Is There a High-Speed Train to Tibet? How to Take a High-Speed Train to Tibet?

When it comes to China’s high-speed train, many will give their thumbs up. With its fast pace and high technology, the high-speed train has already become a trademark of China, winning a large number of fans both from home and aboard. So, for many international travelers planning to go to Tibet, it’s natural to wonder if they can take a high-speed train from Beijing to Lhasa. To answer this question, we will give a detailed introduction to Tibet's high-speed trains. Keep reading to find out more.

Are There Any High-Speed Train to Tibet? No Direct Route Available

In China, high-speed trains refer to trains that can reach speeds of 200 to 350 kph. There are three types of high-speed trains: G, D, and C trains. The G-series trains (trains numbered by G) are the fastest trains with the speeds of over 300 kph, and are locally called "gaotie" trains. The D trains, also called bullet trains, usually run at a lower speed of more than 200 kph. Both G trains and D trains are popular among major cities in China. The C trains refer to the intercity trains that only run between some neighboring cities, like Beijing-Tianjing and Guangzhou-Shenzhen.

High-speed train in China can reach speeds of 200 to 350 kph.

Compared to normal trains, high-speed trains are fast-paced, time-saving, convenient, and comfortable, making them increasingly popular among travelers. Currently, the three types of high-speed trains run daily across more than 200 cities, covering almost all provinces in China. However, no high-speed trains are running to Lhasa at this time. Situated at an average altitude of more than 4000 meters, Tibet is quite unique in regard to its complex terrain. It’s a major engineering challenge, but plans are already in place.

Travelers who want to experience a high-speed train to Lhasa will have to wait until the Chengdu to Lhasa rail connection, which is already under construction, is complete. The high-speed rail from Chengdu to Lhasa will follow the route of the exiting G318 Highway and is designed to run at speeds of 160 to 200 kph. Once it’s completed, the travel time from Chengdu to Lhasa by train will be cut down to 13 hours from the current time of 35 hours.

Currently, 7 Tibet Train Routes Run Directly to Lhasa

Although taking a high-speed train to Lhasa is not open yet, there are many other trains to Tibet running from major cities in China. Tourists can board direct trains to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Xi’an, and Xining. Despite the lower speed than the high-speed trains, Tibet trains are specially designed to run on the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest in the world. They travel through stunning scenery and are equipped with oxygen supply systems to help travelers avoid altitude sickness.

Tourists can take the Tibet train to lhasa from major cities of mainland China.

Tibet trains are designed with a running speed of 160 kph and can reach 100 kph over the sections laid on permafrost. The train from Xining to Lhasa is the fastest train route that tourists can experience because it is the shortest direct train ride to Lhasa. It takes only about 21 hours to cross the 1972 km from Xining to Lhasa. All the other trains to Lhasa stop at Xining Railway Station. Train tickets to Lhasa sell out quickly, but with so many trains stopping in Xining, it offers the best chance to secure a berth.

Therefore, if you are looking forward to a shorter train journey to Tibet or want to experience the fastest train to Lhasa, the Xining-Lhasa Train is the ideal option.

How to Combine a High-Speed Train and a Tibet Train to Lhasa?

When your departure city is Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, located in the coastal regions of China, the far distance from Tibet means a long journey to Lhasa by train. In these cases, you can first take a high-speed train to a closer gateway city and then board the Tibet trains to Lhasa from there. This allows you to not only shorten your journey but to also experience the comfortable and modern high-speed trains and marvelous Tibet train at the same time.

Among all trains to Tibet, the trains from Xining, Xi’an, and Chengdu offer shorter journeys to Tibet, as these cities are closer to the destination. Here are some popular solutions for you to enjoy high-speed trains and Tibet trains together along your way to Tibet.

(1) Take a High-Speed Train to Xi'an, Then Board the Xi'an-Lhasa Train

As the imperial capital of China for centuries, Xi’an is a popular and famous travel city. It is located in central China, 2800 km from Lhasa by rail. Many major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, have high-speed train connections to Xi'an. Among them, the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an is the most popular one. There are 22 G-series high-speed trains running from Beijing to Xi'an every day. The fastest trains make the trip in only 4 hours and 10 minutes. Trains depart all day from 6:39 AM to 7:00 PM, making it easy for tourists to find the best time.

Xi'an Terracotta Army

There are 2 trains from Xi’an to Lhasa each day. The train ride takes about 30 hours, which is relatively shorter compared to some of the other gateway cities. Xi’an is convenient to reach from cities around China and is a good place to board the train to Lhasa. With its rich history, it’s also a great place for sightseeing. If you have time, its world-famous Terracotta Warriors and other ancient heritage sites, before heading to Tibet.

Xi’an to Lhasa Trains

(2) Take a High-Speed Train to Xining, Then Board the Xining-Lhasa Train

Xining is one of the best places to board a train to Lhasa, and it is a place with amazing scenery. High-speed trains to Xining run from several major cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. By taking advantage of the high-speed trains to reach Xining before boarding the train to Lhasa, travelers can significantly reduce their travel times while enjoying the scenic trip across China.

Qinghai Lake in Xining

As the true start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, taking the Xining-Lhasa train will let you see the incredible landscapes of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and vast plains that make up the Tibetan Plateau. It’s 1,956 km to Lhasa by train, taking around 22 hours. Since all Tibet train stops in Xining, there are many to choose from departing throughout the day.

Xining to Lhasa Trains

(3) Take a High-Speed Train to Chengdu, Then Board the Chengdu-Lhasa Train

As one of the closest cities to Lhasa, Chengdu is a popular gateway for tourists traveling to Tibet. Foreign tourists can also find many things to do and see in and around this city, such as the Giant Panda Research Base, Jiu Zhai Valley National Park, and some of the best food in China. The train from Chengdu to Lhasa departs every other day and takes around 35 hours to cross the 3070 kilometers to Lhasa. It is the third shortest in terms of the total trip duration, next to that from Xining and Lanzhou.

Giant Panda in Chengdu

Cheng to Lhasa Trains

High-speed trains to Chengdu arrive from many coastal and eastern cities across China, such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou. Among them, the G-series trains from Guangzhou to Chengdu have reduced the travel time from more than 30 hours down to 7-8 hours. There are eight direct trains from Guangzhou to Chengdu daily. If your departure city is Guangzhou or its neighboring cities, like Shenzhen or Hong Kong, it is recommended to take a high-speed train to Chengdu first and then take the Tibet train to Lhasa from Chengdu.

What Permits are Required for Taking the Train to Tibet?

All international travelers to Tibet require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) before boarding the train to Lhasa. According to Tibet's travel policy, international travelers must pre-book a tour with a local Tibet travel agency. But now worries! We will apply for the TTP through the Tibet Tourism Bureau on your behalf. Processing takes at least 8-9 business days, and we recommend applying at least a month in advance.

Tibet Travel Permit is a must for taking train to Tibet.

Conclusion

The train is one of the best ways to get to Tibet. Traveling along the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a unique way to experience the awesome landscapes of the roof of the world. The train also offers a safe travel experience that helps travelers adjust to the high elevation. By combining high-speed trains to gateway cities close to Tibet with the experience of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, travelers can reduce travel times without missing the best parts of the train journey. Connecting to Xining and boarding the train to Lhasa from there is the most efficient way to reach Lhasa, while Xi’an and Chengdu have a wealth of historical and cultural attractions that are worth visiting. However you want to travel, China’s modern railway network offers great solutions for a Tibet trip.