Beijing to Lhasa Train

Beijing to Lhasa Train Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper, and Hard Seat

As one of the most popular cities in China, Beijing is considered the best place to start a Tibet tour. The Tibet Train from Beijing to Lhasa has been operating since 2006. Most international and domestic travelers prefer to go to Tibet by train rather than take a flight to Lhasa. Taking the Tibet train from Beijing to Lhasa, passengers will enjoy the magnificent scenery changes from the eastern plain to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers three types of carriages: soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat, each offering passengers different levels of comfort and facilities. In the following content, we will provide a detailed introduction to these three types of carriages.

1. Beijing to Lhasa Train Soft Sleeper

The train from Beijing to Lhasa has 2 soft sleeper carriages, with 18 compartments and 72 berths. Each soft sleeper compartment has 4 berths - two upper and two lower. The berths are about 75cm wide and 190cm long, providing a comfortable space for passengers. There is ample luggage space under the lower berths and beside the upper ones. Each carriage is equipped with a table, TV, oxygen outlet, clothes hanger, and a lockable door. The soft sleeper upper berth costs ￥1144 ($164), while the lower berth costs ￥1186 ($170).

2. Beijing to Lhasa Train Hard Sleeper

There are 8 hard sleeper carriages in total, with 88 compartments and 528 berths. Each compartment has 6 berths - two upper, two middle, and two lower. As there are more berths, the carriage feels slightly crowded. Each berth is 60cm wide and 180cm long. The hard sleeper compartments do not have doors, offering less privacy compared to the soft sleeper compartments. There is luggage space under the lower berths and beside the upper ones. The hard sleeper tickets are priced at ¥720 ($102) for the upper berth, ¥742 ($106) for the middle berth, and ¥763 ($109) for the lower berth.

3. Beijing to Lhasa Train Hard Seat

In addition to the soft and hard sleeper carriages, the train has 3 hard seat carriages with 354 seats. The hard seat fare is only ¥360 ($51). However, since the journey from Beijing to Lhasa is quite long, the hard seat is not a good choice for this route.

4. What kind of train ticket should I choose?

For the long train journey from Beijing to Lhasa, we recommend that passengers choose a soft sleeper instead of a hard sleeper or hard seat. The soft sleeper can ensure a more comfortable and safer Tibet train tour, as you will spend two nights on the train. Alternatively, you can refer to the comparison table below to choose the seat type that best suits your needs.

Feature	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
Beijing to Lhasa Train Z21
Privacy	High	Moderate	None
Comfort
Sleeping Space	Enclosed, 4 beds (2 upper, 2 lower)	Open, 6 beds (2 upper, 2 middle, 2 lower)	None (seats only)
Noise Level	Low	Medium	High
Suitable for	Long trips	Budget travelers	Short trips

Beijing to Lhasa Train Ticket Booking Policy

Before booking your Tibet train tour, it’s important to understand the ticket booking policy for the Beijing-Lhasa train to ensure a smooth and hassle-free reservation process.

1. How to book Beijing to Lhasa train ticket?

For foreign travelers planning to visit Tibet, there are three reliable ways to book a Beijing to Lhasa train ticket: through the China Railway official website, at the train station, or via a local Tibet travel agency such as Tibettrain.org.

Booking Beijing-Lhasa train tickets through the China Railway’s official website (www.12306.cn) is the most popular option among domestic travelers. The website offers an English version, and you’ll need to register and verify your identity using your passport information. After selecting your preferred ticket, you can complete the purchase using a Chinese bank account, WeChat Pay, or Alipay. Other third-party ticketing websites are good options, as they offer more payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Apple Pay.

You can also book your Beijing-Lhasa train ticket in person at a local train station (for example, Beijing West Railway Station). However, as online booking is much more convenient, fewer people choose this method nowadays. Moreover, by the time you arrive at the station to buy your ticket, the tickets will already be sold out.

The third option is to book your ticket through a reliable Tibet travel agency, such as Tibettrain.org, which can help you secure train tickets according to your preferences and budget, making the booking process simple and worry-free.

2. Where and how to get Beijing to Lhasa train ticket?

If you’ve booked your ticket through China Railway’s official website or other ticketing platforms, you will receive an E-ticket. You only need to present your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit to board the train at Beijing West Railway Station.

If you’ve booked your ticket through us, we will deliver your ticket (E-ticket or paper ticket) to you. After receiving it, you can enter the train station and board the train by presenting your valid passport, Chinese Visa, train ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit.

Notice: After receiving your train ticket, please read it carefully and double-check your name and passport number. If the name or passport number does not match your passport and Tibet Travel Permit, you may not be allowed to board the train.

3. How to read Beijing to Lhasa train ticket?

北京西站: Beijing West Railway Station / Beijingxi
拉萨站: Lhasa Railway Station
xx年xx月xx日xx开: xx Year xx Month xx Date xx Departing
xx车xx号上/中/下铺: xx Carriage xx Upper/Middle/Lower Berth
新空调软卧/硬卧/硬座: Soft Sleeper/Hard Sleeper/Hard Seat

Beijing to Lhasa Train Ticket

4. How to change Beijing to Lhasa train ticket?

If you need to change your Beijing to Lhasa train ticket, you can do so through the following methods:

Online via China Railway’s official website (12306.cn) or third-party platform:
Log in to your account and go to “My Orders.” You can modify your travel date, departure time, or seat type before the train departs. Please note that only unused tickets can be changed, and any fare difference will be charged or refunded accordingly.

At the train station:
You can visit any train station in the Chinese Mainland and request a ticket change at the service counter. Remember to bring your original passport and the Tibet Travel Permit for verification.

Through your travel agency:
If you booked your ticket through a Tibet travel agency, contact them directly to handle the change on your behalf. Service fees may apply depending on the agency’s policy.

Notice:
1. Ticket changes must be made at least 30 minutes before departure.
2. If you miss the train, you’ll need to buy a new ticket, as the old one becomes invalid.
3. During peak travel seasons, such as summer and major holidays, it’s recommended to make changes as early as possible due to limited ticket availability.

5. How to cancel Beijing to Lhasa train ticket?

If you need to cancel your Beijing to Lhasa train ticket, here are the main ways:

Cancel via China Railway’s official website (12306.cn) or third-party platform:
Log in to your account, go to “My Orders,” and select the ticket you wish to cancel. The refund will be processed automatically to your original payment method. Please make sure to cancel before the train departs, as expired tickets cannot be refunded. Different platforms may have their own refund procedures and service fees.

At the train station:
You can go to any train station in the Chinese Mainland to request a ticket cancellation. Bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit for verification. The refund will be issued according to the cancellation time and policy.

Through your travel agency :
If you booked your ticket through a Tibet travel agency, contact them directly for assistance.

Beijing to Lhasa Train Route Map & Daily Itinerary

Beijing to Lhasa Train Map

Beijing to Tibet Train Trip Day 1: Beijing - Shijiazhuang

Your Tibet train tour begins at Beijing West Railway Station, where you’ll board the famous Z21 train bound for Lhasa. As the train departs, you can enjoy views of Beijing's modern skyline, gradually giving way to the open plains of northern China.

A few hours later, the train makes its first major stop at Shijiazhuang the capital city of Hebei Province. The landscape outside the window shifts from urban scenery to farmland and low hills, offering a relaxing start to this adventure toward the Tibetan Plateau.

Beijing to Tibet Train Trip Day 2: Taiyuan - Zhongwei - Lanzhou - Xining - Delingha - Golmud

On the second day of your journey, the train continues its westward route, crossing 4 provinces and showcasing the dramatic geographic diversity of China.

After leaving Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, the train passes through mountain tunnels and river valleys before reaching Zhongwei in Ningxia Province, where you’ll notice the terrain becoming drier and the scenery more rugged. As the train heads further west, you’ll arrive in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, known as a key stop along the ancient Silk Road and the gateway to western China.

From Lanzhou, the train climbs gradually toward Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province and the official starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. You’ll start to feel the air becoming cooler and fresher as the altitude increases.

In the evening, the train continues deeper into the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, passing Delingha and Golmud. From here, you’ll enter one of the highest railway sections in the world, and oxygen will be pumped into the carriage to alleviate the effects of altitude change.

Beijing to Tibet Train Trip Day 3: Nagqu - Lhasa

After an overnight journey, the train arrives in Nagqu in the early morning, where rolling hills and crystal-clear rivers create breathtaking scenery. The journey continues slowly and smoothly, giving passengers time to acclimate to the high altitude while enjoying the unparalleled natural beauty.

Finally, the altitude gradually decreases as the train enters Lhasa, arriving at Lhasa Railway Station around noon. The legendary Potala Palace, vibrant streets, and rich Tibetan culture await your exploration.

Most Popular Beijing to Tibet Train Tour:

10 Days Beijing Train to Lhasa and Shigatse Everest Base Camp Tour

Beijing - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Board Beijing to Lhasa Train to Tibet: Railway Station, Train Facility

Here’s what you need to know about the train stations and onboard facilities before boarding the Beijing-Lhasa train for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

1. How to get Beijing West Railway Station?

You can reach Beijing West Railway Station by subway or by taxi, depending on your budget. If you take the subway, you can ride the Beijing Metro Line 7 or Line 9 and get off at Beijing West Railway Station. The subway fare is around 3-6 RMB, depending on your boarding point.

If you prefer taking a taxi, just tell the driver your destination is Beijing West Railway Station (in Chinese: Beijing Xi Zhan). The ride from downtown Beijing usually takes 20-40 minutes, with a fare ranging from 30 to 60 RMB.

2. What travel documents do I need to board Beijing to Lhasa train?

To board the train from Beijing to Lhasa, you will need three main travel documents. First, you must have a valid passport. Second, you need a valid Chinese Visa (L Visa) that does not expire during your trip. Finally, you must present a Tibet Travel Permit when passing the security check and boarding the train to Lhasa.

3. How to board Tibet train from Beijing to Lhasa?

1) Get your train ticket first and pass the security check to enter the waiting hall.
2) Fill in the health form in the waiting hall.
3) Go through the ticket checkpoint.
4) Find your train carriage according to your train ticket and the information shown on the LED screen.
5) Board the train and have your ticket checked again.
6) Find your berth according to your train ticket.
7) Exchange your paper ticket for a berth card. Boarding completed.

4. What’s the best time for Beijing to Tibet train tour?

The best time for Beijing to Tibet train tour is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is at its most stunning. During this period, you can enjoy clear skies, lush grasslands, and snow-capped mountains.

5. How about Beijing to Lhasa train facilities?

The Beijing to Lhasa train is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable long-distance journey across the Tibetan Plateau. Each train offers soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat classes to suit different budgets. All carriages are equipped with oxygen supply systems to help passengers adapt to the high altitude after entering the Tibet Plateau. There is also a dining car that provides Chinese-style meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as hot water dispensers available in each carriage for tea or instant noodles. Toilets and washing facilities are located at the end of each carriage, and large windows allow travelers to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the route. Overall, the facilities are clean, convenient, and designed to make the journey both comfortable and enjoyable.

6. How to get to Lhasa City from Lhasa Railway Station?

Upon arrival in Lhasa, your guide will greet you at Lhasa Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel. The journey from Lhasa Railway Station to Lhasa City typically takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival at your hotel, your guide will assist you with check-in. You can relax and prepare for your upcoming journey to Lhasa.

7. How to shorten Beijing to Lhasa train travel time?

If you want to shorten the travel time from Beijing to Lhasa by train, you can consider several options. The most direct way is to take a flight from Beijing to Xining first, which only takes about 2.5 hours. Then, you can board the Xining to Lhasa train, which takes around 21 hours, significantly shorter than the 40-hour Beijing to Lhasa direct train. This way, you can reduce the travel time while still enjoying the stunning scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

8. Why is Beijing to Lhasa Train recommended?

As the capital of China, Beijing is also the biggest International arrival city in China. It is very convenient to fly to Beijing from overseas. There is a daily Tibet train Z21 from Beijing West Railway Station to Lhasa Railway Station. You do not need to have a transfer again. There are many popular attractions in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, etc. Before you travel to Tibet, you can also have a short visit to Beijing.