If you are concerned about the safety of the train to Tibet, you should take it easy as Tibet trains are among the safest in the world. It is not only because of the security check for all passengers boarding the train, but also the specially designed train carriages keep you away from lack of oxygen while running through the Tibet Plateau.

Let’s take a look at how safe the entire Tibet train journey is, from entering the train station in the mainland of China to arriving in Lhasa.

1. Before boarding the train, there is a very strict security check.

The security check at Chinese train stations is almost the same as that at airports, including the X-ray screening, metal detectors, and identification checks.

Before entering the railway station, you need to swipe your passport or other real-name ticket-buying documents, such as the foreign permanent resident ID Card, to enter the train stations. This is to verify your ticket to ensure only passengers can enter the waiting hall.

You need to pass the identification check to enter the waiting hall at your departure station.

Next, you will pass through the security checkpoint, where you will pass through a metal detector and have your luggage scanned, which is similar to airport security. Only after passing through the security check will you be allowed into the waiting area.

Please notice that dangerous items, such as flammable, explosive, and toxic materials, are not allowed to be carried onboard the train to Tibet. Also, bottled oxygen can not be carried onboard the train to Tibet. You can check detailed luggage regulations for Trains to Tibet.

If you plan to bring a bicycle on the train for a Tibet cycling tour, it must be packed properly. Both the front and rear wheels need to be removed, and the total size and weight of the packed bicycle must comply with the following guidelines. The bicycle should not be reassembled at the station or on the train. If it exceeds these limits, it must be checked in.

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2. There are policemen onboard throughout the train journey.

The trains to Tibet also have guards and police officers that travel the routes, ensuring the safety of all passengers at all times. There is at least one railway police officer or staff member in each carriage. At night, the railroad police officers will patrol the corridors to ensure the safety and security of passengers and their belongings.

Train police on trains to Tibet ensure your safety onboard.

3. Onboard Oxygen Supply to Keep You Safe from Altitude Sickness.

The altitude sickness is one of the top concerns for passengers taking the train to Tibet. However, you don’t need to worry too much about it.

All Tibet trains are specially designed for traveling through the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is at an average altitude of 4,000 meters. There are two types of oxygen supply systems on Tibet trains: one is the diffused mode, and the other is the distribution mode.

Oxygen Generator room on the Tibet train.

Every train to Tibet will start implementing a diffuse oxygen supply through the air-conditioning system after Golmud. This means that the oxygen content of the air on the train is higher than that of the outside. Therefore, you will not suffer too much discomfort due to the lack of oxygen onboard.

There are also personal oxygen ports in the cabins next to each berth and in the corridor outside, which can be used to aid in relieving the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you need an oxygen tube for personal use, just ask the train staff onboard.

4. Solo travelers, especially female travelers, should keep these tips in mind.

If you travel to Tibet alone, it is necessary to keep an eye on your belongings. You can put your large luggage on the luggage rack or under the lower berth. But remember to keep your passport, and the Tibet Travel Permit, along with valuables like your cell phone, in a small carry-on bag with you.

For solo female passengers, it is recommended to choose a hard sleeper on the Tibet train. The semi-open space of a hard sleeper cabin can provide a relatively better sense of security.

The semi-open hard sleeper cabins on Tibet trains.

Although the soft sleeper compartment has only four beds and the compartment door can be completely closed, being in a closed space with three strangers, especially strangers of the opposite sex, will make some female travelers feel uncomfortable.

For senior travelers or those who take the train to Tibet with kids, if your ticket is not for the lower berth, be sure to pay extra attention when climbing to your bunk for safety.

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5. During the trip, your luggage is kept safe and secure beside you.

There are certain guidelines to help secure your luggage on the Tibet trains, and these are as important as your own safety. While crime is not a major concern, it’s always a good idea to take extra precautions, such as keeping your important items on your person. A bum bag or belt wallet is the best way to keep your passport, Tibet Permit, and cash on your person.

Since large luggage needs to be placed on the overhead racks or under the lower bunk, it is not convenient to take the luggage. It’s a good idea to keep items you may need during the train ride, such as personal toiletries, snacks, and drinks, in a small bag that you can leave on your bunk.

The luggage rack on Tibet train

6. The food and drinks onboard are very safe to enjoy.

All trains to Tibet have dining cars as well as food trolleys offering freshly prepared meals, and snacks and drinks that are produced by regular manufacturers. There is no need to worry about food safety issues. The only concern you might have is that the taste may not be to your liking.

The food on the trains to Tibet is normally a mix of Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Breakfasts on Tibet trains are always porridge, noodles, soups, stir-fry, eggs, steamed buns, momos, etc. The lunch and dinner menus have both set meals and separate menus, and you can choose from such well-known dishes as Hong Shao Rou (Braised pork Belly), Kung Pao Chicken, Twice-cooked Pork, and a lot of others. The dishes are all freshly cooked for each mealtime, and the variations can also change depending on the season.

The box meals on the trolleys are similar to the meals in the dining car, and are set meals that you can buy hot and ready to eat. The trolleys also contain various pot meals, snacks, and drinks that you can purchase for the journey.

There are no Western-style meals on trains to Tibet. If you’re not used to Chinese food, it’s a good idea to bring some bread, sandwiches, or other snacks with you. Additionally, hot water is available 24/7 on the train, which you can use to make instant noodles, coffee, tea, etc.

The freshly prepared meals offered by the dining car on the Tibet train.

7. Train stations are also safe, both when arriving in Lhasa and before boarding.

Chinese train stations are known for their high-standard safety and security. The railway stations in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Xining, which are major departure stations for trains to Tibet, are equipped with advanced security inspection equipment and strict security checks. In addition, these railway stations also have 24-hour patrol police to ensure the safety of passengers.

The public security of Lhasa Railway Station is quite reliable, with clear signs ensuring a smooth exit. Additionally, our tour guide will meet you outside Lhasa Railway Station and send you to your hotel safely and hassle-free.

Our tour guide will meet you outside Lhasa Railway Station.

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8. Additional safety tips for a comfortable train trip

Smoking is prohibited on Tibet trains due to the presence of oxygen supply in the carriages. You can only smoke at the platforms of stations along the way.

It is essential to arrive at the departure train station at least 60 minutes before departure. As the train stations in those major gateway cities, such as the Beijing Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station, and Guangzhou Railway Station, are some of the busiest train stations in China, you need to leave enough to avoid rushing through security checks and ensure to find your platform on time.

Please keep your Tibet Travel Permit and identification safe. Due to the real-name ticketing system in China, your passport and Tibet Travel Permit will be checked when entering the waiting hall and getting to the platform at the departure station. Also, after arriving in Lhasa, you need to show your passport and the Tibet Travel Permit at the exit for a smooth pass-through. So, you need to keep these documents safe and avoid losing them due to frequent use.

Please keep your Tibet Travel Permit safe for boarding the train to Tibet.

Conclusion

Traveling to Tibet by train is one of the safest ways to get to Tibet. The oxygen supply systems on Tibet trains keep you away from altitude sickness when traveling on the world’s highest Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

In addition, the strict security measures and real-name ticket purchase system in China also ensure the safety of the train stations, making sure that only passengers who meet the security check can enter.

Our free pick-up service at Lhasa Railway Station also secure your way to your hotel smoothly and safely. Once you take a Tibet train tour with us, all you need to do is immerse yourself in the stunning scenery along the way.