Hong Kong to Lhasa Train: Best Way to Travel to Tibet from Hong Kong by Train

Frankly speaking, there is no direct train from Hong Kong to Tibet. But you can get to Chinese mainland first and then travel to Tibet by train. Since there are seven gateway cities with direct trains to Lhasa: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Xining (the starting point of Qinghai-Tibet Railway), you will have multiple Hong Kong Tibet train routes to choose from. As a Tibetan local travel agency, we have hand-picked the four best train routes from Hong Kong to Lhasa according to our Tibet tour operating experience.

Best Way to Travel to Tibet from Hong Kong by Train

Most Convenient Way: Get to Tibet from Hong Kong via Guangzhou by Train

With a distance of 200 kilometers, Guangzhou is very close to Hong Kong. 38 daily high-speed bullet trains are running from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. The earliest train departs from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station at 8:06 and the last one departs at 22:33. In this 2-hour bullet train trip, you will have short stops at Futian, Shenzhen North, Dongguan South, and Changping.Arriving at Guangzhou, you can take a taxi or subway to iconic attractions, like Guangzhou Tower, Shamian Island, Chimelong Wildlife Park, etc.

After a good night’s sleep in Guangzhou, you can take Guangzhou Lhasa train Z264 to Tibet, which departs from Guangzhou Railway Station at 9:15 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 14:17. It takes you approximately 55 hours to enjoy the splendid scenery along Guangzhou-Tibet Railway. In this 3,535-kilometer-long Tibet train ride, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery spanning from southeast to northwest: blue sky, white clouds, green grasslands, flocks and herds, etc.

Most Classic Way: Get to Tibet from Hong Kong via Chengdu by Train

You can take the high-speed train G2964 departing from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station at 10:08 to Chengdu East Railway Station at 18:23. The 1,728-kilometer-long train journey will cost you about 8 hours and 15 minutes. After arriving in Chengdu, you can spend one or two days visiting the tourist attractions in and around Chengdu, like Chengdu Panda Base, Leshan Giant Buddha, Mt. Emei, etc.

Chengdu Panda Base

And then, you will board the direct Chengdu Lhasa train Z322 from Chengdu West Railway Station at 10:08. On the 1,995-kilometer-long Chengdu Tibet train trip, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of nature: Qinghai Lake, Cuona Lake, Nagqu Grassland, Nianqing Tanggula Mountain, Yangbajing, etc. Besides, you can appreciate the starry night and the blue sky and white clouds during the 2 days' Chengdu Tibet train tour.

Most Popular Way: Get to Tibet from Hong Kong via Chongqing by Train

Hong Kong Chongqing Train G320 departs from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station at 11:55 and arrives at Chongqing West Railway Station at 18:55, which costs you 7 hours. After the 1,458-kilometer-long trip, you will be immersed in the attractions of Chongqing: Chaotianmen, Ciqikou, Liberation Monument, etc. Then you can have a taste of spicy Hot Pot at Hongyadong.After one night's sleep at Chongqing, you can ride the Chongqing Lhasa Train Z223 to Tibet. It will cost you 33 hours and 45 minutes on the whole 2,260-kilometer-long Chongqing Tibet train trip.

Hongyadong

Just a kind reminder, if you don’t want to tour around Chongqing, you can stay at Chongqing West Railway Station once you arrive at 18:55. Three hours later, you can board the Tibet train to Lhasa at 21:56. Choosing Hong Kong-Chongqing-Lhasa train, you don’t need to stay in the connecting city and save a lot of time and energy, which makes it so popular.

Shortest Train Ride: Get to Tibet from Hong Kong via Xining by Train

Although no direct trains bounding from Hong Kong to Xining, you can take the daily flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Xining Caojiabao Airport, transiting at Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, etc. The 2,644-kilometer-long flight would cost you about 8 to 30 hours.

You can spend one or two days visiting around Xining. In Xining Plateau Wildlife Park, you can see many plateau animals, such as Tibetan wild ass, wild yak, gazelle, etc. In Kumbum Monastery, you’ll experience the authentic Tibetan Buddhism and culture. It preserves a large number of precious cultural relics and artworks, including Buddha statues, murals, scriptures, etc.

If you don’t want to stay at Xining, you can take the airport bus or taxi from Xining Caojiabao Airport to Xining Railway Station. The distance is about 30 kilometers.

Since all Tibet trains to Lhasa would stop at Xining, you will have 7 trains to choose from, which depart from Xining, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an. The earliest train Z323/Z223 departs from Xining railway station at 11:41, and the last one Y971 departs at 23:10.

As the starting point of Qinghai Tibet Railway, Xining offers you the fastest and shortest train ride to Lhasa, costing about 21 hours. Traveling along the 1,922-kilometer-long railway, you can enjoy the essence of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Gobi Desert, Kunlun Mountains, Mount Yuzhu, Tanggula, Mountain, Nagqu-Lhasa, etc.

Notice:The above schedule & price is for reference only. Please contact us for the latest schedule & price if you need to book Tibet train ticket from us.

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How to Book a Train Ticket from Hong Kong to Tibet?

Of course, you can book a Hong Kong to Lhasa train ticket online through the official China Railway Website 12306.com or third-party booking platforms like Ctrip.com, or buy a Hong Kong to Tibet train ticket at the train station. The train travel from Hong Kong to Lhasa is so popular that you may fail to book the ticket by yourself.

No worries, as a Tibetan local travel agency, we have years of Tibet tour operation and train ticket booking experience. Here, Tibet Horizon can promise that you can get a Hong Kong to Lhasa train ticket for sure.

What Travel Documents Are Needed for Train Travel from Hong Kong to Tibet?

Hong Kong Citizens:
As for Hong Kong Citizens, you just need to bring your Home Return Permit. Known as "回乡证" (huíxiāngzhèng) in Chinese, Home Return Permit is a travel document issued by the Chinese government specifically for residents of Hong Kong and Macau who hold Chinese citizenship. It allows holders to enter, exit, and stay in Chinese mainland without the need for a visa. By the way, you don't need to apply for Tibet Permit.

Foreign Visitors:
A valid passportis required for international travel from Hong Kong to Chinese mainland. Make sure your passport should have at least six months' validity remaining beyond the planned travel dates.

If you have a foreign passport traveling to Chinese mainland, you may need a China Visa. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so check with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country to identify the type of visa you need and how to obtain one.

Besides, you still need a Tibet Travel Permit. Known as the Tibet Entry Permit or "西藏入藏许可证" (Xīzàng rùzàng xǔkězhèng) in Chinese, Tibet Travel Permit is a mandatory permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau for foreign travelers who wish to visit Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in China. Although it doesn't accept any individual's application, we, Tibet Horizon as a Tibetan local travel agency, will handle this for you. All you need to do is give us your passport and visa.

How to Get to West Kowloon Station?

MTR (Mass Transit Railway)
The most convenient way to reach West Kowloon Station is by using the MTR. You can take the Tung Chung Line (orange) or the Airport Express Line (green) to Kowloon Station. From there, you can transfer to the West Rail Line (purple) and alight at West Kowloon Station. Follow the signs within the station to reach the high-speed rail terminal.

Bus
Several bus routes serve West Kowloon Station. You can check the routes and schedules provided by the Hong Kong Transport Department to find the most suitable option depending on your location.

Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Hong Kong, and you can easily hail one to take you directly to West Kowloon Station. Simply give the address, and the driver will take you there.

Private Vehicle
If you're driving, you can navigate to West Kowloon Station using GPS or maps. There is parking available at the station, but it may be limited, so it's advisable to check availability in advance, especially during peak times.

Walk
Depending on your location in Kowloon, you may be able to walk to West Kowloon Station if it's within a reasonable distance. Follow pedestrian signs or use a map to navigate to the station.

What to See along the Railway from Hong Kong to Lhasa?

The journey from Hong Kong to Lhasa by train covers a vast distance through diverse regions of China, offering travelers a chance to see various landscapes, cultural sites, and points of interest. While the highlights may vary depending on personal interests and the specific route taken, here are some notable highlights along the railway journey: Guangzhou Tower, Guilin Karst Landscape, Chongqing Hongyadong, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Kunlun Mountains and Tanggula Pass, etc. Just get your camera ready to capture the breathtaking scenery along the Hong Kong Lhasa Railway.

Kekexili Nature Reserve

Is It Safe to Take Tibet Train from Hong Kong? Will Altitude Sickness Happen to Me?

Yes, it is safe to take the train from Hong Kong to Tibet. The train to Lhasa is equipped with experienced staff, emergency response, safety measures,and modern facilities.

And you don’t need to worry about the altitude sickness. There are two sets of oxygen supply systems: the dispersion-mode oxygen supply system (the oxygen will be spread to the whole carriage through the air-conditioning system after arriving at Xining) and the distribution-mode oxygen supply system (every passenger will get a disposable tube to connect the oxygen outlet).

Although it's safe to travel from Hong Kong to Lhasa, you’d better follow the train staff’s instructions, protect your personal belongings, and have good sleep and rest en route.

How to Get to Lhasa City from Lhasa Train Station?

Since foreigners can't travel independently in Tibet, we, Tibet Horizon as a Tibetan local travel agency, will offer you a hassle-free transfer service. Upon arrival at Lhasa Train Station, you'll be greeted by a Tibetan local tour guide and driver from our travel agency. They will be holding a sign with your name and take you from the train station to your hotel or accommodation in Lhasa City. This may be an SUV Car, Van, Mini-bus, or Bus. See more about Tibet tour vehicles.

Conclusion

Although no direct train departs from Hong Kong to Tibet, you can take bullet trains from Hong Kong to Chinese mainland, like Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining first and then start your Tibet train tour to Lhasa. As a Tibetan local travel agency, Tibet Horizon can offer you a one-stop service, covering Tibet Permit application, Tibet train and flight ticket booking, pick-up service, Tibet hotel booking, etc. If more concerns or questions, please leave your comment below or send us an inquiry and our Tibet tour guru will get back to you within 24 hours.