Xining to Lhasa Train

As the starting city of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Xining has several Tibet trains to Lhasa daily, including direct trains from Xining and trains from other cities via Xining Railway Station. Taking the Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa, passengers will see grassland, gobi, snow-capped mountains, and rare animals soon after boarding the train. Here, we will provide a detailed introduction to Xining to Lhasa train Z8981.

Z8981 Xining-Lhasa Train Ticket Online Booking

No.	Station	Altitude	Day	Arrival	Departure	Stop Time	Distance	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
1	Xining	2200m	Day 1	---	12:50	---	0km	$112	$71	$32
2	Delingha	2982m	Day 1	16:35	16:39	4 min	500km	$94	$60	$26
3	Golmud	2780m	Day 1	19:02	19:27	25 min	830km	$81	$52	$21
4	Budongquan	4611m	Day 1	21:43	21:47	4 min	1050km	---	---	---
6	Tuotuo River	4547m	Day 2	00:57	00:59	2 min	1250km	$63	$40	$14
6	Lhasa	3650m	Day 2	10:20	---	---	1956km	---	---	---

No.	Station	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper
1	Xining (12:50)	$112	$71
2	Delingha (16:35)	$94	$60
3	Golmud (19:02)	$81	$52
4	Budongquan (21:43)	---	---
5	Tuotuo River (00:57)	$63	$40
6	Lhasa (10:20)	---	---

Xining to Lhasa Train Book

About Tibet Train Ticket Price and Tibet Travel Permit:

1. The train ticket prices above are the net price. Due to the shortage of supply during Tibet’s peak tourism season period (Chinese Spring Festival and other public holidays in China from End-April to Mid-October), the train ticket demand may greatly exceed the supply. Passengers will have to pay more commissions to the ticket agency for a train ticket (even as much as the net price), or the train station will ask the passengers to make a flexible travel plan. For example, the passenger may be required to take the train one day prior or later to the original departure date or take a connecting train instead of the direct one.
2. Due to the high demand of Tibet Train tickets, the tickets may be issued only 1-9 days before departure. Even though it is uncertain and difficult, Tibettrain.org would manage to help clients to book train tickets via the ticket agency at a reasonable price and promise to offer free service for it.
3. According to the Law of the People’s Republic of China, every foreign traveler needs to get his Tibet Travel Permit to travel Tibet. Besides, before you go to the train ticket window to collect your train ticket, you need to prepare a colorful copy of your Tibet Travel Permit.

Soft Sleeper vs /Hard Sleeper vs Hard Seat
Ticket Book & Collect
Route Map
Board Tibet Train

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

Like other trains to Tibet, Xining to Lhasa trains are equipped with the same types and number of carriages. The following section will provide guidance to help you choose the ticket that best suits your needs.

1. Xining to Lhasa Train Soft Sleeper

The train from Xining to Lhasa has 2 soft sleeper carriages with 18 compartments and 72 berths. Each compartment contains 4 berths, two upper and two lower. Each berth measures 75cm wide and 190cm long, providing ample space for taller passengers. There is sufficient luggage storage beneath the lower berths and beside the upper berths. The carriage is also equipped with a table, TV screen, oxygen outlet, clothes hanger, and lockable doors for privacy. Soft sleeper fares are ¥781 ($112) for the upper berth and ¥808 ($116) for the lower berth.

2. Xining to Lhasa Train Hard Sleeper

The hard sleeper carriages consist of 88 compartments and 528 berths. Each compartment has 6 berths: two upper, two middle, and two lower, measuring 60cm wide and 180cm long. The carriage is relatively compact and does not have doors, but it is still comfortable for most passengers. There is luggage storage space under the lower berths and beside the upper berths. Hard sleeper fares are: upper berth ¥495 ($71), middle berth ¥507 ($73), and lower berth ¥521 ($75).

3. Xining to Lhasa Train Hard Seat

This train has 3 hard seat carriages, accommodating a total of 354 passengers. Because the distance from Xining to Lhasa is long, hard seats are not an ideal choice for travelers to Tibet. The fare for a hard seat is ¥224 ($32), but comfort and sleep quality are significantly compromised, so please consider carefully before booking.

4. What kind of train ticket should I choose?

The total rail distance is 1,956km. The riding time is about 21 to 22 hours. For this kind of distance train, a soft sleeper or a hard sleeper is highly recommended which allow a more comfortable trip.

Feature	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
Xining to Lhasa Train Z8981
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

Xining to Lhasa Train Ticket Booking Policy

Here’s an overview of the ticket booking policies for the Xining to Lhasa train, including rules for reservations, changes, and cancellations.

1. How to book Xining to Lhasa train ticket?

You can book your Xining to Lhasa train ticket at the railway station or on 12306.cn. However, we recommend booking through a reliable and professional Tibet travel agency like us. This not only saves you time, but also increases your chances of successfully securing a ticket. We can arrange the train schedule based on your travel plan and help you obtain the Tibet Travel Permit and other required documents. Let you start your Tibet journey with ease and without worrying about complicated booking procedures.

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

If you’ve booked a train ticket online, you'll receive an e-ticket. If you purchase your ticket at the station, the staff will give you a paper ticket. With your ticket and relevant documents, you can board the train smoothly.

If you’ve booked with us, you will receive an e-ticket or a paper ticket. Just bring your passport, Chinese Visa, train ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit to board the train.

Notice: After collecting your ticket, check that your name and passport number are correct. If they don’t match your documents or Tibet Travel Permit, you may not be allowed to board.

3. How to read Xining to Lhasa train ticket?

西宁站: Xining Railway Station
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

Xining to Lhasa Train Ticket

4. How to change Xining to Lhasa train ticket?

If you booked your Xining to Lhasa train ticket through 12306.cn or at the railway station, you can change it online or at any railway station in the Chinese Mainland before the train’s departure. Make sure to bring your passport, original ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit.

If you booked through a travel agency, just contact your travel consultant. They will help you change your ticket according to availability and your updated travel plan.

Please note that changes must be made before the train departs, and any fare difference will need to be paid if you switch to a higher-priced seat or berth.

5. How to cancel Xining to Lhasa train ticket?

If you booked your train ticket through 12306.cn or at the railway station, you can cancel it online or at any railway station in the Chinese Mainland before the train’s departure. The cancellation fee will apply based on how early you cancel your ticket.

If you booked through a travel agency, contact your travel consultant directly; they will handle the cancellation process for you according to railway and agency policies.

Xining to Lhasa Train Route Map & Daily Itinerary

Xining to Lhasa Train Map

Xining to Tibet Train Trip Day 1: Xining - Delingha - Golmud - Budongquan

Your journey to Tibet begins in Xining, the starting point of the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. As the train departs, it travels across the vast Qinghai Plateau, passing beautiful landscapes such as Qinghai Lake. In Delingha, you’ll witness endless grasslands, salt lakes, and snow-capped mountains. After Golmud, the train starts to ascend gradually, entering the Kunlun Mountains. At night, you’ll reach Budongquan, a remote highland area.

Xining to Tibet Train Trip Day 2: Tuotuo River - Lhasa

Around 1:00 a.m., the train reaches Tuotuo River, the source of the Yangtze River, under the vast and star-filled sky of the Tibetan Plateau. As dawn approaches, you’ll awaken to breathtaking highland scenery. After a short journey of several hours, you will arrive at the final destination of the train journey - Lhasa.

Most Popular Xining to Tibet Train Tour:

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

Before starting your unforgettable Tibet train tour, here’s what you need to know about boarding the Xining to Lhasa train, including details about the railway station and onboard facilities.

1. How to get Xining Railway Station?

You can easily reach Xining Railway Station by taxi or bus. The station is located in Chengdong District, about 5km from downtown Xining and 19km from Xining Caojiabao International Airport. Taking a taxi or airport shuttle bus is the most convenient option, usually taking 20–30 minutes from the city center or about 40 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. You should plan your trip and arrive at the railway station in advance, as security checks and ticket verification can take some time, especially during peak travel seasons.

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

To board the Xining to Lhasa train, you’ll need to prepare the following travel documents: your passport, a valid Chinese Visa, and a Tibet Travel Permit. These documents are required for both the security check and boarding. We recommend contacting us at least one month in advance to apply and obtain the relevant documents.

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

1) Pick up your train ticket and complete the security check to enter the waiting area.
2) Fill out the health form in the hall.
3) Proceed through the ticket checkpoint.
4) Check the LED screen to confirm your train and carriage number.
5) Board the train and have your ticket checked again.
6) Find your assigned berth as indicated on your ticket.
7) Hand your paper ticket to exchange it for a berth card. Boarding completed.

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

The best time to Xining to Tibet train tour is from April to October. When the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most stunning. During this period, you can enjoy clear skies, lush grasslands, and snow-capped mountains along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. July to September are peak travel months with the most vibrant landscapes. April, May, June, and October offer fewer crowds and more comfortable travel conditions, making them ideal for a scenic and relaxing journey to Tibet.

5. How about Xining to Lhasa train facilities?

The Xining to Lhasa train is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable high-altitude journey. Each train offers three seat classes - soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat, all with oxygen supply systems to help passengers adapt to the plateau environment. Facilities include dining car serving Chinese meals and snacks, hot water dispensers, toilets, and washbasins at the end of each carriage. The train is designed for both comfort and safety, offering a pleasant way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

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

Your guide will meet you at Lhasa Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. The journey from the station to downtown Lhasa usually takes about 30 minutes. Along the way, you can take a short rest or enjoy the scenery. Upon arrival at the hotel, your guide will also assist you with check-in.

7. Why is Xining to Lhasa Train recommended?

1) As the first train station of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Xining is the quickest access to Lhasa. The whole train journey only takes 21-22 hours. International and domestic travelers board the train from Xining Train Station and soon you will be on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and enjoy the breathtaking scenery through the train windows. The next day, you will arrive at Lhasa train station.

2) There are at least 5 trains from Xining to Lhasa daily. All Qinghai-Tibet trains pass through Xining Railway Station. It will be much easier to buy train tickets from Xining than from Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu, because only one train passes through these cities.

3) Xining’s average altitude is 2,275 meters above sea level, the ideal city for travelers to acclimate high altitude. Travelers who worried about altitude sickness were advised to stay in Xining for about 2 -3 days to acclimate to the altitude and have a good rest before boarding the train to Tibet.