ContentTrain Z324 departing from Lhasa will take you to Chengdu, the hometown of pandas. After spending several days in Lhasa, you can jump on the train from Lhasa to Chengdu. It departs every other day from Lhasa Railway Station at 19:00. After 36hours and 3minutes on the approximately 3,016kilometer-long railway, this Lhasa to Chengdu train will arrive in Chengdu at 07:03 on the third day.
For tourists who plan to return to Chengdu via Lhasa, taking the train is a unique experience that allows you to feel the vastness and tranquility of the Tibetan Plateau. This article will provide you with detailed information on the Lhasa to Chengdu train route, including train timetables, ticket prices, facilities in different carriages, beautiful scenery along the way, and documents you need to prepare during the journey, etc., to help you fully prepare and enjoy this unforgettable journey.
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Open Date: 2006
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Route: Z324
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Type: Z-series
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Departure Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (19:00)
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Arrival Station & Time: Chengdu West Railway Station (07:03)
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Distance: 3,016 km (1,874 miles)
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Duration: 36 hrs 3 mins
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Frequency: Every other day
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $137), Hard Sleeper (from $86), Hard Seat (from
$42)
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Avg. Speed: 100-110 km/h (about 62-68 mph)
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Stops: Lhasa, Nagqu, Golmud, Delingha, Xining, Lanzhou, Guangyuan, Chengdu
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Highlights: Plateau Pasture, Qarhan Salt Lake, Qinghai Lake, Daba Mountains
Lhasa to Chengdu train Z324 departs from Lhasa Railway Station and will pass through 3 provinces and 1 autonomous region, including the Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, Gansu Province, and Sichuan Province. The train stops at several major stations in China, namely, Lhasa, Nagqu, Golmud, Delingha, Xining, Lanzhou, Guangyuan, and Chengdu.
The train route from Lhasa to Chengdu also passes through many magnificent natural attractions. Each stop will bring you different scenery and experiences. The train will cross the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Gobi, grasslands and mountains during the journey. Check the major railway stations and altitude changes in the following real-time train schedule.
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lhasa | 3650m | Day 1 | / | 19:00 | / | / |
| 2 | Nagqu | 4500m | Day 1 | 22:24 | 22:30 | 6min | 322km |
| 3 | Golmud | 2780m | Day 2 | 09:02 | 09:27 | 25min | 1142km |
| 4 | Delingha | 2982m | Day 2 | 11:38 | 11:44 | 6min | 1451km |
| 5 | Xining | 2200m | Day 2 | 16:23 | 16:43 | 20min | 1972km |
| 6 | Lanzhou | 1520m | Day 2 | 19:29 | 19:52 | 23min | 2188km |
| 7 | Guangyuan | 900m | Day 3 | 01:30 | 01:57 | 27min | 2697km |
| 8 | Chengdu West | 500m | Day 3 | 07:03 | / | / | 3016km |
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lhasa | 3650m | Day 1 | / | 19:00 | / | / |
| 2 | Nagqu | 4500m | Day 1 | 22:24 | 22:30 | 6min | 322km |
| 3 | Golmud | 2780m | Day 2 | 09:02 | 09:27 | 25min | 1142km |
| 4 | Delingha | 2982m | Day 2 | 11:38 | 11:44 | 6min | 1451km |
| 5 | Xining | 2200m | Day 2 | 16:23 | 16:43 | 20min | 1972km |
| 6 | Lanzhou | 1520m | Day 2 | 19:29 | 19:52 | 23 min | 2188 km |
| 7 | Guangyuan | 900m | Day 3 | 01:30 | 01:57 | 27min | 2697km |
| 8 | Chengdu West | 500m | Day 3 | 07:03 | / | / | 3016km |
There are three types of carriages on Lhasa to Chengdu train: soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat. Each type of carriage meets the needs of different travelers according to its comfort and service facilities. The ticket prices vary by different types of Tibet train carriages. You can choose the most suitable ticket according to your personal budget and comfort needs. Here's a breakdown of the ticket classes and approximate costs for the Lhasa to Chengdu train:
The soft sleeper is the most comfortable option on the Lhasa to Chengdu train, offering four bunks in a private compartment. It provides a high level of comfort with air conditioning, clean bedding, and a quiet environment, making it ideal for long journeys. The cost for a soft sleeper ticket is $137 for the upper berth and $143 for the lower berth.
The hard sleeper features six bunks in a shared compartment, offering less privacy compared to the soft sleeper but still providing a reasonably comfortable place to rest during the long journey. While it’s not as private or spacious, it remains a popular and affordable choice for travelers. The cost of a hard sleeper ticket is $86 for the upper berth, $89 for the middle berth, and $90 for the lower berth.
The hard seat is the most economical option on the Lhasa to Chengdu train, providing a regular seat in a shared coach. While it offers a basic level of comfort, it may be less suitable for long trips, especially those exceeding 30 hours, as it lacks the privacy of the sleeper options. The cost of a hard seat ticket is $42 per person.
If you're looking for the most comfort and privacy, the soft sleeper is the best option. It offers a quiet, private compartment with air conditioning and clean bedding, ideal for long trips, though it comes at a higher cost. On the other hand, if you're willing to trade some privacy for a more affordable ticket, the hard sleeper provides a comfortable sleeping arrangement in a shared compartment, making it a popular choice.
For those on a tight budget or if you don’t mind enduring a longer journey with less comfort, the hard seat is the most economical. However, it can be quite uncomfortable for such a long ride, especially if you're not accustomed to sitting for extended periods. If you prefer a more restful experience without breaking the bank, the hard sleeper is likely the best compromise.
Choosing the right train ticket from Lhasa to Chengdu depends on your budget, comfort preferences, and how much time you're willing to spend on the journey.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of tickets:
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa to Chengdu Train Z324 | ![]() |
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| Comfort Level | ★★★★☆ (High) | ★★★☆☆ (Medium) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Low) |
| Berths per Compartment | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 6 (2 upper, 2 middle, 2 lower) | No berths (seats only) |
| Privacy | More (with door) | Less (no door) | None |
| Bed Softness | Softer mattress | Firmer mattress | No bed |
| Space | More spacious | Less spacious | Very cramped |
| Noise Level | Lower | Higher | Very high |
| Cost | Most expensive Upper Berth: $137, Lower Berth: $143 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $86, Middle Berth: $89, Lower Berth: $90 |
Cheapest Hard Seat: $42 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa to Chengdu Train Z324 | ![]() |
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| Comfort Level | ★★★★☆ (High) | ★★★☆☆ (Medium) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Low) |
| Berths per Compartment | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 6 (2 upper, 2 middle, 2 lower) | No berths (seats only) |
| Privacy | More (with door) | Less (no door) | None |
| Bed Softness | Softer mattress | Firmer mattress | No bed |
| Space | More spacious | Less spacious | Very cramped |
| Noise Level | Lower | Higher | Very high |
| Cost | Most expensive Upper Berth: $137, Lower Berth: $143 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $86, Middle Berth: $89, Lower Berth: $90 |
Cheapest Hard Seat: $42 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
About Lhasa to Chengdu Train Ticket Price: The ticket prices listed above are the base fares, and the actual booking price will be higher due to the inclusion of a service fee. Since the Lhasa to Chengdu train is one of the most popular routes to Tibet, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to secure your spot.
The direct train from Lhasa to Chengdu only runs every other day, so you need to buy your ticket as soon as possible. Currently, you can book your train ticket 15 days ahead.
You have three options for booking train tickets from Lhasa to Chengdu:
Option 1: You can visit a major railway station in any big city to purchase the tickets in person.
Option 2: You can book the tickets yourself through the official website, 12306.cn.
Option 3: You can book with Tibet Horizon in advance. We will not only secure your train ticket but also offer
Chengdu Tibet tour packages, including local sightseeing routes and Tibet Travel Permit application service. Just reach out to us
with your needs, and we will take care of everything for you.
If you buy Lhasa to Chengdu train ticket at the railway station or 12306.cn, you can collect your ticket at the station's window or self-service ticket machine with your passport and Chinese Visa.
If you book your train ticket through us, we will provide either an electronic ticket or a paper ticket. All you need to do is bring your passport, Chinese Visa, and train ticket to enter the station and board the train.
拉萨站: Lhasa Railway Station
成都西站: Chengdu West Railway Station
xx年xx月xx日xx开: xx Year xx Month xx Date xx Departing
xx车xx号上/中/下铺: xx Carriage xx Upper/Middle/Lower Berth
新空调软卧/硬卧/硬座: Soft Sleeper/Hard Sleeper/Hard Seat
Lhasa to Chengdu train takes you through a rich variety of landscapes and cultural experiences, embarking on a fascinating journey.
If you are in downtown Lhasa, you can take a taxi and arrive in about 15-20 minutes, and the fare is about RMB 20-40. In addition, there are buses from the city to the railway station, and the tickets are usually very cheap, about RMB 2-3.
If traveling with Tibet Horizon, our guide and driver will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station.
A valid passport and a Chinese Visa are needed to board a Lhasa to Chengdu train.
1) Get your train ticket first and then pass the security check into the waiting hall of the train station;
2) Pass the ticket checkpoint;
3) Find your train carriage according to your train ticket and the LED screen shows;
4) Board the train and pass the ticket check again;
5) Find your berth according to your train ticket;
6) Change your train ticket paper to a berth card. Train boarding ends.
Riding along Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Lhasa to Chengdu train journey offers one of the most scenic and unique travel experiences in the world. As you pass through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, you'll witness stunning landscapes, including vast stretches of grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and high-altitude lakes like Cuoka and Namtso. As you approach Chengdu, the scenery gradually changes, transitioning from the rugged Tibetan Plateau to the verdant Sichuan Basin. The contrast between the barren highlands of Tibet and the fertile plain of Chengdu is striking, offering a dynamic visual feast.
Features:
Eastern Himalaya discovery
From basin to plateau
Snowy mountains and ancient glaciers
Group size: Min.1 pax
Tour price: free enquire >
Features:
Sky Train to the Roof of the World
Diverse Chinese cultures encounter
Breathtaking Scenery of the Himalayan Mountains
Group size: Min.1 pax
Tour price: free enquire >
Some simple meals, such as boxed lunches and snacks, are provided on the Lhasa to Chengdu train. Of course, you can also bring some of your favorite food and snacks, especially on this long journey.
Trains from Lhasa to Chengdu usually do not have shower facilities, so passengers can only use the restroom in the carriage. During long journeys, it is recommended to bring wet wipes, disinfectant and other cleaning supplies.
Yes, the train is air-conditioned to ensure a comfortable temperature throughout the journey.
If you miss your train, you can go to the ticket window at the train station to ask if you can change your ticket or get a refund. But you need to pay a certain handling fee. It is recommended to plan your time to avoid missing it.
There is a direct train from Lhasa to Chengdu every other day, which takes 36 hours and 3 minutes.
If you want to save time, you can board Tibet train from Lhasa to Xining (20hrs 51min) and then take the high-speed train or flight back to Chengdu, which will greatly shorten your travel time and experience the essence of Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Miss. John from Holland, asked on May 11st, 2025
Lhasa to Chengdu train altitude sickness
Will there be altitude sickness when returning to Lhasa from Chengdu?

Mr. Tenzin Jamphel from Tibet Horizon, answered on May 11st, 2025
Dear Mr. John, thanks for your question.
Although the train journey from Lhasa to Chengdu gradually decreases in altitude, some passengers may still experience mild altitude sickness, especially if they are new to Lhasa or have slow acclimatization, as they still pass through some higher altitude areas along the way, such as Golmud and Xining. Nevertheless, altitude sickness on the return journey is generally milder because the final destination, Chengdu, is located at a lower altitude. To relieve discomfort, it is recommended to stay hydrated, rest, and carry medications to acclimatize to the plateau environment, such as Rhodiola rosea.
I hope you will have a wonderful journey when you come to Lhasa.
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Map
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Ticket