How to Board Tibet Train: Step-by-Step Guide for Your Tibet Train Tour

Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the only railroad at present that will bring tourists from Chinese Mainland to Tibet. If you are eager to try to have a Tibet train tour in China, this article will be of great help. It provides a comprehensive explanation, from the required travel documents to the detailed boarding steps, getting off and other tips.

7 Simple Steps to Board Tibet Train to Lhasa

Step 1: Prepare Travel Documents that You Need

Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Travel Permit is a necessary document that foreign tourists need to get into Tibet. You need to show it when you are boarding a plane or a Tibet train. Some train stations need the original version, while some stations only need a copy of it. You can feel free to contact us and we will provide detailed information about the cities that you will take the train to Tibet since the policies may change at any time.

Since foreign tourists can only get into Tibet with a travel agent, the Tibet Travel Permit can only be applied for by a travel agency. Tibet Tourism will always be here offering the service that you need to get your Tibet Travel Permit. And we will inform you about the process and send it to your hotel that you booked once you arrive in China.

Passport

Passport is your identification paper in China. You will need it to check into hotel, collect your train ticket, purchase entrance tickets to those attractions, etc. So, please make sure that you bring your passport with you and keep it in hand in case you need it. Also, when you receive your train ticket, make sure to check that the personal information on it matches your passport; otherwise, you won’t be able to board the train smoothly.

Step 2: Go to the Correct Railway Station

Most cities in China have more than one railway station, which makes it a crucial question for you to get to the correct railway station to board your Tibet train. Or you will miss your train and your Tibet tour will be difficult to realize this time. You can ask us for the exact address of the train station that runs Tibet trains in your departure city. And we also have detailed information about the addresses of railway stations in those cities for you to check.

Step 3: Collect Your Train Ticket

If you book the Tibet tour and train ticket with us, we will collect it for you and send it to the hotel that you book when you are in China. If you want to collect the train ticket by yourself at the railway station, you need to line up and go to the window to get your ticket with your booking confirmation number, passport, and Tibet Travel Permit.

Please leave enough time to board your train since you may encounter some unexpected troubles during the process. And in those major cities in China, lots of people will board the trains to get to other places daily. So, in order to board your train on time, you need to get to the train station in advance and then you can go through the process slowly and easily.

Step 4: Go Through the Security Check

You have to pass the security check to get into the railway station. You need to put your suitcases and other bags on the conveyor belt for the machine to check, and the staff will monitor you with the X-ray machine screen. This process is to make sure that you do not bring any prohibited articles in your luggage or on your body. At this stage, your train ticket, passport and Tibet Travel Permit are also checked.

Step 5: Get to the Right Waiting Room

After you get into the waiting hall, you will see the electronic board directly that shows all train information, including the train number, departure time, and checking gate number. You can find the matching train number on the screen and you will see the ticket entrance number after the train number. Then, you just find the waiting room near the ticket entrance for your Tibet train and wait for the check-in time. However, if you have trouble reading those numbers and words, you can ask the staff for help. They will be happy to address your problems and lead you to the right waiting room.

Step 6: Line up for Checking in

The ticket entrance will be open 15 minutes before the departure time. After the status changes to open, passengers need to line up and go through the gate one by one with the valid ticket. You need to pay attention to the fact that the gate will be closed 5 minutes before departure time. After that, you will not be able to board your Tibet train.

Step 7: Board the Train and Find Your Seat Successfully

After passing the ticket entrance, you can go to the right platform and find the right carriage according to your ticket and line up there to get on the train directly. Just remember that you need to show your train ticket, passport, and Tibet Travel Permit once again before getting into the carriage. After boarding the train, the first thing is to find your compartment and seat. The seat numbers and compartment numbers are often printed on some eye-catching places, such as on the wall. If you cannot find your seat or compartment, you can ask the passengers near you or the car attendants for help. Then, you can place your luggage in the luggage closet and keep your personal articles with you. As the train departs, your ticket will be taken away for the exchange of a berth card. The car attendants may come to check the berth card during the journey.

How to Get off the Train and Exit

Before arriving at Lhasa Railway Station, the train attendants will come again to get the berth card and return your train ticket. And then you need to get your luggage and make sure you have taken all your personal articles with you. Or, you may get into trouble if you have missed anything on the train. Once the train stops, you need to line up and get off the train. You can walk slowly to prevent high altitude sickness. Then, just follow the crowd and get out of the train station directly. Your travel guide and driver arranged by us will meet you at the designated pick-up point outside the station and then take you to your hotel for check-in and rest before visiting those attractions in Lhasa. If you are uncomfortable or want to discuss your Tibet travel route, please feel free to get in touch with your travel guide.

Travel Tips for Your Tibet Train Tour

1. The Tibet Travel Permit can only be obtained through a Tibet travel agency. The processing time usually takes 7-10 working days, and with mailing, it may take even longer. To ensure your travel plans are not affected, we recommend contacting us in advance to book your Tibet Tour and apply for this permit.

2. Each Tibet train has a dining car where you can enjoy three meals a day and purchase snacks and drinks, though prices are relatively high. You can also buy some snacks and instant noodles before boarding. Boiled water is provided for free.

3. If you prefer a more comfortable and private journey, you can choose a soft sleeper. Each soft sleeper compartment accommodates only four passengers and has a lockable door. However, soft sleeper tickets are more expensive than hard sleeper or hard seat, and they are limited in number and often in high demand. Therefore, it’s best to book your soft sleeper ticket as early as possible.

4. There are both Western-Style toilets and Chinese-style toilets at the end of each carriage. You can only do some basic washing on the train, but taking a shower is not possible.

5. If you’d like to get off the train for a short walk and stretch during stopovers, you can do so. However, please note that the duration of stops varies; some last only a few minutes, while others may take 10 to 20 minutes. It’s best to keep an eye on the time and avoid going too far, so you don’t miss the train’s departure.

6. Tibet trains feature two unique oxygen supply systems, eliminating your concerns about altitude sickness. Private oxygen outlets are conveniently located near your seat or berth. Once the train leaves Golmud, the diffusion oxygen system also begins operation.