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ContentThe Nanjing to Lhasa train is one of the most popular routes to Tibet, offering a comfortable and scenic journey across China to the Tibetan Plateau. This guide covers everything you need to know, including train tickets, timetables, route details, and practical travel tips to help you plan your Tibet train tour from Nanjing.
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Open Date: 2016
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Route: Z164
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Type: Z-series
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Departure Station & Time: Nanjing Railway Station (21:19)
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Arrival Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (15:30)
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Distance: 4,071 kilometers (2,530miles)
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Duration: 42hrs 11mins
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Frequency: Daily
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $174), Hard Sleeper (from $110), Hard Seat ($56)
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Avg. Speed: 92km/h
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Stops: Nanjing, Bengbu, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi'an, Xianyang, Baoji, Lanzhou,
Xining, Golmud, Amdo, Nagqu, Lhasa
Nanjing to Lhasa Train Highlights: Qinghai Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Nyainqentanglha Mountain, Yangbajing, Lhasa River
From Nanjing Railway Station, the route will pass through Jiangsu Province, Anhui Province, Henan Province, Shaanxi Province, Gansu Province, and Qinghai Province. It stops at several major stations across China, including Nanjing, Bengbu, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi'an, Xianyang, Baoji, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmud, Amdo, and Nagqu, and finally arrives in Lhasa.
The Nanjing to Lhasa train covers a distance of 4,071 kilometers and takes around 42hours and 11 minutes. It departs from Nanjing and makes stops at key stations like Xuzhou, Lanzhou, Xining, and Golmud, before reaching the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. As the train progresses, you'll experience a transition from the eastern plains to the vast and stunning scenery of Tibet, with Lhasa being reached on the third day, around 3:30 pm.
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nanjing | 5m | Day 1 | / | 21:19 | / | 0km |
| 2 | Bengbu | 25m | Day 1 | 22:52 | 22:56 | 4min | 184km |
| 3 | Xuzhou | 36m | Day 2 | 00:18 | 00:25 | 7min | 348km |
| 4 | Zhengzhou | 108m | Day 2 | 03:14 | 03:20 | 6min | 697km |
| 5 | Luoyang | 147m | Day 2 | 04:47 | 04:52 | 5min | 821km |
| 6 | Xi'an | 385m | Day 2 | 09:19 | 09:27 | 8min | 1208km |
| 7 | Xianyang | 366m | Day 2 | 09:42 | 09:44 | 2min | 1231km |
| 8 | Baoji | 618m | Day 2 | 11:00 | 11:08 | 8min | 1381km |
| 9 | Lanzhou | 1520m | Day 2 | 16:16 | 16:36 | 20min | 1884km |
| 10 | Xining | 2200m | Day 2 | 19:08 | 19:28 | 20min | 2100km |
| 11 | Golmud | 2780m | Day 3 | 01:31 | 01:56 | 25min | 2929km |
| 12 | Amdo | 4800m | Day 3 | 10:42 | 10:44 | 2min | 3623km |
| 13 | Nagqu | 4500m | Day 3 | 12:02 | 12:08 | 6min | 3749km |
| 14 | Lhasa | 3650m | Day 3 | 15:30 | / | / | 4071km |
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nanjing | 5m | Day 1 | / | 21:19 | / | 0km |
| 2 | Bengbu | 25m | Day 1 | 22:52 | 22:56 | 4min | 184km |
| 3 | Xuzhou | 36m | Day 2 | 00:18 | 00:25 | 7min | 348km |
| 4 | Zhengzhou | 108m | Day 2 | 03:14 | 03:20 | 6min | 697km |
| 5 | Luoyang | 147m | Day 2 | 04:47 | 04:52 | 5min | 821km |
| 6 | Xi'an | 385m | Day 2 | 09:19 | 09:27 | 8min | 1208km |
| 7 | Xianyang | 366m | Day 2 | 09:42 | 09:44 | 2min | 1231km |
| 8 | Baoji | 618m | Day 2 | 11:00 | 11:08 | 8min | 1381km |
| 9 | Lanzhou | 1520m | Day 2 | 16:16 | 16:36 | 20min | 1884km |
| 10 | Xining | 2200m | Day 2 | 19:08 | 19:28 | 20min | 2100km |
| 11 | Golmud | 2780m | Day 3 | 01:31 | 01:56 | 25min | 2929km |
| 12 | Amdo | 4800m | Day 3 | 10:42 | 10:44 | 2min | 3623km |
| 13 | Nagqu | 4500m | Day 3 | 12:02 | 12:08 | 6min | 3749km |
| 14 | Lhasa | 3650m | Day 3 | 15:30 | / | / | 4071km |
When traveling from Nanjing to Lhasa by train, there are several types of tickets available, each offering different levels of comfort and pricing. Below is a breakdown of the various ticket classes, including features and prices, to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
Price: From $174
The soft sleeper is the most comfortable and private option for long-distance travel on the Nanjing to Lhasa
route. It features four-bed compartments that offer privacy, clean bedding (sheets, pillow, blanket), and air
conditioning, ensuring a restful journey.
Price: From $110
The hard sleeper is a more budget-friendly option but still provides comfortable sleeping arrangements. There are
six beds in each open compartment, offering less privacy compared to the soft sleeper, but still a reasonable
level of comfort with bedding provided. The hard sleeper is a popular choice if you want to rest during the
journey without paying for the more expensive soft sleeper.
Price: $56
The Hard Seat is the most economical option, providing a basic seat without any sleeping accommodations. While
it's the least comfortable choice, it's also the cheapest, with the least privacy and space.
If comfort and privacy are your top priorities, then the soft sleeper is the best choice, which provides a peaceful environment and private space. If you're looking for a more cost-effective yet still comfortable option, the hard sleeper would be a great choice.
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanjing to Lhasa Train Z164 |  |
 |
 |
| Comfort Level | ★★★★☆ (High) | ★★★☆☆ (Medium) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Low) |
| Berths per Cabin | 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: $174, Lower Berth: $178 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $110, Middle Berth: $112 Lower Berth: $114 |
Cheapest Hard Seat $56 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanjing to Lhasa Train Z164 | |
|
|
| Comfort Level | ★★★★☆ (High) | ★★★☆☆ (Medium) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Low) |
| Berths per Cabin | 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: $174, Lower Berth: $178 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $110, Middle Berth: $112 Lower Berth: $114 |
Cheapest Hard Seat $56 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
Train tickets from Nanjing to Lhasa can be purchased up to 15 days in advance. It is highly recommended to book your tickets as early as possible, especially during the peak travel season from April to October, when tickets tend to sell out quickly.
You can book your Nanjing to Lhasa train ticket through the official China Railway website or app (12306.cn). Of course, you will need to create an account, input your passport details, and book tickets well in advance due to high demand, especially during peak seasons.
Booking through third-party platforms like Trip.com is a convenient option. These websites are available in multiple languages, making it easier for international travelers. You can check schedules, book tickets, and get customer support in English, offering a more user-friendly experience than the official website.
The most convenient way to book a ticket is through a travel agency like Tibet Horizon. We specialize in Tibet tours and can handle everything, including tickets, hotel bookings, and necessary permits.
If you booked through the official website or app, you'll receive an e-ticket. Just bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to the station, and you can board with the e-ticket directly.
For tickets bought through third-party platforms, you'll likely get an e-ticket as well. You can either show it on your phone or print it out. Be sure to bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit when boarding.
If you booked through a travel agency like Tibet Horizon, your ticket will be mailed to your hotel. Once you receive it, confirm all details and take your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit to the station.
南京站: Nanjing Railway Station
拉萨站: Lhasa 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
If you're carrying heavy luggage or are unfamiliar with the route, taking a taxi can bring you directly to the entrance of Nanjing Railway Station. However, traffic congestion is common during peak hours. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 3, which takes you straight to the station—and you won’t have to worry about traffic jams.
If you plan to take the train from Nanjing to Lhasa, you need to carry your passport, visa, and train ticket. In addition, all foreign travelers are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit in advance through an authorized travel agency. This permit will be checked during the whole Tibet train trip, so keep a printed copy with you at all times.
1) Bring your passport, visa, ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit.
2) Arrive at the station 1.5-2 hours early.
3) Pass security and show your documents.
4) Check the board and go to your waiting room.
5) Board when called and find your seat.
6) Keep your passport and permit handy during the trip.
The best time to take the train from Nanjing to Tibet is from April to October. During these months, the weather in Tibet is relatively mild, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and good oxygen levels—ideal conditions for long train journeys and high-altitude travel. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views from the train, including snow-capped mountains, endless grasslands, lakes like Qinghai Lake, and even herds of yaks grazing on the Tibetan Plateau.
Taking the train from Nanjing to Lhasa is an unforgettable journey across China's stunning and diverse landscapes. The trip begins in the bustling east, passing through the flat farmlands of central China and into the dramatic Qinling Mountains near Xi'an. As the train moves west, the scenery shifts to the arid Loess Plateau and the wide-open spaces of Gansu.
Once in Qinghai, the elevation rises, and the landscape opens up to the vast Tibetan Plateau. Highlights include views of Qinghai Lake, endless grasslands, and herds of yaks. The real show begins on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, where you'll pass through the remote Hoh Xil Reserve, cross the Tanggula Pass—the highest railway point in the world—and witness snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and wide alpine plains.
As you approach Lhasa, the land becomes greener, dotted with prayer flags, Tibetan villages, and distant temples. It's a breathtaking route that blends natural beauty with cultural depth.
The train from Nanjing to Lhasa is well-equipped for a long and comfortable journey. There are soft sleeper and hard sleeper cabins, allowing you to rest comfortably during the trip. Each carriage has clean restrooms, hot water dispensers for tea or instant noodles, and luggage racks for your bags.
A dining car is available with basic Chinese meals and drinks. You'll also find some power outlets to charge phones, though they may be limited. As the train enters high-altitude areas, the distribution-mode oxygen system and the distribution-mode oxygen system help you prevent altitude sickness. The windows are large, offering great views of the mountains, grasslands, and rivers along the way. Train staff are also trained to help with basic medical needs if anyone feels unwell.
If you travel with Tibet Horizon, our experienced local driver will meet you directly at Lhasa Railway Station upon your arrival. From there, you'll be safely and comfortably transferred to your pre-booked hotel in the city.
If taking the train all the way to Lhasa is too time-consuming, you can choose to fly directly from Nanjing Lukou Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the scenic views along the way but still save some time, consider flying from Nanjing to Xining, and then taking the train to Lhasa. This way, you can experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway while shortening your overall travel time.
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