Lhasa to Shigatse Train

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Introducing a convenient travel option for exploring the western regions of Tibet, including the renowned Everest Base Camp, the Lhasa to Shigatse train offers an exciting journey. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the Lhasa to Shigatse train, covering essential details such as schedules, ticketing, station information, onboard amenities, and the scenic vistas along the route. Delve into the insights provided to ensure a seamless and comfortable trip on the Lhasa to Shigatse train.

Operated under the moniker "Tangzhu Ancient Route Train," the Lhasa to Shigatse train, with services coded as C885 and C887, departs daily from Lhasa Railway Station to Shigatse Railway Station. Covering a distance of 248km in just 2 hours, this journey offers a swift and scenic passage through the picturesque landscapes of Tibet.

Schedule of Lhasa-Shigatse Train (2026&2027)

Generally, there are 2 trains departing from Lhasa to Shigatse on a daily basis. Train C885 leaves at 08:50 am and arrives at 10:54 am, and the total duration is 2 hours and 21 minutes. Train C887 leaves at 1:50 pm and arrives at 3:54 pm, taking 2h 20m. The first class of the train costs CNY￥103, while the second class costs CNY￥64, and business seats cost CNY￥225.

Daily Timetable of Lhasa-Shigatse Train (2026&2027)

Lhasa to Shigatse train route Map

The train brings a lot of convenience. In the past, people were limited to taking a bus or hiring a car to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse. Now, one can enjoy a different mode of transportation for this journey.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Price & Facilites

Second class seat is the most economical and budget-friendly option, with a 3+2 seat configuration. This choice provides satisfactory comfort for short journeys.

First class seat features a more spacious 2+2 seat layout, offering higher comfort levels. The seats provide more space and enhance the overall travel experience.

Business class seat on the Lhasa to Shigatse train is a luxurious epitome. The seats can recline into flat beds, making it ideal for family travel.

All Lhasa to Shigatse trains have dining cars where passengers can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages. Enjoy the enchanting Tibetan scenery while sipping a cup of hot tea or coffee, creating unforgettable travel memories.

Altitude Change of Lhasa to Shigatse Train

Lhasa to Shigatse Railway, measuring 248km, starts from Lhasa (3,650m) to Shigatse (3,836m). As the Tangzhu Ancient Route Train heads west, you can feel the altitude increasing little by little and pass through Tibetan villages like Quxu (3,592 m), Nyemo (3,731 m), Rinbung (3,950 m), and finally arrive at Shigatse (3,836 m).

How to book the train ticket?

Normally, train tickets are booked online or sold at designated train ticket sales offices and train stations nationwide. However, to a foreign tourist, it is highly recommended to seek help from a reliable travel agency to book your train ticket. Not only does it help you avoid many annoying and intricate procedures, but the travel agency can also successfully apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for you, as the government mandates that foreigners travel in Tibet with the Tibet Travel Permit and the company of a local tour guide.

Travel Tibet China offers ticket booking and itinerary arrangement services. Please feel free to contact us for consultation. We are ready to help you out.

How to get to Lhasa Railway Station

To take the Lhasa-Xining train, make sure you get to Lhasa Railway Station. The station serves as the only station that has regular trains connecting mainland China. Due to the huge number of travelers in the railway station, it’s advisable to arrive at the Lhasa Railway Station early to line up to be checked to board the train.

Address: Tongzhan Road, Niu New Area, Doilungdêqên District, Lhasa City (西藏自治区拉萨市柳梧新区通站路)

Bus Route to Lhasa Railway Station: Lhasa Bus No.1, 13, 14, and 30

Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Lhasa Railway Station

Take the Airport Shuttle Bus It will take around 1 hour and 26 minutes to reach the station from the airport. The shuttle bus travels directly from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport Station to the railway station, with no stop en route. It crosses 51.5 kilometers and costs 30CNY per person.

Take a Taxi from the Airport to the railway station

It takes about 48minutes by taking a taxi, and it costs around 200 CNY. (Taxi fares are for reference only and do not take into account waiting times and traffic jams)

(Notes: for tourists who have booked our Tibet tour package, you can enjoy free shuttle transfer after your trip. Our guide will transfer you to the train station and help you get on board.)

Shigatse Railway Station

The high-speed train from Lhasa concludes its journey at Shigatse Railway Station (日喀则火车站). Located in the Samzhubzê District of Shigatse City, it's the second largest railway station in Tibet and the final stop of the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway. As part of the Xinjiang-Tibet Railway, it also serves as a connecting link. The specific address is Samzhubzê District, Shigatse City, Tibet (日喀则市桑珠孜区色占路).

Since international tourists cannot travel to Tibet alone, Travel Tibet China promises you a timely pick-up service at Shigatse Railway Station. Just tell us your travel plan and date, and all the rest will be taken good care of.

Do I Need a Tibet Permit for the Lhasa to Shigatse Train

Yes, for your journey by train from Lhasa to Shigatse, you will need a Tibet Travel Permit. This permit will be checked when you board the train. If your ultimate destination is Everest Base Camp, which is located more than 340 kilometers away from Shigatse, you will also require a Foreigner's Travel Permit.

Feeling overwhelmed by the process? No need to worry! As experts in Tibet travel, Travel Tibet China has successfully organized the dreams of over 1,000 travelers who wish to explore Tibet each year. If you book our Tibet travel packages, including the renowned Everest tour package, we will take care of the application for your Tibet Travel Permit and Foreigner's Travel Permit at no additional cost. You can simply focus on enjoying your journey while we handle the rest.

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Route Scenery: Expect Plateau Landscapes

Taking the Lhasa to Shigatse train, you can expect to have a far view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley and see Tibetan villages along the way.

The Yarlung Tsangpo River is a beautiful river with water flowing down from the crest. The Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley is rich in forest resources, with 2,644 thousand hectares of virgin forest. It is home to rare and unique plants and animals, serving as a natural treasure trove of wildlife. Yew and Zoraptera insects can be found here.

The soil along the way from Lhasa to Shigatse is quite fertile, so farming is well-developed. Therefore, you may see many villages along the way, with people planting or harvesting on the land. Witnessing Tibetan herders tending to their yaks and sheep adds an authentic element to your Tibetan journey.

How to Plan Lhasa Shigatse Train Tour?

If you are interested in a Lhasa Shigatse tour by train, you need to know how to arrange the trips in Lhasa and Shigatse together with the train journey. Here is the guideline to arrange a Lhasa Shigatse train tour over different days.

Option1: One Day Lhasa Shigatse Tashilhunpo Train Trip

You can take the morning train from Lhasa to Shigatse at 9:00, which arrives in Shigatse at 11:17. Then you can visit Tashilhunpo Monastery after lunch. Generally, it takes one or two hours to visit the monastery. After visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery, you can get to Shigatse Railway Station and take the train back to Lhasa at 18:15.

Option2: Two Days Lhasa Shigatse Tashilhunpo Sakya Train Trip

For those who are keen on Tibetan culture and religion, it is suggested to stay two nights in Shigatse to visit both Tashilhunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery.

You can take the morning train from Lhasa to Shigatse and visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the second-largest city in Tibet. The next day, you can take a car to Sakya Monastery, which is 152.4 km away from downtown Shigatse. After the tour in Sakya Monastery, you go back to Shigatse Railway Station and take the train back to Lhasa at 18:15.

Option3: Two Days Lhasa Shigatse Everest Sakya Tashilhunpo Train Trip

The most popular tour in Shigatse is the trip to Everest Base Camp. Usually, it takes 2 days to complete the Shigatse and Everest Base Camp round trip. On the first morning, you take the early train from Lhasa to Shigatse, which arrives in Shigatse at 11:17. After lunch, you need to take a car to Everest Base Camp, which is 344 km away from downtown Shigatse. The highlights of the journey are to enjoy the sunset and sunrise from the world’s highest peak at the Base Camp. On the second day, you can visit the base camp and the Rongbuk Monastery nearby. Then you can get back to Shigatse and visit Sakya Monastery en route. If time permits, you can also visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery. Then take the train at 18:15 from Shigatse Railway Station and go back to Lhasa.

Here, You Can Follow Travel Tibet China to Preview Lhasa-Shigatse Railway Journey

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.