The Lhasa to Shigatse train offers a new option for traveling from Lhasa to the western regions of Tibet, including the renowned Everest Base Camp. This article covers everything you need to know about the Lhasa to Shigatse train, such as its schedule, ticketing, station guide, onboard facilities, scenery along the route, etc. Keep reading to discover how you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable trip on the Lhasa to Shigatse train.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train: Facts, Distance and Map

The Lhasa to Shigatse train has been in operation since August 15, 2014. It is an extension of the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, spanning a distance of 253 kilometers. This railway is the first to connect the two biggest cities in Tibet, namely Lhasa and Shigatse.

The train brings a lot of convenience. In the past, people were limited to taking a bus or hiring a car to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse. Now, one can enjoy a different mode of transportation for this journey.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Schedule: 2024/2025 Updates

Generally, there are 2 trains departing from Lhasa to Shigatse on a daily basis. Train C885 leaves at 08:00 am and arrives at 10:21 am, and the total duration is 2 hours and 21 minutes. Train C887 leaves at 13:30 pm and arrives at 15:50 pm, taking 2h 20m. The first class of the train is 103 yuan in RMB, while the second class costs 64 yuan, and business seats cost 225 yuan.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Schedule

Train No.	Dep./Arr.	Duration
C885 Lhasa-Shigatse	08:00/10:21	2h 21m
C887 Lhasa-Shigatse	13:30/15:50	2h 20m

Accordingly, there are also 2 trains departing from Shigatse to Lhasa on a daily basis. Train C886 leaves at 10:50 am and arrives at 13:10, and the total duration is 2h 20m. Train C888 leaves at 16:10 pm and arrives at 18:30 pm, taking 2h 20m on the way. The ticket prices are as same as those of the Lhasa to Shigatse train.

Shigatse to Lhasa Train Schedule

Train No.	Dep./Arr.	Duration
C886 Shigatse-Lhasa	10:50/13:10	2h 20m
C888 Shigatse-Lhasa	16:10/18:30	2h 20m

Please Note:
1) All the ticket prices are the net price. The actual booking price is higher with the service fee included.
2) Train departures may be adjusted to 3 departures a day or one departure a day according to the demand. Please contact us for the final confirmation.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Ticket: How to Book?

You have several ways to book your ticket for the Lhasa to Shigatse train: online or directly at the station. However, if you're a foreign tourist visiting Tibet, we recommend using our services for hassle-free booking.

As the leading Tibet tour operator in Lhasa, we provide personalized assistance with ticket booking. We'll help you choose your seat and departure date, ensuring you get your ticket without any hassle or long waits in line.

Once you've booked, we can either deliver your paper ticket to your hotel or address in Lhasa, or you can pick it up at Lhasa Railway Station. If you choose station pickup, please remember to bring the confirmation number of your ticket, along with your Tibet Travel Permit and valid passport. And don't worry, we'll assist you in obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit in advance.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Station Guide: How to Reach Lhasa Railway Station or Shigatse Railway Station?

How to Get to Lhasa Railway Station?

Lhasa Railway Station is situated in the suburban area, about 9 km from the Potala Palace and 12 km from downtown Lhasa. It is very convenient for one to reach the railway station after touring the city of Lhasa. It takes 30 minutes to drive from downtown, and it is recommended to take a taxi or arrange a car in advance for transportation to the train station.

If you would like to travel from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Lhasa Station, you can take the public shuttle bus, which stops at the station. The journey takes nearly 1 hour by bus, or you can hire a car for direct transportation. It is advisable to arrive at Lhasa Station at least 1 hour before the train departure time. During peak seasons, there may be long queues at the station; otherwise, you might risk missing your train.

How to Get to Shigatse Railway Station?

Shigatse Railway Station is located in the Sangzhuzi district of Shigatse, 9km from the downtown area, which is approximately a 20-minute drive. The renowned Tashilhunpo Monastery is also situated 9km away from Shigatse railway station. If your schedule is tight, you can visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in the morning and then take the train back to Lhasa in the afternoon.

Everest Base Camp is 350km away from Shigatse Railway Station, requiring at least 7 hours of driving, making it impractical to visit Everest Base Camp and return to Shigatse on the same day. It is recommended to take a taxi or hire a car to reach Shigatse Railway Station. Additionally, it is advised to arrive at the station at least 1 hour before the train departure time.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Onboard: Seats and Facilities

The Lhasa to Shigatse train offers three types of seats: second class, first class, and business class. All seats are designed for comfort, and spaciousness, and provide excellent views of the surrounding scenery.

Second class is the most economical choice, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. First class offers increased comfort with wider seats and extra legroom. Business class provides the highest level of luxury, featuring adjustable seats, individual electronic screens, reading lights, and more.

Besides, the train also offers a dining car where you can enjoy three meals or purchase snacks and beverages. Additionally, like other Tibet trains, there are oxygen supply systems onboard to assist passengers in acclimating to the high-altitude environment of Tibet.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Route Scenery: Expect Plateau Landscapes

Taking the Lhasa to Shigatse train, you can expect to have a far view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley and see Tibetan villages along the way.

The Yarlung Tsangpo River is a beautiful river with water flowing down from the crest. The Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley is rich in forest resources, with 2,644 thousand hectares of virgin forest. It is home to rare and unique plants and animals, serving as a natural treasure trove of wildlife. Yew and Zoraptera insects can be found here.

The soil along the way from Lhasa to Shigatse is quite fertile, so farming is well-developed. Therefore, you may see many villages along the way, with people planting or harvesting on the land. Witnessing Tibetan herders tending to their yaks and sheep adds an authentic element to your Tibetan journey.

How to Plan a Lhasa to Shigatse Train Tour?

To fully enjoy the highlights of Tibet and experience the Lhasa to Shigatse train journey, it is advisable to first take an overland trip from Lhasa to Shigatse and then return to Lhasa by the Shigatse-Lhasa train.

During the overland trip from Lhasa to Shigatse, the grandeur of nature will be a great feast for your eyes. Turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the magnificent Karola Glacier, along with Gyantse Pelkor Stupa and monasteries, come into view one after another. Meanwhile, you will not miss the scenery of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and Tibetan villages on the train journey back to Lhasa.

If you would like to visit Everest Base Camp or the Nagri Region, you can take the classic overland trip from Lhasa to EBC, or from Lhasa to Mount Kailash, passing through the most popular sites of Tibet along the way. Then, on the way back, return to Shigatse and board the train back to Lhasa.

Conclusion

The Lhasa to Shigatse train brings a wealth of conveniences and benefits to both local Tibetans and travelers exploring the region and beyond. For tourists planning to take this train journey, we offer ticket booking services, Tibet Travel Permit application services, and also help to arrange your train travel plans. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to book your Tibet tour now!