Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. How to book Tibet train tickets?

  Book Tibet train ticket at 12306 online
  You can book a Tibet train ticket on China Railway’s official website https://www.12306.cn/ or its app “Railway 12306”. However, if you want to book online, you need to complete a quite complicated process of registration, identity verification, passport information upload, and payment, which may be troublesome.
  Tibet Horizon help you book train ticket to Tibet
  The most convenient and worry-free way to get your ticket is to book online with us. Specializing in Tibet tourism, our agency, Tibet Horizon, can help you book the train ticket and arrange a smooth and wonderful Tibet train trip for you.

• 2. How Far in advance to book Tibet train tickets?

  Typically, train tickets to Tibet can be booked up to 15 days in advance. Since Tibet train tickets are in high demand, it is recommended to book as early as possible to ensure you can purchase the tickets you need. If you plan to travel during the peak tourism season in Tibet, it is advisable to book with a Tibet travel agency like Tibet Horizon at least 20 days in advance and send all the necessary documents to us, so that we can help you purchase your Tibet train tickets. This will ensure a smoother Tibet train journey and avoid the risk of not being able to travel due to ticket shortages during peak periods.

• 3. Which seat class should I choose?

  Tibet Train offers three classes of seats, respectively hard seats, hard sleepers and soft sleepers. The price for a hard seat is the cheapest. However, since it is quite a long journey to Tibet by train, it is not suggested to take a hard seat. Most travelers choose a sleeper. In each hard sleeper compartment, there are 2 upper berths, 2 middle berths, and 2 lower berths. Each berth offers a comfortable stay for a night. However, there’s no lockable door. For tourists who attach great importance on privacy and personal space, a soft sleeper is your choice. In each soft sleeper compartment, there are only four berths with a lockable door.

• 4. How to get to Shanghai Railway Station?

  Shanghai Railway Station, also a central transportation hub in Shanghai, is well-connected to the city and its surrounding areas.
  From Downtown to Shanghai Railway Station
  By Taxi/Car-hailing: The taxi or car-hailing fare is distance-based, and it's a convenient way to reach the railway station.
  By Subway: Line 1, Line 3, and Line 4 all stop at Shanghai Railway Station, providing a quick and affordable option.
  By Bus: There are multiple bus routes that service Shanghai Railway Station, including Nos. 95, 104, 837, and more, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city.
  From Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Shanghai Railway Station
  By Maglev Train: The Maglev train can get you there in about 8 minutes and costs around CNY 50 (USD 8) per trip.
  By Airport Shuttle Bus: There are airport shuttle buses that connect the airport to the railway station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic.
  By Taxi/Car-hailing: A taxi or car-hailing service from the airport to the railway station will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, and the fare is calculated by the distance traveled.
  From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station to Shanghai Railway Station
  By Subway: The Hongqiao area is well-served by Shanghai's metro system. You can take Line 10 or Line 2 from Hongqiao to reach Shanghai Railway Station.
  By Taxi/Car-hailing: Driving from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to the railway station takes around 40 minutes. The fare is distance-based.

• 5. What permits are needed for Shanghai Tibet train?

  For international travelers, in addition to a valid passport, a Tibet Travel Permit is required. Tibet Travel Permit is a prerequisite for your Tibet Train trip. The permit is needed to enter the station and board the train. Please apply for the permit in advance. If you book with us, we can help you get your Tibet Travel Permit and make sure your travel is smooth and worry-free.

• 6. How to board Tibet train from Shanghai to Lhasa?

  If you book your train ticket with us, we will send you a photo of your ticket or a screenshot of the ticket order, showing the train route number, departure time, and your seat or berth number. Firstly, bring your valid passport and Tibet Travel Permit to the Shanghai Railway Station around 1 hour in advance. After checking your passport and going through security check, you can enter the waiting hall. Then, find your ticket barrier according to the ticket information. When the ticket check starts, go to the manned ticket gates, where the staff will check your passport and Tibet Travel Permit. After passing the ticket barrier, follow the prompts on the station screen to the platform and get on the train. Finally, find your compartment and seat according to the ticket information.

• 7. What to eat on the Tibet train?

  Tibet train offers food services for passengers. The dining carriage, usually in the middle of the train, offers three meals and drinks. The meals it provides are typically Chinese and Tibetan-style. During meal time, you can go to the dining car to order dishes and enjoy your meal while appreciating beautiful views outside the window. You can get snacks and drinks from mobile food carts as well. You are recommended bring some food and fruits with you in case you don’t get used to the food served on the train.

• 8. How to deal with possible altitude sickness on Tibet train?

  As the Tibet train gradually ascends to a high altitude of the Qingzang Plateau, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness when doing a train tour to Tibet. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness..
  To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
  Besides, Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supplies. After starting from Golmud, the oxygen diffusing system starts to pump oxygen into the carriage. If you feel uncomfortable, you can also use oxygen outlets or take some medications. Don’t worry that you may have a severe effect because each train has a doctor to ensure your comfortable travel. Ask for help if you feel extremely sick.

• 9. How to get to Lhasa hotel downtown from Lhasa Railway Station?

  For travelers, reaching the downtown area of Lhasa from the railway station is straightforward with several convenient options:
  By Bus: Several routes are available, such as bus numbers 1, 13, and 14, which can take you to the central areas of Lhasa, including those near the Potala Palace. The cost is typically around CNY 1-2.
  By Taxi/Car-hailing: Taxis are readily available outside the railway station and car-hailing apps like DiDi are popular in Lhasa. The fees are usually calculated by the distance traveled.
  For tourists booking with us, traveling from Lhasa Railway Station to your downtown hotel is made easy with our travel agency, Tibet Horizon. Upon your arrival, our pick-up service ensures a smooth transition to your accommodation.