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ContentAs the capital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan is a city rich in history and culture and attracts lots of tourists every year. If you plan to make a visit to Taiyuan before starting your Tibet train tour in China, you can keep reading and get to know something about how the train route from Taiyuan to Tibet works for you. This guide will walk you through the Taiyuan to Lhasa train schedules, ticket prices, booking tips, and scenic highlights, helping you plan an unforgettable Qinghai-Tibet Railway journey.
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Open Date: 2006
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Route: Z21
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Type: Z-series
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Departure Station & Time: Taiyuan Railway Station (00:26)
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Arrival Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (11:42)
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Distance: 3,241 kilometers
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Duration: 35hrs 16mins
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Frequency: Daily
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $150), Hard Sleeper (from $95), Hard Seat ($47)
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Avg. Speed: 92km/h
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Stops: Taiyuan, Zhongwei, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Nagqu, Lhasa
Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Highlights: Qinghai Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Nyainqentanglha Mountain, Yangbajing, Lhasa River
Starting from Taiyuan in Shanxi Province, the route continues westward, crossing through Shaanxi Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Gansu Province, and Qinghai Province before finally reaching the Tibet Autonomous Region. Key stops along the way include major stations such as Taiyuan, Zhongwei, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Nagqu, and ultimately Lhasa.
The train journey from Taiyuan to Lhasa stretches across about 3,214 kilometers and takes 35 hours and 16 minutes. The train is expected to arrive at Lhasa Railway Station at 11:42 on the second day. Departing from Taiyuan Railway Station, the train passes through significant cities including Zhongwei, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmud, and Nagqu. As the train travels westward, it gradually climbs from the lower altitudes of Shanxi Province to the soaring elevations of the Tibetan Plateau.
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taiyuan | 780m | Day 1 | / | 00:26 | / | 0km |
| 2 | Zhongwei | 1,225m | Day 1 | 06:56 | 07:16 | 20min | 747km |
| 3 | Lanzhou | 1,520m | Day 1 | 12:19 | 12:31 | 12min | 1,053km |
| 4 | Xining | 2,200m | Day 1 | 15:07 | 15:32 | 25min | 1,269km |
| 5 | Delingha | 2,982m | Day 1 | 19:17 | 19:21 | 4min | 1,790km |
| 6 | Golmud | 2,780m | Day 1 | 21:42 | 22:07 | 25min | 2,099km |
| 7 | Nagqu | 4,500m | Day 2 | 08:12 | 08:18 | 6min | 2,919km |
| 8 | Lhasa | 3,650m | Day 2 | 11:42 | / | / | 3,241km |
| No. | Station | Altitude | Day | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taiyuan | 780m | Day 1 | / | 00:26 | / | 0km |
| 2 | Zhongwei | 1,225m | Day 1 | 06:56 | 07:16 | 20min | 747km |
| 3 | Lanzhou | 1,520m | Day 1 | 12:19 | 12:31 | 12min | 1,053km |
| 4 | Xining | 2,200m | Day 1 | 15:07 | 15:32 | 25min | 1,269km |
| 5 | Delingha | 2,982m | Day 1 | 19:17 | 19:21 | 4min | 1,790km |
| 6 | Golmud | 2,780m | Day 1 | 21:42 | 22:07 | 25min | 2,099km |
| 7 | Nagqu | 4,500m | Day 2 | 08:12 | 08:18 | 6min | 2,919km |
| 8 | Lhasa | 3,650m | Day 2 | 11:42 | / | / | 3,241km |
The train from Taiyuan to Lhasa prepares three classes of tickets for tourists to choose from. They are soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat, which can accommodate different travel preferences and budgets.
The soft sleeper is the most comfortable and private option. Each compartment contains four berths - two upper and two lower. This class is ideal for those who want a more restful and private experience, especially helpful when adjusting to the increasing altitude during the journey. Ticket prices are $150 for an upper berth and $155 for a lower berth.
The hard sleeper is a more affordable option. Each compartment has six berths - two upper, two middle and two lower. The space of each compartment is limited. For budget-conscious travelers, this class offers a good balance between cost and comfort. Ticket prices are $95 for upper berths, $98 for middle berths, and $100 for lower berths.
The hard seat is the lowest-cost option and is the most suited for short-distance travel. But for a journey of over 35 hours, this class is a challenge for everyone. It is not recommended for international travelers or anyone who is having a long-distance travel. A hard seat from Taiyuan to Lhasa costs $47.
If you value comfort, privacy and rest during the 35-hour train tour, or if you are sensitive to high altitude, you’d better choose a soft sleeper ticket for a peaceful and private environment. Hard sleeper tickets are suitable for those who are looking for a budget-friendly yet reasonably comfortable way. Hard seats are cheap but very tiring for such a long trip, especially with high altitude involved.
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Z21 |  |
 |
 |
| 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: $150, Lower Berth: $155 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $95, Middle Berth: $98, Lower Berth: $100 |
Cheapest Hard Seat: $47 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
| Feature | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Z21 | |
|
|
| 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: $150, Lower Berth: $155 |
Moderate Upper Berth: $95, Middle Berth: $98, Lower Berth: $100 |
Cheapest Hard Seat: $47 |
| Best for | Comfortable travel | Budget travelers | Short trips or low-budget travelers |
About Taiyuan to Lhasa Train Ticket Price: The ticket prices listed above are the net price. The final booking cost may be slightly higher since there will be additional service fees. Usually, the tickets for popular train routes in China will be fully booked within minutes after release, especially for the Tibet train from Taiyuan to Lhasa during peak travel seasons. So, please book your tickets as early as possible.
Train tickets from Taiyuan to Lhasa can only be booked up to 15 days in advance. Without early planning, it’s highly likely that you won’t be able to book a ticket that meets your needs. Please keep reading for more details about how to book your Tibet train ticket.
If you want to book a Taiyuan to Lhasa train ticket on your own, there are normally two ways: book via 12306.cn or go to Taiyuan Railway Station.
12306.cn is the official ticket booking platform in China, where you can book train tickets in advance. PC and mobile site are both available for foreign tourists to register with a valid passport. The English version is easy to understand and make a purchase with your Chinese bank account, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
If you are in Taiyuan and want to go to Taiyuan Railway Station to book a train ticket, you can book a ticket by cash, a Chinese bank account, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. You can go to ticketing counters directly or buy tickets on the automatic ticketing machines. Remember to bring your original passport.
However, the most convenient way to purchase your Tibet train ticket is by booking a tour with Tibet Horizon and we will handle everything for you, including booking the train ticket from Taiyuan to Lhasa based on the date you wish to go.
If you book your Tibet train ticket through the official railway website 12306.cn or its official app, you will get an E-ticket. With this E-ticket, you don’t need to collect a paper ticket. Instead, you can go to the manual check-in counter at Taiyuan Railway Station to enter the station for your train to Lhasa. Please do remember to bring your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit.
If you purchase your ticket at the railway station, after the payment, you will get a paper ticket from there. You should keep it and use it to get into the train station on the date of departure.
However, booking the train ticket with us is the easiest method that saves both time and energy for tourists who wish to travel from Taiyuan to Lhasa by train. We will mail the E-ticket or paper ticket to your hotel before departure. Make sure to check the name and departure time on the ticket.
太原站: Taiyuan 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
Taiyuan Railway Station is one of the most important and historic train stations in Shanxi Province, located in the Yingze District of downtown Taiyuan, China. It mainly serves regular (non-high-speed) trains and is a major transportation hub for both passengers and cargo traffic.
From downtown Taiyuan, it is easy to reach this station by metro, taxi or public bus. Metro Line 1 in Taiyuan serves as the quickest and easiest way to reach Taiyuan Railway Station if you are living along the stops of Line 1. Or, you can take a taxi to the railway station, a very convenient way for tourists who carry heavy baggage or enjoy private service. There are also several public bus lines that connect Taiyuan Railway Station or the neighboring area with downtown Taiyuan.
To board the train from Taiyuan to Lhasa, foreign travelers need to prepare the following documents：
1) Passport - A valid passport is required.
2) Chinese Visa - Unless you’re eligible for visa-free entry, a valid Chinese Visa is needed.
3) Tibet Travel Permit - This is mandatory for all foreigners travelling to Tibet. You must apply it in advance
through a reputable travel agency authorized by the Tibet Tourism Bureau like Tibet Horizon.
1) Get your train ticket firstly and then pass the security check into the waiting hall of the train station;
2) Fill in the health form in the waiting hall;
3) Pass the ticket checkpoint;
4) Find your train carriage according to your train ticket and the LED screen shows;
5) Board the train and pass the ticket check again;
6) Find your berth according to your train ticket;
7) Change your train ticket paper to berth card. Train boarding ends.
The recommended time to visit Tibet from Taiyuan is from April to October. This period from April to May and September to October offer mild temperatures, clear air and stunning plateau views. During June to August, the train tickets may sell out quickly as this is the peak travel season when Tibet starts to showcase vibrant alpine grasslands, blooming flowers, and festivals.
The train journey from Taiyuan to Lhasa is a scenic adventure that covers some of the most diverse landscapes in China. The spectacular part starts when the train is traveling along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Here you will witness breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands dotted with yaks, and crystal-clear lakes like Qinghai Lake. When the train passes close to the Jinyintan Grassland, it will offer a sweeping view of the northern shore of Qinghai Lake. Then after the train departs Golmud and crosses the magnificent Kunlun Mountains, tourists are able to view one of the most spectacular sights along the way - Mount Yuzhu. It stands at an impressive 6,178 meters above sea level, surrounded by 15 snow-capped peaks that all rise above 5,000 meters in elevation. Just keep your eyes and camera ready as the train passes through Tanggula Pass, the highest point of the railway at over 5,000 meters above sea level. The stunning natural beauty, with glimpses of nomadic Tibetan culture along the way, makes the journey a fulfilling and once-in-a-lifetime memory.
The Taiyuan to Lhasa train offers advanced facilities to make the whole journey safe and comfortable. The dining car is located in the middle of all the carriages, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus snacks and drinks. There will be also meals and snacks delivered via trolley on the train. Hot water dispensers and packed meals are also available.
Each carriage is equipped with two types of toilets - Western-style seated toilets and Chinese-style squat toilets for passengers with different habits to use. And shared washbasins are also served for you to wash hands or fresh up during the journey.
To help passengers acclimate to the high altitude, the Taiyuan to Lhasa train offers a centralized oxygen supply system and personal oxygen outlets at each berth/seat and throughout corridors for individual use. After the train departs from Golmud Station, oxygen will begin to be released into the carriage to help passengers adapt to the high altitude.
While you are on the train, it’s important to keep your passport and Tibet Train Permit with you at all times, as there may be random checks during the journey. And you should always pay attention to your physical condition, especially after the train starts entering the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where altitude sickness may occur. If you begin to feel uncomfortable, such as experiencing dizziness or nausea, don’t panic. Mild symptoms can often be relieved by getting more rest, drinking plenty of water, and taking in some oxygen.
Before your train arrives at Lhasa Railway Station, our tour guide will already be waiting for you at the station. Once you get off the train, our tour guide will meet you and escort you to your pre-booked hotel. It will take about 20-30 minutes from Lhasa Railway Station to the city, and along the way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some scenic views of the Tibetan landscape. After checking in, you can get some rest and adjust to the altitude before your journey in Lhasa.
It is known that flying from Taiyuan to Xining and taking a train to Lhasa is the most time-saving way to experience the highlights of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. From Xining Railway Station, you’ll have more train options to Lhasa. It can save you almost half of the travel time compared to taking the direct train from Taiyuan to Lhasa.
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