ContentTaking the train from Guangyuan to Lhasa offers a unique and scenic way to enter Tibet. This route not only showcases the breathtaking landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau but also provides a convenient railway option for travelers heading to the region. In this guide, you’ll find essential information on train schedules, ticket prices, route highlights, and practical tips to help you plan your Tibet train journey with ease.
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Open Date: 2006
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Route: Z323/Z223
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Type: Z-series
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Departure Station & Time: Guangyuan Railway Station (02:38)
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Arrival Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (07:41)
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Distance: 2,697 kilometers (1,676miles)
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Duration: 29hrs 3mins
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Frequency: Daily
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $135), Hard Sleeper (from $86), Hard Seat (from
$41)
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Avg. Speed: 120 km/h
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Stops: Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Lhasa
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Highlights: Qinghai Lake, Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, Tanggula Pass, Tibetan Plateau views
The train from Guangyuan to Lhasa heads northwest, crossing several major regions including Sichuan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet. Key stops along the way include Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, and Golmud, offering a scenic transition from inland China to the Tibetan Plateau before arriving in Lhasa.
The train journey from Guangyuan to Lhasa takes passengers across a dramatic range of landscapes, altitudes, and cultural regions. It spans over 2,697 kilometers, gradually ascending from low-altitude Sichuan Basin to the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. Below is a detailed schedule including each major station's altitude, arrival and departure times, stop durations, and distance from the starting point:
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guangyuan | 900m | Day 1 | / | 02:38 | / | 0km |
| 2 | Lanzhou | 1,520m | Day 1 | 08:20 | 08:40 | 20min | 509km |
| 3 | Xining | 2,200m | Day 1 | 11:27 | 11:47 | 20min | 725km |
| 4 | Delingha | 2,982m | Day 1 | 15:32 | 15:36 | 4min | 1246km |
| 5 | Golmud | 2,780m | Day 1 | 17:57 | 18:22 | 25min | 1555km |
| 6 | Lhasa | 3,650m | Day 2 | 07:41 | / | / | 2697km |
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guangyuan | 900m | Day 1 | / | 02:38 | / | 0km |
| 2 | Lanzhou | 1,520m | Day 1 | 08:20 | 08:40 | 20min | 509km |
| 3 | Xining | 2,200m | Day 1 | 11:27 | 11:47 | 20min | 725km |
| 4 | Delingha | 2,982m | Day 1 | 15:32 | 15:36 | 4min | 1246km |
| 5 | Golmud | 2,780m | Day 1 | 17:57 | 18:22 | 25min | 1555km |
| 6 | Lhasa | 3,650m | Day 2 | 07:41 | / | / | 2697km |
Traveling by train from Guangyuan to Lhasa offers several classes of tickets, each varying in comfort and price. Depending on your budget and travel preferences, you can choose from soft sleeper, hard sleeper, or hard seat options. Here is a detailed overview of each ticket type as well as the corresponding costs.
Price: from $135
The soft sleeper is the most comfortable class available on this route. Each compartment typically includes four
berths with soft bedding, a sliding door for privacy, and better overall amenities. It is ideal if you are
seeking a more private and restful experience during the long journey.
Price: from $86
The hard sleeper offers a more budget-friendly option while still providing a sleeping berth. Each compartment
has six open berths (three tiers on each side) and less privacy compared to the soft sleeper. In a nutshell,
bedding is provided, but the space is more compact.
Price: from $41
The hard seat is the most economical choice. It’s a standard seat without a bed, and the journey can last over 29
hours, making this option the least comfortable. It is suitable only for those who are used to long travels and
have a tight budget.
Soft sleeper is the best choice, but your decision ultimately depends on your budget, tolerance for long travel, and comfort expectations. If this is your first time traveling to Tibet or you plan to explore right after arriving, choosing a soft or hard sleeper will make your journey much easier and more enjoyable.
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Z323/Z223 | ![]() |
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| Comfort Level | ★★★★☆ (High) | ★★★☆☆ (Medium) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Low) |
| Berths per Compartment | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 6 (2 upper, 2 middle, 2 lower) | No berths (seats only) |
| Privacy | More (with door) | Less (no door) | None |
| Bed Softness | Softer mattress | Firmer mattress | No bed |
| Space | More spacious | Less spacious | Very cramped |
| Noise Level | Lower | Higher | Very high |
| Cost | Most expensive Upper Berth: $135, Lower Berth: $140 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $86, Middle Berth: $88, Lower Berth: $90 |
Cheapest Hard Seat: $41 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Z323/Z223 | ![]() |
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| Comfort Level | ★★★★☆ (High) | ★★★☆☆ (Medium) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Low) |
| Berths per Compartment | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 6 (2 upper, 2 middle, 2 lower) | No berths (seats only) |
| Privacy | More (with door) | Less (no door) | None |
| Bed Softness | Softer mattress | Firmer mattress | No bed |
| Space | More spacious | Less spacious | Very cramped |
| Noise Level | Lower | Higher | Very high |
| Cost | Most expensive Upper Berth: $135, Lower Berth: $140 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $86, Middle Berth: $88, Lower Berth: $90 |
Cheapest Hard Seat: $41 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
The train from Guangyuan to Lhasa runs only once a day. To avoid the risk of tickets being sold out close to your travel date, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance. At present, tickets can be purchased on the official website up to 15 days before departure, so please make sure to plan ahead.
You can conveniently purchase tickets on China Railway’s official website or through trusted apps like 12306. This method is fast and allows you to check real-time availability, but you’ll need to register and sometimes face ticket scarcity during peak seasons.
Buying tickets directly at the Guangyuan Train Station is a traditional option. Arriving early and queuing up is necessary, especially during holidays. This method is good if you prefer face-to-face service or want to avoid online booking complications.
Booking via professional travel agencies like Tibet Horizon can save you time and reduce stress. We can not only handle ticket reservations but also assist with travel permits, itinerary planning, and provide local guidance. This option is ideal for first-time travelers or those unfamiliar with the booking process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Once you have booked your ticket, there are three main ways to obtain and use it:
Pick up at the train station: You can collect your physical ticket at Guangyuan Train Station’s ticket window or self-service machines by presenting your passport along with your booking confirmation number.
E-ticket (electronic ticket): For many trains, especially those booked online, an e-ticket linked to your passport is available. In this case, you only need to bring your identification document to board the train—no need to pick up a physical ticket.
Booking through a travel agency. If you book your ticket through a trusted travel agency like Tibet Horizon, we will arrange to mail the physical train ticket directly to your hotel. This convenient service helps you avoid the hassle of collecting tickets at the station and ensures your ticket is ready and waiting for you upon arrival.
广元站: Guangyuan 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
Guangyuan Railway Station is located in the city center and is accessible by taxi, local buses, or private car. If you’re coming from Guangyuan city or nearby areas, taking a taxi or ride-hailing service is usually the most convenient option. Make sure to leave plenty of time to get to the station, especially during peak travel periods.
To travel from Guangyuan to Lhasa by train, you must prepare several important documents. A valid passport and Chinese visa are required for boarding and travel. Additionally, all non-Chinese nationals must secure a Tibet Travel Permit in advance, which can only be arranged through a licensed travel agency. This document is essential for entry into Tibet and will be verified both before departure and upon arrival in Lhasa.
1) Prepare all required documents: your passport, Chinese Visa, train ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit.
2) Get to Guangyuan Station at least 90 minutes before your train departs to allow time for all procedures.
3) Go through the security check and be ready to present your documents to station staff.
4) Find your train’s departure info on the station screen and proceed to the assigned waiting hall.
5) When boarding begins, follow the signs to your platform and board the correct carriage.
6) Keep your passport and travel permit easily accessible, as officials may inspect them during the trip.
The best time to take the train from Guangyuan to Tibet is from April to October. During this period, the weather in Tibet is mild, with skies usually clear and temperatures comfortable—perfect for sightseeing and photography. You’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful plateau scenery along the way. In winter, there are fewer tourists, but it gets very cold. Some places might be closed due to snow or road conditions, so it’s not the best time for most travelers.
When you take the train from Guangyuan to Lhasa, you'll travel from the green mountains and rivers of Sichuan Basin to the vast and mysterious Tibetan Plateau. Shortly after leaving Guangyuan, the train passes through western China’s mountains, rivers, and farmland, offering peaceful and beautiful scenery.
As you enter Qinghai Province, the landscape becomes wider and more dramatic—endless grasslands, herds of yaks, and snow-covered peaks in the distance. The most exciting part of the journey is riding on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest railway in the world. Along the way, you'll see breathtaking sights like the Tanggula Mountains, the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, and the wide-open Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
As the train gets closer to Nagqu and Lhasa, the views become even more stunning—golden sunlight, vast skies, and snowy mountains in the distance create an unforgettable scene.
The train from Guangyuan to Lhasa is equipped with basic but comfortable facilities to support the long journey across high altitudes. There are both soft sleeper and hard sleeper cabins, with bedding provided in each. Restrooms and washbasins are available at the end of each carriage. The train is also pressurized and has two oxygen supply systems to help passengers adjust to the high elevation as the train enters the Tibetan Plateau.
A dining car serves simple Chinese meals, snacks, and drinks, or you can bring your own food. Boiled water is available from dispensers in the hallway. Each carriage has power outlets, usually near the lower bunks. The train is clean and regularly maintained by staff, making the long ride more manageable and safe.
If you choose to travel with Tibet Horizon in Lhasa, we will arrange a car to pick you up from Lhasa Train Station and take you directly to your hotel. Our one-stop services to ensure your trip goes smoothly and comfortably.
If you want to save time on your journey from Guangyuan to Lhasa, flying is an idea option. There are direct flights from Guangyuan Panlong Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, which take about 2 hours and 25 minutes. This option can significantly reduce your travel time compared to the train, allowing you to arrive in Lhasa quickly and start your trip without delay.
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Map
Guangyuan to Lhasa Train Ticket