Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Schedule, Ticket, Facilities 2026

The Lanzhou to Lhasa train covers a distance of 2,188 km, departs Lanzhou Railway Station, and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station takes around 23 hours. There is no direct train from Lanzhou to Lhasa at present. However, 5 trains originating from other cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing) will stop at Lanzhou Railway Station. Since trains from Chengdu and Chongqing depart every other day, there are 4 trains departing from Lanzhou to the holy city of Lhasa every day. These trains will stop in Lanzhou for 12-27 minutes. You can choose one of these to board the train to Lhasa from Lanzhou.

Lanzhou is the capital city of Gansu Province in northwest China and used to be a very important point on the ancient Silk Road. Sitting astride the Yellow River, Lanzhou gives rise to the fertile lands on either side, making the area rich in fruit crops. It is an excellent gateway to Tibet. Therefore, there are large quantities of tourists choosing trains from Lanzhou travel to Tibet. The Lanzhou to Lhasa train is the second shortest train journey to Tibet. Traveling to Tibet by train from Lanzhou, you will view the stunning landscape along the Qinghai Tibet Railway. In addition, you can have a good rest to adapt to the high altitude.

Here’s your essential Traveler Guide on Lanzhou to Lhasa Train, find out Lanzhou to Tibet Train Cost, Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Ticket, Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Route, attractions to see on your Lanzhou to Lhasa Train & More..

Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Route Map

Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Schedule & Price 2026

There are 5 trains from Lanzhou to Lhasa, departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing. However, the trains departing from Chengdu and Chongqing depart every other day. Therefore, 4 trains are stopping at Golmud every day, with a stay time of 12-27 minutes. In addition, there are three ticket prices: hard seat ¥240, hard sleeper ¥522, and soft sleeper ¥823.

*Note:The actual arrival and departure time of train, please refer to the information on your ticket, or consult your travel consultant.

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.

Lanzhou to Lhasa train stops along the way

*The timetable and schedule are just for reference. When you make an early reservation, please contact us for more details.

Lanzhou to Tibet Train Tickets & Facilities

While the facilities on the Lanzhou to Lhasa Train may be modest, you can be reassured that there is an onboard oxygen supply provided for your comfort and safety.

Should I Choose Soft Sleeper or Hard Sleeper?

There are three kinds of accommodations available on the Lanzhou to Lhasa train, including the soft sleeper, the hard sleeper, and the hard seat.

Differences between a Soft Sleeper and a Hard Sleeper

If it is your first time taking a train to Tibet, it is important to figure out the differences between soft sleepers and hard sleepers so that you can make the best choice for your Tibet train journey.

Ticket Price:

Soft sleeper: from 823 RMB

Hard sleeper: from 522 RMB

Number of Berths:

Soft sleeper: about 64 berths in total

Hard sleeper: about 528 berths in total

Berth Quantity and Size:

Soft sleeper: 4 berth/ compartment, 75cm*190cm

Hard sleeper: 6 berth/compartment, 60cm*180cm

Compartment:

Soft sleeper: 4 berths and a sliding lockable door in each compartment to provide more privacy and security

Hard sleeper: 6 berths in each compartment without a door

Toilets:

Soft sleeper: one Western-style toilet and one squat toilet at the end of each carriage

Hard sleeper: two squat toilets at the end of each carriage

In general, soft sleeper compartments are more private, with more personal space, and of course, more expensive. There are more hard sleepers, and the price is lower, but it is relatively noisier in the hard sleeper compartment.

How to Book and Get Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Tickets?

To be able to board the Lanzhou to Lhasa train, foreign tourists have to show passports, Tibet Travel Permits, and train tickets to the train inspector. However, 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.

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 Lanzhou 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, you need the paper train tickets to get into your train. If you book train tickets with us, you have two ways to get your paper tickets:
1. We deliver the paper tickets to your hotel or address in China (Recommended)
2. Collect them at the railway station

If you choose the delivery service, it is advisable to inform us 4 business days before departure. If you choose to collect them at the railway station, make sure to bring the confirmation number of train tickets, your Tibet Travel Permit as well as your valid and original passport. The confirmation number will be sent to you along with related train information once the tickets are confirmed, present it and the mentioned documents to the staff behind ticket windows to get paper tickets for free.

Train to Tibet Travel and Tibet Travel Permit:

Tibet Travel Permit, also called Tibet Entry Permit, is a necessity to visit Tibet. This permit is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau only, and can be applied by travel agency behalf of travelers only. It takes about 8 ~ 20 days to get the permit usually.

Tibet Travel Permit is also a must to book the train or flight ticket and board the train from inland cities to Lhasa. Taking a train to Lhasa from Chongqing, you have to keep the original Tibet Travel Permit in hands. Sometimes, the Tibet Travel Permit is not required to book the ticket, but it’s hard to tell when is the “sometimes”. So do not hesitate to contact us for the up-dated information.

>> Learn more details about Tibet Travel Permit Application

Altitude Changes along Lanzhou Lhasa Railway

Lanzhou lies at 1,600 meters above sea level. After Lanzhou, the altitude climbs slowly and reaches 2,275 meters at Xining. Xining is the first station where altitude sickness is likely to occur for a few passengers.

After Xining, the altitude starts to ascend and reaches 2,829 meters when arriving at Golmud. And the altitude increases sharply by more than 1,000 meters in less than 100 kilometers, causing altitude sickness for some passengers.

When arriving at the world’s highest railway pass, the Tanggula Pass (5,072m), most tourists will suffer from altitude sickness. Then, the altitude drops slowly as you travel south through Nagqu and finally reaches 3,650 meters in Lhasa.

Oxygen Supply and Altitude Sickness

As a train to Tibet Plateau, it is important to ensure that passengers do not suffer from hypoxia and other altitude sicknesses on the train.

To better adapt to the high altitude, the Chengdu-Lhasa train is tightly sealed and pressurized like an airplane.

There are two sets of oxygen supply systems on the train: the dispersion-mode oxygen supply system operated by the train staff and the distribution-mode oxygen supply that can be connected to individual passengers.

As the train ascends to Golmud, the oxygen is automatically pumped into the train. You can also use the oxygen outlet with a disposable pipe distributed by train staff. It may help to minimize altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, etc. Notice: Smoking is not allowed onboard.

How to Get to Lanzhou North Railway Station

Lanzhou Railway Station (兰州站) is located at No.393, Huochezhan East Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.

Metro to Lanzhou Railway Station:

You can take Metro Line 2 to reach Lanzhou Railway Station.

From Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport:

Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (兰州中川) offers Shuttle Bus but there is no direct line to the Train Station.

Taxi to Lanzhou Railway Station:

The taxi fare from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport to Lanzhou Railway Station varies depending on the traffic and the route taken. Usually it might take 160 CNY during day time.

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 Lanzhou 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.

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.

FAQ of Lanzhou 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.