Chengdu to Lhasa Train
The Chengdu to Lhasa train Z322 departs Chengdu West Railway Station at 21:11 every other day and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 07:41 on the 3rd day. This train runs alternately with the Chongqing to Lhasa train Z223 every other day. The Chengdu to Lhasa train crosses 5 provinces and takes around 34 hours and 30 minutes. Although the linear distance is around 1,250km, the rail travel covers 3,360km, which is a big detour. In addition, there are 8 stations total, and the stay time per station is 6-25 minutes. You will start from Chengdu, pass through Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmud, and other cities, and finally arrive in Lhasa. On the way back, the Lhasa to Chengdu train Z324 leaves at 19:00 and arrives at Chengduxi Railway Station at 07:03 am on the third day. The Z324 train and the Lhasa to Chongqing Z224 train also run alternately every other day.
Chengdu, known as the 'Land of Abundance', the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China, is famous for its relaxing lifestyle. In addition, Chengdu is also one of the gateway cities for taking trains to Tibet. The Chengdu to Lhasa train was launched in July 2006. The other two lines moved from Beijing to Lhasa and Xining to Lhasa. This railway line is one of the most popular travel routes along the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, connecting Lhasa and the hometown of giant pandas. In addition, the Sichuan-Tibet Railway (a bit more than 1,800 km) is under construction and predicted to operate in 2026, reducing traveling time between Chengdu and Lhasa to nearly 13 hours.
If you're considering traveling to Tibet by train, taking the Lhasa-bound special train from Chengdu, Sichuan, China, is undoubtedly an excellent option.
Start your Lhasa train journey from Chengdu and embark on an unforgettable trip to your destination – Lhasa! Below is a practical guide to train travel from Chengdu to Lhasa, covering train fares, ticket information, route planning, attractions along the way, and much more.
Chengdu to Lhasa train route map
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Schedules and Tickets（2026）
The Chengdu to Lhasa train Z322 train departs every other day. There are three ticket prices: hard seat ¥302.5, hard sleeper ¥627.5, and soft sleeper ¥997.5. In addition, the return train is Z324 train and also departs every other day. Since the Z324 train stops at Nagchu Station, the total journey time will be about an hour and a half longer.
| Train Number | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Distance | Frequency | Ticket Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z322(Chengdu-Lhasa) | 21:11 | 07:41 | 34:30 Hours | 3,070km | every other day |
¥627 Hard sleeper |
¥997 Soft sleeper |
| Z324(Lhasa-Chengdu) | 19:00 | 07:03 | 36:03 Hours | every other day |
¥627 Hard sleeper |
¥997 Soft sleeper |
|
*Note:The actual arrival and departure time of train, please refer to the information on your ticket, or consult your travel consultant.
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Z322 Schedule（2026）
| No. | Train Stations | Arrival | Departure | Staying Time | Days |
| 1 | Chengduxi | 21:11 | D1 | ||
| 2 | Guangyuan | 02:28 | 02:38 | 10min | D2 |
| 3 | Lanzhou | 08:20 | 08:40 | 20min | D2 |
| 4 | Xining | 11:21 | 11:41 | 20min | D2 |
| 5 | Delingha | 15:30 | 16:36 | 6min | D2 |
| 6 | Golmud | 17:51 | 18:16 | 25min | D2 |
| 7 | Lhasa | 07:41 | D3 |
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Z324 Schedule（2026）
| No. | Train Stations | Arrival | Departure | Staying Time | Days |
| 1 | Lhasa | 19:00 | D1 | ||
| 2 | Nagchu | 22:24 | 22:30 | 6min | D2 |
| 3 | Golmud | 09:02 | 09:27 | 25min | D2 |
| 4 | Delingha | 11:43 | 11:49 | 6min | D2 |
| 5 | Xining | 16:30 | 16:50 | 20min | D2 |
| 6 | Lanzhou | 19:29 | 19:52 | 23min | D2 |
| 7 | Guangyuan | 01:39 | 01:57 | 18min | D3 |
| 8 | Chengduxi | 07:03 |
Which Seat Class to should I take, Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper or Hard Seat?
As a matter of experience, we strongly recommend travelers choose the Soft Sleeper instead of the Hard Sleeper or Hard Seat to have a safer and more comfortable journey. After all, it’s a journey over 30 hours and you need to stay two nights on the train.
Comparison between Soft Sleeper and Hard Sleeper
| Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | |
|---|---|---|
| Door | Yes | No |
| Vacuum Flask | Yes | Yes |
| Power Supply | Yes | No |
| TV | Yes | No |
| Size of Sleeper | Width:700mm/Length:1900mm | Width:500mm/Length:1800mm |
| Amount of Sleepers | 4 | 6 |
Notice: Since there are usually about 64 Soft Sleepers on each train to Tibet, so you’d better confirm your trip and book the train tickets as early as possible. Currently, passengers can book the train ticket 30 days in advance.
Chengdu to Tibet Train Ticket Price & Facilities
The Chengdu to Lhasa train ticket cost ranges from CNY300 to 1,000 RMB. With the breathtaking scenery along the train ride and the exceptional experience of traveling on the world's highest plateau with the GrandSichuan-Tibet Railway, your money on a Chengdu to Tibet Train Ticket would be well-spent.
While the facilities on the Chengdu to Lhasa Train are basic, you can expect to be covered with the availability of an onboard oxygen supply.
| Train Cabin Class | Description | Price Range (CNY) |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Seat | Economical seating and shared toilets at the end of the carriage. | ¥302.5 |
| Hard Sleeper | Six basic bunks per cabin (open cabin) with shared toilets at both ends of the carriage. | ¥627.5 / ¥645.5 / ¥663.5 |
| Soft Sleeper | Four upgraded bunks per cabin (cabin with doors) with toilets and washbasins at both ends of the carriage. | ¥997.5 / ¥1034.5 |
Please note that all prices are subject to change. Refer to our realtime train info below or contact us to map out your Trip on the train to Lahsa.
How to Book a Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ticket
In the past, foreign travelers in China faced significant challenges when booking a train ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa. However, the process has become more streamlined and accessible in recent times. It remains crucial to book your Lhasa Train Ticket in advance using the Official Railway App or Website, ensuring that the name you provide matches your passport. It is worth noting that the English introduction on their App or website may have poor translation, which can make navigation somewhat challenging.
To book a Chengdu to Lhasa Train Ticket, you will need:
A valid Chinese phone number or email for the verification code.
Upload a photocopy of your passport on the official Railway platform. Accepted payment methods include Mastercard, Visa, and do look into Alipay as a backup option.
Keep in mind that additional verification processes may be required compared to Western countries.
To travel on the safe side regarding the language barriers, it's just wise to book your Train Ticket with a reputable agency. For instance, there's an amazing city named Suzhou (苏州) , with fascinating history and World-famous classical gardens, Ancient canals, and Delicious Cuisines. And there's a city named Suzhou (宿州), which, no offense, has not much to offer. When you book the ticket on the official railway website. There might be places with Identical English names yet thousands of miles away from each other. You don't want to travel to the “Wrong Suzhou”. So why not just enjoy the amazing train ride, leave the ticket booking with professionals?
Send a detailed booking inquiry to Travel Tibet China
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Route, Distance & Facts
Departure: Chengdu West Railway Station
Arrival: Lhasa Railway Station
Distance: 3,070 kilometers (1,907 miles)
Duration: About 34-37 hours. You would spend 2 nights onboard, arriving on day 3
Major Railway Stops: Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud
Why Chengdu Lhasa Train is recommended?
1. With a developed transportation network, Chengdu is well-linked with many international cities and all main cities in China. You can travel to Chengdu conveniently.
2. Honored as the Hometown of Giant Panda and Land of Abundance, Chengdu has attracted lots of tourists. Before traveling to Tibet, you can take a short stop to visit the adorable pandas as well as experience the slow-paced life in Chengdu.
3. Chengdu is the departure station of Z322, and it’s much easier to book a train ticket and get the berth or seat you want.
Facilities on Chengdu Lhasa Train – Life on the Train
| Compartment | There is a small table, a heat-retaining vacuum flask and a trash can in the Soft Sleeper Compartment. Under the table, you can see a plug for getting power supply. On the door near the aisle is fixed a small TV. Close to the window, there is an outlet of oxygen. As for Hard Sleeper Compartment, there are some other facilities – a small table, a thermos, and a dustbin. |
| Toilet and Washing | There are western-style toilets in Soft Sleeper Carriages and squat toilets in Hard Sleeper Carriages and Hard Seat Carriages. Toilet papers are not prepared in the toilets and you need to bring your own. There is a washbasin at the end of each the carriages. Only cold water is available, undrinkable. |
| Luggage Storage | If you take a Soft Sleeper, you can place your luggage on the luggage closet above the door in the carriage. It is about 16 inches (40cm) high and 20 inches (50cm) wide. If you choose a Hard Sleeper, just put your luggage or suitcases on the racks about the window by the side of the aisle. The luggage closet of the Hard Sleeper Carriage is above the seats. |
| Food and Drink | Ding carriage in the middle of the train is also available to offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also get some snacks and drinks there. Only Chinese food is provided, including rice, vegetables, meats, and soups. There are also many featured Sichuan Cuisine, like Twice-cooked Pork, Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce, Sichuan Poached Pork, etc. You can buy packed food from the Food Trolley as well. Hot Water in the Hot Water Dispenser is always provided. The water received from the washing area is not drinkable. |
| Air Conditioning and Oxygen Supply | The air-conditioning system is available on the train to create proper temperature as well as fresh air. The train is also equipped with two kinds of the oxygen supply system to offer enough oxygen and reduce the risk of high altitude sickness. On is a ‘dispersion-mode oxygen supply system which aims to spread oxygen in the cars while the other supply system can be directly used by the passengers through many independent ports. |
Altitude Change of Chengdu to Lhasa Train
Chengdu to Lhasa Railway, measuring 3,070 km, starts from Chengdu(480m) via Xining (2,275m) to Lhasa (3,650m). This railway with the highest altitude around the world reaches its highest point at Tanggula Pass (5,072m) and the entire railway line is built over 4500m. It is known that high altitude may trigger physical discomforts such as headache, dizziness and other altitude sickness symptoms. Yet, this specially-built train is equipped with oxygen supply system that will automatically release oxygen into the carriage to minimize altitude sickness when reaches Golmud (2,829m).
Oxygen Supply and Altitude Sickness on the Chengdu to Lhasa train
Sometimes called “mountain sickness”, altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher altitude too quickly. Characterized by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, altitude sickness is the biggest concern for traveling to Tibet.
Air-conditioning alone is not sufficient to make a cozy environment on the train to Tibet. The oxygen supply is the key element to ensure passengers' comfort and safety. There are two oxygen-supply systems on each train. One is used for increasing the oxygen level in the train, by temperature and air pressure controlling systems, when the train enters into the plateau zone. The other is directly used by passengers through an independent port. There are oxygen supply tubes and masks in each cabin for emergencies. Private oxygen masks are provided to every passenger, whatever ticket they have. In sleeping berth cars, you can find outlets on the wall beside the windows, while in seat cars, you can find outlets under your seat.
How to Board the Train to Tibet from Chengdu West Railway Station
Embarking on a journey to Tibet via train entails a seamless process at Chengdu West Railway Station. Here are the steps to successfully board the train to Tibet:
To get to Chengdu West Railway Station(成都西站), No. 106, Tianfu Avenue, Jinniu District, Chengdu (金牛区天府大道106号), you can take:
Metro to Chengdu West Railway Station:
Take Metro Line 4 or Line 9 to Chengdu West Railway Station (成都西站).
Airport to Chengdu West Railway Station:
There's no direct shuttle bus connecting to Chengdu West Railway Station. In the meantime, the Metro line in Chengdu offers an ideal option to get to your Lhasa Train Ride.
From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU):
Metro Line 3, switch to Line 9
From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU):
Metro Line 18, switch to Line 9
Taxi to Chengdu West Railway Station:
The taxi fare from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu West Railway Station is approximately RMB 100-120. The taxi fare from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Chengdu West Railway Station is approximately CNY 150-170RMB.
Arrival: How to get around from Lhasa Railway Station?
At Lhasa Train Station, you'll find a variety of transportation options to choose from. These include taxis for convenient travel, buses for city routes, minibuses for shared transportation, pedicabs for a unique and eco-friendly experience, and E-Bicycle rentals for self-paced exploration.
How to get Tibet Travel Permits required for Tibet train travel?
In addition to the Chinese visa, a Tibet Travel Permit is required to enter Lhasa and explore Tibet. This special permit is mandatory for all foreign nationals, regardless of nationality. And Permit paper work is a must for you to board Chengdu to Lhasa Train.
You can apply through a local Travel Agency in Tibet. The application process typically takes 7-15 business days.
This is the most essential to your Lhasa Trip and Tibet Trip in general. You do need these documents to get onboard. All You Need to Know about Tibet Travel Permit.
As an agency who has been working in Lhasa for over 10 years, we are qualified to apply the permit for you.
What You Can See along the Chengdu to Lhasa Train
Chengdu to Lhasa
As the train departs from Chengdu Railway Station, you can see the natural view of Sichuan, from plain Chengdu to the mountainous Guangyuan. When you get close to Xining in the afternoon of the second day, the most beautiful scenery of high plateau begins to come into your eyes. At first, you can see a large area of crops. Then the vegetation and household become less and less while the altitude becomes higher and higher. You will pass through the famous Golden Silver Beach and enjoy a part of the amazing landscape of Qinghai Lake. If you travel in July and August, you won’t miss a large field of rape flowers. Leaving Qinghaihu pasture, you will see the gobi view, but cropland appears soon before you get to Delingha. Then there come many salty lakes, like Keke Salt Lake, Gahai Lake and so on. Traveling from Delingha, you will witness one of the most magical sight - Thousands of Zhang Salt Bridge with Dabsun Lake and Hobson Lake on its two sides. When you wake up on the third day, you won’t be far from Lhasa.
Lanzhou
Lanzhou is the first major city along the Yellow River, which has been a key garrison town since ancient times. All trains between Chengdu and Lhasa will take a stop about 17 minutes at Lanzhou Railway Station in the daytime. Lanzhou Hand-pulled Noodles is famous among China, and you can have a try if time permits.
Xining
Xining is also an ancient military garrison and trading center in ancient times. Now it attracts many tourists with the beautiful Qinghai Lake – Flowers’ Ocean, Birds’ Paradise, and Cyclists’ Heaven. On your trip, you will see part of Qinghai Lake. There is a stop at Xining Railway Station for about 20 minutes, which is enough for you to walk around.
Qinghai Lake: Crown Jewel of Your Tibet Train Trip
As you near Qinghai Province, you will be greeted by the immense beauty of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), one of the largest saltwater lakes globally. The lake's mesmerizing turquoise waters and the majestic snow-capped mountains form a breathtaking scenery along the train route.
If you happen to travel during the summer months of July or August, you might be fortunate enough to witness the blooming of vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers. These blossoms create a captivating spectacle, covering the surrounding hills and valleys in a colorful carpet. The flowers are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world each year.
Golmud
As you get close to Golmud, you begin to feast on snow-capped mountains, bright glaciers, and spectacular lakes. When you get to Golmud from Chengdu at 19:24, you are supposed to see the Tibetan antelopes. The trains between Chengdu and Lhasa will make a stop at Golmud for 25 minutes.
Lhasa Valley: Tibet Preview on Train from Chengdu
As you approach Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, the majestic Lhasa Valley unfolds before your eyes. Nestled amidst the towering Himalaya, this broad expanse of land exudes serenity and offers a glimpse into the heart of Tibet. From the train's windows, especially during the early morning (which would be your arriving time if you take the Train from Chengdu to Lhasa) or late afternoon when the sunlight bathes the landscape in a golden glow, you'll have the opportunity to admire the captivating beauty of Lhasa valley.
About Chengdu to Lhasa Train FAQs:
Q1. How to Get Help on the Train?
Some of the staff on the train speak English and they are easy-approaching and hospitable to foreign tourists. If one runs into any trouble, you may ask the head of conductor for help. Most of the passengers may have symptoms of altitude sickness (such as headache, fatigue, difficult sleeping, lack of appetite, etc.) as the train reaches Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Now, you may switch on the oxygen outlet to inhale oxygen to ease the discomfort. If the symptom gets worse, you may find the conductor for help and the doctor on the train will come and give you timely treatment.
Q2. How can we minimize the effect of altitude sickness?
The effect of altitude sickness on passengers varies. Yet, to minimize or ease the impact of altitude sickness, one may prepare some altitude sickness tablets before boarding the train and take some when the train climbs to plateau. There is no need to worry too much the altitude sickness, the train is built with oxygen supply system which is easy to use.
Q3. Is smoking allowed in the cabin?
Smoking is strictly forbidden in the train as the train is tightly sealed and pressurized and oxygen is pumped into the carriage when the train ascends to extreme altitude.It would be devastating if the train caught fire.
How to Plan Your Tibet Train Tour?
If you're a first-time visitor to Tibet, we recommend spending 7 to 15 days exploring this region. This will give you enough time to acclimate to the high altitude, as well as to visit some of the most important cultural and natural sites in the area.
Lhasa City Tour and Surroundings 4 Days or 5 DaysFor 4 days, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Private Tour for 5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Essence Tour with Great Three Monasteries
Add 2 or 3 More Days to Visit Gyantse & Shigatse 5 days, it is highly recommended to visit 7 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok & Mt. Everest Tour, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa Namtso Lake Private Tour
Add 2 More Days to Mount Everest for 7 days, it is highly recommended to visit Tibet Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa to Gyirong via EB 7 days, it is highly recommended to visit Tibet Discovery Tour from Lhasa to Mount Everest Base Camp
To extend further, you can cover Mount Kailash (3 Days), Guge Kingdom & Zanda Earth Forest (1 Day), Namtso Lake (1 Day), etc.9 Days Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake Classic Tour hasa to EBC with Namtso Lake16 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour with Lhasa Shigatse & EBC
Explore Tibet with Travel Tibet China
With more than 10 years of local expertise in Lhasa and Tibet, our dedicated team at travel tibet china brings you carefully curated Tibet tours for an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Drawing upon our extensive experience, we have meticulously crafted a range of Tibet tour packages, including Lhasa tours, Mount Everest Tours, Mount Kailash Tours, Tibet Trekking Tours, Tibet Train Tours, and Tibet Overland Tours. Whether you prefer the comfort and flexibility of a private tour or the budget-friendly option of a group tour, we have you covered without compromising on quality.