Golmud to Lhasa Train

Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world’s highest and longest railway that connects Golmud of Qinghai Province and Lhasa in Tibet. Overcoming three engineering technical problems— permafrost, extreme cold and oxygen deficit environment, and fragile ecosystem, it made its way to Tibet, the “Roof of the World”. The railway has been recognized as one of the four greatest engineering projects of China in the 21st century and was selected for the Global Centennial Project in 2013.

Golmud-Lhasa section is the second segment of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which started construction in 2001 and opened in. 2006. The train trip from Lhasa to Golmud takes about 14 hours and covers a total distance of 1142 kilometers. This relatively short journey on Tibet train will present you stunning views such as snow-capped Yuzhu Peak and pale blue Cuona Lake before landing you in Lhasa. Read on for more information about Golmud Lhasa train and start planning your train trip to Tibet!

Basic Facts about Golmud to Lhasa Train

Golmud to Lhasa Train Open Date: 2006
Golmud to Lhasa Train Route: Z265 / Z165 / Y971 / Z8991 / Z9819 / Z9817 / Z323 / Z223 / Z8981 / Z21
Golmud to Lhasa Train Type: Y-series / Z-series
Golmud to Lhasa Train Departure Station & Time: Golmud Railway Station (00:54 / 01:56 / 03:38 / 04:28 / 06:13 / 15:30 / 18:22 / 18:22 / 19:27 / 22:07)
Golmud to Lhasa Train Arrival Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (14:54 / 15:30 / 17:10 / 18:26 / 20:29 / 06:25 / 07:41 / 07:41 / 10:20 / 11:42)
Golmud to Lhasa Train Distance: 1,142 kilometers (709 miles)
Golmud to Lhasa Train Duration: 14hrs for Z265 / 13hrs 34mins for Z165 / 13hrs 32mins for Y971 / 13hrs 58mins for Z8991 / 14hrs 16mins for Z9819 / 14hrs 55mins for Z9817 / 13hrs 19mins for Z323 and Z223 / 14hrs 53mins for Z8981 / 13hrs 35mins for Z21
Golmud to Lhasa Train Frequency: Daily
Golmud to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $78), Hard Sleeper (from $50), Hard Seat ($19)
Golmud to Lhasa Train Avg. Speed: About 120 km/h
Golmud to Lhasa Train Stops: Golmud, Budongquan, Tuotuo River, Amdo, Nagqu, Lhasa
Golmud to Lhasa Train Highlights: Yuzhu Peak, Tanggula Mountains, Tuotuo River, Cuona Lake

Golmud to Lhasa Train Route Map

Starting from Golmud, the railway crosses through Qinghai Province and Tibet Autonomous Region. The Golmud to Lhasa train stops at major stations, namely, Golmud, Amdo, Nagqu and Lhasa.

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

Golmud Station is a stopping point for all the trains to Lhasa, which means there are multiple trains to choose from.

Notice:
1. The schedule and ticket price are just for reference. Please contact us for the latest updates when you plan your Tibet Train tour.
2. The choice of train depends on your travel schedule. It is recommended that you take train Z165 from Shanghai and train Z265 from Guangzhou at Golmud Train Station because these two trains will allow you to enjoy the fantastic scenery outside the window during the daytime. You board the train in the middle night and you wake up in the morning and get the chance to see what the Grand Plateau can offer.

Check the major railway stations, altitude ascent and descent along the way in the following real-time train schedule.

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z265

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z165

Golmud to Lhasa Train Y971

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z8991

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z9819

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z9817

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z323 and Z223

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z8981

Golmud to Lhasa Train Z21

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

Like other Tibet trains, the Golmud to Lhasa train also offers three types of carriages: soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat, and each carriage provides different levels of comfort and amenities. You can read the following sections to choose the ticket that suits you best.

A. Golmud to Lhasa Train Soft Sleeper

The soft sleeper cars on the Golmud to Lhasa train are quite comfortable. Each compartment is divided into four-person rooms (upper berth $78/￥564.5, lower berth $81/￥581.5), with spacious beds and soft cushions, suitable for passengers who need to rest for a long time and prefer to enjoy a quieter and more private environment.

B. Golmud to Lhasa Train Hard Sleeper

The Golmud to Lhasa train has 8 hard sleeper cars, each with 6 berths, two upper berths, two middle berths, and two lower berths, so the car is a bit crowded and there are no doors in the private room, which is acceptable to most passengers. The hard sleeper ticket price is $50/￥358.5 for the upper berth, $51/￥366.5 for the middle berth, and $52/￥375.5 for the lower berth.

C. Golmud to Lhasa Train Hard Seat

This train has 3 hard-seat carriages, which can accommodate 354 people in total. Since the distance from Golmud to Lhasa is not very far (compared with the trains from Beijing to Lhasa and Chengdu to Lhasa), hard seats can be a cost-saving option for passengers, but the comfort level is low, especially for passengers who need to stay overnight on the train. The hard seat ticket price is only $19/￥141.5.

D. Which kind of train ticket should I choose?

Although the Golmud to Lhasa train journey time is much shorter than other Tibet trains, both soft sleeper and hard sleeper are recommended. Please check the table below for reference.

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

Golmud to Lhasa Train Ticket

When you decide to travel from Golmud 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.

A. How to Book Golmud Lhasa Train Ticket?

You can buy a train ticket in China on China Railway’s official website https://www.12306.cn/ or its app “Railway 12306”. You can buy the ticket from the ticket windows at the station.

However, foreign travelers need to complete a quite complicated process of registration, identity verification, passport information upload, and payment. The most convenient and worry-free way to get your ticket of Golmud Lhasa train is to book online with us. Specializing in Tibet tourism, our agency, Tibet Horizon, can help you book the train ticket and arrange a smooth and wonderful Tibet train trip for you.

B. Where and how to get Golmud to Lhasa train ticket?

If you book your train ticket with us, we can deliver your Tibet train ticket to your hotel. In another case, we can also give you a booking number by which you can collect your train ticket from self-service ticket machines or by showing the staff your booking number, passport, and Tibet Travel Permit.

Please arrive at the station in advance in case there is no enough time to get your ticket.

C. How to read Golmud to Lhasa train ticket?

格尔木站: Golmud 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

Golmud to Lhasa Train Trip

The Golmud to Lhasa train will take you through the breathtaking Tibetan Plateau, where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery from your window. Here are some of the most common questions foreign tourists have about taking the train from Golmud to Tibet.

A. Why take Golmud Lhasa Train to Tibet?

Golmud, located in the west of Qinghai Province, western China, is a transportation junction linking Tibet, Gansu, and Xinjiang. With highways connecting Golmud, Lhasa, and Dunhuang and air routes opening to Golmud, Xi'an, Chengdu, Lhasa, and Hangzhou, it has become a key hub of central and western regions. After the Golmud-Lhasa section of Qinghai-Tibet Railway came into service in 2006, it has served as an important gateway for travelers to Lhasa. Some Tibet trains from mainland city will make a stop here for about 25 minutes. So, even if Golmud Train Station is not a departure station along Qinghai-Tibet Railway, tourists can also purchase a ticket to board the train to Lhasa in Golmud. It is the shortest train route from mainland China. Covering 1,142km from Golmud to Lhasa, the whole journey will take about 14 hours.

Golmud also owns beautiful landscapes. Before boarding the train, you can go sightseeing near the city. Qarhan Salt Lake, the largest salt lake in China with a total area of 5856 square kilometers, is just 60km to the northeast of the city. It has an abundant reserve of mineral salt, which, under the hot and dry climate and concentration, produces a mass of salt crystals in various forms like flowers, corals, and pearls, attracting tens of thousands of tourists. Besides, the vast area is unique in its geographical features. Located in the southwest part of Golmud, Mount Kunlun UNESCO Global Geopark, offers you geological landscapes formed by magmatic activity, crustal extension, subduction, and collision of the plate.

B. How to get to Golmud Railway Station?

Golmud Railway Station is the intersection station of Qinghai-Tibet Railway and Golmud-Ke’erle Railway. Located at No.39 Yingbin Road, Golmud, the station is not far from downtown and the airport, making it convenient for travelers to get to.

Travel from downtown to Golmud Railway Station:
Taxi: Taxi fares are calculated based on the distance traveled.
Bus: Bus No. 1, 2, 5 arrive at Golmud Railway Station.
Bus Service Time: 7:30-19:10 from May 1 to October 31; 7:30-19:00 from November 1 to April 30.

Travel from Golmud Airport to Golmud Railway Station:
Taxi: Taxi fares are calculated based on the distance traveled. The distance from Golmud Airport to Golmud Railway Station is about 16 kilometers.
Bus: There is a tour coach from the Airport to the Railway Station, which only costs CNY20 per person.

C. How to Board Tibet Train from Golmud to Lhasa?

After reaching Golmud Railway Station, bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to collect your train ticket.

After going through security and entering the station, find your ticket barrier. If you arrive early, you can stay at the waiting hall for check-in. After the ticket check starts, you can board the train through manned ticket gates.

Tips: Tibet Travel Permit is a prerequisite for your Tibet Train trip. The permit is needed for collecting your ticket and boarding the train. Please apply for the permit in advance. If you book with us, we can help you get your Tibet Travel Permit and make sure your travel is smooth and worry-free.

D. What's the best time for Golmud to Tibet train tour?

The best time for a Golmud to Tibet train tour is from April to October. April, May, June, and September are ideal for the pleasant weather, clear sky and less crowd compared to the peak summer months. July and August are the peak travel season with warmer weather and live festivals. October offers cooler temperature and stunning autumn landscapes. All factors considered, April to June and September to October are best recommended for its combination of good weather, beautiful scenery and moderate crowds.

E. What to See along Golmud Lhasa Railway?

Golmud-Lhasa section captures the most beautiful landscapes along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. With the train riding on the Tibet Plateau, you can enjoy the stunning scenery unfolding before your eyes. You will find the mirror-like lake surface reflecting the blue sky and white cloud, the snow mountains stretching long, and wild yaks rambling in the great wildness.

Yuzhu Peak
You will first be greeted by Yuzhu Peak, a part of Kunlun Mountain range. Soaring to a height of 6178 m (20269 ft), it is snow-capped all year long. Taking the train from Golmud to Lhasa, you can admire it from a distance, feeling its towering height and breathtaking beauty.

Hoh Xil Nature Reserve
Hoh Xil, also known as Kekexili, is situated in the northwest part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It’s one of the largest and highest nature reserves in China, home to many rare species such as snow leopards, Tibetan antelope, and wild yaks. From the window of the train, you may catch a glimpse of these wild animals roaming the grassland.

Tuotuo River
Originating from the glaciers of Jianggendiru Snow Mountains, the highest peak of Tanggula Mountain range, Tuotuo River is the official headstream of Yangtze River. From the train, you can appreciate the tranquil river.

Tanggula Mountain Pass
At an altitude of 5,231 m (17,162 ft), Tanggula Mountain Pass is the highest point on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and a natural border between Qinghai and Tibet. Tanggula Station is renowned as the highest railway station in the world at 5,068 m (16,627 ft). Here against the heavenly blue sky, the snow-white mountains with ancient glaciers provide a spectacular view.

Cuona Lake
Cuona Lake, the world’s highest freshwater lake, is the closest lake to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, so you can appreciate the clear and green lake through a window. Against the blue sky and the mountains beyond, the lake is exceptionally enchanting.

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F. How about Golmud to Lhasa train facilities?

Seats
Except for standing tickets, there are three types of seats: hard seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. A hard seat is the cheapest option with minimum comfort because passengers have to endure long-time sitting. A sleeping berth is a better choice. A hard sleeper compartment usually has six hard sleepers with three (upper, middle, and lower berths) on each side. However, there is no lockable door. Of all the seats, the soft sleeper is the most expensive option but it’s worth for those who care about comfort and privacy. Each soft sleeper compartment has four berths (two upper berths and two lower berths) and a lockable door, providing more personal space for tourists.

Toilets
There is one squat and one western toilet at the end of each carriage. Please notice that toilet paper is not provided.Can tourists take a shower on the train? Unfortunately, there is no bathroom but washing basins for brushing and washing hands on the train. You can bring wet tissue and disposable underwear.

Water Dispenser
Free hot water is provided during the entire trip. You can bring a bottle or paper cup to get boiled water. Be careful with hot water!

Oxygen Supply
Trains to Tibet are equipped with two kinds of oxygen supply systems. One is a diffusing system on the top of each carriage. The other is oxygen outlets under each seat and sleeper. You can use this device to inhale oxygen to alleviate altitude sickness.

Food Services
The dining carriage, usually in the middle of the train, offers three meals and drinks. During meal time, you can go to the dining car to order Chinese and Tibetan-style dishes and enjoy your meal while appreciating beautiful views outside the window. You can get snacks and drinks from mobile food carts as well. You can also bring some food and fruit with you in case you don’t get used to the food served on the train.

G. How to deal with altitude sickness on the train?

Usually, spending a day at an altitude of around 2500 to 3000 m can help you reduce the effect of altitude sickness. Golmud Station is at an altitude of 2829 m (9281 ft). So if you stay in Golmud for one or two days, you may be less likely to have a severe effect.

Oxygen supplies on the train also provide you with a comfortable environment. After starting from Golmud (2806 m or 9216 ft), the average altitude gradually climbs to 4000-4500 m (about 13000-15000 ft). The oxygen diffusing system starts to pump oxygen into the carriage as the train departs Golmud. Don’t worry that you may have a severe effect because each train has a doctor to ensure your comfortable travel. Ask for help if you feel extremely sick.

Conclusion

A train trip from Golmud to Lhasa will leave you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The astonishingly spectacular scenery along the railway makes your Tibet travel more indelible. If you are inspired and plan to take Tibet train, we, Tibet Horizon, can help you figure out the best travel plan. Please feel free to ask us for more information.