On the magnificent journey through the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, Tibet train offers travelers an array of comfortable accommodations, including the popular hard sleepers. If you plan to embark on a remarkable voyage along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, read on for more details about hard sleeper to see whether it is your desired option.

Hard Sleepers on Tibet Train

All Tibet Trains offer plenty of hard sleepers for travelers. Compared with a soft sleeper, a hard sleeper is an economical option.

Normally, a train to Tibet has 8 to 11 hard sleeper carriages and each carriage has 11 compartments. In every compartment, there are two triple-tier bunks on each side, a small table, and ladders. The triple tier bunks contain six berths, offering soft bedding for rest. However, there is no lockable door in hard sleeper compartments.

Upper, Middle, and Lower Berth - Which One Should I Choose?

There are 2 upper berths, 2 middle berths, and 2 lower berths in each hard sleeper compartments. A hard sleeper is about 180 cm long and 60 cm wide, with a bearing capacity of 300 kg. The height between a lower berth and a middle berth is about 95 cm, between a middle berth and an upper berth 65 cm, and between an upper berth and the ceiling 60 cm. Each type of berth has its advantages and disadvantages.

Upper Berth

Advantages:

More Privacy: The upper berth offers a bit more privacy compared to the lower berths as it's elevated and has less foot traffic passing by.
Less Noise: Being higher up, the upper berth may experience slightly less noise and disturbance from other passengers.

Disadvantages:

Climbing Difficulty: Getting onto the upper berth can be challenging for some passengers, especially those with mobility issues.
Limited Headroom: The upper berth usually has less headroom compared to the lower berths, which may feel a bit cramped for taller passengers.

Middle Berth

Advantages:

Balance between Privacy and Accessibility: The middle berth strikes a balance between privacy and accessibility, offering a semi-private space while still being easily accessible.
Relatively Adequate Headroom: The middle berth typically has more headroom compared to the upper berth, providing enough space for passengers to sit up comfortably.

Disadvantages:

Limited Views: The middle berth typically offers limited views out of the window.
Higher Noise Level: Being positioned between the upper and lower berths, the middle berth may experience noise from passers-by and passengers on the upper berths.

Lower Berth

Advantages:

Easy Access: The lower berth is easily accessible, making it ideal for passengers with mobility issues, children, or those carrying heavy luggage.
More Headroom: The lower berth generally provides more headroom compared to the upper berth, offering a more spacious and comfortable sleeping space.
Convenient Facilities: Passengers on the lower berth have convenient access to facilities like reading lights, storage space, and other amenities.

Disadvantages:

Higher Foot Traffic: Being at eye level with other passengers and closer to the aisle, the lower berth may experience more foot traffic and noise compared to the upper berth.
Limited Privacy: The lower berth may offer less privacy compared to the upper and middle berths, especially during busy periods when other passengers are moving around.

Overall, each type of berth in hard sleeper cabins on Tibet trains offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Passengers should consider their preferences for privacy, accessibility, and comfort when choosing their berth type for the journey.

How to Find Your Berth on Tibet Train?

You can find your berth according to your train ticket. Before boarding the train, carefully check your ticket to identify your carriage number, compartment number, berth number, and the type of berth (upper, middle, or lower).

Then, refer to the sign on the train to locate your carriage. The carriage number is usually indicated on the landmarks or on the side of every carriage.

After boarding the train, find your compartment by referring to the numbers in the carriage, and then find your berth by referring to the berth numbers on the sleeping berths. After that, you can settle in your berth.

Facilitiesin Hard Sleeper Compartment

Oxygen Outlets

Tibet trains are equipped with two kinds of oxygen supply systems. One is a diffusing system on the top of each carriage. The other is oxygen outlets installed in each hard sleeper compartment. You can use this device to inhale oxygen to alleviate altitude sickness.

oxygen generator room

Luggage Space

Hard sleeper compartments have enough room to store passengers’ luggage. You can put your luggage under the lower berths or on the luggage racks above the upper berths. You can also place bags between berths. It's recommended that you keep essentials such as passports, tickets, permits, and valuables in a smaller bag that you can keep with you.

Public Facilities on Tibet Train

Toilets

There are two squat toilets at the end of each carriage. Please notice that toilet paper is not provided. Remember to flush after using the toilet and keep it clean.

Water Dispenser

Free hot water is provided 24 hours during the entire trip. You can bring a bottle or paper cup to get boiled water. Be careful with hot water!

Food Services

The dining carriage, usually in the middle of the train, offers three meals and drinks. During meal time, you can go to the dining car to order dishes and enjoy your meal. You can get snacks and drinks from mobile food carts as well. You can also bring some food and fruit with you in case you don’t get used to the food served on the train.

the dining carriage

How to Get a Hard Sleeper Ticket?

How to Book a Hard Sleeper Ticket?

There are several ways to get a hard sleeper ticket. You can buy a Tibet train ticket on China Railway’s official website https://www.12306.cn/ or its app “Railway 12306”. You can buy the ticket from the ticket windows at the railway stations. However, foreign travelers need to complete a quite complicated process of registration, identity verification, passport information upload, and payment. The most convenient and worry-free way to get a hard sleeper ticket for Tibet train is to book online with us. Specializing in Tibet tourism, Tibet Horizon can help you book the train ticket and arrange a smooth and wonderful Tibet train trip for you.

Railway 12306

What’s the Price for the Hard Sleeper Ticket?

The price for a hard sleeper ticket is higher than a hard seat ticket and lower than a soft sleeper ticket. It’s a popular choice among travelers who want to take a train trip to Tibet.

The price can vary depending on the train route, travel distance, and additional services. We can check the latest updates of train schedules and ticket prices for you according to your trip route. Feel free to ask us for more information.

Conclusion

Hard sleeper is a good choice for travelers as it offers comfortable seating without straining your budget. Hard sleeper tickets may sell out quickly, especially in peak seasons, so it’s wise to book your ticket in advance. If you have any questions about booking your train ticket or applying for your Tibet Travel Permit, you can contact us for inquiries.