Qinghai-Tibet Railway Map: Tibet Train Routes & Scenic Highlights

Several railway routes connect Tibet with the rest of China, allowing travelers to reach Lhasa by direct train from major cities such as Xining, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Lanzhou.

To help you understand these routes more easily, this guide brings together a collection of Qinghai-Tibet Railway maps and Tibet train route maps. By checking these maps, you can see how each route reaches Tibet, compare different journey options, and discover some of the most scenic sections along the way.

All Tibet Railway Maps: Train Routes to Lhasa (Click to Enlarge)

Route	Map
China Tibet Train Route Map
Train Route Map from Xining to Tibet
Train Route Map from Beijing to Tibet
Train Route Map from Shanghai to Tibet
Train Route Map from Guangzhou to Tibet
Train Route Map from Chengdu to Tibet
Train Route Map from Chongqing to Tibet
Train Route Map from Lanzhou to Tibet
Train Route Map from Sichuan to Tibet (Under Construction)
Train Route Map from Xinjiang to Tibet (Planned)

China Tibet Train Route Map Overview

Currently, there are seven major train routes connecting inland China with Tibet, including Beijing to Lhasa, Shanghai to Lhasa, Guangzhou to Lhasa, Chengdu to Lhasa, Chongqing to Lhasa, Lanzhou to Lhasa, and Xining to Lhasa. The famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs from Xining to Lhasa, and all other Tibet train routes join it in Xining before continuing to Lhasa. The map below shows the major train routes from inland China to Tibet.

Major Tibet Railway Map

Here is the key information about each route, including travel time, distance, and frequency, to help you compare the available Tibet train routes. Each route offers a different experience, from the classic Qinghai-Tibet Railway journey from Xining to the longest cross-China rail adventure from Guangzhou.

Direct Tibet Train Routes Comparison

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes through snow-capped mountains.

Xining-Lhasa Railway Map: The Legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Xining-Lhasa Railway Map.

Running from Xining to Lhasa, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers the ultimate Tibet train journey experience. Along the way, you can see snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, pristine lakes, and some of the most remote landscapes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

As the world’s highest railway, the Qinghai Tibet Railway reaches 5,072 meters at Tanggula Pass before continuing to Lhasa. The gradual climb makes it easier to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment, while oxygen supply systems and pressurized carriages ensure a more comfortable journey. Below are the six major stations on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and their elevations along the route.

The Xining to Lhasa train route is famous for its spectacular scenery. Along the way, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, including the following highlights:

Many experienced travelers consider the section between Golmud and Nagchu to be the most scenic part of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. This remote stretch crosses the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, where dramatic landscapes, vast grasslands, and abundant wildlife create one of the most memorable rail journeys in the world.

7 Days Classic Xining to Tibet Tour by Train

Tour Route: Xining - Qinghai Lake - Xining - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Travel from Xining to Lhasa on the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway and enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way.

Beijing-Lhasa Railway Map

Beijing-Lhasa Railway Map.

The Beijing to Lhasa train is one of the most popular ways to travel to Tibet. It begins in China's capital and travels across several provinces before joining the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Xining. It is the longest Tibet train route from northern China and offers a unique opportunity to experience China’s diverse landscapes before reaching Tibet.

If you plan to spend a day or two in Beijing before your train journey to Tibet, you can explore several world-famous attractions:

• The Forbidden City: Offers a fascinating introduction to China’s imperial history.
• The Great Wall: Provides unforgettable views and cultural significance.
• The Temple of Heaven: Is one of Beijing's most impressive historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12 Days Travel from Beijing to Kathmandu across Tibet Plateau, traversing the Beijing-Lhasa Train

Tour Route: Beijing - Xining - Qinghai Tibet Railway - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD1795 p.p

Travel from Beijing to Kathmandu across the spectacular Tibetan Plateau with a scenic train journey to Lhasa.

Shanghai-Lhasa Railway Map

Shanghai-Lhasa Railway Map.

The Shanghai to Lhasa train is a popular choice for travelers who want to experience China’s changing landscapes from east to west. Starting from Shanghai, China’s financial hub, this route travels across eastern, central, and western China, offering a variety of landscapes along the way.

During the Shanghai to Lhasa train journey, you can see the scenery change from the bustling cities and fertile plains of eastern China to the rugged mountains and vast grasslands of western China.

Some notable sights along the route include:

• Ancient Canal Towns: Traditional water towns that reflect the rich cultural heritage of eastern China.
• Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge: One of China's most iconic railway bridges spanning the Yangtze River.
• Huang-Huai Plain: One of China's largest agricultural regions, known for its vast farmlands.
• Loess Plateau: A unique landscape of deep valleys and wind-shaped hills in northwestern China.

10 Days Shanghai Lhasa Everest Base Camp Tour by Train

Tour Route: Train from Shanghai - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Enjoy a short Everest Base Camp tour with a scenic Tibet train journey from Shanghai.

Guangzhou-Lhasa Railway Map

Guangzhou-Lhasa Railway Map.

The Guangzhou to Lhasa train offers an extraordinary journey from southern China to the heart of Tibet. It is the longest direct train route to Tibet, offering a unique opportunity to experience China from south to west in a single journey.

For travelers who enjoy long-distance rail journeys, the Guangzhou to Lhasa train offers the most complete cross-China travel experience, covering southern, central, northwestern, and Tibetan regions in a single trip.

Along this longest Tibet train route, you can enjoy stunning natural scenery, including:

• Middle and Lower Yangtze River Plain: One of China’s most fertile regions, known for its vast farmlands and waterways.
• Yellow River: China’s “Mother River” and one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks.
• Loess Plateau: A unique landscape of deep valleys and wind-shaped hills in northwestern China.

12 Days Guangzhou Lhasa Namtso Everest Base Camp Tour by Tibet Train

Tour Route: Guangzhou - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Experience the ultimate Qinghai-Tibet Railway adventure from Guangzhou, featuring Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake.

Chengdu-Lhasa Railway Map

Chengdu-Lhasa Railway Map.

The Chengdu to Lhasa train provides a convenient route to Tibet from southwest China. Covering over 3,000 kilometers, it allows you to experience the rich landscapes of Sichuan Province before joining the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Xining.

Chengdu is a favorite departure city for several reasons. Tibet train tickets from Chengdu are easier to obtain than from many other departure cities. The city itself is also a major gateway to Tibet and offers unique cultural and culinary experiences, such as:

• Giant Panda Breeding Center: Visit the world-famous pandas and learn about conservation efforts.
• Sichuan Hot Pot: Enjoy the region’s signature spicy hot pot for a true local culinary experience.

These experiences make Chengdu one of the most enjoyable departure cities for a Tibet train journey.

11 Days Chengdu to Tibet Train Tour with Everest Base Camp

Tour Route: Chengdu - Xining - Qinghai Tibet Railway - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa - Chengdu

Price from USD1790 p.p

See giant pandas, enjoy a scenic Qinghai-Tibet train journey, and explore Tibet’s top attractions.

Chongqing-Lhasa Railway Map

Chongqing-Lhasa Railway Map.

The Chongqing to Lhasa train is also a popular choice for travelers beginning their journey to Tibet from southwest China. The train journey from Chongqing is slightly shorter than the route from Chengdu, making it an efficient and comfortable option for reaching Lhasa.

As a major transportation hub in southwest China, Chongqing offers convenient flight, rail, and road connections from many parts of China.

Chongqing itself is also a famous destination. If you plan to spend a day or two in Chongqing before taking the train to Tibet, there are plenty of unique experiences to enjoy, such as:

• Hongya Cave: A famous riverside complex known for its traditional architecture and spectacular night views.
• Yangtze River Cableway: Ride across the Yangtze River and enjoy panoramic views of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline and river scenery.
• Chongqing Hot Pot: Taste the city’s most famous culinary specialty, known for its bold flavors and spicy broth.

7 Days Chongqing Lhasa Train Tour

Tour Route: Chongqing - By Train - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

Experience Chongqing’s famous mountain city culture, enjoy the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and explore the highlights of Lhasa.

Lanzhou-Lhasa Railway Map

Lanzhou-Lhasa Railway Map.

The Lanzhou to Lhasa train is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Tibet from northwestern China. As the capital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou is an important transportation hub linking many major Chinese cities to Tibet. This route provides one of the shortest train journeys to Lhasa while still covering the most scenic section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Train tickets from Lanzhou are often easier to obtain, making it a practical choice. In addition, if you start from Lanzhou, you can experience:

• Zhongshan Bridge: Historic iron bridge across the Yellow River, an iconic symbol of Lanzhou.
• Gansu Provincial Museum: Exhibits on Silk Road history and regional culture.
• Lanzhou Beef Noodles: Famous local culinary specialty with hand-pulled noodles.

Zhongshan Bridge, one of Lanzhou’s most iconic landmarks, spans the Yellow River.

Sichuan-Tibet Railway Map: Under Construction

Sichuan-Tibet Railway Map.

The Sichuan-Tibet Railway is one of China’s most ambitious railway projects and is expected to become a new gateway to Tibet in the future. Once completed, the railway will connect Chengdu in Sichuan Province with Lhasa in Tibet, creating a faster route through some of the most dramatic mountain and plateau landscapes in western China.

The planned railway will pass through some of the most spectacular landscapes between Sichuan and Tibet, such as:

• Yarlung Tsangpo River: Tibet’s longest river, flowing through some of the most breathtaking valleys on the plateau.
• Kangding Grasslands: Vast alpine meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains in western Sichuan.

The Sichuan-Tibet Railway is currently under construction.

Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Map: Planned Construction

Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Map.

The Xinjiang-Tibet Railway is a planned railway that will connect Xinjiang with Tibet, opening a new route across western China. Although still in the planning stage, this ambitious project is expected to provide travelers with access to the dramatic and untouched scenery in western China.

Once completed, the Xinjiang-Tibet Railway will allow you to experience some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in western China during a single journey, such as:

• Kunlun Mountains: One of Asia's most legendary mountain ranges, featuring snow-capped peaks, legends, and cultural traditions.
• Qiangtang Plateau: One of the largest and most pristine high-altitude wilderness areas on the Tibetan Plateau.
• Ruins of the Guge Kingdom: The remains of an ancient Tibetan kingdom famous for its history, architecture, and Buddhist culture.

The Xinjiang-Tibet Railway will pass through the majestic Kunlun Mountains.

Summary and FAQs about the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Map

Quick summary

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world's highest railway. Starting in Xining and ending in Lhasa, it crosses some of the most spectacular landscapes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In addition to the Xining to Lhasa route, direct trains to Tibet are also available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Lanzhou.

Q1: Which section of the railway is the most scenic?

The section between Golmud and Nagchu is widely regarded as the most scenic part of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. This part of the journey passes through Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, Tanggula Pass, and other breathtaking landscapes on the Tibetan Plateau.

Q2: Is oxygen available on Tibet trains?

Yes. All Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supply systems and pressurized carriages to help passengers adapt to the high-altitude environment.

Q3: Can foreigners take the Tibet train?

Yes. International travelers can take Tibet trains, but a Tibet Travel Permit is required before entering Tibet. The permit must be arranged through a registered Tibet travel agency before your trip.

Q4: What is the highest railway station on the route?

Tanggula Railway Station is the highest railway station on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, sitting at an elevation of 5,068 meters above sea level.

Q5: What is the best time to travel on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway?

The best time to travel is from April to October, which is also the best season to visit Tibet. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Summer is especially popular for viewing grasslands, lakes, and wildlife along the route.

Conclusion

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers one of the most unforgettable train journeys in the world. From the classic Xining to Lhasa route to the longer journeys from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Lanzhou, each route provides a different way to experience the landscapes, cultures, and rail journeys leading to Tibet.

No matter which route you choose, the final stretch across the Tibetan Plateau promises spectacular views and a truly unique travel experience. Contact us today and plan your Tibet train tour to the Roof of the World.