Since opening on July 1, 2006, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway has brought over 10 million tourists to Tibet, drawn by its stunning plateau views and status as the world's highest railway, with the Tanggula Pass reaching 5,027 meters.

Currently, direct trains to Tibet run from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining and pass through cities like Xi'an and Lanzhou. Each train route offers unique advantages. Read on to explore all the options for trains to Tibet and plan your ideal Tibet train journey.

Tibet Train from Xining: The Gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

What’s unique about the Xining-Lhasa train is that the true Qinghai-Tibet journey begins in Xining, Qinghai Province. This section offers the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. For tourists with a tight schedule, flying to Xining and then taking the Tibet train is the best option. This way, you can enjoy the stunning scenery along the journey while saving time for exploring Lhasa.

There are several trains from Xining to Lhasa. But most of them start from other cities of China and stop at Xining Train Station generally for 20 minutes. Only one train, Z8991, starts from Xining to Lhasa, departs every day at 21:50 from Xining and arrives at Lhasa at 17:39 on the next day.

This train route covers a total distance of 1,960 km, taking around 20 hours. A first-class sleeper berth costs approximately RMB 800, a second-class sleeper berth around RMB 500, and a hard seat about RMB 224.

Tip: All the Train schedules mentioned in this article may vary by season, so please check with us for the latest information if you wish to book in advance.

Scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

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Tibet Train from Beijing: Most Popular Choice with Daily Departure

As the capital of China, Beijing is a popular entry point for foreign tourists, offering iconic attractions like the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Forbidden City. For those with an extended holiday who wish to visit Tibet after exploring Beijing, taking the train from Beijing to Lhasa is an excellent choice.

A tailor-made air-conditioning train from Beijing to Lhasa run by China Railways takes about 40 hours to cover 3753 kilometers between Beijing and Lhasa. It departs from the Beijing West Railway Station at 19:52 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 11:36 on the third day.

The train from Beijing to Lhasa offers a convenient option, allowing you to start your journey to Tibet right after completing your Beijing tour. It presently costs around RMB1200 for a first-class sleeper berth, around RMB800 for a second-class sleeper berth and 360 for a hard seat.

Beijing to Lhasa Raliway map.

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Tibet Train from Shanghai: An ideal East-to-west Route across China

Located on China's eastern coast, Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis and a popular gateway for foreign tourists. For those with a longer holiday and want to explore Tibet from Shanghai, the scenic train from Shanghai to Lhasa offers a memorable journey to Tibet.

The air-conditioned train to Tibet from Shanghai departs every day at 18:33 from Shanghai Train Station, and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 15:05 on the third day after about 44.5 hours, covering a distance of 4373 kilometers. A first-class sleeper berth on this train costs around RMB 1,300, a second-class sleeper approximately RMB 850, and a hard seat about half of that.

Shanghai to Lhasa Raliway map.

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Tibet train from Guangzhou: Traversing China from South to North

Guangzhou, a major gateway city in South China, provides excellent convenience for tourists from the Southern Hemisphere, such as those from Australia and New Zealand. It’s also a great choice for travelers from countries like Malaysia and Singapore who want to experience a train journey to Tibet.

The train to Tibet from Guangzhou departs every other day at 9:15 from Guangzhou Train Station, and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 14:17 on the third day after over 53 hours, covering a distance of 4980 kilometers. The Guangzhou to Lhasa train costs around RMB1500 for a first-class sleeper berth, about RMB900 for a second-class sleeper berth and RMB447 for a hard seat.

Guangzhou to Lhasa Raliway map.

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Tibet Train from Chengdu: When Pandas Meet Tibet Rich Heritage

As the main gateway to Tibet, Chengdu offers easy access for travelers heading to the highlands. The city also charms visitors with the famous face-changing Sichuan Opera and the chance to see giant pandas up close, making it a perfect stop for culture and adventure.

The train to Tibet from Chengdu departs every other day at 21:11 from Chengdu Train Station, and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 7:41 on the third day after nearly 34 hours, covering a distance of 3348 kilometers. The Chengdu to Lhasa train costs around RMB1100 for a first-class sleeper berth, about RMB700 for a second-class sleeper berth and RMB302.5 for a hard seat.

Chengdu to Lhasa Raliway map.

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Tibet Train from Xian: Journey that Connects Two Regions with History

Xi'an is an excellent starting point for a train journey to Tibet. Known for its rich history and iconic sites like the Terracotta Warriors, it offers a unique chance to explore two culturally rich destinations in one trip. With historic landmarks and stunning scenery along the way, this route is perfect for history enthusiasts.

At present, there is no train originating from Xian to Lhasa, but there are several trains that make stops in Xian, such as the trains from Guangzhou to Lhasa and the train from Shanghai to Lhasa. Therefore, it is less easy to get a train ticket to Lhasa in Xian.

Besides, the ticket quota allocation for Xian would be small. You would be able to get a ticket from Shanghai to Lhasa, but might not be able to get one from Xian to Lhasa. It costs around RMB 1006 for a first-class sleeper berth ticket and RMB 650 for a second-class sleeper berth.

Visit Xi’an Terracotta Warriors.

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Tibet train from Chongqing: A Popular Route with Departures Every Other Day

Compared to trains from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, taking the train to Tibet from Chongqing offers a unique mix of convenience and adventure. The journey is shorter, taking only 33 hours, making it an ideal option for those planning a Tibet tour from Chongqing.

The train from Chongqing to Tibet departs every other day at 21:53 from Chongqing Train Station, and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 7:41 on the third day, covering a distance of 3654 kilometers. The Chongqing to Lhasa train costs around RMB1040 for a first-class sleeper berth, about RMB660 for a second-class sleeper berth and half that for a hard seat.

Chongqing to Lhasa Raliway map.

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Tibet train from Lanzhou: A Shorter Ride with Convenient Departures

As you travel from Lanzhou, the route takes you across vast deserts, lush plateaus, and towering mountain ranges, offering a front-row view of the changing scenery. With a journey time of just over 20 hours, it's a convenient yet adventurous way to reach Tibet, making it perfect for travelers seeking both comfort and stunning natural beauty along the way.

At present, there are four trains to Tibet from Lanzhou. The four respectively start from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, with a stopover in Lanzhou. With the duration of 23 hours, it costs around RMB850 for a first-class sleeper berth, about RMB550 for a second-class sleeper berth and RMB240 for a hard seat.

Lanzhou to Lhasa Raliway map.

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Tibet train from Golmud: Where the Most Scenic Part Unfolds

The most scenic section of the Tibet train journey is between Golmud and Lhasa, featuring the towering snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, vast grasslands, and stunning high plateau landscapes. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a short ride with breathtaking views.

Although there is no train to Lhasa originating Golmud, but four trains to Lhasa making a stopover in Golmud for it is a city that lies along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It takes approximately 13.5 hours from Golmud to Lhasa by train and cost around RMB580 for a first-class sleeper berth, about RMB380 for a second-class sleeper berth and RMB141.5 for a hard seat.

The most scenic section of the Tibet train journey is between Golmud and Lhasa.

Conclusion

To choose the best option, consider your travel schedule and entry point into China. For longer holidays, trains from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou offer stunning views, including the Qinghai-Tibet railway. If time is limited, start from Xining or Chengdu for a shorter ride, giving you a quick taste of the Tibet train while saving time for exploring Tibet.

Whether you opt for a longer journey or a shorter one, the Tibet train is an unforgettable adventure, offering travelers a chance to soak in the beauty and history of both Tibet and the cities along the way. Contact us for the latest updates on Tibet train travel.