Tibet Train: Sky Train Ride to Xizang via Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Tibet Train Schedule & Routes Map

At present, 7 Tibet trains heading to Lhasa from or pass major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining, Lanzhou, and Wuhan. Golmud to Lhasa train ride covers the shortest distance, which only takes about 14 hours. You can also reach Tibet from Hong Kong by transferring to Tibet trains at cities in Chinese mainland. Besides Lhasa, Tibet trains also reach major cities of Nyingchi and Shigatse, offering you flexible choices of where to start your Tibet exploration. We provide free updated Tibet train schedule and route map. Check the following timetable and start planning your train tour to Tibet!

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China Tibet Train Route Map (Simple click to enlarge the map)

China Tibet Train Route Map

Train Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Frequency
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Z322	21:11-07:41(+2)	34h30m	3,070km	Every other day
Xining to Lhasa Train Y971	23:10-19:59(+1)	20h49m	1,956km	Daily
Chongqing to Lhasa Train Z223	21:56-07:41(+2)	33h45m	3,030km	Every other day
Beijing to Lhasa Train Z21	19:53-11:36(+2)	39h43m	3,757km	Daily
Xi’an to Lhasa Train Z165	09:27-15:05(+1)	29h38m	2,864km	Daily
Shanghai to Lhasa Train Z164	18:33-15:05(+2)	44h32m	4,373km	Daily
Guangzhou to Lhasa Train Z264	09:15-14:17(+2)	53h02m	4,980km	Daily
Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Z165	16:36-15:05(+1)	22h29m	2,188km	Daily
Golmud to Lhasa Train Y971	05:35-19:59(+1)	14h24m	1,142km	Daily
Wuhan to Lhasa Train Z264	20:44-14:17(+2)	41h33m	3,901km	Daily
Hong Kong to Lhasa Train	21:50-17:39(+1)	19h49m	1,956km	Daily
Lhasa to Nyingchi Train Z8901	08:40-13:09	4h29m	435km	Daily
Lhasa to Shigatse Train C885	08:00-10:21	2h21m	248km	Daily
Xining to Shigatse Train Z6811	20:30-20:58(+1)	24h28m	2,220km	Daily
Kathmandu to Lhasa Train	/	/	/	/

Check All Tibet Train Timetable and Ticket Price>>

Best China Tibet Train Tour Packages

We’ve selected the most popular China Tibet train tours blending the exciting experience on the sky train with stunning natural views and cultural encounters. The following packages combine Tibet train rides with varied routes exploring Tibet as well as departing cities. Check out our all-inclusive packages and join our professional team on an unforgettable train journey!

Tibet Train Facility and Life on Board

Soft Sleeper Berth / Ticket on Tibet Train Of all the seats, the soft sleeper is the most expensive option but it’s worth for those who care about comfort and privacy. Each soft sleeper compartment has 4 berths (two upper berths and two lower berths) and a lockable door, providing more personal space for tourists. 1723716110 0

Hard Sleeper on Tibet Train There are 2 upper berths, 2 middle berths, and 2 lower berths in each hard sleeper compartment. A hard sleeper is about 180 cm long and 60 cm wide, with a bearing capacity of 300kg. However, there is no lockable door. 1723716119 0

Hard Seat on Tibet Train Normally, there are a total of four hard seat carriages on every train to Tibet. Each carriage has 98 seats, with two seats on one side and three on the other side. It is the cheapest option with minimum comfort because passengers have to endure long-time sitting. 1723716132 0

Oxygen Supply Systems on Tibet Trains Trains to Tibet 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 under each seat and sleeper. You can use this device to inhale oxygen to alleviate altitude sickness. 1723716144 0

Washing Rooms on Tibet Trains Tibet train has neat washing rooms and washing basins. There is one squat and one Western toilet respectively at the end of each carriage. Please notice that toilet paper is not provided. 1723716155 0

Dining Car on Tibet Trains 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 Chinese and Tibetan-style dishes and enjoy your meal while appreciating beautiful views outside the window. You can get snacks and drinks from mobile food carts as well. 1723716165 0

High Altitude Sickness and Medical Service on Qinghai-Tibet Trains Each Tibet train has medical care personnel. If you feel uncomfortable on the train, don’t hesitate to ask professional doctors and nurses for help. You can also find an emergency button on the wall of each soft sleeper compartment and washing room. 1723715623 0

Luggage Allowance and Depository on Tibet Trains Each adult passenger is permitted to carry luggage up to 20 kg. For children, the luggage allowance is 10 kg. The accumulation of three dimensions of each piece of luggage should not exceed 160 cm. This measurement includes the length, width, and height of the item. 1724048584 0

See All Tibet Train Facilities

Breathtaking Scenery: The train journey offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan landscape, including vast grasslands, pure lakes, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, and wild animals.

Cost-Effective: Compared to flights, Tibet train tickets to Lhasa are more affordable. Typically, the most expensive option of a soft sleeper is cheaper than a flight ticket.

Gradual Acclimatization: A train ride gives tourists some time to acclimate to the high altitude on the train. Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supply systems, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

To enter Tibet by train, travelers typically need the following permits:

Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.

Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers visiting areas outside Lhasa need to apply for an Aliens' Travel Permit.

Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Guge Kingdom Ruins, Nyingchi, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

Our Xizang tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet train tour.

You can buy a Tibet train ticket on China Railway’s official website https://www.12306.cn/ or its app “Railway 12306”. You can also buy the ticket from the ticket windows at the station.

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 your ticket is to book online with us. Specializing in Tibet tour, we can guarantee you the Tibet train ticket and arrange a smooth and wonderful China Tibet train trip for you.

If you book your train ticket with us, we can deliver your Tibet train ticket to your hotel. In other cases, we can also give you a booking number by which you can collect your train ticket from self-service ticket machines or by showing the staff your booking number, passport, and Tibet Travel Permit.

Please arrive at the station in advance in case there is not enough time to get your ticket.

If you choose to collect your ticket by yourself, bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to collect your train ticket after reaching the railway station of your departing city. Or you can enter the station directly with your tickets.

After going through security check and entering the station, find your ticket barrier. If you arrive early, you can stay at the waiting hall for check-in. After the ticket check starts, you can board the train through manned ticket gates.

Yuzhu Peak: Soaring to a height of 6178m, it is snow-capped all year long.

Kekexili: Situated in the northwest part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it’s one of the largest and highest nature reserves in China, home to many rare species such as snow leopards, Tibetan antelope, and wild yaks.

Tuotuo River: Originating from the glaciers of Jianggendiru Snow Mountains, the highest peak of the Tanggula Mountain range, Tuotuo River is the official headstream of the Yangtze River.

Cuona Lake: It’s the world’s highest freshwater lake and the closest lake to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, with clear and green waters against the blue sky and the mountains beyond.

Taking a train on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness when doing a train tour. 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.

Tibet Train Travel Guide

Qinghai Tibet Railway

• Sichuan Tibet Railway
• Lhasa to Gyirong Railway and Train
• Lhasa Railway / Train Station
• Major Train Stations on Qinghai-Tibet Railway
• Scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Tibet Train Ticket

• How to Choose Tibet Train Route and Tibet Train Ticket
• Qinghai-Tibet Train Ticket Booking and Reservation Tips
• How to Board Tibet Trains
• Safety on Tibet Trains
• How to Plan a Tibet Train Tour to Lhasa
• Tibet Train Trip FAQs

Facilities on Tibet Train

• Soft Sleepers, Hard Sleepers and Hard Seats on Tibet Trains