Chengdu - Lhasa Train
Currently, there is only one pair of non-bullet trains, Z322/Z324, running from Chengdu to Lhasa/ from lhasa to Chengdu with the duration of 35.5/36.5 hours.
Although the linear distance is around 777 miles (1,250km), the rail travel of Z322/Z324 covers a total length of 2,088 miles (3,360km) since it uses the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is a big detour. Luckily, a new railway, Sichuan-Tibet Railway has been under construction since 2014. When completed in 2028, duration between the two cities will be greatly shortened to around 13 hours as it traverses directly between. The main stops of this new rail line include Chengdu, Ya'an, Garze, Chamdo and Nyingchi.
Z322/Z324 run between Chengdu Railway Station and Lhasa Railway Station. The former one is about 3 miles away from the city center and can be easily accessed by subway Line 1 and Line 7 and many other city buses. Please kindly notice that the Chengdu Railway Station is also called North Railway Station by the local people, thus the subway stop there is named "North Railway Station". City bus, taxi and minibus are frequently used way of transfer in Lhasa. Travelers can take bus No. 14 to Tibet Museum & Norbulingka and No. 13 to Potala Palace.
(Last Update on Jan 30, 2024)
See more Chengdu Schedule
(Last Update on Jan 30, 2024)
See more Lhasa Schedule
Notes:
1. "++" indicates the third day.
2. The timetable is for reference only. For real-time schedule, please search for it by the tool on top of the page.
(Last Update on Jan 30, 2024)
Although this pair of non-high speed trains takes around 35.5/36.5 hours, the beautiful scenery along the way is the best pay-back for the time devoted. Grasslands, gobi, mountains, lakes and occasionally you can even have a quick glance of wild animals like Tibetan antelope, yak, and wild donkeys etc. It is no doubt that this can be a memorable experience.
A sleeper bed is highly recommended or can even be regarded as a "necessary' for this overnight long distance trip, let along its altitude.
The Chengdu to Lhasa train tickets are always under great demands, thus travelers are suggested to book the tickets in advance, especially during hot season.
The tickets of this rail line are usually not able to be changed or cancelled online once issued. Travelers need to make the change or cancellation at the railway station by holding original travel document used for booking and paper ticket. In this way, travelers are recommended to well make their travel plan beforehand.
Tibet Travel Permit is a must for international travelers to enter Tibet. To get onboard, both the original Travel Permit and rail ticket will be required.
Oxygen supply equipments are set up onboard to ease altitude sickness. The equipments will begin work at appointed spot on the way. Passengers can also seek help from onboard doctors if necessary.
Travelers who are tight in time and cannot afford a 43 to 44 hours trip may choose flight instead. Each day, about 15 flights are opearted between and take only about 2.5 hours for the whole trip. Though the ticket price is higher, it saves your time for visiting in Lhasa.
Major Rail Lines from Chengdu to:
Major Rail Lines from Lhasa to:
Although the linear distance is around 777 miles (1,250km), the rail travel of Z322/Z324 covers a total length of 2,088 miles (3,360km) since it uses the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is a big detour. Luckily, a new railway, Sichuan-Tibet Railway has been under construction since 2014. When completed in 2028, duration between the two cities will be greatly shortened to around 13 hours as it traverses directly between. The main stops of this new rail line include Chengdu, Ya'an, Garze, Chamdo and Nyingchi.
Z322/Z324 run between Chengdu Railway Station and Lhasa Railway Station. The former one is about 3 miles away from the city center and can be easily accessed by subway Line 1 and Line 7 and many other city buses. Please kindly notice that the Chengdu Railway Station is also called North Railway Station by the local people, thus the subway stop there is named "North Railway Station". City bus, taxi and minibus are frequently used way of transfer in Lhasa. Travelers can take bus No. 14 to Tibet Museum & Norbulingka and No. 13 to Potala Palace.
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Schedule
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Z322 | 21:11 - 07:41++ | 34h30m |
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Timetable
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Z324 | 19:00 - 07:03++ | 36h3m |
Notes:
1. "++" indicates the third day.
2. The timetable is for reference only. For real-time schedule, please search for it by the tool on top of the page.
Ticket Fare of Chengdu - Lhasa
| Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|
| CNY 1,034.5 USD 146 | CNY 663.5 USD 94 | CNY 302.5 USD 43 |
Travel Tips:
The Chengdu to Lhasa train tickets are always under great demands, thus travelers are suggested to book the tickets in advance, especially during hot season.
The tickets of this rail line are usually not able to be changed or cancelled online once issued. Travelers need to make the change or cancellation at the railway station by holding original travel document used for booking and paper ticket. In this way, travelers are recommended to well make their travel plan beforehand.
Tibet Travel Permit is a must for international travelers to enter Tibet. To get onboard, both the original Travel Permit and rail ticket will be required.
Oxygen supply equipments are set up onboard to ease altitude sickness. The equipments will begin work at appointed spot on the way. Passengers can also seek help from onboard doctors if necessary.
Chengdu - Lhasa Flight
Major Rail Lines from Chengdu to:Major Rail Lines from Lhasa to:
- Last updated on Feb. 03, 2024 by Brenda Lian -