Sichuan Tibet Railway: Route Map, Progress & Completion Date

As the second sky road to Tibet, the Sichuan-Tibet Railway has been expected for many years to come into service for Tibet tourism and national stability. Whether it is for the people along the railway or for the tourists who want to get to Tibet by train without spending much time on the road, the construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway will bring so many advantages to them. With a total length of 1,838 kilometers, the Sichuan-Tibet Railway will shorten the whole trip from about 34.5 hours to 13 hours. Accordingly, this passage offers a detailed exploration of this magnificent engineering feat, as well as more travel options available for the Sichuan to Tibet tour.

Basic Information about Sichuan Tibet Railway

The Sichuan-Tibet Railway is a partially under-construction railway line in China, starting from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. It passes through Ya'an City, Ganzi Prefecture, Chamdo, Nyingchi, and finally gets to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, with a total length of 1,932.9 kilometers. The construction of this amazing railway is divided into three sections. The first section is from Chengdu to Ya'an, the second section is from Ya'an to Nyingchi, and the last section is from Nyingchi to Lhasa.

Sichuan-Tibet Railway Three Sections’ Construction Progress and Completion Date

The construction status of these three rail sections varies; the following content will provide a detailed explanation.

Sichuan Tibet Railway Section One: Chengdu to Ya'an, 141km, 2018

Ya'an is situated southwest of Chengdu, on the edge of the Sichuan Basin. Consequently, the Chengdu - Ya'an section is the shortest of the three segments and was also the first to open to traffic. Spanning 141 kilometers, it has been in operation since December 2018. Specific travel times vary depending on the number of intermediate stops, and the fastest direct trains complete the journey in just 54 minutes.

Sichuan Tibet Railway Section One: Ya'an to Nyingchi, 1019km, 2032

The second section, also the most challenging section of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, Ya'an to Nyingchi, spans a total length of 1,019 kilometers, comprising 540 kilometers within the Tibet Autonomous Region and 479 kilometers within Sichuan Province.

Starting from the city of Ya'an, the line heads westward, passing through Tianquan, Luding, Kangding, Yajiang, and Batang before crossing the Jinsha River to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. It then continues through Gongjue, Chamdo, and Bomi, ultimately reaching Nyingchi. Given its considerable length and complex geological conditions, this section remains under construction, with completion projected for 2032.

Sichuan Tibet Railway Section Three: Nyingchi to Lhasa, 435km, 2021

The final section of the Sichuan Tibet Railway, spanning 435 kilometers from Nyingchi to Lhasa, operates at a speed of 160km/h. It significantly reduces travel time between the two cities and was completed and opened to traffic on June 25, 2021.

Sichuan Tibet Railway Map

Engineering Challenges and Travel Impact - How Sichuan Tibet Railway Will Change Tibet Tourism

The difficulties that the whole construction will encounter are rarely seen elsewhere, which makes Sichuan Tibet Railway the focus of China's development. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is one of the most geologically active areas in the world. The railway will be built on the Sichuan Basin, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from 600 meters to nearly 4,500 meters above sea level. Along with the extreme climatic conditions and fragile ecological environment, the construction of this railway will last more than ten years from the start of the construction of the first section. But once completed, the Sichuan-Tibet Railway will serve as the busiest channel that connects tourists from Chinese Mainland and the Tibet area. Tibet tourism will flourish as well. By that time, the number of tourists who travel to Tibet will explode, which will make the infrastructure in Tibet better and better.

More Available Ways to Travel from Sichuan to Tibet

Since the section of the railway between Ya'an and Nyingchi is still under construction, you cannot yet travel to Lhasa via the Sichuan Tibet Railway. However, there are still three other common modes of transportation available to help you plan your Sichuan Tibet tour.

Option One: Take Chengdu to Lhasa Train via Qinghai-Tibet Railway

For tourists who specifically wish to travel by train to admire the unique scenery and charm of Tibet along the route, the only available option is to take a train via Qinghai - Tibet Railway. Currently, Train Z322 can take you from Chengdu to Lhasa every other day. It will take 34 hours and 31 minutes with a 3,079-long railway. And Train Z324 departing from Lhasa Railway Station to Chengdu will take 36 hours and 11 minutes on the road. For more details, you can check our Chengdu to Lhasa Train information.

Option Two: Take a Flight from Chengdu to Lhasa

It is also convenient for tourists to take a flight to get to Lhasa from Chengdu. In a general way, the flight from Chengdu to Lhasa will take about two and a half hours. Furthermore, both Tianfu International Airport and Shuangliu International Airport offer direct flights to Lhasa. You can take Metro Line or an airport shuttle bus to get to the airport located 16 kilometers southwest of Chengdu. Or, you can take a taxi to take your flight in downtown Chengdu.

Option Three: Travel along Sichuan Tibet Highway (G318)

An overland trip from Chengdu to Lhasa is also a popular choice for many tourists, as it allows you to enjoy the picturesque scenery along the road. However, the trip may be tough, as you will spend about eight hours a day in the car. You definitely know that the G318 National Highway in China is the most beautiful road that every wanderlust is hankering in the entire life. If you get the chance to have an overland trip on G318, just go ahead. But due to its dangerous road conditions, it is not recommended for a tourist to drive alone. So, you'd better contact us first and book a Chengdu Lhasa overland trip with us. We will provide cars with good condition and drivers who are experienced to ensure a wonderful journey for you. Heading west, you will pass through so many splendid mountains, lakes, villages, grasslands, and get enough time to acclimate to the high altitude sickness.

More FAQs about Sichuan Tibet Railway

1. When will the Sichuan Tibet Railway be fully completed?
Currently, the Ya'an - Nyingchi section is the only segment that has not yet been completed. Its official completion date has been set for 2032. Once this section is completed, the entire Sichuan Tibet Railway will enter into operation.

2. Is the Sichuan Tibet Railway open for passengers now?
As of 2026, the Sichuan Tibet Railway is partially open. Two major segments are currently operational: Chengdu to Ya’an (opened 2018) and Nyingchi to Lhasa(opened 2021). The middle section, Ya’an to Nyingchi, is still under construction and is not yet open to the public.

3. Will the Sichuan Tibet Railway open to foreign travelers in the future?
Certainly, though they must adhere to specific regulations. Just as with the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, foreign tourists wishing to travel from Chengdu to Lhasa via the Sichuan Tibet Railway will need to possess a specific document, such as a Tibet Travel Permit.

Conclusion

Although the Sichuan Tibet Railway is not yet fully completed, it will provide travelers with a faster and more convenient way to reach Tibet from Chengdu once operational. For those planning to travel from Chengdu to Lhasa, however, a variety of options are available to choose from.