The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, also known as the Qinghai-Tibet Line, is a premier national railway that links Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, with Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a groundbreaking achievement that marks the first rail connection to Tibet. Boasting the highest altitude and longest plateau route in the world, it’s an engineering marvel that also offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, passengers can acclimate to the high-altitude environment while marveling at breathtaking snow-capped landscapes. The train journey begins in Xining or other mainland cities and traverses the majestic Kunlun Mountains, Hoh Xil, Tanggula Mountains, and the northern Tibetan grasslands, offering glimpses of rare wildlife, including Tibetan antelopes. This epic journey on the “Sky Road” is an unforgettable adventure.
Several major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an, offer direct rail connections to Lhasa. Alternatively, travelers from cities like Zhengzhou, Lanzhou take advantage of transfer stations to conveniently connect to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and begin their journey to Tibet.
Tibet Train Route Map
Train Routes to Lhasa from Major Cities in China
Travelers can board the Qinghai-Tibet train from several major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Xining. Additionally, those in transit can board from key stopover cities such as Zhengzhou, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, and Taiyuan, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Below is an in-depth look at each major departure city and what travelers can expect from their journey to Lhasa.
1. Beijing to Lhasa (Z21)
Beijing-Lhasa Train Route Map
The Beijing-Lhasa train (Z21) is one of the most popular routes for travelers heading to Tibet. Departing daily from Beijing West Railway Station, the journey takes approximately 40 hours and 45 minutes, covering a distance of 3,757 km. The train route includes stops in Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Zhongwei, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, and Nagqu before reaching Lhasa. Ticket prices vary based on seat type:
- Hard seat: ¥360
- Hard sleeper: ¥720
- Soft sleeper: ¥1,144
2. Shanghai to Lhasa (Z164)
Shanghai-Lhasa Train Route Map
The Shanghai-Lhasa train (Z164) departs once daily, taking nearly 45 hours to reach Lhasa, covering a distance of 4,373 km. It passes through Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Bengbu, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an, Xianyang, Baoji, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmud, Amdo, and Nagqu. Tickets are priced as follows:
- Hard seat: ¥402.5
- Hard sleeper: ¥793.5
- Soft sleeper: ¥1,262.5
3. Guangzhou to Lhasa (Z264)
Guangzhou-Lhasa Train Route Map
The Guangzhou-Lhasa train (Z264) is one of the longest and most scenic routes to Tibet, taking approximately 52 hours and 57 minutes to complete the 4,980 km journey. Departing daily, the train crosses eight provinces: Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet. The train changes numbers at Zhengzhou to Z265 but does not require a transfer. Ticket prices are:
- Hard seat: ¥447
- Hard sleeper: ¥865
- Soft sleeper: ¥1,468
4. Chengdu to Lhasa (Z322)
Chengdu-Lhasa Train Route Map
The Chengdu-Lhasa train (Z322) is a preferred choice for many travelers, especially those coming from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, as Chengdu is a major international transit hub. The train takes approximately 36 hours and 28 minutes to reach Lhasa, covering 3,360 km with stops at Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, and Golmud. Tickets are available at:
- Hard seat: ¥302.5
- Hard sleeper: ¥627.5
- Soft sleeper: ¥997.5
5. Chongqing to Lhasa (Z223)
Chongqing-Lhasa Train Route Map
The Chongqing-Lhasa train (Z223) is another sought-after route for travelers. Departing from Chongqing West Railway Station, it covers 3,394 km in about 36 hours. The train passes through Nanchong North, Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, and Golmud before reaching Lhasa. Ticket prices include:
- Hard seat: ¥302.5
- Hard sleeper: ¥627.5
- Soft sleeper: ¥997.5
6. Xi’an to Lhasa (Z917)
Xian-Lhasa Train Route Map
The Xi’an-Lhasa train (Z917) operates on select days, taking approximately 30 hours to reach Lhasa. Since Xi’an does not have a dedicated train originating for Lhasa, travelers must book well in advance, as tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak season. The route includes stops at Xianyang, Baoji, Tianshui, Lanzhou, Delingha, Golmud, and Nagqu. Ticket prices are:
- Hard seat: ¥293.5
- Hard sleeper: ¥611.5
- Soft sleeper: ¥969.5
7. Xining to Lhasa – The Starting Point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Xining-Lhasa Train Route Map
As the official starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Xining serves as a crucial departure city for travelers heading to Tibet. Multiple trains depart daily, covering the 1,956 km journey in about 21 hours. The route includes stops in Xining, Delingha, Golmud, and Nagqu before reaching Lhasa. Ticket prices remain the same across different train schedules:
- Hard seat: ¥224
- Hard sleeper: ¥495
- Soft sleeper: ¥781
Additional Train Routes within Tibet
Lhasa to Shigatse (Z8801)
Lhasa-Shigatse Train Route Map
For those wishing to explore beyond Lhasa, the train to Shigatse offers a convenient option. The journey takes about 3 hours, covering 248 km with stops at Qushui and Nyemo. Ticket prices are:
- Hard seat: ¥40.5
- Hard sleeper: ¥111.5
- Soft sleeper: ¥169.5
Lhasa to Nyingchi (Z8901)
Lhasa-Nyingchi Train Route Map
Nyingchi, known as the “Swiss Alps of Tibet,” is a must-visit destination. The train from Lhasa takes approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes to complete the 436 km journey. Ticket prices are:
- Hard seat: ¥64.5
- Hard sleeper: ¥159.5
- Soft sleeper: ¥245.5
How to Buy Qinghai-Tibet Train Tickets
For Domestic Travelers
- Purchase via the official 12306 website, typically available 30 days in advance.
- Buy directly at railway station ticket counters with a valid ID.
- Use self-service ticket machines at select train stations.
- Book through third-party platforms like Ctrip or Qunar (additional service fees may apply).
- Secure tickets through a travel agency, especially during peak season (June-August).
For Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Travelers
- Hong Kong and Macau residents can follow domestic booking methods using their Home Return Permit.
- Taiwanese travelers require a Mainland Travel Permit (Taiwan Compatriot Permit) and a Tibet Travel Permit, typically arranged through travel agencies.
For International Travelers
- Purchase directly at railway stations or ticket offices with a passport and Tibet Travel Permit.
- Use the 12306 website (only for travelers with a Chinese ID or a friend who can assist in booking).
- Book through a licensed travel agency, as foreign visitors must join an organized tour to visit Tibet.
Important Ticketing Tips
- Arrive at the station at least 2 hours in advance to collect tickets, especially in peak seasons.
- If purchasing through our agency, we will collect tickets in advance for added convenience.
Plan Your Qinghai-Tibet Railway Journey with Journey2Tibet
At Journey2Tibet, we provide expert travel planning, seamless ticket booking, and essential permit arrangements to ensure a hassle-free train journey to Tibet. Contact us today to embark on your dream adventure on the world’s highest railway!
