Lhasa Railway Station: Get Fully Prepared for Your Tibet Train Tour

It is convenient to get to Lhasa by Qinghai-Tibet train since Lhasa is the transportation hub in Tibet. And almost all tourists will get to Lhasa first because of its developed transportation facilities. In Lhasa, Lhasa Railway Station is the most important places that provide transportation service for tourists from major cities in the Chinese Mainland. This passage provides a detailed introduction to Lhasa Railway Station, covering its geographical location, facilities, trains to Tibet, and relevant travel tips.

Where Is Lhasa Railway Station Located?

Lhasa Railway Station is located at the south bank of the Lhasa River in Liuwu Village, Doilungdeqen County of Lhasa. It is about 10 km to downtown Lhasa. After crossing the Liuwu Bridge, tourists will know that they are about to arrive at Lhasa Railway Station and start their perfect Lhasa tour from there. Officially opened on July 1, 2006, it serves as the terminus of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Furthermore, it is the largest railway station in Tibet and one of the highest railway stations in the world, standing at an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters.

Facilities, Structure, and Services at Lhasa Train Station

The design of the Lhasa Train Station is inspired by the architecture of the Potala Palace, featuring a color palette of red, white, and yellow. The main structure features a sloping profile, with its front facing north. The station's name, “Lhasa Station,” is inscribed in gold lettering on the dome in both Chinese and Tibetan scripts.

The main station measures 340m in length and 60m in width, with a total floor area of approximately 23,600 square meters. It features a total of 10 tracks, two dedicated to freight transport and eight to passenger transport.

The main station building is divided into three levels: one underground and two above ground. The underground serves as the Arrivals for passengers. Upon arriving at the train station, take the escalator directly up to the ground-floor lobby to exit the station.

The ground floor houses the main station lobby. The ticketing office on the west side, in addition to train tickets, also sells airline tickets and long-distance bus tickets. An LED screen situated to the west of the ticketing office primarily displays detailed schedules and fare information for trains arriving at and departing from Lhasa Railway Station. The southeast side of the lobby features a general waiting area and waiting rooms.

Escalators connect the ground floor to the second floor on both sides of the lobby. The northeast side of the second floor features a variety of shops, including fast-food outlets, coffee shops, and souvenir stores. The south side has various specialized waiting rooms, including ordinary waiting rooms, maternal and infant waiting rooms, a soldier waiting room, a small soft-seat waiting room, and a medical room.

Popular Tibet Train Routes to Lhasa Railway Station

Lhasa Railway Station plays a pivotal role in your Tibet train tour, as all trains to Tibet from other cities across China ultimately arrive at this station. Currently, eight major cities are served by trains bound for Tibet. You can refer to the table below for specific details:

How to Get to Lhasa City from Lhasa Railway Station?

There are three main ways to get to the city center from Lhasa Railway Station.

Option 1: By Taxi, 20-30 Min, 30-40 RMB

Taxis are available outside the railway station, which will cost about 30-40 RMB to get to your hotel. However, during peak hours, you may need to wait in line. Additionally, fares tend to be higher during the late night and early morning hours.

Option 2: By Bus, 30-50 Min, 1 RMB

Bus lines like No.1, No.13, No.14, and No.30 will stop at Lhasa Railway Station and take tourists to downtown Lhasa easily. The ticket will cost only 1 RMB, making it the cheapest way to travel between the railway station from Lhasa city. However, it may be crowded and not a good choice for tourists with big luggage. Additionally, compared to taking a taxi, traveling by bus takes longer.

Option 3: By Tibet Horizon, 20-30 Min, Free

As a local Tibet travel agency, we are expected to welcome you at the Lhasa Railway Station and escort you to your hotel with a private car. As long as you can book a Tibet tour with us, we will help arrange everything that you need for your time in Tibet.

Notice: According to the regulations, foreign travelers are not permitted to travel independently within Tibet or take the local transportation alone; you must be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire Tibet journey. If you book our Tibet tour packages, you can enjoy complimentary transfer services.

Travel Tips When Taking Tibet Train to Lhasa Railway Station

1. Traveling by Tibet train from other cities to Lhasa Railway Station is a long journey, so we recommend that you choose a soft sleeper or hard sleeper rather than a hard seat.

2. If you feel unwell on the train, please inform the staff immediately. Medical personnel will provide timely and effective assistance.

3. After you arrive at Lhasa Railway Station, avoid strenuous exercise and sightseeing. It is best to go to your hotel and rest to allow your body to adapt to the high-altitude environment.

4. Upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, please refrain from loud noise, maintain order, promptly exit the station to find your guide, and do not linger.

5. Lhasa Railway Station is a dual-use military and civilian station, so please refrain from taking photos upon arrival.

6. Lhasa has a high altitude. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, you can drink plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables, and keep warm.

FAQs about Lhasa Railway Station

1. Do I need to show my Tibet Travel Permit when I arrive at Lhasa Railway Station?
Yes. The train staff will ask you to show this document when arrive at the station. And the Tibet Travel Permit may be checked at any time throughout your Tibet tour, so please keep it safe.

2. Where do I meet my guide when I arrive at Lhasa Railway Station?
According to regulations, guides are not allowed to enter the train station or platform; they must wait outside the station. After arriving at the exit, you will see the guide waiting for you in the designated area in front of the station, holding a sign with your name on it. If you cannot find him, you can contact your travel consultant, who will contact him.

3. Can I buy a train ticket directly at Lhasa Railway Station when leaving Tibet?
Yes, you can purchase train tickets at the Station. However, it is not recommended to wait until arrival to buy your ticket. Nowadays, most travelers prefer to book their Tibet train tickets in advance, as many tourists who were unable to secure an inbound train ticket will choose to take the train leaving Lhasa, which makes outbound tickets more competitive. Therefore, we suggest that you contact us in advance to reserve train tickets for your departure.

4. Can I take a high-speed train in Lhasa Railway Station?
Yes. There is one high-speed train, C881, running between Lhasa Railway Station and Nyingchi Railway Station every day. The Lhasa to Nyingchi Train is the first plateau electrified railroad in China, with a total length of 435.8 kilometers and a speed of 160 km/h. In addition, Lhasa Railway Station also has high-speed trains from Lhasa to Shigatse, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Conclusion

Lhasa Railway Station is a key transportation hub in Tibet and a key part of your Tibet tour experience. If you have any questions about the station or assistance, feel free to contact us anytime.