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Lhasa To Xian Train

Compared with taking a train from Xian to Lhasa, it is easier to take a return train from Lhasa to Xian, because not many tourists choose to leave Tibet by train, and there are enough tickets for two trains from Lhasa will stop over at Xian.

One is the Lhasa-Shanghai train (Z166), which runs from Lhasa Railway Station at 11:50 and arrives in Xian at 20:38 on the second day night. The other is the Lhasa-Guangzhou train (Z266) departs from Lhasa at 12:40 and stops over at Xian railway station at 21:38. Besides, Train Z918 finally stops at Xi’an, departing every other day.

Train No.Dep./Arr.Dep. StationDurationHard seatHard sleeperSoft sleeper
Z166 Lhasa-Xian 11:50/20:38 Lhasa Railway Station 32:48 hr (2,864km) ¥293.5 ¥611.5 ¥969.5
Z266 Lhasa-Xian 12:40/21:38 Lhasa Railway Station 32:58 hr (2,864km) ¥293.5 ¥611.5 ¥969.5
Z918 Lhasa-Xian 09:25/19:29 Lhasa Railway Station 34:04 hr (2,864km) ¥293.5 ¥611.5 ¥969.5
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Notes: The above ticket prices are just the net price you could see on your ticket. Because of the limit supply and huge demand of Tibet train tickets, tourists may have to pay more than the net price to buy tickets, especially in peak season. Please send us an inquiry for the exact price of the train you preferred to take.

Lhasa to Xi’an Train Schedule (Z166)

There are three choices to take a train from Lhasa to Xi’an. You can either board Tibet train Z166 or Tibet train Z266 or Tibet train Z918. Here we list the detailed schedule of Train Z166 as a reference for you to know the major railway stations, and altitude change along the way.

Lhasa Xian Train Route Map
DaysStationAltitudeArr. /Dep.Time
1 Lhasa 3,650 m --/11:50
1 Nagchu 4,500 m 15:35/15:41
2 Golmud 2,780 m 02:41/03:06
2 Xining 2,200 m 09:15/09:35
2 Lanzhou 1,520 m 12:06/12:31
2 Xian 385 m 20:38/--

About the Starting Station (Lhasa Railway Station)

To take the Lhasa-Xian train, make sure you get to Lhasa Railway Station. The station serves as the only station that has regular trains connecting the mainland China. Due to the huge number of travelers in the railway station, it’s advisable to arrive at the Lhasa Railway Station early to line up to be checked to board the train.

Address: Tongzhan Road, Niu New Area, Doilungdêqên District, Lhasa City (西藏自治区拉萨市柳梧新区通站路)

Bus Route to Lhasa Railway Station: Lhasa Bus No.1, 13, 14 and 30

Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Lhasa Railway Station

  • Take the Airport Shuttle Bus
    It will take around 1 hour and 26 minutes to reach the station from the airport. The shuttle bus travels directly from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport Station to the railway station, with no stop en route. It crosses 51.5 kilometers and costs 30CNY per person.

  • Take a Taxi from the Airport to Railway Station
    It takes about 48minutes by taking a taxi, and it costs around 200 CNY. (Taxi fares are for reference only and do not take into account waiting times and traffic jams)

Lhasa Railway Station

Life on the Lhasa-Xian Train

The unique life aboard Tibet train gives you a rare chance to experience the real engineering wonder running on lofty Tibetan Plateau. You will be surprised to find many tourist-friendly facilities and cutting-edge technology that help to give you a thrilling ride.

Luggage Storage

If you happen to stay in a soft sleeper cabin, you can put your big suitcase below the lower bunk and leave your small handbag either in the corner of your bed or store it in the upper storage area above the door. If you stay in a hard sleeper, you can leave your heavy suitcase below the lowest bunk or put it above the luggage rack above the narrow aisle. For travelers of the hard seat, putting your big belongings above public luggage rack is the only option.

Food and Drink

Quite similar to what happens when you take the flight, the staff will pass your cabin with a food trolley at meal times. You can easily buy a boxed meal or some snack or soft drinks like orange juice and coke from him. Of course, if you prefer some formal dishes, you can move to the dining carriage where the professional chef will make mostly traditional Chinese food for you. The meal costs around 15 CNY, the lunch and dinner cost around 25-50 for each person.

And you can buy some snack or fruit before you board the Tibet train to fill the leisurely time while enjoying the stunning window view. For a vegetarian, you may also find tasty food. If you wanna some drinks, you may also buy some beers and wine in the train. However, just don’t drink too much because it won’t help for the acclimatization to Tibetan Plateau.

Air Conditioning and Oxygen Supply

The windows and exterior of Tibet train are airtight and protect you from extreme temperature change outside. As the train departs, the oxygen will be released pervasively in passengers’ carriages. Meanwhile, if you still have shortness of breath, you may ask for an oxygen tube from the conductor and connect it to the oxygen outlet inside the soft sleeper or in the corridor to inhale oxygen. However, it’s advisable not to become addictive to the oxygen supply. Normally, your discomfort such as headache, and fast pulse and dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, etc. will disappear within two days.

  • soft sleeper on Tibet train
  • food and drink on Tibet train
  • oxygen supply on Tibet train

Train Tickets Online Booking

Tell us your tour date, Tibet-entry city and other personal needs, we secure your train ticket and arrange easy Tibet train tour.

Top Highlights along the Lhasa-Xian Train Route

As the train from Lhasa to Xian travels along the prestigious Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you will appreciate the breathtaking landscape en route. You will see grazing yaks in vast Nagqu grassland, snow-blanketed peaks and shimmering alpine lakes at sunset etc. A lot of wonders await your discovery!

  • Yuzhu Peak

    With an altitude of 6,178 meters, Yuzhu peak is a major attraction of the train journey. As the Tibet train runs below the spectacular Kunlun Mountain range, you will be deeply impressed by the snow-topped summit of Yuzhu peak in the distance. To the mountaineers in China, Yuzhu peak is no strange. It has served as a great destination for entry-level mountaineering and climbing training for years.

    Yuzhu Peak
  • Kekexili Nature Reserve

    Kekexili Nature Reserve

    Believed to be a safe haven for the wildlife, Kekexili Nature Reserve, also known as Hoh Xil, is the largest (83,000 square kilometres) and highest (4800m) nature reserve with one of the most diverse flora and fauna in China. It is home to a variety of alpine wildlife, such as Tibetan antelope, wild yak and Tibetan wild ass, white-lipped deer, and brown bear, etc. If you happen to take Tibet train from May to July, you may have higher chance to catch a glimpse of migration of lively Tibetan antelopes.

  • Tuotuo River

    Originating from the melting glaciers of Tanggula Mountains, the enchanting Tuotuo River, also known as "Red River" in Mongolian, constitutes the source of great Yangtze River. You are expected to enjoy the train ride and cross the glittering Tuotuo River via a gigantic Tuotuo River bridge, which symbolizes the first bridge (1389.6 meters long with 42 piers) over the source of Yangtze River. Do get ready for the epic shot.

    Tuotuo River
  • Tanggula Mountain

    Tanggula Mountain

    Tanggula Mountain Pass (5072m) is the highest place of the Tibetan train journey, while the famous Tanggula Railway Station is located at an elevation of 5,068m. You have a short time to take a picture with the landmark Tanggula sign on the platform. And the incredible vista of Tanggula mountains afar will blow your mind away.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lhasa to Xian Train

  • 1. How to book the Lhasa to Xi’an train ticket?

    The best and most reliable way to book Lhasa Xian train tickets is through our Tibet train booking service. We can secure your Tibet train ticket and give you more chance to choose the exact type of train sleepers, such as soft sleeper or hard sleeper. Of course, you may try booking train ticket yourself online, if you know mandarin and have exactly the same way of payments like Wechat, AliPay or bank account in China. However, it's often the case that you still can't get your train ticket, because a large part of Tibet train ticket is reserved or booked via big travel agencies.

  • 2. How to shorten the Lhasa to Xi’an train travel?

    Instead of taking the direct train from Lhasa to Xi'an, you can first take the train from Lhasa to Xining, and then fly from Xining to Xi'an. Though it costs a bit more, it saves your time and won’t ruin your planned tour in mainland China. You will not stay for that long time onboard, but it still allows you to enjoy the highlights of Tibet train journey along Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

    Meanwhile, you may have more chances to get the train ticket, especially if you happen to travel during the high season of Tibet tour (July, August, Oct). The train from Lhasa to Xining depart most frequently compared to other routes. And you will have more choices to decide your train ticket type based on your preference.

  • 3. Should I choose the soft sleeper or hard sleeper?

    The train from Lhasa to Xi'an provides hard sleeper berth, soft sleeper berth and hard seat for traveler’s choice. Usually, the sleeper berth is recommended considering it is a long train trip over 20 hours. Compared to hard sleeper, the soft sleeper has more individual space, as each cabin only contains four berths (6 for hard sleeper). Also there is a lockable door for each soft sleeper cabin, offering more personal privacy for passengers onboard.

    But on the other hand, the hard sleeper berth is much cheaper. And it also offers comfortable and soft bedding on each berth. Seeming being a little more crowded than the soft sleeper, the hard sleeper actually has enough space for each passenger in the cabin. It is open to the corridor, lacking some quietness. But if you are not that particular, a hard sleeper is a good choice for saving travel cost.

Most Recommended Xi’an Tibet Train Tour Packages

Based on our over 10 years’ Tibet train tour running experience, we handpick the top 4 most recommended Xi’an Tibet train tours for you. You can easily combine the cultural tours in Xi’an with an exciting Tibet train tour all the way to holy Tibet. With reliable service for Tibet train booking and Tibet Travel Permit, we promise you a once-in-a-lifetime Xi’an Tibet train journey. Just tell us your tour date and personal preferences for your Tibet train tour, we love to make it happen for you.