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Xining to Lhasa Train

Trains Z8981 and Z8991 are two trains that runs directly from Xining to Lhasa. Compared with trains to Lhasa from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Xining-Lhasa train (Z8981 and Z8991) offers you the shortest ride of 1,956km in total. Train Z8981 runs every other day while Train Z8991 runs daily.

Train No.Dep./Arr.Dep. StationDurationHard seatHard sleeperSoft sleeper
Z8981 Xining-Lhasa 12:50 / 10:20 Xining Railway Station 21hr, 30min (1,956km) ¥224 ¥495 ¥781
Z8991 Xining-Lhasa 21:50 / 17:39 Xining Railway Station 19hr, 49min (1,956km) ¥224 ¥495 ¥781
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*All the ticket prices are the net price. The actual booking price is higher with service fee included. Since Xining to Lhasa train is one of the most favorite routes to Tibet. It is suggested to make your booking as soon as possible.

Xining to Lhasa Train Schedule (Z8981)

Xining-Lhasa train brings you the unparalleled advantage to cover the highlighted view of Tibet train with the shortest duration. It only takes you 21 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Xining to Lhasa. Shortly after you board the Tibet train, a series of visual feast is ready to entertain you. Snowy Yuzhu peak, Gobi desert, and grazing yaks and peaceful alpine lakes, and vast Qiangtang prairie, etc.

You will clearly notice the altitude ascent from Xining to Golmud. But, no worries! The oxygen supply system in Tibet train will help you get acclimatized. Check the major railway stations, and altitude change in the following real time train schedule.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway Map
DaysStationAltitudeArr. /Dep.Time
1 Xining 2,200 m --/12:50
1 Delingha 2,982 m 16:37/16:43
1 Golmud 2,780 m 18:58/19:23
2 Nagchu 4,500 m 06:15/06:21
2 Lhasa 3,650 m 10:20/--

*The time table and schedule is just for reference. When you make early reservation, please contact us for more details.

About Starting Station (Xining Railway Station)

The legendary Xining railway station is the first railway station that linking Tibet with other cities across inland China. The newly-renovated railway station offer convenient and comfortable service for you to take trains to Tibet and other cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, etc. We suggest you arrive at the Xining Station early to line up to be checked to board the train.

Address: No. 128, Huzhu Middle Road, Xining (青海省西宁市互助中路128号)

Xining Caojiabao International Airport to Xining Railway Station:

  • Take a taxi from the airport to railway station
    It takes about 40 minutes for 25km’s ride.

  • Take the shuttle bus to railway station
    Take the airport shuttle bus, and you can go directly to the train station. It takes about 1 hours and 16 minutes, and costs 21 CNY.

Xining Railway Station

Life on the Xining-Lhasa 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 all the way to holy Lhasa.

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 Xining-Lhasa train leaves Golmud, 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 Beijing-Lhasa Train Route

The highlights of Tibet train center from Golmud to Lhasa. Do wipe off the dirt from your cabin’s window at Golumd because you are about to enjoy a real treat to your eyes. Grazing yaks in vast Nagqu grassland, snow-blanketed peaks and shimmering alpine lakes at sunset, etc. It’s time to wield your camera for a test shot before arriving in Lhasa.

  • Yuzhu Peak

    With an altitude of 6,178 meters, Yuzhu peak is the first major attraction as the Tibet train leaves Golmud to Lhasa. 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

    After passing the source of Yangtse River, we are about to reach the highest place of Tibetan train, i.e. Tanggula Mountain Pass (5072m) 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 Xining Lhasa Train

  • What kind of travel document is needed when board the train?

    To board to Tibet train, you need to have Tibet Travel Permit . The permit will be checked before your board the train at the railway station. The Tibet Travel Permit can only be applied through a registered travel agency on behalf of the individual traveler.

    In this case, our travel consultant can help you get the permit. You just need to email us your passport information page, Chinese Visa page and your photo image for application. It is suggested to start the application 14 days before your Tibet tour departure dates.

  • How to book Xining Lhasa train ticket?

    The best and most reliable way to book Xining Lhasa 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.

  • How to get my Xining Lhasa train ticket after booking?

    Well, normally after you book our Tibet train tour, our staff will help you get the Train ticket for you and give it to your hand in person. In some cases, our travel consultant will teach you how to get your booked Train ticket with your booking confirmation No. and your passport at the ticket office in the railway station. In this case, do arrive at the railway station at least 2hours earlier to follow the procedure because the huge crowds are pretty common in China. You need to line up in a long queue to get train tickets and wait to be checked to board the train.

Most Recommended Xining Tibet Train Tour Packages

Based on our over 10 years’ Tibet train tour running experience, we handpick the top 4 most recommended Xining Tibet train tours for you. You can easily combine the scenic tours in Xining 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 Xining 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.

Tibet Train from Other Gateway Cities

In addition to Xining, you can also enjoy the fascinating Tibet train journey from main provincial cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Chengdu, etc. And each city features a totally different tour experience. Much excitement awaits your discovery and come and join our expertly designed Tibet train tours.