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Lhasa Railway Station: How Far from City Center?
Lhasa Railway Station sits in the southern part of Lhasa city. It's about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from downtown Lhasa and the Potala Palace area.
Where is Lhasa Railway Station (拉萨站)
Adrees: Tongzhan Road, Duilongdeqing District, Lhasa (拉萨市堆龙德庆区通站路)
This is Tibet's main train station and the gateway to the "Roof of the World." Every day, trains arrive from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining. Local trains from Tibetan cities Shigatse and Nyingchi also stop here.
Most trains reach Lhasa in the afternoon. This timing is good for new visitors to check in to their hotels and rest.
Distances from Lhasa Railway Station to Key Destinations
Lhasa has many great places to see and hotels for all budgets. From Lhasa Train Station, you will most likely go to the Potala Palace and Barkhor Street area. This is the most popular place to stay. From here, you can walk to Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, and Potala Palace.
| Destination | Distance by Road | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Potala Palace | 7.4 km | 15-25 min |
| Barkhor Street | 9 km | 20-30 min |
| Ramoche Temple | 10 km | 30-40 min |
| Drepung Monastery | 9.5 km | 20-30 min |
| Sera Monastery | 14 km | 30-45 min |
What to Do in Lhasa? Unlock 15 Lhasa Attractions (2025)
Option 1: By Free Pick-up Service: Best Way
The best way to get from Lhasa Train Station to the city is by using a tour pickup service. This is the most convenient option.
As a local travel agency with over 10 years of experience, Asia Odyssey Travel offers free pickup from Lhasa Train Station. Once you arrive, our Tibetan guide will meet you and take you to your hotel for rest. Contact us to book your Tibet tour!
How to Use Our Lhasa Train Station Pickup Service
- Get Off the Train
After getting off the Tibet train at the platform, follow the crowd to the exit gate. This takes about 5–10 minutes.
- Exit the Station
In the arrival hall, you need to show your ticket to exit. You can usually find a manual checkpoint next to the self-service gates, where staff will check your passport.
- Tibet Travel Permit Check
After leaving the hall, walk to your right and straight ahead along the covered walkway for about 40 meters. You will find a small building with a blue roof and white walls, marked with a Chinese national emblem.
- This is the police station, where foreign travelers, including Taiwan visitors, must have their Tibet Travel Permit This usually takes only a few minutes. If your permit and passport are valid, there is no need to worry.
- Meet Your Guide
Once you have completed these steps, go to the station square. You will see a large electronic screen. Your tour guide will be waiting for you nearby.
Option 2: By Taxi: 20-30 Min (30-40 RMB)
A taxi is another way to go from Lhasa Train Station to the city center. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes and costs 30-40 RMB.
You can easily find taxis at the main exit of the train station. Make sure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a price before you start the trip.
During rush hours or bad weather, you may need to wait in line for a taxi. The price is much higher from midnight to 7 AM.
Option 3: By Bus (35-70 min)
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to reach downtown Lhasa from the railway station. The fare is only 1-2 RMB, but the journey takes 35-55 minutes.
The bus stop is on the east side of the railway station. To reach the Potala Palace, you can take bus numbers 1, 14, 13, or 10. Bus number 1 is the most convenient choice.
If you want to go to Barkhor Street, take bus number 15 or 14. Bus 15 offers the most direct route. Just be ready for a longer travel time compared to taxis.
Tips & Frequently Asked Questions about Lhasa Station Transportation
Q: Do I need to show my Tibet Travel Permit at the station?
A: Yes. All foreign visitors and Taiwan travelers must present their Tibet Travel Permit at the police office inside Lhasa Station. You must obtain this permit through a registered travel agency before your trip - it cannot be obtained individually or upon arrival.
Q: What facilities can I find at the station?
A: Three floors: Departures and ticket offices on 1F, shopping/restaurants on 2F, arrivals on B1 914.
Waiting areas: Soft-seat, VIP, and maternal/child waiting rooms, plus a medical center offering oxygen services for altitude acclimatization 513.
Amenities: LED screens for schedules, escalators, luggage slides, and a health service center.
Q: Should I worry about altitude sickness?
A: Yes. Lhasa Station sits at 3,650 meters altitude. Take precautions: move slowly, drink plenty of water, and don't rush to lift heavy luggage. If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or unwell, visit the medical center immediately. Oxygen is available at the medical point.
Q: Where do I meet my guide?
A: Due to regulations, guides can only wait at the intersection outside the station where the main road meets the station exit. They are not allowed to enter the station or platforms. If you can't find your guide, call them directly or contact your travel consultant via phone or WeChat - they will guide you to the exact meeting point.
Q: How does the free pickup service work?
A: For private tours, we arrange driver and guide pickup according to your specific train arrival time. For Tibet group tours, free pickup service is only available on the official tour start and end dates. If you arrive one day early or stay extra days, you'll need to pay additional transfer fees. Always confirm pickup details with your travel consultant in advance.
How to Exit Lhasa Railway Station to Meet Our Local Guide? (4 Steps)
How to Plan a Lhasa Tour
The classic Lhasa tour takes 4-5 days, perfect for first-time visitors. Start with two days in central Lhasa exploring the magnificent Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, and bustling Barkhor Street.
On your third day, visit the famous monasteries near the city - Sera Monastery to watch monk debates and Drepung Monastery to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. Complete your journey with a day trip to either Lake Yamdrok, known for its turquoise waters, or Lake Namtso, one of the world's highest saltwater lakes.
For a deeper Tibet experience, consider extending your trip.
Nyingchi region needs 3-4 extra days, famous for its stunning peach blossoms in spring, dramatic Tibet Grand Canyon, and ancient forests.
The Everest Base Camp route requires another 3-4 days, offering the chance to stay overnight at the world's highest base camp, witness breathtaking sunrise views, and visit the historic Rongbuk Monastery.
For spiritual seekers, the Mount Kailash pilgrimage takes 9-10 additional days. This sacred mountain journey includes a challenging three-day trekking circuit and a visit to the holy Lake Manasarovar.
Remember to book your Tibet permits at least 20 days in advance through licensed travel agencies. The best time to visit is from May to October, and always start your journey in Lhasa to properly adjust to the high altitude.
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