Lhasa to Xining Train

Taking the Lhasa to Xining train is a good way to take in the essence of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in the shortest travel time, and obtain the ticket at the lowest cost. 8 trains depart from Lhasa to Xining, namely, Z8982, Y972, Z166, Z266, Z22, Z8992, Z224, and Z324. It takes about 20 to 22 hours to travel along this 1,956 kilometers railway. This article will provide you with detailed information on the Lhasa to Xining train route, including train schedules, ticket prices, scenery along the way, etc.

Basic Facts about Lhasa to Xining Train

Lhasa to Xining Train Open Date: 2006
Lhasa to Xining Train Route: Z8982 / Y972 / Z166 / Z266 / Z22 / Z8992 / Z224 / Z324
Lhasa to Xining Train Type: Y-series & Z-series
Lhasa to Xining Train Departure Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (09:25 / 10:40 / 11:50 / 12:35 / 15:50 / 17:30 / 19:00)
Lhasa to Xining Train Arrival Station & Time: Xining Railway Station (06:07 / 07:40 / 09:07 / 10:11 / 13:07 / 15:15 / 16:23)
Lhasa to Xining Train Distance: 1,956 kilometers (1,215 miles)
Lhasa to Xining Train Duration: 20 hrs 42mins for Z8982 / 21hrs for Y972 / 21hrs 17mins for Z166 / 21hrs 36mins for Z266 / 21hrs 17mins for Z22 / 21hrs 45mins for Z8992 / 21 hrs 23mins for Z224 and Z324
Lhasa to Xining Train Frequency: Daily
Lhasa to Xining Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $108), Hard Sleeper (from $69), Hard Seat ($31)
Lhasa to Xining Train Avg. Speed: About 95km/h
Lhasa to Xining Train Stops: Lhasa, Nagqu, Amdo, Tuotuo River, Budongquan, Golmud, Delingha, Xining
Lhasa to Xining Train Highlights: Lhasa River, Yangbajing, Tanggula Mountains, Hoh Xil, Tuotuo River, Yuzhu Peak

Lhasa to Xining Train Route Map

During the 20 to 22 hours journey, the train passes through the Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, stopping in several railway stations, such as Lhasa, Nagqu, Amdo, Tuotuo River, Budongquan, Golmud, Delingha, and Xining. Check out the map below to get a panoramic view of the Lhasa to Xining railway line.

Lhasa to Xining Train Map

Lhasa to Xining Train Schedule: Station, Altitude, Time, and Distance

Covering a total distance of 1,956 kilometers, six trains (Z8982, Y972, Z166, Z266, Z22, and Z8992) run daily from Lhasa to Xining and two trains (Z224 and Z324) depart every other day.

Although traveling along the same rail, you will see the different highlights due to the departure times. It is up to you to choose which train to take. After understanding your needs, you can communicate with your Tibet travel consultant in details. Please check the real-time train schedule below to see the main train stations and altitude changes along the way.

Lhasa to Xining Train Z8982

Lhasa to Xining Train Y972

Lhasa to Xining Train Z166

Lhasa to Xining Train Z266

Lhasa to Xining Train Z22

Lhasa to Xining Train Z8992

Lhasa to Xining Train Z224 and Z324

Lhasa to Xining Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, Hard Seat, and Ticket Price

Similar to the Xining to Lhasa train, the outbound train also offers three classes: soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat. Each type has a different level of comfort and amenities. Here we’ll detail on the features and prices of each class to help you choose the best option.

1. Lhasa to Xining Train Soft Sleeper

The Lhasa to Xining train has 2 soft sleeper carriages and each compartment has 4 berths (2 upper berths and 2 lower berths). It’s convenient for you to store your belongings under the lower berth or next to the upper berth. With a lockable door and spacious space, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey on the train. The ticket price for the upper berth of the soft sleeper is￥781 ($108), and the ticket price for the lower berth is ￥808 ($112).

2. Lhasa to Xining Train Hard Sleeper

A typical sleeper compartment contains 6 berths (2 upper berths, 2 middle berths and 2 lower berths). Due to the narrow space and door lack, you have less privacy and may be disturbed by passengers walking in the aisle. Specifically, the upper berth ticket price is ￥495 ($69), the middle berth ticket price is ￥507 ($70), and the lower berth ticket price is ￥521 ($72).

3. Lhasa to Xining Train Hard Seat

The Lhasa to Xining train has 3 hard seat carriages. Hard seats are the least comfortable because you can only sit upright on non-adjustable seats. The hard seats are the cheapest at only ￥224 ($31).

4. Which kind of train ticket should I choose?

If you are looking for a more comfortable and private experience, a soft sleeper is your best choice. It offers better facilities and a more relaxing atmosphere. However, if you are on a budget, a hard sleeper offers a good balance between affordability and comfort. A hard seat is the cheapest option, but may not be suitable for long-distance travel. The following table summarizes the different characteristics of the three carriages:

Feature	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
Lhasa to Xinig Train Z8982/Y972/Z8992
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: $108, Lower Berth: $112	Moderate Upper Berth: $69, Middle Berth: $70, Lower Berth: $72	Cheapest Hard Seat: $31
Best for	Comfortable travel	Budget travelers	Short trips or low-budget travelers

Feature	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
Lhasa to Xinig Train Z8982/Y972/Z89926
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: $108, Lower Berth: $112	Moderate Upper Berth: $69, Middle Berth: $70, Lower Berth: $72	Cheapest Hard Seat: $31
Best for	Comfortable travel	Budget travelers	Short trips or low-budget travelers

About Lhasa to Xining Train Ticket Price: The ticket prices above are the net price. Actually, an additional service fee is charged since the demand for Tibet train ticket far exceeds the supply. Once entrusted, we will manage to secure the ticket and ensure a seamless train journey for you.

Lhasa to Xining Train Ticket

Booking outbound tickets from Lhasa to Xining is much easier than booking inbound tickets. So, if you want to experience the wonder of engineering but haven’t secured an inbound ticket, the outbound train ticket is a good choice. The following questions might help you.

1. How to book Lhasa to Xining train ticket?

There are three main ways to book train tickets from Lhasa to Xining:

Option 1: You can buy tickets on-site at major train stations in large cities.
Option 2: You can book tickets directly through the official website-12306.cn.
Option 3: You can book through Tibet Horizon in advance. In addition to booking train tickets, we also provide Xining Tibet tour packages, including local sightseeing and Tibet Travel Permit application services. Just contact us and let us know your needs, and we will try our best to arrange everything for you.

2. Where and how to get Lhasa to Xining train ticket?

If you buy a Lhasa to Xining train ticket at the train station or 12306.cn, you can pick up the ticket at the station window or self-service ticket machine with your passport and Chinese Visa.

If you book a train ticket through us, we will provide an electronic ticket or a paper ticket. You only need to bring your passport, Chinese visa and train ticket to enter the station and board the train.

3. How to read Lhasa to Xining train ticket?

拉萨站: Lhasa Railway Station
西宁站: Xining 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 Xining Train Ticket

Lhasa to Xining Train Trip

Do you have any other questions about Lhasa to Xining train travel? Keep reading, the following section will answer most of your questions.

1. How to get to Lhasa Railway Station?

It costs you￥20-40 to get to Lhasa Railway Station from downtown by taxi, and￥2-3 by bus. But foreigners cannot travel alone in Tibet. No worries. If you choose to travel with Tibet Horizon, our guide and driver will accompany you to the station.

2. What travel documents do l need for Lhasa to Xining train?

A valid passport and Chinese Visa are required to board the train from Lhasa to Xining.

3. How to board the train from Lhasa to Xining?

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.

4. What to see on Lhasa to Xining train journey?

Shortly after leaving Lhasa, the train will cross the Lhasa River Bridge. From the bridge, you can overlook the winding scenery of the Lhasa River. Then you will see the distant snow-capped mountains - the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, where snow is accumulated all year round. There is a train memorial platform for you to stop and enjoy the view. The train will continue to travel east, passing the Tuotuo River Station and crossing the Tuotuo River Bridge, where you can experience the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River's source. The train then crosses the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, a plateau uninhabited area between Kunlun and Tanggula. You will see the desert landforms and wild animals like Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks outside the window. After entering Golmud, you will see the majestic Yuzhu Peak and its sister peak Yuxu Peak. Finally, the train arrives at Xining Railway Station, which means that this journey is officially over.

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5. What are the facilities on the Lhasa to Xining train?

Like other Qinghai-Tibet trains, you can buy boxed meals or order in the dining car, where professional chefs cook traditional dishes for you. There is a water heater on the train, providing hot water for you to make tea, coffee or instant noodles. And the train is also equipped with Chinese and Western toilets and shared wash basins. The train does not provide toiletries and paper towels, please bring enough by your own.

6. How to get to Xining City from Xining Train Station?

Actually, it is very convenient to get to the city from Xining Railway Station. After exiting the station, you can take bus No. 1/No. 9/No. 31 or taxi to the city center in 20-30 minutes.

7. Which train route shall I choose?

For the shortest train travel time, you can choose Z8982, which costs 20 hours 42 minutes and is 1-2 hours faster than other trains. For fewer stops, you can choose Y972 and Z266, which have only two stops en route.

8. How to get to my nest destination after Lhasa to Xining train trip?

Getting off the train, you can continue going to major Chinese cities by rail or travel from Xining Railway Station to Xining Caojiabao International Airport for flight to your next destination.