Shigatse Railway Station Guide: Take Lhasa to Shigatse Train across Tibet

Shigatse Railway Station, located 253 km from Lhasa Railway Station, is the terminal station of the Lhasa–Shigatse Railway. Currently, the Lhasa–Shigatse Railway is the only rail line serving Shigatse. It is an extension of the famous Qinghai–Tibet Railway. Since its opening, the line has made it much easier for tourists to travel between Shigatse and Lhasa.

Shigatse Railway Station is more than just a transportation hub. It offers travelers easy access to some of Tibet’s most iconic destinations, including the stunning Tashilhunpo Monastery and the legendary Mount Everest Base Camp. Whether you're planning a cultural journey, a high-altitude adventure, or simply a more relaxed way to travel across the plateau, this route offers both convenience and unforgettable scenery.

Where is Shigatse Railway Station? The Nearest Station to Everest Base Camp in Tibet

Shigatse Railway Station is located in the Sangzhuzi District of Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The city lies in southwestern Tibet, approximately 250 kilometers southwest of Lhasa, the provincial capital. This makes Shigatse easily accessible from Lhasa by both train and road. Opened on August 15, 2014, Shigatse Railway Station is about 8 kilometers from Shigatse’s downtown area and takes around 20 minutes to reach by car.

Shigatse is full of amazing natural and cultural sights. To name a few, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Sakya Monastery, the Gyirong Valley, and the Karola Glacier all lie in this city. Most notably, Shigatse is also home to the Everest Base Camp, the main viewing spot for the world’s highest peak. By far, Shigatse Railway Station is the closest train station to the base camp, making it a gateway for travelers heading to the Himalayas.

Shigatse Railway Station is the nearest train station to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

Shigatse Railway Station Train Schedule: 2025 Updates on Lhasa to Shigatse Train

Depending on the day of the week, there are either three or four trains from Lhasa to Shigatse. Specifically, from Monday to Thursday, there are three daily departures—two in the morning and one in the afternoon. From Friday to Sunday, the schedule includes four trains per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

The journey takes about 2.5-3 hours to get to Shigatse train station from Lhasa and vice versa. Ticket prices range from 64 to 225 CNY, depending on the seat class. You can find the detailed train schedules for both routes below.

Schedule for Lhasa to Shigatse Train

Schedule for Shigatse to Lhasa Train

Please note: The schedule of the train between Shigatse and Lhasa above is for reference only and may change seasonally. For early reservations, we recommend contacting us for the most up-to-date information.

There are 3 or 4 trains running between Lhasa and Shigatse every day.

How to Book and Collect the Tibet Train Tickets at Shigatse Railway Station?

You can book your train ticket through both online and offline channels. Online platforms like 12306.cn and Trip.com are available and convenient to use. Also, you can buy tickets directly at the ticket office at Shigatse Railway Station.

One important thing to note is that you must present your Tibet Travel Permit when buying a paper ticket at the station, collecting an online booking, or passing through the ticket check before boarding. To get the permit, you need to find a reliable Tibet travel agency—they’ll apply for it on your behalf.

For a hassle-free choice, we recommend using our services for ticket booking. As a leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we can not only help you book the ticket and deliver it to your hotel or any address in Tibet, but also apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. This way, you can leave the hassle of booking and collecting tickets behind and simply enjoy the journey.

Travelers are required to present their Tibet Travel Permit when taking a Tibet train.

How to Get from Shigatse Railway Station to Nearby Destinations?

Get to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse Railway Station

Everest Base Camp is one of the best locations to appreciate and photograph the magnificent views of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. It is located about 350 kilometers southwest of Shigatse, and the most common to get there is by car. The drive to Everest Base Camp generally takes around 6–7 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.

The overland route from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp mainly follows the well-paved G318 National Highway, which offers dramatic views of the Himalayas, rivers, and high mountain passes. While most of the road is in good condition, it winds through high-altitude terrain and remote areas, so driving requires both caution and experience.

Since there are no shuttle buses from Shigatse to the Mount Everest area, tourists usually need to charter a car or join a carpool. However, the cost is typically quite high. As it’s often difficult to rent a car in Shigatse, most travelers prefer to start their journey to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa.

For this reason, we recommend joining our well-designed Everest Base Camp Tour. With our experienced local Tibetan guide and comfortable private vehicle, you can enjoy a worry-free and cost-effective road trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp—and even continue to the Tibet–Nepal border.

The overland route from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp offers breathtaking scenery.

Get to Downtown Area from Shigatse Railway Station

Shigatse Railway Station is not far from downtown, and you can easily get there by bus or taxi. For a budget-friendly option, you can take Bus Line 2, Bus No. 65, or Mount Everest Bus Line 8 to reach downtown Shigatse. It’s about a 50-minute ride and only costs 2 CNY. Alternatively, taxis are generally available outside the station. You can get to downtown within 20 minutes by taxi, and the fare is around 20 CNY.

Get to Tashilhunpo Monastery from Shigatse Railway Station

Tashilhunpo Monastery is located near the center of Shigatse city. It’s convenient for travelers to get to the monastery from Shigatse Railway Station by bus or taxi. Both Bus No. 65 and a special tourist bus line, which runs directly between the station and the monastery, are available outside Shigatse Railway Station. The former costs 2 CNY, while the latter costs 5 CNY.

If you’re carrying heavy luggage or prefer a quicker option, taking a taxi is your best choice. You can get there in about 20 minutes, and it costs around 20–25 CNY.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is about 7 to 9 kilometers northwest of Shigatse Railway Station.

How to Plan a Lhasa to Shigatse Train Tour?

Although taking the train both ways saves a lot of time, the most popular Lhasa–Shigatse itinerary is to travel overland from Lhasa to Shigatse and then take the train back to Lhasa. Many travelers like the overland route because there are many scenic spots along the way, and they have the flexibility to stop and take in the breathtaking views whenever they want.

The overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse covers around 280 kilometers and typically takes six to seven hours. During the journey, tourists have the opportunity to enjoy some of Tibet’s most remarkable natural wonders, such as the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the dramatic Karo La Glacier. On the whole, this overland trip combines stunning natural landscapes with rich historical and cultural sites.

Once you arrive in Shigatse, you can spend a day or two exploring the city, visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery, browsing local markets, and enjoying traditional Tibetan meals. After that, you can take the Shigatse–Lhasa train back to Lhasa. On the way, you can sit comfortably in your seat and take in the beautiful scenery through the train windows.

Conclusion

Shigatse Railway Station may not be as well known as Lhasa Railway Station, but it serves as an important gateway to both cultural treasures and natural wonders in western Tibet. In addition, two other railways are under construction or in the planning stage: one from Shigatse to Kathmandu, and another from Shigatse to Yadong. As a result, Shigatse Railway Station is expected to become an even more important transportation hub in the near future.

As a Tibet travel agency with years of experience, we specialize in supporting you every step of your journey through Tibet. From train ticket booking and permit application to customized overland journeys, we’re here to ensure your adventure is smooth and unforgettable. If you have any other questions about the Shigatse Railway Station or planning a Tibet tour, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!