How to Plan a Tibet Train Tour to Lhasa: Routes, Tickets & Permits

When you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime tour to Tibet, the first thing is taking the Qinghai-Tibet train to Lhasa because the breathtaking scenery along the highest Qinghai-Tibet Railway is really the most beautiful. It’s worth your choice.

However, before embarking on this unforgettable train adventure to Tibet, you still need to plan. For instance, how to and where to book train tickets, what permits are required for a Tibet train tour to Lhasa, which departure city offers the most spectacular views along the railway, and all crucial details that cannot be overlooked when preparing your tour. In the following sections, we will provide a detailed breakdown of these to help you plan your Tibet train tour easily.

How to Book Tibet Train Tickets?

The first step in planning a Tibet train tour to Lhasa is purchasing a appropriate ticket. You can take the following factors into consideration:

Choose the Beginning Railway Station for the Tibet Train

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway refers to the rail part from Xining in Qinghai Province to Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region. But the Tibet trains start daily from the stations in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xining and Lanzhou; and depart every other day from Chengdu and Chongqing. All Tibet trains pass through Xining Railway Station.

In Tibet Tourism Peak Season (from June to Oct.7)

Because almost all the clients think that taking a train seems to be a good way to adapt to the high altitude, and the Tibet train tour is still very hot for Chinese and even overseas tourists, it is very hard to buy train tickets online directly by yourself in peak season (from June to Oct.7).

If you can accept taking a flight to Lhasa and then taking a train out of Lhasa, I highly recommend this way to you because it is relatively easy to book train tickets, and you can also experience a Qinghai-Tibet railway trip once.

Furthermore, there are more trains through Xining Train Station. Choosing Xining Train Station as the beginning station during the peak season can significantly increase your chances of securing a ticket.

In Tibet Tourism Low Season (from November to next March 20)

In the five months from November to next March 20, there are few travellers to Tibet because it is cold and the scenery is simple. If you have a vacation during these months, it is very easy to buy train tickets from whichever station.

In Tibet Tourism Shoulder Season (from late March 21 to late May and mid-late October)

During these months, it is sometimes hard and sometimes easy to buy train tickets. If it falls on a national public holiday, it will be very hard. You can search online or ask a travel agency to help you buy a train ticket if they happen to have train ticket to Lhasa from any train station. After controlling the ticket, you need to go to the city where the beginning railway station is located in advance, or go to Xining train station to board the train when it passes.

Consider the Tibet Train Running Time

Choosing a different departure point significantly affects the total duration of your train journey. For example, from Xining to Lhasa, it takes about 20-22 hours, but from Guangzhou, it takes 53 hours. If you do not want to waste much time on the train and stay in small and crowed carriage, the short time train journey will be better.

Nowadays, there are many D or G trains (Gaotie or Dongche) among these cities. Their running speed is several times that ordinary trains. If you do not want to miss the magnificent scenery of China but want to save time, you can choose to change one part of ordinary train journey to D or G train journey.

Understanding Train Ticket Classes & Facilities

The Tibet train offers three types of carriage: Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, and Hard Seat. Among these, the Soft Sleeper is the most comfortable option and the popular choice among international travelers; it typically consists of four-berth compartments that offer more spacious and enhanced privacy. The Hard Sleeper features open six-berth compartments, which offer less privacy. In terms of pricing, Soft Sleepers are the most expensive, followed by Hard Sleepers in the mid-range. Hard Seats, though the cheapest option, are generally not recommended due to the long journey and lower level of overall comfort.

To help passengers better acclimate to the altitude, all Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supply systems. Once the train passes Golmud Station, extra oxygen will be released pervasively in the carriages. Additionally, individual oxygen outlets are provided next to each berth. Furthermore, the trains are equipped with dining cars, hot water dispensers, power outlets, air conditioning, and basic restroom facilities, ensuring basic needs.

Purchasing the Most Suitable Tibet Train Tickets

By learning the above information in advance, you will be able to select the Tibet train ticket that best suits your needs.You may book your tickets independently through the official China Railway website or Trip.com; alternatively, you can contact us in advance to book the ticket for you. There is another method: to buy train ticket via the ticket agency. But their service fee will be very high and they might sell tickets to whoever gives them a higher service fee. Therefore, the most convenient way to purchase a train ticket is to contact Tibet Horizon.

Essential Documents for a Tibet Train Tour

When taking the train to Lhasa, preparing the relevant travel documents is one of the key steps in planning your Tibet train tour. For foreign travelers, buying a train ticket is not sufficient to enter Tibet; you must also obtain the appropriate Tibetan travel permits. Otherwise, you will be unable to board the train to Lhasa.

The most important document is the Tibet Travel Permit, which is a mandatory permit for traveling to Tibet and can only be obtained through a licensed Tibetan travel agency. Once you have booked the tour package and provided your passport and China Visa details, Tibet Horizon will handle the application process for you.

If your itinerary extends beyond Lhasa to remote regions such as Ngari, you will also need to obtain additional special permits, such as Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit. These supplementary documents are also arranged and processed by us.

How to Pack for a Tibet Rail Journey?

The train tour to Lhasa lasts for tens of hours and even two days, so it is essential to pack your luggage thoughtfully. Indispensable items for a Tibet tour include warm clothing, sun protection, and moisturizing products. You can pack most of your clothes in your suitcase, but keep a jacket handy to wear during the cooler morning and evening. It is also advisable to keep your frequently used toiletries in a small backpack for easy access.

Given the long journey, you can bring some snacks and fruit. Additionally, items such as earplugs, an eye mask, a power bank, and entertainment devices can help you pass the time.

Furthermore, please keep your passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and other important documents with you at all times. Train attendants may check these documents at any point during the journey.

How to Plan a Tibet Tour by Taking Train to Lhasa?

Usually, for the first-time tourist to Tibet, they choose a short 4-day Lhasa tour or a low altitude tour to test whether they can adapt to the altitude. When they come a second time, they can go to Mount Everest or Mount Kailash.

On the Qinghai-Tibet train, you have time to adapt to the altitude change and the risk of sickness will reduce. Like this, you can spend more time on visiting remote Tibet regions, and needn’t stay in Lhasa more days ahead. Your Tibet tour will be longer and richer.

Why Choose to Take the Tibet Train? Taking a Train to Lhasa VS Taking a Flight to Lhasa

The question of whether travelling to Tibet by train or by flight has always been the focus of discussion. Each has its own advantages. We suggest that you consider various factors, such as whether you have enough time or not, travel preference, economic situation and your own physical condition, and then to make a suitable choice for you.

By Flight: Convenient, Comfortable, and Time-Saving

The main Chinese cities have direct flights to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xian, Xining, Kunming, etc. Flights fly from all of these airports and there are several flights daily. It takes about 2-3 hours from one city to another. The flight service is also the first class.

By Train: Slow Journey, Oxygen-Supply, and Beautiful Scenery

There are many advantages for taking a train to Tibet. For example, there is a long transition time from low altitude to high altitude. During the slow journey on the Tibet train, you can adapt to the plateau climate and avoid the occurrence of mountain sickness. When the Tibet train arrives at Golmud (2,829m), the train conductor will turn on the oxygen supply system to distribute the disposable tube to each passenger. You will not need to worry about high altitude sickness. The train ticket price is affordable and the scenery along Qinghai-Tibet railway is very beautiful.

FAQs about Tibet Train Tours to Lhasa

(1) Can foreign travelers take the Tibet train to Lhasa independently?
You take the Tibet train to Lhasa on your own; however, you are still required to bring essential travel documents, such as the Tibet Travel Permit, to board the train. Furthermore, upon your arrival in Tibet, you will no longer be permitted to travel independently. Instead, you must participate in a Tibet tour package provided by the travel agency that arranged your travel permits.

(2) Which side of the train has the best views to Lhasa?
The scenery along the route constantly shifts as the train travels, but generally speaking, the views from the right side are more spectacular. Especially when the train departs from Xining, the right windows offer better glimpses of the Hoh Xil, snow-capped mountains, and various high-altitude lakes. Furthermore, as the train passes through the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the Tuotuo River, and the Qiangtang Grasslands, the vistas on the right-hand side are more expansive.

(3) How far in advance should I book my Tibet train tour?
Tibet train tickets go on sale 15 days before departure. However, tickets for popular routes and soft sleeper berths often sell out very quickly. So, train tickets to Lhasa are often in short supply during the peak season. For international travelers, booking a train ticket is not sufficient; you must also obtain a Tibet Travel Permit and other relevant travel documents. Therefore, it is advisable to book your Tibet train journey at least 30 days in advance.

(4) Are the Tibet Trains well-equipped?
Overall, the facilities on the Tibet train are quite comprehensive. All trains are equipped with comfortable sleeping berths and oxygen supply systems designed to cope with the high altitude. Additionally, the trains feature dining cars offering hot meals, beverages, and light snacks. The carriages provide hot water dispensers, wash areas, restrooms, and charging outlets, thereby meeting the necessities for a long-distance journey. However, it needs to be noted that showering is not possible on the train.

Conclusion

Taking a train to Lhasa offers a richer travel experience; therefore, it is highly recommended to book your tour in advance. The simplest way to plan a Tibet train tour to Lhasa is to travel with Tibet Horizon.