn, you can collect your ticket at the station's window or self-service ticket machine with your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit.

If you book your train ticket through us, we will provide you with an electronic ticket or a printed paper ticket. You only need to bring your passport, Chinese Visa, train ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit to successfully enter the station and board the train.

Notice:
1. Once getting your train ticket, please read the ticket and double-check Your Name and Passport Number on it. If the name and passport number are not matched with your passport and Tibet Permit, you may not be allowed to board the train.
2. If you fail to get a ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa train, you can change the starting station, such as Lanzhou and Xining, which offers a bigger chance of getting a ticket.

3. How to read Chengdu to Lhasa train ticket?

成都西站: Chengdu West Railway Station
拉萨站: Lhasa Railway Station
xx年xx月xx日xx开: xx Year xx Month xx Date xx Departing
xx车xx号上/中/下铺: xx Carriage xx Upper/Middle/Lower Berth
新空调软卧/硬卧/硬座: Soft Sleeper/Hard Sleeper/Hard Seat

Chengdu to Lhasa Train Trip

The train journey from Chengdu to Lhasa will take you across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, allowing you to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery and unique Tibetan culture.

1. How to get to Chengdu West Railway Station?

Metro Line 4 is a convenient route directly to Chengdu West Station. You can get off at the "Chengdu West Station" on Metro Line 4 and follow the instruction to the entrance. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like DiDi for a more direct route, which takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

2. What travel documents do l need for Chengdu to Lhasa train?

In addition to your passport and Chinese Visa, you will also need to carry a Tibet Travel Permit on your trip, especially when traveling to Tibet by train from Chengdu.

3. How to board the train from Chengdu to Lhasa, Tibet?

1) Get your train ticket first and then pass the security check into the waiting hall of the train station;
2) Fill in the health form in the waiting hall;
3) Pass the ticket checkpoint;
4) Find your train carriage according to your train ticket and the LED screen shows;
5) Board the train and pass the ticket check again;
6) Find your berth according to your train ticket;
7) Change your train ticket paper to a berth card. Train boarding ends.

4. What's the best time for the Chengdu to Tibet train tour?

The best time for a Chengdu to Tibet train tour is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer mild weather, clear skies, and stunning landscapes, making the train journey more enjoyable. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers vibrant colors and stable weather. Both seasons are less crowded compared to summer, providing a more peaceful and scenic travel experience.

5. What to see on Chengdu to Lhasa train journey?

The train from Chengdu to Lhasa will pass through the shore of Qinghai Lake. The lake water is blue and sparkling, as if a mirror reflects the sky. Then, the train passes through Yuzhu Mountain. The air is cold and the snow-capped mountains in the distance are like a painting, quiet and solemn.

Continuing westward, the train crosses the Tanggula Pass, which is an important node of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Then the train enters the Nagqu grassland. On the vast grassland, shepherds and cattle walk leisurely.Crossing the grassland, the train travels to Nyainqentanglha Mountain. This majestic snow-capped mountain stands in front of you, and the snow on the top of the mountain sparkles in the sun, like a huge pearl.

Finally, the train will enter Yangpachen Valley, where the geothermal hot springs form a sharp contrast with the surrounding cold environment. The steaming hot steam fills the mountains, as if you are in a fantasy world where warmth and cold are intertwined.

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6. How about the Chengdu to Lhasa train facilities?

The train from Chengdu to Lhasa uses a 25T high-altitude passenger car designed specifically for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It includes fully enclosed double-layer large glass windows, toilets, aviation airtight technology, etc., which is designed to cope with the special environmental and climatic conditions of the plateau.

In terms of carriage configuration, the train from Chengdu to Lhasa includes 2 soft sleeper carriages, 8 hard sleeper carriages, 4 hard seat carriages, 1 dining carriage, and the oxygen supply system to help passengers adapt to the plateau environment and reduce the impact of altitude sickness.

In general, the Chengdu to Lhasa train facilities are designed to provide a safe and comfortable travel experience, allowing you to enjoy the unique charm of the plateau railway while admiring the magnificent scenery along the way.

7. What shall l be aware of on Chengdu to Lhasa train ride?

First, due to the special characteristics of the plateau environment, an oxygen supply system is provided in the train, but some passengers may still experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare in advance and carry water and common medicines with you.

Second, the train journey is long, so snacks, water and personal toiletries should be prepared in advance to improve comfort.

Third, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes that are adapted to the high-altitude climate and pay attention to the regulations in the train to maintain good order in the carriage.

8. How to get to Lhasa city from Lhasa Train Station?

There are many ways to get from Lhasa Railway Station to downtown Lhasa. The bus is the most economical option, with fares usually costing 1 RMB, and there are many routes to choose from, such as bus No. 89, which passes the Potala Palace. Taxi fares are around 25-40 RMB, depending on traffic conditions. Shared rides usually cost 15-30 RMB, depending on the type of vehicle and the number of people.

If you book a Tibet train tour with Tibet Horizon, you can expect pick-up service at Lhasa Railway Station, which takes you directly to your hotel within 0.5hrs.

9. How to shorten Chengdu to Lhasa train travel time?

If you have less time to travel on the railway from Chengdu to Lhasa, you can check the content below and get the best plan for a Chengdu to Tibet tour. The Railway that links these two cities is actually two parts - Chengdu to Xining and Xining to Lhasa. The first part from Chengdu to Xining will take about 21.5 hours and it can be escaped by taking flights. The true and majestic views are really blessed on the land from Xining to Lhasa. Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the best part of your train journey to Lhasa.

This simple and workable plan will greatly shorten the time you spend on the road. At the same time, you can still get the chance to enjoy the amazing scenery along the road and have a leisure tour to enjoy the glorious Tibet.

Besides, you can choose to stay in Xining for one or two days and take a short tour of the Qinghai Lake and Taer Monastery which you will be marveled at.

This plan will ease your pressure on booking tickets because those trains to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Lanzhou and other cities will all make a stop here. It will be easier to get a ticket from Xining to Lhasa.

Notice: If you are updated about Tibet tourism news, you will notice that the Sichuan Tibet Railway is under construction from the year 2014, intending to shorten the travel time on the road to about 13 hours. It is expected to be finished in 2030, indicating that you will spend fewer hours on the road and have more time to enjoy your lifetime tour in Tibet when it comes into service.

10. Which is the best way to travel from Chengdu to Lhasa by train, flight or self-driving?

For tourists visiting Tibet for the first time, taking the train is usually a better choice. It not only helps you adapt to the plateau environment, but also allows you to enjoy safe, comfortable and beautiful scenery. Train travel is particularly important for adapting to the high altitude of Tibet. If time is tight, the flight from Chengdu to Lhasa takes only 2.5 to 3 hours, providing a quick and convenient way to get to Tibet. If you are an experienced self-driver and willing to deal with the challenges of high-altitude driving and face longer driving times, self-driving can provide a freer and personalized experience, but you need to consider altitude sickness and driving safety issues.