The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is an engineering wonder. It has overcome the difficulty of constructing infrastructure on the highest plateau. When taking a train ride along this line, you’ll have the chance to experience the record-breaking man-made landform and witness the amazing natural beauty of the mighty snowy mountains—the Kunlun and the Tanggula. You’ll also get to see the numerous shimmering lakes—the beautiful saline lake Qinghai Lake and the sacred lake Namtso, and vast grassland, steppes, and wetlands that are home to indigenous creatures like the Tibetan antelope, Tibetan wild donkey, and snow leopard.
Taking a train ride to Tibet is not the most convenient nor the cheapest way to get there. However, this spectacular train journey could end up giving you plenty of laughter and inner peace. Do you mind preparing your body for the high-altitude acclimatization? Are you genuinely a train and solitude lover? Would you like to share a good time with your travel partners, or have nice talks with like-minded people that you meet by chance? If you answered “yes” to all these questions, then a train ride to Tibet is a good option for you.
Presently, there are eight gateway cities from inland China to Lhasa by train. These cities are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Lanzhou and Xining. Besides these cities, tourists can also get on the trains in midway cities as long as there is a stop in places like Nanjing, Zhengzhou, Golmud, etc.
Since all China Tibet trains eventually pass by Xining, no matter which city you choose as your departure station to get to Lhasa, you’ll have the section of the journey after Xining overlapped with the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is also considered to be the most beautiful part of the plateau along the train route. When the train arrives in Lhasa, that is when your Tibet exploration journey begins.
Below you’ll find more details on the schedules, services and facilities of the Tibet train.
There are 8 popular gateway cities for taking a train to Tibet. Tourists can start the train journey either from the cities far away like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or from the nearest Xining-the starting point of the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Check each of the options below.
Beijing to Tibet Train
Beijing is one of the most popular gateway cities to Tibet by train. There is a daily Beijing-Lhasa train, and the whole train journey takes about 40 hours.
Shanghai to Tibet Train
Traveling from Shanghai to Lhasa by train is an economical way compared to flight. You can find a train departing from Shanghai to Lhasa every day.
Xi’an to Tibet Train
As an ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties, Xi’an is a symbol of the antique China. The train from Xi’an to Lhasa departs daily and lasts for 32 hours.
Guangzhou to Tibet Train
As the longest Tibet train route, it takes about 53 hours from Guangzhou to Lhasa by train. Remember to bring a book or pad for the journey!
Chengdu to Tibet Train
Chengdu offers not only the busiest flights to Lhasa, but also a train every other day. Besides, a 13-hour express train is expected to run from 2026!
Chongqing to Tibet Train
Chongqing is a charming city worth a visit before a Tibet trip, renowned by hotpot and enthusiastic life style. The duration of this train route is 35.5 hours.
Xining to Tibet Train
Most trains to Lhasa from inland China pass by Xining. Xining is the start point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. A train ride of 21 hours will get you to Lhasa.
Lanzhou to Tibet Train
There are around 5 trains departing from Lanzhou to Lhasa every day, with a duration varying from 23.5 hours to 25 hours.
The train ride to Tibet is a long journey. It takes from 21 hours and up to more than 50 hours depending on where you start. So, get to know the facilities on Tibet trains will definitely hep you accommodate better to the life in there. Below are some detailed introductions on these.
The Tibet train ride can be a relaxing and interesting experience if you prepare well ahead. Following are some useful tips for how to arrange a perfect Tibet train tour. Get ready to take this once in a life time journey and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the wild plateau along the way.
Organizing a Tibet train tour isn’t that difficult, and we picked out some of the most popular Tibet train tour packages for you. Meanwhile, we can help book the train tickets and give guidance on how to board the train. Customized Tibet train tours can also be arranged. Just let us know.
