All Tibet Train Routes: How to Choose the Best One and Tibet Train Ticket

For foreign tourists planning a great Tibet tour in China, choosing the right train route and ticket is key of enjoying comfortable Tibet train tour. Here we will show the most popular Tibet train routes and also the differences between the three Tibet train tickets for tourists to make your own decision. If you are still unsure, you can feel free to contact us for more suggestions on your Train tour.

Direct trains to Tibet depart from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining, and pass through cities like Xi’an and Lanzhou. All those train routes will give you different experiences along the railway. According to our experience, we will list out all the routes for foreign travelers and explain the advantages of each route in detail.

Xining to Lhasa Train: Easiest and Closest Gateway to Tibet

We highly recommend the Xining to Lhasa train for most foreign tourists. Xining is the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and every train to Tibet makes a stop here for a while. So, it is easy for foreign tourists to purchase a train ticket successfully according to their travel time in China. The ticket prices are cheaper and the travel time is shorter. Tourists only need to take a flight to Xining and stay there for one or two days to enjoy this wonderful city.

This train route covers 1,972 kilometers from Xining to Lhasa. The train will take you to climb up to the highest place along the Qinghai-Tibet railway and cross the tunnels under those high mountains. The best part of the Tibet train tour belongs to offering the best scenery without exhausting travelers.

Except for those trains from major cities of China, Xining offers several daily direct trains to Lhasa. Those trains will promise tourists a good experience during the 20+ hour journey. Train tickets from here are also relatively affordable, $108 for a soft sleeper, $69 for a hard sleeper, and $31 for a hard seat.

Beijing to Lhasa Train: Most Popular Route for Travelers to Choose

Beijing to Lhasa is the most popular Tibet train route that many international tourists choose. Lots of foreign travelers will pick Beijing as their first destination in China. As China’s capital, Beijing offers rich cultural attractions, making it an ideal city to take trains to Tibet.

Train Z21 departs from Beijing West Railway Station daily at 19:22 and arrives in Lhasa at 11:42 on the third day. This route from Beijing to Lhasa runs 40 hours and 20 minutes on the road, covering about 3,757 kilometers. The traveling time is not the longest and tourists will have enough time to enjoy the splendid scenery out of the window on the train. It presently costs around $164 for a soft sleeper berth, around $103 for a hard sleeper berth and $51 for a hard seat.

Shanghai to Lhasa Train: An Epic East-to-West Journey across China

As one of China’s most vibrant and modern cities, Shanghai dazzles visitors with its stunning skyline along the Huangpu River, historic architecture on the Bund, and a blend of Eastern tradition and Western sophistication. The city’s energy, lights, and modern lifestyle make it a perfect starting point for an unforgettable Tibet tour.

From Shanghai, this Tibet train begins its remarkable east-to-west adventure. It travels across vast plains, winding rivers, and snow-covered highlands before reaching the holy city of Lhasa on the Tibetan Plateau. The entire journey covers over 4,372 kilometers and takes about 45 hours. Soft sleeper tickets start from $181, hard sleeper tickets from $114, and hard seat tickets cost only $58.

Guangzhou to Lhasa Train: Traversing China from Southern Coast to Tibetan Plateau

Guangzhou, located in southern China, is famous for its warm subtropical climate, bustling ports, vibrant street markets, and rich Cantonese culture. It also provides international travelers from the Southern Hemisphere with a convenient route to Tibet, and taking the Z264 train from here to Tibet is a truly unique experience.

The Guangzhou to Lhasa train embarks on an extraordinary journey spanning 4,980 kilometers. The train departs from Guangzhou Baiyun West Station daily at 09:27 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station on the third day at 14:54, taking just over 53 hours to cover the entire train journey. Ticket prices are about $203 for a first-class sleeper, $120 for a second-class sleeper, and $62 for a hard seat.

Chengdu to Lhasa Train: From Panda City to Tibet’s Heart

As the provincial capital of Sichuan, Chengdu, the home of giant pandas, attracts thousands of foreign tourists every year. And the food and the lifestyle make everyone who comes to visit this city reluctant to leave. So, many tourists will choose to visit this city before they leave for Tibet.

The train Z322 leaves Chengdu Railway Station at 21:10 and arrives in Lhasa at 07:41 on day three. With only 34 hours and 31 minutes on the road, the train from Chengdu to Lhasa takes more and more tourists to get to Tibet to enjoy the 3016-kilometer train ride. But it runs every other day, and the ticket prices for the three types of seats are $137, $86, and $42.

Scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Chongqing to Lhasa Train: Another Popular Route from Southwest China

Compared with trains from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, the Chongqing to Lhasa train is both convenient and adventurous. The journey is relatively short, taking about 33 hours, making it an ideal option for travelers starting from Chongqing.

Like the train from Chengdu to Lhasa, this train departs every other day. It leaves Chongqing West Railway Station at 21:53 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 7:41 on the third day, covering a total distance of 3,055 kilometers in about 34 hours. Ticket prices remain the same as those from Chengdu: $137, $86, and $42 respectively.

Xi’an to Lhasa Train: A Journey from Ancient Capital to Holy City

As one of China’s oldest cities, Xi’an is world-renowned as the starting point of the Ancient Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Warriors. It perfectly represents the deep roots of Chinese civilization.

Xi’an to Lhasa train offers travelers a fascinating journey that bridges China’s historical heart with the spiritual majesty of Tibet. Currently, there is no direct train from Xi’an to Lhasa, but trains from Shanghai and Guangzhou to Tibet stop in Xi’an, allowing you to board there for Lhasa. However, Tibet train tickets are in high demand, so it can be difficult to secure a ticket from Xi’an. The whole journey is about 2,864km, and Xian-Lhasa train tickets are priced at $135 for a soft sleeper, $83 for a hard sleeper, and $41 for a hard seat.

Lanzhou to Lhasa Train: A Key Stop on Multiple Tibet Train Routes

Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, is a historic city located along the Yellow River and a traditional hub on the ancient Silk Road. Its strategic location makes it not only a gateway city but also a flexible option for Tibet train travelers.

The Lanzhou to Lhasa train connects travelers to the Tibetan Plateau while offering the convenience of a major transit point. Many long-distance trains from cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Chongqing, and Chengdu, stop in Lanzhou, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Lhasa. The entire journey is 2,188km and takes about 23 hours, with ticket prices starting at $114 for a soft sleeper, $72 for a hard sleeper, and $33 for a hard seat.

Golmud to Lhasa Train: Most Scenic Stretch of Qinghai-Tibet Railway

The true journey of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway begins as the train arrives at Golmud Station. The route ascends through towering snow-capped mountains, azure lakes, and vast grasslands. This is an ideal option for travelers seeking a shorter journey while enjoying breathtaking scenery.

Although there are no direct trains departing from Golmud to Lhasa, this station is a stop on all trains bound for Lhasa, meaning you have multiple train options to choose from. The entire journey from Golmud to Lhasa is only 1,142 kilometers, and soft sleeper is from $78, hard sleeper is from $50, and hard seat is only $19.

Difference of Three Classes of Tibet Train Tickets

Except for the choice of train routes, you may also want to know which class of tickets to choose when taking the train to Tibet. There are three classes of tickets for Tibet trains, which are soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat.

Soft sleeper berth is the most expensive option with larger luggage space, a more private environment and a television to watch. Lower bunks are a little expensive than upper bunks. But it depends on you. Lower bunks are easy to get to rest and sit by the bed. However, upper bunks will provide more privacy for you since you can enjoy your bed on your own. And among all those carriages, the soft sleeper is the safest choice for foreign tourists since it has a lockable door. But you still need to share the carriage with another three people. If you are traveling with three friends, it will be the best choice for you. Another option is that you can purchase all four bunks in one carriage, and then you can completely enjoy it.

Hard sleeper berth is your second choice if the first-class tickets have sold out. Do not misunderstand the hard sleeper berth according to the name. The berths are also soft for you to lie down. It is less private than the soft sleeper carriage since there is no door. Besides, you need to share one carriage with the other five people, which will make the space smaller for you. And others may sit on the lower berths during the day to talk and enjoy the scenery out of the window. So, you can choose upper berths if you prefer to be alone during the train tour.

The hard seat is the last choice for foreign tourists. Although the seat is not hard, tourists have to sit during the whole journey without sleeping. And there will be people around you walking, chatting, eating and doing other things. You may feel uncomfortable, especially in the high plateau.

Conclusion

To choose the best option, consider your travel plans and entry point into China. If you have a longer vacation, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou will allow you to enjoy stunning scenery and experience the charm of China's modern cities before your departure. If you have less time, departing from Chengdu or Xining will allow you to experience the essence of Qinghai-Tibet Railway while saving travel time. If you have further questions, please contact us for more information about Tibet trains.