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The Tibet Train, or Qinghai-Tibet Railway, is a remarkable high-altitude rail line connecting Lhasa with major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Opened in 2006, this engineering marvel spans over 1,900 kilometers, with sections soaring above 5,000 meters—earning its title as the world's highest railway. For anyone captivated by the allure of Tibet, this train journey is more than transportation—it's an unforgettable part of the adventure.
Why is taking a Tibet Train a must when traveling to Tibet?
This guide dives into everything you need to know about the Tibet train journey. Discover train schedules, route maps, onboard facilities, suggested itineraries, an introduction to the trains operating to and from Tibet, and answers to common questions. Whether you're after practical tips or simply building excitement for your adventure, this guide is your ultimate companion for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway experience!
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| Train Route | Dep.-Arr. | Distance | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing to Lhasa | 19:53 - 11:21 | 3,757km | Daily | 39:28 h |
| Shanghai to Lhasa | 18:33/15.05 | 4,373km | Daily | 44:32 h |
| Xining to Lhasa | 21:10 - 17:10 | 1,972km | Daily | 20 h |
| Chengdu to Lhasa | 21:13 - 07:41 | 3,360km | Every Other Day | 34:28 h |
| Xian to Lhasa | 07:53 - 14:17 | 2864km | Daily | 30:24 h |
| Guangzhou to Lhasa | 09:20 - 14:17 | 4,980km | Daily | 52:57 h |
| Chongqing to Lhasa | 21:56 - 07:41 | 3,055km | Every Other Day | 33:45 h |
| Lanzhou to Lhasa | 08:40 - 7:41 | 2188km | Daily | 23:01 h |
Asia Odyssey Travel is the largest online Tibet travel agency in Tibet, offering 20+ Tibet train tours starting from major destinations in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xining, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. Most importantly, we provide our travelers with utmost assistance in obtaining tickets for any of the train routes to Tibet.
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As a foreigner who wants to do a Tibet Tour , it is essential to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit (TTB permit; Lhasa) before entering Tibet for travel. If your tour in Tibet covers areas beyond Lhasa, aditional permits for Tibet are required, such as the Aliens' Travel Permit (PSB Permit; Shigatse, Mount Everest Base Camp), and Military Travel Permit (Shannan, Kailash). You can contact AOT Team for all the Tibet Permits you need for free and enjoy a worry-free trip with us. Your guide in Xining can help to arragne your train boarding with your Tibet permit.
Xining is the starting point of the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway , annd it is convenient to reach Xining from other cities by air or bullet train. Furthermore, taking a Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa is the quickest way to experience the best Train Journey to Tibet. Therefore, Train Tickets from Xining to Lhasa are very popular, expecially during peak season, when the demand for train tickets can far exceeds the supply. However, we will manage to secure the ticket. Contact AOT Team ahead of the time, and we will try our best to ensure you a lifetime memory on your train journey to Tibet from Xining.
Extending 1,956 kilometers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects, Xining (2,200m), capital of Qinghai Province, and Lhasa (3,650m), capital of Tibet. The train from Xining to Lhasa runs at an altitude of 4,000m above sea level, and the highest point is 5,072 m. For Xining Tibet Tours, you will usually spend a night in Xining, which is at 2,200m above sea level. This will help you adjust to the altitude before boarding the train.
Besides, taking the train via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway can actually help alleviate altitude sickness. The train is equipped with oxygen supply systems and pressurized carriages, which can regulate air pressure and provide additional oxygen to passengers.
Due to the high altitude, it is advisable to undergo a physical examination before traveling to Tibet. Be sure to let your companions or the train staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to assist and are experienced in dealing with altitude. Most of our guests who finished their Xining Tibet Tour did not suffering altitude sickness.
Yes, it is absolutely safe to take the train to from Xining to Tibet. The crime rates in the train are notably low. The train is equipped with modern safety features, including fire alarms, smoke detectors, and security cameras. Additionally, the train staff undergoes regular safety training to ensure the safety of passengers.
The train from Xining to Tibet offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It provides a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Here are some facilities equipped on the train from Xining to Lhasa/Tibet:
1.Sleeping Berths: The train has four types of sleeping options, including soft sleeper, hard sleeper, soft seat, and hard seat.
2.Dining cars: The train offers a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages in dining cars. If Chinese and Tibetan dishes is not to your taste, you can bring some instant food.
3.Toilets/Restrooms: The train has both Western-style and squat-style toilets available in each soft sleeper carriage. However, passengers should be prepared for their towels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
4.Oxygen supply systems: The train is equipped with oxygen supply systems and supplemental oxygen to help passengers adjust to the high altitude.
5.Observation decks:Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway means the train journey from Xining to Lhasa which is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.Take the train from Xining to Tibet, you will passing through vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, high-altitude lakes, yaks and herders’ tents, and barren deserts. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the journey for antelope, foxes, and Kiang, plus the occasional nomad.
There is even a popular song in China called “Take a train to Lhasa”. Listen to the beautiful songs during a train journey from Xining to Lhasa (about 21.5 hours by train) to appreciate the charming beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.
Xining is capital of Qinghai province and is well connected by air and high speed rail. You can arrive in Xining by either train or flight, depending on your preference and location.
There is a Xining Caojiapu international airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Xining by air directly from most cities of China, like Beijing (2.5 hours), Xian (1.5 hours), Chengdu (1.5 - 2 hours), Shanghai (3 hours), Lhasa (2.5 hours), Hangzhou (3 hours)...
There are two main train stations in Xining: Xining Railway Station and Xining West Railway Station. Both Train stations offer convenient connections to various destinations in China, including Tibet via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.You can take the high speed train to Xining from Xian (5.5 - 6 hours), Langzhou (2.5 - 3.5 hours), Chengdu (10.5 hours), etc.
By Train or by Flights? Both options are convenient and comfortable, and the choice between them depends on your personal preference and travel plans.
Contact AOT Team if you need help with the tickets booking.
There are several train stations in Tibet that are served by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway . For traveller who want to enjoy a nice jouney in Tibet would like to take the trains connect with Shigatse, Lhasa , and Nyingzhi.
1. Lhasa Railway Station
Lhasa Railway Station is located in the capital city of Lhasa. This station serves as the terminal station for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and offers connections to other cities in Tibet, such as Shigatse (2.5 hours) and Nyingchi (4 hours). It also offers connections to other parts of China.
2. Shigatse Railway Station
Shigatse Railway Station is located in the city of Shigatse. This station offer convenient connections to Lhsasa and provide access to popular tourist destinations, such as Perklor Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Rongpuk Monastery, and Mount Everest. It takea about 2.5 hours to reach Lhasa from Shigatse by train.
3. Nyingchi Railway Station
Nyingchi Railway Station is located in the city of Nyingchi, which is known for its stunning natural scenery and biodiversity. It takea about 4 hours to reach Lhasa from Nyingchi by train. This train journey is one of the most scenic Train journeys in the world, passing through breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped mountains, deep river valleys, and pristine forests.
Contact AOT Team if you need help with the tickets booking.
There are usually two ways to get to Lhasa , depending on your starting point and travel preferences.
(1) By Air: You can fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport from major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, as well as from some international destinations such as Kathmandu, Nepal. The airport is located about 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) from Lhasa and can be reached by taxi or bus.
(2) by train The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa with several major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, and Xining. The train journey is a popular way to reach Lhasa as it offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and the Himalayan mountain range. However, the journey can take several days, so it's important to plan accordingly.
Once you arrive in Lhasa, our team at Asia Odyssey Travel will be there to greet you with English-speaking guides and experienced drivers. We'll escort you from the airport or train station to your hotels in Lhasa.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world's highest railway and provides a scenic journey to Tibet. The train passes through stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and high-altitude lakes. It is also a more affordable option than air travel and allows for gradual acclimation to the altitude. The main gateway cities for traveling to Tibet by train are Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Xining. The journey time varies from 22 to 55 hours depending on your departure city.
Clive
Britain
We really enjoyed our 19 day tour of Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet tour arranged by Asian Odyessey. Alina helped customize our itinerary, mostly adding a few free rest days, and was very helpful in communication throughout. The tour guides, hotels and transportation were all excellent. I am happy to recommend them and indeed am looking at another tour.
Destination(s): Tibet
Date of Experience: Oct 21, 2024
Tour Customized by: Alina
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Zhang Ao Yang
Hong Kong, China
Fantastic tour with an introduction to the history and culture of tibet. The scenery is also fantastic. Special thanks to my travel consultant Lea and my tour guide Bob for this amazing trip.
Destination(s): Tibet
Date of Experience: Mar 25, 2025
Tour Customized by: Lea
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kayvanp
Singapore
The itinerary was a well-planned 12 days trip from Shanghai to Xining then Lhasa (Tibet).
Our guide, Lobsang Dorje, has been wonderful. He is always available (punctual & responsive on weChat) and ready to go the extra mile accommodating to our dietary (vegetarian) and sanitary demands in Tibet. We are beyond grateful to have him as our guide.
Special thanks to our agent, Shirley, in making this trip possible to planning out the details for our trip e.g., itinerary, accommodation and transportation. We manage to visit all the itinerary that was planned out including Everest Base Camp with additional stopover for sightseeing.
All-in-all, we believe that the full cultural experience in Tibet could not been achieved without an experienced guide (Lobsang Dorje) and agent (Shirley). We are well satisfied the level of service that was provided by the guide and agency.
Destination(s): Shanghai, Tibet
Date of Experience: Jul 26, 2024
Tour Customized by: Shirley
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