ContentLhasa to Chongqing Train Z224 departs every other day from Lhasa Railway Station at 19:00 and arrive in Chongqing West Railway Station at 06:19 on the third day. It takes you 35 hours and 19 minutes to travel along the 3055-kilometer-long railway. The Lhasa Chongqing train journey lets you immerse yourself in the vastness of China from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Sichuan Basin. This article will provide you with detailed information on the Lhasa to Chongqing train route, including train schedules, ticket prices, scenic views along the way, etc.
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Open Date: 2006
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Route: Z224
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Type: Z-series
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Departure Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (19:00)
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Arrival Station & Time: Chongqing Railway Station (06:19)
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Distance: 3,055 km (1,899 miles)
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Duration: 35 hrs 19 mins
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Frequency: Every other day
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $137), Hard Sleeper (from $86), Hard Seat (from
$42)
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Avg. Speed: 100-110 km/h (about 62-68 mph)
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Stops: Lhasa, Nagqu, Golmud, Delingha, Xining, Lanzhou, Guangyuan, Nanchong North, Chongqing West
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Highlights: Namtso Lake, Nagqu Glassland, Hoh Xil, Qinghai Lake
The train from Lhasa to Chongqing will pass through 1 autonomous region and 3 provinces, including 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, Nanchong North, and Chongqing West.
Lhasa to Chongqing train will pass through vast Tibetan Plateau, Gobi Desert, rolling grasslands and majestic mountains. Each stop show you different scenery. 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 | / | 0km |
| 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 | 1971km |
| 6 | Lanzhou | 1520m | Day 2 | 19:29 | 19:52 | 23min | 2187km |
| 7 | Guangyuan | 900m | Day 3 | 01:30 | 01:59 | 29min | 2696km |
| 8 | Nanchong North | 600m | Day 3 | 04:11 | 04:16 | 5min | 2884km |
| 9 | Chongqing West | 500m | Day 3 | 06:19 | / | / | 3055km |
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lhasa | 3650m | Day 1 | / | 19:00 | / | 0km |
| 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 | 1971km |
| 6 | Lanzhou | 1520m | Day 2 | 19:29 | 19:52 | 23min | 2187km |
| 7 | Guangyuan | 900m | Day 3 | 01:30 | 01:59 | 29min | 2696km |
| 8 | Nanchong North | 600m | Day 3 | 04:11 | 04:16 | 5min | 2884km |
| 9 | Chongqing West | 500m | Day 3 | 06:19 | / | / | 3055km |
The train from Lhasa to Chongqing offers three types of carriages: soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat. Each type of carriage caters to different comfort levels and budgets. Understanding the differences can help you choose the most suitable option for your travel preferences. Here's a breakdown of the ticket classes and costs for Lhasa to Chongqing train:
The soft sleeper class features private compartments. Each compartment has a door with 4 berths and offers a higher level of privacy and comfort, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a more comfortable and restful journey over the long trip. The cost for a soft sleeper ticket is $137 for the upper berth and $143 for the lower berth.
The hard sleeper class consists of open compartments. Each compartment has 6 berths, providing basic facilities. It's an ideal option for budget-conscious passengers who don't mind less privacy and are looking for an affordable way to travel. 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 class offers basic seating with minimal comfort, making it the most economical choice for passengers on a tight budget. It's best suited for those who prioritize affordability over comfort. The cost of a hard seat ticket is $42 per person.
If you're looking for a more comfortable and private experience, especially for the long journey, the soft sleeper class is your best choice. It offers enhanced amenities and a more relaxing atmosphere. However, if you're on a tight budget, the hard sleeper strikes a good balance between affordability and comfort. The hard seat is the cheapest option but may not be the most comfortable for the extended travel time. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of train tickets:
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa to Chongqing Train Z224 | ![]() |
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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 Chongqing Train Z224 | ![]() |
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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 Chongqing Train Ticket Price: The ticket prices provided above represent the base fares; the final booking cost will be higher due to the addition of a service fee. Given that the Lhasa to Chongqing train is one of the most sought-after routes to Tibet, we highly recommend booking your tickets well in advance to ensure availability and secure your preferred berth.
The direct train from Lhasa to Chongqing runs every other day (incidentally, the Chongqing train crosses with the Chengdu to Lhasa train), so you need to buy your ticket as soon as possible. Currently, you can book a Chongqing train ticket 15 days ahead.
There are three options for booking train tickets from Lhasa to Chongqing:
Option 1: Tickets can be purchased in person at any major railway station in large cities.
Option 2: You can book tickets directly through the official website-12306.cn.
Option 3: You can book with Tibet Horizon in advance. In addition to securing your train tickets, we offer
Chongqing Tibet tour packages, including local sightseeing and Tibet Travel Permit application service. Simply
contact us with your requirements, and we will manage all the arrangements for you.
If you buy Lhasa to Chongqing 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
重庆西站: Chongqing 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 Chongqing train provides you with a fascinating journey to appreciate the diverse scenery and enjoy rich cultural experience.
If you are in downtown Lhasa, you can take a taxi and arrive in about 15-20minutes, 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 Chinese visa are required to board the train from Lhasa to Chongqing.
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.
When you first board the train from Lhasa to Chongqing, the train will run along the Lhasa River, and you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of this important river in the Tibetan area. After the train leaves Lhasa, it will begin to cross the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the highest plateau in the world. Here you can see the shocking scenery like vast grasslands, stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, etc.
When passing by Namtso Lake, you will see the clear lake water and the surrounding snow-capped mountains reflecting on the lake surface. Then the train passes through Nagqu Grassland, where you can occasionally see herdsmen and their sheep.
The train will pass through Hoh Xil, where Tibetan antelopes wander on the grasslands. When arriving in Qinghai, the train will pass through the area near Qinghai Lake, China's largest saltwater lake.
As the train continues to travel through the plains and mountains of Gansu Province, you will gradually approach the Sichuan Basin. The desolate scenery of the plateau gradually transitions to the rich mountainous landscape of Sichuan. Finally, the train reaches Chongqing, ending this unforgettable trip.
Features:
Budget-friendly train trip
Popular tourist destinations
Ascend to the Roof of the World
Group size: Min.1 pax
Tour price: free enquire >
The dining carriage is usually located in the middle or rear of the train. When you are on the train, you can see a sign indicating the dining car or ask the conductor. It provides simple meals, boxed lunches, hot drinks, etc. Of course, you can also bring some of your favorite food and snacks, especially on this long journey.
It is safe to take Tibet train because each carriage is independent with a surveillance camera and the 24-hour police patrol, making the train ride safer.
Foreigners usually don't encounter serious language communication problems on the Lhasa to Chongqing train. But you can translate directly on your phone via text or voice. Make sure to install and familiarize yourself with these translating tools before you leave.
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.
Currently, Z224 is a fast direct train from Lhasa to Chongqing and its travel time is 35 hours and 19 minutes. Based on the existing railway network and train schedule, there is no train route from Lhasa to Chongqing that is shorter than Z224.
Although some trains may have slightly different travel speeds, the overall travel time is not much different due to the complex plateau railways and multiple stops involved. If you want to shorten your Tibet train tour, you can take the train from Lhasa to Xining to appreciate the essence of Qinghai-Tiber Railway and then fly from Xining to Chongqing within 2.5 hours.

Mr. Ken from UK, asked on May 17th, 2025
How wash if buy a hard seat ticket
If I buy a hard seat ticket from Lhasa to Chongqing, how should I wash?

Mr. Passang Norbu from Tibet Horizon, answered on May 17th, 2025
Dear Mr. Ken, thanks for your question.
First, we recommend that you bring portable toiletries such as wet wipes, mouthwash, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Secondly, you can get off the train at major stations along the way (such as Xining, Lanzhou, etc.) to use the public toilets and washing facilities at the station, but please pay attention to the length of stay at the station to ensure that you have enough time to wash. Finally, it must be mentioned that when you arrive in Lhasa, we recommend that you avoid taking a shower in the early stage to prevent altitude sickness. After adapting to the plateau environment in Lhasa, you can choose to take a shower in the hotel.
I hope you will have a wonderful journey when you come to Chongqing.
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Map
Lhasa to Chongqing Train Ticket