Luggage Allowance and Depository on Tibet Trains: Regulations, Checking, and Packing Tips

Many tourists will choose to take a train to get to Tibet. It is for sure that your Tibet tour will be an unparalleled experience in your entire life if you travel to Tibet by taking the Qinghai-Tibet Train. In order to have a comfortable tour to Tibet, tourists need to take many necessary things to prepare for the high-altitude area. Thus, tourists need to be clear about the luggage allowance and depository for Tibet trains to make sure that they don’t encounter any troubles when they are boarding the trains. So, Tibet Tourism prepares detailed instructions for tourists to check.

Luggage Regulations on Tibet Trains

According to the China Rail Safety Management Regulations, the weight and volume of Free Luggage are as follows: 10kg for children (including children of free admission), 35kg for diplomats and 20kg for regular passengers. The total length, width and height of each piece of luggage cannot exceed 160cm. The length of rod-shaped items should be shorter than 200cm. Besides, disabled tourists can take a folding wheelchair for free, which will not be included in the luggage allowance.

Limited Items on Tibet Trains

1) Less than 2 regular gas lighters.
2) Less than 2 matchboxes.
3) Less than 20ml for articles like nail polish, delusterant, and hair dyes.
4) Less than 120ml for self-injection pressure vessels like hair spray, styling mousse, insecticide, and air freshener.
5) Less than 6 bottles of alcohol that are sealed. Each bottle should be less than 500ml and the alcohol concentration should be lower than 50%.
6) Less than 6 sealed bottles of alcohol with more than 50% alcohol concentration.
7) Less than 27,000 mA capacity and clearly labeled power bank.
8) For those interested in a Tibet cycling tour, you can bring your folding bikes onboard. And non-folding bikes are not allowed on the train.
9) You can carry some light-smelling food onboard. And the strong-flavored food are not suggested for the odors will linger in a closed space and affect others.
10) For those taking some local specialty like canned barley wine and Tibetan beef back home, you can bring a maximum of six bottles and vacuum-sealed yak meat onboard.

Prohibited Items on Tibet Trains

1) Guns, bullets and other main parts of a gun. And any other samples and imitations of any guns.
2) Any explosive items and the imitations of those items.
3) Daggeres, flick knives, Tibetan knives, and other knives are restricted by the government. Imitations of those knives are also prohibited.
4) Flammable and combustible items such as hydrogen, methane, gas, etc.
5) Articles that are highly toxic, corrosive, radioactive, infectious and dangerous articles, such as cyanide, sulfuric acid, HBV and other dangerous articles that cannot be identified.
6) Articles that may impede the safety of the trains and public health.

Luggage Checking for Tibet Trains

Passengers can check in their luggage for once with one valid ticket, including the bedclothes, clothes, books, wheelchairs for the disabled and other necessary articles for Tibet travel. Wheelchairs for the disabled are not limited.

The weight of luggage that will be checked in should not exceed 50kg. Luggage that is larger than the luggage cart will not be accepted. Passengers should show the transport certificate issued by the competent authority when checking in if there are any articles that are limited in transport by the Chinese government. Please make sure that your luggage does not include articles like money, securities, precious cultural relics, gold, silver, jewelry, archival materials and articles or dangerous articles that are prohibited or limited by the Chinese government.

Convenient Luggage Check-in Service at Depature Station

If you have large luggage or a lot of items that are not convenient to carry onboard, we recommend that you choose the luggage check-in service. This service is suitable for large items that exceed the free carry-on allowance, mountaineering equipment, or infrequently used items. You can complete the procedures at the luggage check-in counter of your departure station, and the railway department will handle the luggage transport, making it convenient and hassle-free.

Please be sure to bring important belongings with you. Luggage check-in must be done in advance. We recommend visiting the station one day before departure to inquire about the specific procedures, schedule, and fees to avoid delays.

Luggage Depository on Tibet Train

Luggage Depository in Tibet Train Soft Sleeper Compartment

The soft sleeper compartment is comparatively larger than other compartments and there are more places for you to deposit your luggage. You can put your luggage in the luggage closet above the door in each soft sleeper compartment, or on the luggage rack above the window by the aisle side. And there is also a place for luggage to be deposited under the lower bunks. Please put your luggage under the lower bunks to prevent falling if your luggage is large. You should keep those personal items, identity documents, train tickets, and valuable personal belongings with you.

Luggage Depository in Tibet Train Hard Sleeper Compartment

If you are going to stay in the hard sleeper compartment, you will share the space with other 5 people. Thus, the space for luggage storage will be limited. You only have two places to deposit your luggage. You can put your luggage on the luggage rack above the window by the aisle side or put them under the lower bunks. Large or heavy suitcases are not recommended to be put on the luggage rack above the window as well. It is best to keep your personal items, identity documents, train tickets, and valuable articles in a carry-on bag.

Luggage Depository in Tibet Train Hard Seat Carriage

The hard seat carriage is the cheapest one on Tibet trains. But the space is very crowded, which will be very tired and uncomfortable for you to travel. The only place that is designed for you to put your luggage is the luggage racks above the windows on both sides of the carriages. However, you can also put the small luggage under your seat. But the space may be not enough to put suitcases because of the oxygen outlets. So, for long-distance travel, such as Tibet train tours, we do not recommend you to try hard seat. So, as a reliable Tibet Tour Agency, we will try our best to make sure that you can purchase the tickets for sleeper compartments.

Luggage Packing Tips for Tibet Train Travel

When traveling to Tibet by train, it is recommended to prepare a small backpack for carrying valuables with you such as your passport, Tibet Travel Peimit, and cash. Be sure to bring chargers for your phone and camera, as charging outlets are limited on Tibet train. Use a luggage lock to ensure the safety of your belongings.

Conclusion

When planning your Tibet train tour, it's crucial to understand and adhere to luggage regulations. Please be sure to avoid carrying items prohibited on trains, such as flammable and explosive goods, sharp tools, etc. Properly arranging the size and weight of your luggage will not only help you board Tibet train smoothly, but also avoid unnecessary troubles during your trip.