Golmud to Lhasa Train

The Golmud to Lhasa train covers a distance of 1,142 km, departs from Golmud Railway Station, and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station in approximately 14 hours. There is no direct train from Golmud to Lhasa. However, all trains from popular Chinese cities to Lhasa stop at Golmud Railway Station. There are 9 trains to Tibet, departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining. There are 4 trains departing from Xining. The trains departing from Chengdu and Chongqing depart every other day. Therefore, 8 trains are stopping at Golmud every day, with a stay time of 25 minutes. You can choose one of these to board the train to Lhasa from Golmud.

Golmud is a city on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, located west of Xining, Qinghai Province. Golmud, built for mining natural sources such as salt, magnesium, etc, has nothing to offer except desert. However, it has some spectacular natural features that make it worth a visit. As the train chugs out of the station, you are immediately immersed in a world of natural beauty. In addition, it is the start of the climb from lower elevation Golmud to the high altitude Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the Tanggula Pass. In other words, Golmud is the real starting point of the high-altitude train journey.

This all-inclusive Golmud to Tibet Train guide presents in-depth details on the train schedule from Golmud to Lhasa, the process of securing tickets, noteworthy sights along the route, and vital tips for travelers. Whether you're plotting an unforgettable rail expedition to Tibet or simply wish to uncover the marvels of this region, this guide is designed to help you optimize your Tibet Train travel experience from Golmud to Lhasa.

Golmud to Lhasa Train Route Map

Golmud to Lhasa Train Schedule and Price（2026）

There are 9 trains to Lhasa, departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining. There are 4 trains departing from Xining. However, the trains departing from Chengdu and Chongqing depart every other day. Therefore, 8 trains are stopping at Golmud every day, with a stay time of 25 minutes. In addition, the train ticket from Golmud to Lhasa is 141.5 RMB. Some of the trains highlighted in red in the table below are recommended as the best train that tourists can enjoy the longest daytime sightseeing.

About ticket price:

The ticket prices above are the net price. In reality, as traveling in Tibet is so popular that the actual ticket demand far exceeds the supply, in-bound and out-bound tourists have to pay more than the net price to buy tickets. The actual price is subject to the market fluctuation. In some cases, the actual price could be double than the net price. Despite the uncertainty and difficulty in purchasing train tickets, Travel Tibet China would manage to book tickets at a reasonable price ( usually 20 percent lower than the market price) and promise to offer free service for it. If tourists only want to buy train tickets via Travel Tibet China without intending to travel to Tibet, Travel Tibet China will have to charge a small amount of service fee.

Notice: To make sure the train you choose from Golmud to Lhasa is travelling almost during daytime, the sceneary is stunning from Gulmod. If you choose the wrong train you will miss a big part of the sightseeing. However，the proper train sometimes is not easy to book in Summer, as the trains are always over booked from Shanghai, Guangzhou, and there is no enough vacancy for short distance Gulmod-Lhasa transfer.

How to Book and Get Golmud to Lhasa Train Tickets?

International travelers can’t enter in Tibet as backpackers and need the help of travel agency to apply for Tibet Travel Permit in advance. You do not need the permit to book the tickets but you do need it to collect the ticket and board the train.

Golmud to Lhasa Train Price & Facilities

The train from Golmud to Lhasa offers both hard seat and sleeper compartments, with options for hard seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. The comfort level increases in that order.

Hard seat is the most affordable and economical choice, with a 3+2 seating arrangement. However, the comfort level is limited, and the carriage has squat-style toilets at the end.

Hard sleeper is a comfortable and reasonably priced option. You will share a small compartment with six people and can choose from upper, middle, or lower berths. Please note that there are no individual compartment doors, and some noise may be heard. Squat-style toilets are available at both ends of the hard sleeper carriage.

Soft sleeper is the most comfortable seating option on the train from Golmud to Lhasa. It offers wider beds measuring 80*190cm and a four-person compartment with a lockable door for added privacy. The toilet facilities in the soft sleeper carriage include both western-style toilets and squat toilets.

Food services are available on the train from Golmud to Lhasa, including mobile food carts and a dining car. You can purchase snacks, beverages, and boxed meals. If you crave a cup of coffee, you can walk to the end of the carriage and brew a cup while enjoying the scenic views of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

All trains from Golmud to Lhasa provide passengers with oxygen supply through a diffusing system and individual oxygen outlets to help acclimatize to the high altitude of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Altitude Change of Golmud to Lhasa Train

Golmud to Lhasa Railway stretches 1,142 km and the entire railway line is built over 4,500m. From Golmud (2,928 km), the trains begin to climb up steeply to over 4,000 meters within 100km and reach the highest point at Tanggula Pass (5,072m), triggering physical discomforts such as headache, dizziness and other altitude sickness symptoms. After Tanggula Pass, the altitude descend gradually, and reach Lhasa at 3,650m.

1. How to Book Tibet Train Ticket?

Book train ticket with us (highly recommended)

To individual tourists, the best solution is to contact a reliable travel agency and book the Golmud to Lhasa train ticket at least one month in advance. Traveltibetchina.com can provide such timely tickets booking service, and also offer “Train Ticket + Tibet Tour” packages. Send a detailed booking inquiry to us.

Book at 12306.cn or buy ticket at train station

Neither method is convenient for international travelers. The 12306.cn has no English version and the online payment is limited to a bank account in mainland China. The staff at the train station can’t speak English. In addition, during the peak season and even the off-season of Tibet tourism, it is difficult for foreign tourists to book train tickets because they get sold out very quickly.

2. How to Get the Tibet Train Ticket?

In China, paper tickets are no longer required to board trains; once you've booked your ticket, you only need to provide an e-ticket.

Applying for Tibet Travel Permit - Prerequisite for Your Tibet Travel

A prerequisite for your journey on the train from Golmud to Lhasa is to have a Tibet Travel Permits. Your permit will be checked during the ticket collection and while waiting for the train.

It's important to note that you cannot obtain the Tibet Travel Permits on your own. You will need assistance from a travel agency. When you choose our Tibet Train Tour Package/Tibet Package, we will be more than happy to help you obtain the Tibet Travel Permit as part of our complimentary service. We are dedicated to providing you with excellent service to make your journey smooth and memorable!

How to Get to the Train Stations?

Golmud Train Station is located at No. 39 Yingbin Road, Golmud(格尔木市迎宾路39号). Its prime location in the city center makes it convenient for travelers to reach the station.

Golmud Railway Station

The Golmud Railway Station is located about 814 km from Xining, the starting point of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and about 1,142 km from Lhasa. All trains to Lhasa stop over at Golmud Railway Station for about 20 minutes and start to supply oxygen from this station.

1. Arrive at Golmud Train Station.

2. Bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permits to collect the tickets.

3. Undergo security checks and enter the station.

4. Ticket and Tibet Travel Permits verification at the waiting hall.

5. Board the train at the platform.

From Downtown to Golmud Railway Station

Taxi: The taxi fee is calculated by meter and you can ask the driver for a paper invoice when getting off.

Bus: There are 3 buses arriving at Golmud Railway Station with Bus No. 1, 2, and 5.

From Geermu Airport to Golmud Railway Station

Golmud Airport operates flights to and from Xining and Xian. Landing at Golmud, you can take taxi or bus to Geermu Railway Station.

Taxi: It only takes around 32min to travel from Golmud Airport to Golmud Railway Station by taxi.

Bus: Tourism Line 7 -> Bus No. 2

There is no airport express or bus from Geermu Airport to railway station. The closest bus station (Junhang Station) is 3.3km from airport:

->Take Tourism Line 7 at Junhang Station and get off at Shiqu Station

->Transfer to Bus No. 2 and get off at Huochezhan Station (Golmud Railway Station). The above ride takes around 2 hours but it is inconvenient.

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, as well as E-Bicycle rentals for self-paced exploration.

What to See on Golmud to Lhasa Train?

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 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 stranger. It has served as a great destination for entry-level mountaineering and climbing training for years.

Kekexili Nature Reserve

Believed to be a 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, Tibetan wild ass, white-lipped deer, and brown bear, etc. If you happen to take the Tibet train from May to July, you may have a higher chance of catching a glimpse of the migration of lively Tibetan antelopes.

Tuotuohe National Scenic Area:

During your train journey from Lanzhou to Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to witness the scenic beauty of Tuotuohe (Mar Qu, Ulan Moron, 沱沱河) National Scenic Area. As the train passes by the Tuotuohe River, which meanders through this picturesque area, you will be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped mountains, verdant meadows, and the shimmering turquoise waters of the river. The optimal time to admire the scenery of Tuotuohe from the train is in the morning, when the sun illuminates the landscape.

The train travels through Tuotuohe National Scenic Area for approximately 15-20 minutes, offering a relatively brief but captivating experience. The closest proximity to the scenic area occurs when the train is traveling in an easterly direction.

Lhasa River: Tibet Train Ride Right along side with It

The Lhasa River (拉萨河) is renowned as one of the five major tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo River (雅鲁藏布江). Translated from Tibetan, "Yarlung Zangbo" means "snow water from high mountains."

During the train ride from Chongqing to Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to catch glimpses of the Lhasa River. The train passes through multiple sections where the river flows, with the closest proximity occurring between Delingha and Lhasa. At certain points, the train even runs parallel to the river, providing captivating views of its pristine waters.

FAQ of Golmud to Lhasa Train

Where to recharge your mobile phones and electronic devices?

The powerplugfor chargers are located in the corridors OR under your table inthe cabin with the 4 soft sleepers (in between the 2 lower bunks).

Can touristshave shower in the train?

Unfortunately, there is no shower room in the train.Dobring some wet wipesin stores anda smalltowel, and small but equally important thing:toilet/tissue paper.

Is it possible to swap ticket with other people to stay with friends or family inthe same cabin?

Yes. It is acceptable.You may ask conductor to swaptickets with other passengers to stay with your family or friends.

Is smoking allowed in the cabin?

Smoking is strictly forbidden in the trainas thetrain is tightly sealed and pressurized and oxygen is pumped into the carriagewhen the train ascends to extreme altitude. It would be devastating if thetrain caught fire.

Is it necessary to carry Tibet Travel Permit all the time?

Make sure you have your passport, Tibet Travel Permit andticket with youas you could be checked many times during the longjourney.

It is advisable to havemany copies of Tibet Travel Permit.

How can we minimize the effect of altitude sickness?

The effect of altitude sickness onpassengers varies. Yet, to minimize or ease the impact of altitude sickness,one mayprepare somealtitude sickness tabletsbefore boarding the train and take some whenthe train climbs to plateau. There is no need to worry too much thealtitude sickness, the train is built withoxygen suppley system. It is easy to use.

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.