Xining to Lhasa Train Route Map: From Northwest Summer Capital to Tibetan Buddhist Holy Sites

As the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Xining has seven trains to Tibet. It usually takes you 19 to 22 hours to experience the 1,956-kilometer-long train journey via Qinghai Province and Tibet Autonomous Region. You can view all the trains passing Xining below:

Train Z323 from Chengdu-Xining (11:52)-Lhasa (07:41), 19hrs 49mins, every other day.
Train Z223 from Chongqing-Xining (11:52)-Lhasa (07:41), 19hrs 49mins, every other day.
Train Z8981 from Xining (12:50)-Lhasa (10:20), 21hrs 30mins, daily.
Train Z21 from Beijing-Xining (15:32)-Lhasa (11:42), 20hrs 10mins, daily.
Train Z265 from Guangzhou-Xining (18:19)-Lhasa (14:54), 20hrs 35mins, daily.
Train Z165 from Shanghai-Xining (19:28)-Lhasa (15:30), 20hrs 02mins, daily.
Train Z8991 from Xining (21:50)-Lhasa (18:26), 20hrs 36mins, daily.

In the Xining to Lhasa train route map, you can check the latest departure and arrival times, train stops, and scenic highlights en route. Here we will take Z8981 for your reference.

Xining to Lhasa Train Route Map

Pros and Cons of Xining to Lhasa Train Route

The Xining to Lhasa train offers you more options and the shortest route to Tibet. However, this route also has its pros and cons.

Pros:

Shortest journey: The train from Xining to Lhasa takes about 19 to 22 hours, which is much shorter than the full train journey from Shanghai (about 45 hours) or Guangzhou (about 54 hours).

Lowest prices: The soft sleeper is about $108, the hard sleeper is about $69, and the hard seat is about $31. The overall ticket price is cheaper than the Guangzhou to Lhasa ticket (about $62-203), Chengdu to Lhasa ticket (about $42-137), etc.

Adequate ticket supply: There are seven trains from Xining to Lhasa (two originate in Xining, others pass through), making it easier to find seats and buy tickets.

Cons:

Sudden ascent to high altitude: Although there are oxygen supply and pressurization systems, the altitude rises rapidly from Xining (2,200m) to Golmud (2,780m) in a shorter period. Sometimes, passengers would feel uncomfortable.

Major Railway Stations and Highlights in Xining to Lhasa Train Route

The train route from Xining to Lhasa passes through Delingha, Golmud, Budongquan, Tuotuo River, Amdo, Nagqu, and Lhasa. Here we take Xining to Lhasa Train Z8981 as a reference.

Xining to Lhasa Train Trip-Day 1: Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Budongquan

At 12:50, the train will leave Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province and the largest city on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Xining is China's summer capital, blending rich ethnic culture and natural landscapes. Major attractions include Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, etc. Then the train will continue to Delingha, housing many natural attractions and cultural relics. After that, the train continues toward Golmud, where the oxygen supply system begins to work.

At 21:59, the train will head to Budongquan, also known as the Kunlun Holy Spring and the northern gate of Hoh Xil. The spring produces water all year round, with a temperature of about 20℃, clear and sweet, like a lotus blooming in an octagonal pavilion, flowing into the source of the Yellow River and the Yangtze River.

Xining to Lhasa Train Trip-Day 2: Nagqu, Lhasa

At 05:51, you’ll reach Nagqu, the largest prefecture-level city in Tibet. Surrounded by the Tanggula Mountains and Nyainqentanglha Mountains, it is dotted with lakes and known for the Northern Tibetan Grassland.

Crossing the Lhasa River Bridge, you can catch a glimpse of Tibetan villages, pagodas, and prayer flags. After 21hrs and 30mins, the train finally arrives in the holy city of Lhasa, where our tour guide will meet you at the Lhasa Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel in Lhasa city.

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Conclusion

Along the Xining to Lhasa railway line, you will pass through the magnificent scenery from Qinghai Lake to Nagqu Grassland, from ancient monasteries to snow-capped peaks. The train goes west, winding between the vast wilderness and towering mountains in northern Tibet, presenting an intoxicating natural change. This journey will bring you countless unique moments - many magnificent scenery will never be experienced again after arriving in Lhasa. Undoubtedly, this will become the most unforgettable and precious memory of your Tibet tour.