The Tibet train, also known as Lhasa Express or Sky train to Tibet, is the only train to Lhasa along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. In the train, it is equipped with sleeper berths, seats, dining car, toilet, oxygen supply system, etc. Knowing about all facilities before boarding is helpful to have a comfortable and safe journey through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Compartment with Sleeper Berths and Seats

On the Tibet train, there are three kinds of carriages: soft sleeper, hard sleeper and hard seat.

Soft Sleeper

The Tibet train has two soft sleeper carriages, each containing 8 compartments with 4 sleeper berths, two upper and two lower. The width of the berth is 75cm and the length is 190cm, providing a clean and comfortable resting space. Therefore, each soft sleeper carriage can accommodate a total of 64 passengers. In a soft sleeper compartment, there is a small table, a heat-retaining vacuum flask, and a trash can. Under the table is a plug to get power supply. There is also a small TV fixed on the door near the aisle. Close to the window, there is an outlet of oxygen.

Hard Sleeper

While in a hard sleeper carriage, there are 11 compartments with 6 sleeper berths, two upper, two middle and two lower. Each berth is about 60cm wide and 180cm long. Compared with the soft sleeper carriage, the hard sleeper carriage is relatively more crowded and offers less privacy, as there are no doors. However, the hard sleeper strikes a good balance between comfort and price, making it the preferred choice for most travelers. In a hard sleeper compartment, there are some other friendly facilities - a small table, a dustbin, and luggage storage space under the lower berth and beside the upper berth.

Hard Seat

On a Tibet train, there are usually 4 carriages with total amount of 392 hard seats. The hard seats are connected by row with a unit of 10 seats face to face, and separated by a narrow aisle. Although the hard seat is the cheapest option, it is not recommended for long journeys, as the seats cannot be adjusted. You can only sit upright and won’t be able to get proper rest.

Dining Carriage, Food Trolley, and Hot Water Dispensers

There is a dining carriage in the middle position of the train which offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and some snacks. Only some Chinese food and cuisines are provide: rice, vegetables, meals and soups. You can also buy the packed food from the food trolley. Hot water is provided all the time.

Dining Car on Tibet Train

The Tibet train is equipped with a dedicated dining car, providing passengers with a convenient place to have meals during the long journey to Lhasa. The dining car offers a variety of freshly prepared Chinese-style dishes, including staple meals, snacks, and beverages. You can ask the train attendants for the dining car’s location, which is usually in the middle of the train. Since food on the train tends to be more expensive than elsewhere, it is recommended to bring some snacks and drinks with you before boarding.

Food Trolley on Tibet Train

In addition to the dining car, the Tibet train provides a food trolley service, bringing snacks, beverages, and light meals directly to passengers in their seats or sleeper compartments. The trolley typically offers items such as instant noodles, cookies, tea, and bottled water, making it convenient for travelers who prefer not to leave their seats. The food trolley is operated by train attendants, who move through each carriage at regular intervals. You can choose and purchase your desired items when they pass by your seat.

Hot Water Supply on Tibet Train

Each carriage on the Tibet train is equipped with a hot water dispenser, allowing passengers to make tea, coffee, or instant noodles at any time during the journey. The hot water is usually located at the end of each carriage for easy access from anywhere on the train. The water is clean and safe, and train attendants regularly maintain and check the dispensers. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the scenery or have a warm drink to cope with the high-altitude climate, the hot water supply adds both comfort and convenience to your journey.

Luggage and Storage Facilities

The Qinghai-Tibet train provides ample luggage storage space. You can put your luggage or suitcases in the luggage closet above the door, overhead racks, or under the lower berths, the table in each soft or hard sleeper compartment.

Luggage Space in Soft Sleeper Compartment

Soft sleeper compartments on the Tibet train are designed to provide passengers with both comfort and convenient luggage storage. Each compartment has space under the lower berths for suitcases and bags, allowing easy access during the journey. Additional luggage closets are available for smaller items, such as backpacks, handbags, or travel essentials.

Luggage Space in Hard Sleeper Compartment

The hard sleeper compartments on the Tibet train do not have private doors, so the storage space is shared with other passengers. However, this also makes the overall luggage area more flexible and ample. There is space under each lower berth for medium and small suitcases, and overhead racks provide additional room for backpacks, travel essentials, and other small items, allowing passengers to store their belongings conveniently while keeping the sleeping area tidy and comfortable.

Luggage Space in Hard Seat Carriage

There is space under each seat for small bags and personal items, allowing passengers to easily access their essentials. Larger luggage can be stored on the overhead racks above the seats. However, because there are many passengers in the same carriage, the storage space may be somewhat limited.

Luggage Closets in the Carriage Connections

Between each carriage, you’ll find spacious luggage storage areas, even for the largest suitcases and backpacks. While unmonitored, these areas are generally secure as they’re in high-traffic zones constantly passed by staff and passengers. Many travelers use these areas to store items they won’t need during the journey, like extra clothing or supplies for their time in Tibet.

Toilet and Washbasin

There are two toilets at two ends of each carriage on the Tibet train. The toilets in soft sleeper carriages are one western-style toilet and another squat toilet. While in the carriages of hard sleepers and hard seats, there are only squat toilets available. Bring toilet paper on your own because it is not provided in the toilet. There is a simple washbasin at each side of the carriages. with both cold and hot water provided.

Please note that all the toilets will be closed when the train stop at the stations.

Western-style Toilet on Tibet Train

Western-style toilets are only available in soft sleeper carriages, providing international passengers with a more comfortable and familiar restroom experience. Train attendants regularly clean and maintain these facilities to ensure hygiene throughout the journey. The toilet space is moderate, though taller passengers may find it slightly cramped. Each door is equipped with a safety lock to ensure privacy, and the flushing system uses a high-efficiency vacuum mechanism that operates reliably throughout the trip.

Chinese-style Toilet on Tibet Train

In addition to Western-style toilets, the Tibet train is also equipped with Chinese-style squat toilets, which are more common in China and considered by many passengers to be more hygienic. Fixed handrails are installed next to the toilets to ensure safety during movement. Although the space is relatively compact, the facilities are fully functional. Overall, the toilet facilities on the Tibet train meet the passengers' basic needs during long journeys.

Washbasins Inside and Outside the Bathrooms on Tibet Train

There are washbasins both inside and outside the bathrooms, allowing passengers to use them conveniently during the journey. The washbasins provide both hot and cold water, making it easy to perform basic freshening up.

Electricity Charging Sockets

The Tibet trains offer power charging. There are power charging sockets in each carriage of soft sleepers, hard sleepers, and hard seats. But the amount of the sockets is limited.

Power Sockets in Soft Sleeper Compartment

The soft sleeper carriage offers a charging socket in each compartment which is under the small table or near the berth, allowing passengers to conveniently use electronic devices while sitting or lying down. In addition, the aisle in the carriage also has several charging sockets, under the small folded tables.

Power Sockets in Hard Sleeper Compartment and Hard Seat Carriage

In hard sleeper and hard seat carriages, the charging socket is only equipped by the side of the aisle. You can take turns charging your devices in shared areas. It’s recommended to bring a power bank or a small extension cord to ensure your devices stay charged throughout the journey. All the power charging sockets are the standard 220V. In case of not suiting your devices well, you’d better bring an adapter.

Power Sockets near the Washbasins

Power sockets are also available near the public washbasins on the trains, allowing passengers to charge small devices. However, since this area is shared by all passengers, it’s best to use these sockets briefly and avoid leaving your belongings unattended.

Oxygen Supply Systems on Tibet Train

There are two kinds of oxygen supply systems equipped on the train. One is a ‘dispersion-mode’ oxygen supply system, which spreading oxygen in the train’s carriages through the air-con system. The other system is a ‘distribution-mode’ oxygen supply system, which can be used by passengers directly through independent port.

Diffused Oxygen Supply System

The Tibet train is equipped with a diffused oxygen supply system to help passengers adapt to the thin air when the train passes Golmud. The system continuously releases oxygen through air ducts inside the carriages, maintaining a comfortable oxygen level throughout the cabin, allowing for natural acclimatization.

Independent Oxygen Outlet in Soft Sleeper Compartment

Soft sleeper compartment is equipped with an independent oxygen outlet, located beside each berth. Passengers can connect a disposable oxygen tube, provided by train staff, directly to the outlet for personal use when passing through high-altitude sections. This setup allows travelers to adjust oxygen intake as needed, providing additional comfort and safety during the high-plateau journey.

Independent Oxygen Outlet in Hard Sleeper Compartment

Similar to the soft sleeper carriages, each berth in the hard sleeper carriage is equipped with a pipe oxygen outlet. Passengers can use disposable oxygen tubes to inhale oxygen when traveling through high-altitude areas, helping to relieve the altitude sickness.

Independent Oxygen Outlet in Hard Seat Carriage

Independent oxygen outlets are also installed along the carriage wall, evenly distributed to ensure that all passengers can access oxygen when needed. Additionally, there are oxygen outlets located beneath the rows of seats for more convenient use during the journey.

Air Conditioning on Tibet Train

There is an air-conditioning system on the train to create an comfortable temperature and ensure a clean and fresh air.

High Altitude Sickness and Medical Service

As the Tibet train traverses along the world’s highest railway, some passengers may experience mild symptoms of high-altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. To ensure passenger safety, the train is equipped with an advanced oxygen supply system and basic medical facilities.

If you feel unwell, please inform the train attendants immediately or press the emergency button to request medical assistance. Professional medical staff are available onboard to help passengers with health issues during the journey.

Internet and Entertainment Facilities

At present, Wi-Fi is not available on the Tibet train. However, most sections of the route still have reasonable mobile data coverage provided by China’s major telecom operators, though the signal strength may vary. International travelers can purchase a local SIM card in advance to stay connected and access information during the journey.

Apart from the small televisions installed in the soft sleeper carriages, there are few entertainment facilities on board. You can download movies or music in advance or bring books to enjoy a relaxing journey while admiring the magnificent plateau scenery along the way.

Conclusion

With convenient facilities and spacious compartments, Tibet train has become one of the most popular ways to travel to Tibet. During the journey, you can rest well, gradually acclimatize to the high altitude environment, and admire the breathtaking scenery along the way, making your Tibet train tour both relaxing and unforgettable.

If you’d like to learn more about trains to Lhasa, feel free to contact us anytime. We not only offer professional Tibet tour booking services but also assist with Tibet Travel Permit application and train ticket reservations, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey to the Roof of the World.