Xining - Lhasa Train

Xining to Lhasa trains and Lhasa to Xining trains are running back and forth along Tibet Railway with the total distance of 1,956 km (1,215 mi). Currently, 5 pairs of trains are available daily with the journey time of about 21 - 21.5 hours. Ticket price is CNY 521 for a hard sleeper and CNY 808 for a soft sleeper.
 

 Open date: July 1st, 2006

 Operated at: Xining Railway Station, Lhasa Railway Station

 Duration: about 21 - 21.5 hours

 Distances: 1,956 km (1,215 mi)

 Top speed: 120 - 160 km/h (75 - 99 mph)

 Major station along the way: Delingha, Golmud, Naqu
 

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z323	12:20 - 10:15+	21h55m
Z917	13:30 - 11:17+	21h47m
Z21	15:20 - 12:29+	21h9m
Z265	19:43 - 16:56+	21h13m
Z165	21:23 - 18:46+	21h23m
Z6811	21:50 - 19:56+	22h6m

See more Xining Schedule

 

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z918	09:00 - 06:30+	21h30m
Z166	11:30 - 09:18+	21h48m
Z266	12:40 - 10:31+	21h51m
Z22	15:50 - 13:25+	21h35m
Z6812	17:50 - 15:28+	21h38m
Z224	19:00 - 16:36+	21h36m

Notes:
1. The above timetable is only for reference. Please search for the real-time schedule via the search box on page top.
2. "+" means the second day.

Tibet Railway is the first and only railway connecting Tibet with other areas of China, providing tourists another way to reach Tibet other than flight. The scenery along the way is amazing, including grassland, gobi, snow-capped mountains, and you may even see rare animals. It is also the world’s highest railway. When traveling on it, you’d better bring some medicines to protect you from high mountain sickness. Also, Tibet Travel Permit is required from overseas travelers to Tibet. 
 

Up to now, there are 5 flights flying from Xining to Lhasa and 4 flights vice versa. Among these flights, one pair of them are operated on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The departure time at Xining Caojiabao Airport is from 10:05 to 14:50, and the departure time at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is from 13:10 - 15:40. 

Passengers who want to save time are recommended to take a flight to transport between the 2 cities, but be sure to be prepared for the possibility of having altitude sickness after landing. On the other hand, taking trains is more suitable for passengers who want to save money and have sufficient time; also, the trains allow passengers to gradually adopt to the high altitude climate; but be prepared for the long journey time on trains.