Xining to Lhasa Train

As the start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, many tourists will choose Xining to board the train to Lhasa. And Xining to Lhasa train is also the most recommended tour plan for travelers who want to get to Lhasa by train. Besides, as one of the most popular destinations in China, Xining itself can also be listed into your travel plan with its magnificent Ta’er Monastery and the sacred Qinghai Lake, as well as other temples that present the unique culture in this plateau area. This Xining to Lhasa train guide covers info on train route map, train schedule, cost for each type of carriage, necessary documents, and scenic highlights during the train journey, etc.

Basic Facts about Xining to Lhasa Train

Xining to Lhasa Train Open Date: 2006
Xining to Lhasa Train Route: Z323 / Z223 / Z8981 / Z21 / Z265 / Z165 / Z8991
Xining to Lhasa Train Type: Z-series
Xining to Lhasa Train Departure Station & Time: Xining Railway Station (11:52 / 12:50 / 15:32 / 18:19 / 19:28 / 21:50)
Xining to Lhasa Train Arrival Station & Time: Lhasa Railway Station (07:41 / 10:20 / 11:42 / 14:54 / 15:30 / 18:26)
Xining to Lhasa Train Distance: 1,956 kilometers (1,215 miles)
Xining to Lhasa Train Duration: 19hrs 49mins for Z323 and Z223 / 21hrs 30mins for Z8981 / 20hrs 10mins for Z21 / 20hrs 35mins for Z265 / 20hrs 02mins for Z165 / 20hrs 36mins for Z8991
Xining to Lhasa Train Frequency: Daily
Xining to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper (from $108), Hard Sleeper (from $69), Hard Seat ($31)
Xining to Lhasa Train Avg. Speed: About 120 km/h
Xining to Lhasa Train Stops: Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Budongquan, Tuotuo River, Amdo, Nagqu, Lhasa
Xining to Lhasa Train Highlights: Yuzhu Peak, Tanggula Mountains, Tuotuo River

Xining to Lhasa Train Route Map

Starting in Xining, the routes head through Qinghai Province and Tibet Autonomous Region. The trains stop at several major stations in China, namely, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Budongquan, Nagqu, Lhasa on Z8981 and Xining, Golmud, Budongquan, Tuotuo River, Amdo, Nagqu, Lhasa on Z8991.

Xining to Lhasa Train Schedule: Station, Altitude, Time, and Distance

There are two trains (Z8981 and Z8991) initially departing from Xining to Lhasa and another five Tibet trains making a stop at Xining as follows:

Train Z8981 runs from Xining to Lhasa daily at 12:50. You will arrive in Lhasa by this train at 10:20 on the next day after 21 hours and 30 minutes on the spectacular road. Train Z8991, which leaves at 21:50 from Xining and arrives in Lhasa at 18:26 on the second day, will take you 20 hours and 36 minutes to cover a distance of 1,956 kilometers. Check the major railway stations, altitude ascent and descent along the way in the following real time train schedule.

Xining to Lhasa Train Z323 and Z223

Xining to Lhasa Train Z8981

Xining to Lhasa Train Z21

Xining to Lhasa Train Z265

Xining to Lhasa Train Z165

Xining to Lhasa Train Z8991

Xining to Lhasa Train Ticket Class & Cost: Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, Hard Seat, and Ticket Price

Like other Tibet train, the Xining-Lhasa train offers the same types and number of carriages. The following section help you choose the ticket that suits you best.

1. Xining to Lhasa Train Soft Sleeper

On the train from Xining to Lhasa, there are 2 soft sleeper carriages with 18 compartments and 72 berths. There are 4 berths in each compartment, two upper and two lower. The width of berth is 75cm and the length is 190cm. They are spacious enough for tall passengers. Each compartment have plenty of luggage space respectively beneath the lower berths and beside the upper berths. There are a table, TV Screen, oxygen outlets, clothes hangers and a lockable door equipped in them. The soft sleeper ticket sells at ¥781 ($108) for the upper berth and at ¥808 ($112) for the lower berth.

2. Xining to Lhasa Train Hard Sleeper

There are 8 hard sleeper carriages with 88 compartments and 528 berths. Each compartment has 6 berths, two upper, two middle and two lower. The compartment is a little crowed. The width of a berth is 60cm and the length is 180cm. So there is no door for a hard sleeper compartment, which is comfortable for most of passengers. Each compartment also has luggage space respectively beneath the lower berths and beside the upper berths. The hard sleeper tickets are priced at ¥495 ($69) for the upper berth, ¥507 ($70) for the middle berth, and ¥521 ($72) for the lower berth.

3. Xining to Lhasa Train Hard Seat

The train has 3 hard seat carriage with a total seating capacity of 354 persons. Because the distance from Xining to Lhasa is long, the hard seat is not a good choice for travelers to Tibet. The hard seat ticket only costs you ¥224 ($31). The sacrifice you’ve made is the comfort and good sleep. So, think twice before booking hard seats.

4. Which kind of train ticket should I choose?

Despite the time spent on Xining-Lhasa train is a lot shorter than other Tibet train, both soft sleeper and hard sleeper are recommended. However, hard seat is still not recommended for a over 20-hour train journey. Check the following table for your reference.

About Xining to Lhasa Train Ticket Price: The ticket prices above are the net price. The actual ticket booking price is higher with service fee included. Because Xining to Lhasa train is one of the most favorite routes to Tibet, we suggest you to book your train ticket as soon as possible.

Xining to Lhasa Train Ticket

Once you’ve decided to take the train to Lhasa, be sure to book Tibet train tickets as early as possible. Currently, you can book Tibet train tickets 15 days earlier before you leave for Lhasa.

1. How to book Xining to Lhasa train ticket?

It is recommended to book the Xining to Lhasa Train tickets via a reliable and expert Tibet travel agency like us. We will offer the best advice to you and guarantee you a perfect tour to Tibet. Pay attention to that you need to contact us at least one month in advance to book the date that can match your tour in China because the tickets to Lhasa are always in short supply, especially during the peak season in summer. And we will make sure that you will get your train ticket in time. However, it will be highly efficient if you can allow us to tailor-make your Tibet tour with everything prepared for you.

But you can also book the train ticket through 12306.cn. Though the website are available in English version, you need to pay via a Chinese band account, Wechat Pay or Alipay. So, it is not convenient for you to book a train ticket from Xining to Lhasa on your own.

2.Where and how to get Xining to Lhasa train ticket?

If you’ve book the ticket on China Railway’s official website, you can get an E-ticket, which together with your passport, Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit is all you need to board the train at the Xining Railway Station.

If you’ve booked the ticket with us, we will deliver the ticket (E-ticket or printed paper ticket) to you. Then you can use your valid passport, Chinese Visa, train ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit to enter the railway station and board the train.

Notice: Once getting your train ticket, please read the ticket and double-check Your Name and Passport Number on it. If the name and passport number are not matched with your passport and Tibet Permit, you may not be allowed to board the train.

3. How to read Xining to Lhasa train ticket?

西宁站: Xining 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

Xining to Lhasa Train Trip

The following questions are some of the most frequently asked ones for foreigners traveling to Tibet from Xining by train. Read and feel free to ask us if you have further questions.

1. How to get to Xining Railway Station?

Xining Railway Station is the only station that provides service for passengers. Do not go to Xining East Railway Station and Xining West Railway Station that are only for freight transport. Xining to Lhasa train starts from Xining Railway Station and all of the other trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou will come here to transfer.

Located at Huzhu Road, Chengdong District, Xining, Xining Railway Station is easy to access in Xining City. You can take a public bus to get there, including Bus No.1, No.3, No.5, No.7 and etc. If you are in the downtown of Xining, taking a taxi may cost about CNY40. Taking a taxi from Caojiaobao Airport will cost you about 40 minutes since it is about 19km. It is suggested that you arrange your tour schedule properly and get to the railway station in advance to prepare for boarding the train.

2. What travel documents do l need for Xining to Lhasa train?

For foreign travelers heading to Tibet, three main documents are needed. First, a valid passport the same as the one used to apply for your visa and permits is necessary. Secondly, you need a valid Chinese Visa (L visa) that is not expiring during your trip. Last, a Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory when you pass the security check and board the train to Lhasa. The permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and usually applied by a licensed travel agency on your behalf. Please note that you are recommended to submit related materials to your travel agency at least one month prior to your travel date.

3. How to board the train from Xining to Lhasa Tibet?

1) Get your train ticket firstly and then pass the security check into the waiting hall of 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 show;
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.

4. What's the best time for Xining to Tibet train tour?

The best time for a Xining to Tibet train tour is from April to October. April, May, June, and September are ideal for the pleasant weather, clear sky and less crowd compared to the peak summer months. July and August are the peak travel season with warmer weather and live festivals. October offers cooler temperature and stunning autumn landscapes. All factors considered, April to June and September to October is best recommended for its combination of good weather, beautiful scenery and moderate crowds.

5. What to see in Xining to Lhasa train journey?

The train journey from Xining to Lhasa, spanning approximately 20 hours, offers a breathtaking traverse through diverse landscapes, from the lush plains of Qinghai to the high-altitude plateaus of Tibet.

The first scenic highlight you will see is Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake. The shimmering waters, framed by snow-capped mountains, create a picturesque start to the journey.

After the train departs Golmud, the train moves beneath the majestic Kunlun Mountain range, with views of snow-covered peaks. Then you’ll encounter Yuzhu Peak. Standing at 6178 meters, Yuzhu Peak stands as aprominent feature, offering a striking contrast against the surrounding terrain. Then you’ll see Kekexili Nature Reserve, an untouched land home to diverse wildlife, including Tibetan antelopes and wild donkeys. The expansive grasslands and serene lakes provide a tranquil backdrop.

As the train approach Lhasa, you may see Cuo Na Lake, whose shimmering waters reflect the surrounding mountains and create a serene and picturesque scene.

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6. How about Xining to Lhasa train facilities?

In addition to the sleeping cabins mentioned above, the train also offers food and drinks. You can either buy boxed meal or snacks from the trolley that comes through the carriages, or order formal dishes in the dining carriage where professional chef will make mostly traditional food for you. The meal costs around 25-50 RMB for each person. You can also buy some snacks or fruit before you board the train to kill the leisurely time when enjoying the stunning views outside the window. In addition, hot water dispensers are also equipped, providing boiling water for you to make tea, coffee or instant noodles.

The train is also equipped with basic toilets and washing facilities, including Chinese and Western-style toilets, and shared washbasins. Toiletries and tissues are not supplied, so bring enough amount of them.

As the Xining to Lhasa train leaves Golmud, extra oxygen will be released pervasively in the carriages to help passengers adapt to the high altitude. Special oxygen outlets are available near each seat and bed in case some passengers still have shortness of breath.

7. What shall l be aware of on Xining to Lhasa train ride?

First, always carry your passport and Tibet Travel Permit with you, since you’ll need them to board the train and for inspections along the way. Additionally, high altitude reaction is an issue that can never be escaped for people heading to Tibet. But don’t worry, mild symptoms like headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath are normal and can disappear in two days. You can alleviate the symptoms by drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol intake, and using oxygen supply if needed.

8. How to get to Lhasa City from Lhasa Train Station?

Your guide will pick you up at Lhasa Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. It usually takes about 20 minutes from Lhasa Railway Station to downtown Lhasa. On the way to your hotel, you have the chance to view the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the longest and largest river in Tibet. After arriving at the hotel, your tour guide will help you check in. You can take some time to rest and get prepared for your upcoming trip in Lhasa.

9. Why we recommend Xining to Lhasa Train?

1. Xining to Lhasa part is the most beautiful section along the road. Qinghai-Tibet Railway is always the most recommended route for tourists who are eager to enjoy the splendid scenery of Tibet Plateau.

2. Almost all the trains to Lhasa from major cities in China will take more than two days. You will be very likely to get exhausted when you arrive in Lhasa after staying on the train for too long. But you can choose to fly to Xining and take the train from Xining to Lhasa that will only cost you less than 22 hours.

3. You will be able to acclimate the altitude in Xining first before taking the train to Lhasa. It will help you to feel more comfortable when you arrive in Lhasa.

4. You don’t need to transit during the journey. All those trains from major cities in China are not equipped with oxygen facilities, which means that they cannot help passengers to adapt to the plateau environment. All passengers need to transfer to another oxygen-equipped train in Xining to make sure they can be safe on the road. But starting from Xining can save time and avoid those troubles.