Qinghai-Tibet Train Soft Sleeper: Best Option for Tibet Train Tour

The soft sleeper compartment of the Qinghai-Tibet Train is spacious and private; the bedding is comfortable, the sleeper is wide, the environment is safe and tidy, and a lockable door ensures your privacy.

So, what does the soft sleeper look like? What facilities does it offer? How much does a soft sleeper ticket cost? How can you buy one? What documents are required to take a soft sleeper train to Tibet? This article will give you all the details about the soft sleeper on Tibet trains, helping you enjoy a comfortable and memorable Tibet train journey.

What is a soft sleeper like and how big is the berth on Tibet trains?

The soft sleeper on Tibet trains provides a comfortable and private environment for passengers traveling long distances across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Typically, each Tibet train has two soft sleeper carriages, and each carriage contains 8 compartments with 4 berths. So, there are 64 soft sleeper berths on a Qinghai-Tibet train. Each compartment features two upper and two lower berths, equipped with soft mattresses and clean bedding, ensuring a cozy and restful journey.

Each soft sleeper compartment has 2 upper berths and 2 lower berths. Each soft sleeper berth is 75cm (29 inches) wide and 190cm (74 inches) long, and can bear about 300kg (661.4 pounds) weight.

The upper and lower berths of the soft sleeper are comfortable and convenient. Since the upper berth has a headroom of 80cm, it is not difficult to climb up or sit upright. When the sliding door is locked, you can get a spacious room (90cm headroom) and privacy in the lower berth.

What is in the soft sleeper of the Tibet Train?

Each soft sleeper compartment has four berths, a small table, a foldable ladder, a luggage cabinet, a TV screen, and sliding doors facing the aisle. You can close the door for quiet and privacy, or you can make new friends at the aisle table.

There is delicate and soft bedding on the soft sleeper berths, including mattresses, sheets, quilts, pillows, and other bedroom decoration accessories. The lower soft sleepers also have back cushions, so you don’t need to lean on the cold hard rails.

On the wall of each berth, there is a reading lamp, TV screen, clothes hanger, and foldable net shelf; you can put your general luggage. You can also find a volume controller and alarm button on the wall. There is usually an oxygen outlet beside each berth. If you experience altitude sickness, you can use this oxygen supply to help relieve discomfort.

There is a small table between the two lower berths where you can put small items, such as boxed food and bottled water. Under the table, a small trash can is for waste paper, etc.

Which berth should I choose: Upper or Lower?

When booking a soft sleeper on the Qinghai-Tibet train, you can choose between an upper berth and a lower berth, each with its own advantages.

The lower berth is more convenient and comfortable. It’s easier to access, especially for older passengers, and offers more headroom for sitting upright. If you are traveling to Tibet with children or the elderly, the lower berth is more suitable for you. You can also place your belongings under the bed. However, it’s usually more expensive than the upper berth because of these advantages.

While the upper berth isn't as convenient as the lower berth, it has its unique advantages. On the one hand, the upper berth is slightly cheaper and provides a bit more privacy since it’s away from the door and main aisle. On the other hand, the view from the upper berth is better; you can lie down and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside the window. For travelers who don't mind climbing up and prefer a quiet resting space, the upper berth is a good choice.

In short, if you value convenience and space, choose the lower berth; if you prefer privacy and a lower fare, the upper berth might be your best option.

Where to put luggage in Tibet train soft sleeper carriage?

Soft sleeper carriages offer the most spacious and convenient luggage storage. You can put your luggage below the lower sleeper or in the luggage cabinet of each soft sleeper compartment. The space under the lower sleeper is approximately 30cm (12 inches) high and 75cm (29 inches) wide, while the luggage cabinet is 50cm (20 inches) wide and 40cm (16 inches) high. For convenience, you can put your luggage below the lower berth of the soft sleeper.

In addition to the luggage lockers, you can also place your luggage under the small table in the middle of the lower berth. This area can usually accommodate a small suitcase, and you can also place backpacks and other frequently used belongings there.

Items like water bottles can be placed directly on the table or the net shelf. However, it’s recommended to carry your valuables with you at all times.

How much does a Tibet train soft sleeper ticket cost?

At present, there are 8 major trains from Chinese Mainland to Lhasa, departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining, and Lanzhou. The price of a soft sleeper train ticket may vary depending on the departure city and travel distance.

Notice: All fares listed above are net fares. A service fee is usually required and the actual booking price may be higher.

How to book a soft sleeper train ticket?

To book a soft sleeper train ticket, you can purchase it online through the China Railway Official Website (12306), at major railway stations, or via a trusted travel agency. For international travelers, booking through a travel agency is often the easiest option, as they can help secure the ticket, assist with the required Tibet Travel Permit, and handle any procedural barriers.

Tibet train tickets typically go on sale 15 days before departure. Soft sleeper tickets are the most sought-after and usually sell out quickly. If you want to guarantee a soft sleeper ticket, the best advice is to ask us to book it for you. As a leading Tibet travel agency, we have years of experience handling Tibet train bookings and can ensure that you secure a soft sleeper ticket, especially during peak travel seasons.

Can I book a whole soft sleeper cabin on a Tibet train?

Yes. Whether you are alone or with your family, you can book and pay for all four berths. However, the number of berths is limited, especially during peak season. Booking all four berths does not mean you have booked four tickets for one compartment; it could mean four separate berths in different compartments.

If this happens, you can try switching seats with passengers in other compartments to ensure your group is in the same compartment.

What documents are required to take a soft sleeper on the Tibet train?

To take a soft sleeper train to Tibet, travelers must carry a valid passport, a Chinese Visa (except for visa-free countries), and a Tibet Travel Permit. The Tibet Travel Permit is a necessary document and can only be arranged through a travel agency. All documents should be kept with you, as they will be checked several times during the whole Tibet train journey.

More Tibet Train Travel Tips

1) There is no Wi-Fi on Tibet trains, and the TVs in soft sleeper compartments only broadcast local programs. To pass the time, you can download movies or TV shows on your phone or tablet in advance, or bring some books.

2) Tibet trains have a dining car, and attendants also push a food trolley through the compartments, selling meals and snacks. However, prices are usually much higher than normal, so it’s a good idea to buy some snacks and drinks before boarding.

3) There are no shower facilities on Tibet trains, so you won’t be able to take a shower during the journey. It’s recommended to bathe before boarding and bring some wet wipes for basic cleaning.

4)Gender assignment in soft sleeper compartments is random, meaning you may share a compartment with other passengers of the opposite sex. You can discuss changing berths with other passengers, or consider purchasing the entire compartment if your budget allows.

Conclusion

Among the three types of seats on Tibet trains, the soft sleeper offers the best travel experience. Each soft sleeper compartment has a lockable door and only four berths, providing passengers with more privacy and personal space. You can also enjoy soft beds and ample luggage storage. For long-distance journeys, a soft sleeper makes the trip much more comfortable and enjoyable. If you need assistance arranging a Tibet train tour or booking Tibet train tickets, be sure to contact us in advance.