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

Last Update: Jun 27, 2025
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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 train, helping you enjoy a comfortable and memorable Tibet train journey.

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What is a soft sleeper like 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.

Tibet Train Soft SleeperTibet Train Soft Sleeper

What are there in the soft sleeper of the Tibet Train?

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

There are 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, and 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 and you can put some small things, such as boxed food and bottled water, on the table. Under the table, a small trash is used to throw waste paper, etc.

How big is the upper and lower berth?

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.

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 or 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 and enjoy the view from the window more easily. However, it’s usually more expensive than the upper berth because of these advantages.

The upper berth is slightly cheaper and provides a bit more privacy since it’s away from the door and main aisle. It’s a good choice for travelers who don’t mind climbing up and prefer a quieter resting space.

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?

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.

Soft Sleeper Luggage RackThe Luggage Rack above the Upper Berth

You can place small items, such as a water bottle, on the table or the net shelf, and keep frequently used belongings within easy reach. 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.

Tibet Train Route Distance Upper Berth Ticket Price Lower Berth Ticket Price
Beijing to Lhasa (Z21) 3,757km ¥1144/$164 ¥1186/$170
Shanghai to Lhasa (Z164) 4,372km ¥1262.5/$181 ¥1310.5/$188
Guangzhou to Lhasa (Z264) 4,980km ¥1468/$210 ¥1526/$218
Chengdu to Lhasa (Z322) 3,016km ¥997.5/$143 ¥1034.5/$148
Chongqing to Lhasa (Z223) 3,055km ¥997.5/$143 ¥1034.5/$148
Xi’an to Lhasa (Z265/Z165) 2,864km ¥969.5/$139 ¥1005.5/$144
Xining to Lhasa (Z981/Y971) 1,956km ¥781/$112 ¥808/$116
Tibet Train Route Distance Upper Berth Ticket Price Lower Berth Ticket Price
Beijing to Lhasa (Z21) 3,757km ¥1144/$164 ¥1186/$170
Shanghai to Lhasa (Z164) 4,372km ¥1262.5/$181 ¥1310.5/$188
Guangzhou to Lhasa (Z264) 4,980km ¥1468/$210 ¥1526/$218
Chengdu to Lhasa (Z322) 3,016km ¥997.5/$143 ¥1034.5/$148
Chongqing to Lhasa (Z223) 3,055km ¥997.5/$143 ¥1034.5/$148
Xi’an to Lhasa (Z265/Z165) 2,864km ¥969.5/$139 ¥1005.5/$144
Xining to Lhasa (Z981/Y971) 1,956km ¥781/$112 ¥808/$116

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 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. 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. It’s recommended to book early with us, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure a soft sleeper berth.

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

To take a soft sleeper train to Tibet, travelers must carry a valid passport, a Chinese Visa, 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 serval times during the whole Tibet train journery.

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.

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.

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