How to travel from Hong Kong to Tibet
There is no direct train or flight from Hong Kong to Tibet, so Hong Kong tourists need to transfer in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xining, etc. in mainland China. The distance from Hong Kong to Lhasa is around 2,423km.
Hong Kong is the main gateway to China for its easy access to every corner of the world. To help you get to know more about how to travel from Hong Kong to Tibet, we offer detailed Hong Kong to Tibet transportation guides and useful information, and how to apply for Tibet travel permit from Hong Kong. Hoping these will help you arrange your Tibet tour from Hong Kong.
Basically, there are 4 easy and convenient ways to transfer from mainland China to Tibet by either train or flight, select one based on your personal preferences and budget.
The trip from Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train is scenic, comfortable, and affordable. And there are other possible routes to go from Hong Kong to Tibet by train, by switching trains in other cities in China. Do read on to find out the updated detail breakdown of the train from Hong Kong to Lhasa.
Different Travel Routes from Hong Kong to Lhasa
Generally speaking, there are 4 major ways to reach Lhasa from Hong Kong and each has its merits and demerits.
Departure: West Kowloon Station(西九龙站), Hong Kong, China
Arrival: Lhasa Railway Station, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Train Journey Duration: Approximately 50-55.5 hours
Distance Covered: Over 4,980 kilometers/3094 miles
It is a great route for railfans to experience diverse models of trains as you get to switch trains according to your own plan. Moreover, the Tibet Train Route covers a majority of the amazing landscapes in China.
Way 1: Hong Kong - Guangzhou - Lhasa
Train Route: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station - Guangzhou East Station - Lhasa Railway Station
Total Duration: Approximately 57 hours
Train Tickets Combined: Starting from USD 350/CNY 2,300 (Sleeper Tickets)
Total Distance: 4,980 kilometers / 3,094 miles
Train Details:
- Hong Kong - Guangzhou: High-speed train (approximately 2 hours)
- Guangzhou - Lhasa: Z265/Z266 Train (approximately 55 hours)
View detailed information about Guangzhou to Lhasa Train.
Way 2: Hong Kong - Beijing - Lhasa
Train Route: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station - Beijing West Railway Station - Lhasa Railway Station
Total Duration: Approximately 58 hours
Train Tickets Combined: Starting from USD 300/CNY 2,000 (Sleeper Tickets)
Total Distance: 4,742 kilometers / 2,947 miles
- Train Details:
- Hong Kong - Beijing: High-speed train (approximately 9 hours)
- Beijing - Lhasa: Z21/Z22 Train (approximately 39 hours)
View detailed information about Beijing to Lhasa Train.
Way 3: Hong Kong - Xining - Lhasa
Train Route: Hong Kong West Kowloon Station - Xining Railway Station - Lhasa Railway Station
Total Duration: Approximately 44-46 hours
Train Tickets Combined: Starting from USD 250/CNY 1,650 (Sleeper Tickets)
Total Distance: 3,740 kilometers / 2,324 miles
- Train Details:
- Hong Kong - Xining: High-speed train (approximately 15 hours)
- Xining - Lhasa: Z8981/Z8991 Train (approximately 20-22 hours)
View detailed information about Xining to Lhasa Train.
Way 4: Take a flight then switch to Train to Lhasa
And of course if you would like to catch only the most highlight part of Hong Kong to Lhasa Train Route flying to Xining or Chengdu to take the Tibet Train from there would save you time without missing out on the Train Route's highlight. Find out what's the best option for you, Train or Flight? And if you are taking a train, how can you decide Best Time to Take a Train to Tibet.
Alternatively if you would like to do your own search and travel at your own pace all the way, here are tips on How to Plan Tibet Itinerary: Tibet Travel Itinerary for 4-15 Days.
Hong Kong to Guangzhou Train Ticket Price and Schedule
| From / To | Duration | Distance (km) | Frequency | Second Class Ticket | First Class Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hongkong West Kowloon/Guangzhou East (South) | 1:31 | 173 | 44 Trains/Day | CNY215 | CNY344 |
| Guangzhou/Lhasa | 53:28 | 4,980 | Every Day | CNY865 | CNY1468 |
| Lhasa/Guangzhou | 55:36 | 4,980 | Every Day | CNY865 | CNY1468 |
* The ticket price is just for reference. Please contact us for the exact price on your departure date.
* Since the Hong Kong Lhasa is the most popular train route to Tibet, it is suggested to make your reservation as soon as possible.
* There are high-speed trains from Hong Kong West Kowloon to both Guangzhou East Railway Station and Guangzhou South Railway Station every day.
Hong Kong to Tibet Train Facilities
The trains departing from Hong Kong for transfer cities are predominantly equipped with modern facilities and feature newer models.
| Option | Route | Total Duration | Train Tickets Combined (Sleeper) | Total Distance | Train Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong - Guangzhou - Lhasa | 57 hours | Starting from USD 350/CNY 2,300 | 4,980 kilometers / 3,094 miles |
Hong Kong - Guangzhou: High-speed train (approximately 2 hours) Guangzhou - Lhasa: Z265/Z266 Train (approximately 55 hours) |
| 2 | Hong Kong - Beijing - Lhasa | 58 hours | Starting from USD 300/CNY 2,000 | 4,742 kilometers / 2,947 miles |
Hong Kong - Beijing: High-speed train (approximately 9 hours) Beijing - Lhasa: Z21/Z22 Train (approximately 49 hours) |
| 3 | Hong Kong - Xining - Lhasa | 44-46 hours | Starting from USD 250/CNY 1,650 | 3,740 kilometers / 2,324 miles |
Hong Kong - Xining: High-speed train (approximately 15 hours) Xining - Lhasa: Z323/Z324/Z164/Z165 Train (approximately 29-31 hours) |
However, the trains from the transfer cities to Lhasa may consist of older models with more basic amenities, although there will be an oxygen supply available onboard for the journey to Lhasa.
Kindly be aware that seating areas and hard sleeper cabins may only offer squatting toilets as the available restroom facilities.
How to Book a Hong Kong to Lhasa Train Ticket
It is crucial to book your Hong Kong to Tibet train ticket well in advance through the Official Railway App or Website. It is essential to ensure that the name used for booking matches the one on your passport. Please be aware that the English translations on their App or website may not be flawless, which could cause some navigational difficulties.
To book Hong Kong to Tibet Train Ticket you will need:
To receive the verification code, you will need to provide a functional Chinese phone number or email.
Furthermore, it is mandatory to upload a photocopy of your passport on the Official Railway App or Website.
Accepted payment methods for purchasing the ticket include Master card and Visa, with Alipay serving as a convenient alternative.
Please be aware that there may be additional verification procedures compared to ticket purchases in Western countries.
For a seamless experience, it is recommended to delegate the task of train ticket booking to your travel agency. This will ensure a smooth journey aboard the Xian to Lhasa Train.
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 a amazing city named Suzhou (苏州) , with fascinating history and World-famous classical gardens, Ancient canals and Delicious Cuisines. And there's city named Suzhou (宿州), which, no offense, with not much to offer. When you book the ticket with Official Railway Website. There might be places with Identical English names yet thousand of miles way from each other. You don't want to travel to the “Wrong Suzhou”. Book your ticket through a Professional Agency. So you can travel to the right destinations with amazing train ride.
What to See on Hong Kong to Lhasa Train?
The train journey from Hong Kong to Lhasa provides a scenic and captivating experience, allowing you to witness some of China's most breathtaking landscapes. The specific sights and scenery you encounter on the Hong Kong to Lhasa Train depend to some extent on the timing of your visit to Tibet. Find out the best time to visit Tibet.
To optimize your Tibet journey, it is recommended to consult the train timetable and communicate your preferences to your travel agency when selecting a train from Hong Kong to Lhasa. This will enable you to experience the desired attractions at the most suitable times during your train ride. Here's an overview of the scenery you can anticipate along the train route:
Qinghai Lake
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.
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.
Delingha: Colorful Landscape Chongqing to Lhasa Train Ride Through
The Delingha (德令哈) region of Qinghai Province in China offers a remarkable blend of natural landscapes, from serene lakes to towering mountains, making it a picturesque destination for train journeys. In the Delingha region, red willows and Danxia landforms are often found together. This creates a unique and visually stunning landscape. As the train passes through this region, you will be treated to views of red willows silhouetted against a backdrop of colorful Danxia landforms along the Qinghai-Tibet railway.
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.
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