Tibet Train FAQs: Top 15 FAQs for a Smooth Tibet Travel Trip

The Tibet train is one of the most popular ways to get to Tibet from mainland China. Running on the world’s highest railway, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the Tibet train journey offers picturesque scenic views of Tibet’s landscape along the way.

In this guide, we will walk you through some of the most common questions about traveling to Tibet by train. Read on for inspiration and make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime Tibet train journey.

1. Where Can I Take a Train to Tibet?

Direct trains to Lhasa can be taken from Tibet Gateway cities in Mainland China. These cities include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, Lanzhou, and Xining. The train from Xining to Lhasa is the most popular route among tourists, as Xining is the beginning of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. You can appreciate the best of the railway scenery withing the shortest travel time on this route.

The beautiful Qingzang Railway

2. How Long is the Tibet Train Journey?

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs from Xining to Lhasa. This journey takes around 21 hours and is the shortest train route to Tibet. The direct trains from other Tibet gateway cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu take between 36-53 hours and also travel along the Xining-Lhasa route.

3. Can I Purchase a Tibet Train Ticket Online?

Yes, Tibet train tickets can be booked through the official website at 12306.cn. However, it can be difficult for international travelers to use the local payment options and ID verification. The best way to secure a Tibet train ticket is to book in advance through a reputable, local Tibet travel agency like us.

4. Do I Need a Tibet Travel Permit to Board the Tibet Train?

A Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is needed to board the train to Tibet. In order to get a TTP, you need to book your tour through a registered, local Tibet travel agency. We have a 100% success rate in obtaining permits for our guests and will deliver the TTP to you at your hotel or at the train station before you board.

Tibet Travel Permit is required to board the train to Lhasa.

5. When is the Best Time to Enjoy a Tibet Train Journey?

You can take the train year-round, but traveling between April and October is usually the best time. These months have warmer temperatures with beautiful scenery. June to August can be extremely busy, so choose the shoulder season of April-May or September-October for a quieter experience.

6. What Kinds of Seats are Available on the Tibet Train?

The most comfortable way to travel on the Tibet train is in a soft sleeper berth. They’re equipped with a matter and warm blanket, and each cabin has a door that can be closed for privacy. Soft sleeper cabins have four berths.

You can still be comfortable in a hard sleeper with six berths in a cabin. There’s enough room to lie down comfortably, but it can be difficult to sit on the top berth.

Hard seats are also available but not recommended for the long train journey to Lhasa from mainland China.

Soft sleeper berths are best choices for the Tibet train journey.

7. What Can I Do If I Experience Altitude Sickness onboard the Tibet Train?

Tibet trains are equipped with two oxygen systems. A dispersed oxygen system controls the overall oxygen level to help passengers adapt to the changing elevation. Independent oxygen outlets can be used by individual passengers experiencing discomfort due to altitude sickness. These are clearly marked in Chinese and English. Train staff are also trained to provide medical assistance and can be reached 24 hours a day.

8. Are There Meals Provided on Tibet Trains?

A dedicated dining car offers hot meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Snacks and drinks are available all day long. The menu is limited, offering standard Chinese and Tibetan fare. A food trolley passes through the carriages throughout the day, selling snacks, drinks, and pre-packaged food. 24-hour hot water can be used to make meals like instant noodles.

There is a dining car on Tibet train.

9. Is There WiFi and Electricity on Tibet Trains?

WiFi is not available on the trains. To stay connected, buy a Chinese SIM card with data before boarding. The 4G connection is active most of the time, but the signal may be cut off while passing through tunnels.

Power charging outlets are provided in each carriage and under the table in the soft sleeper cabins. Check to see if you need an adapter. The trains have type A or type C 220V outlets.

Oxygen supply outlet on Tibet trains

10. Are These Restrooms and Shower Facilities on the Tibet Train?

Every train carriage has two restrooms open to all passengers. In the soft sleeper carriages, there is a Western-style seat toilet and a Chinese-style toilet.

There are no shower facilities aboard the train. You can wash your hands and face in the public sinks, and hot water and liquid soap are available. We recommend you bring your own towel and sanitary wet wipes in order to freshen up.

11. Are There Luggage Restrictions for Taking the Tibet Train?

Adults can bring 20 kg of luggage, and children are allowed 10 kg. The total length, width, and height of the luggage must not exceed 160 cm. If you are planning on trekking in Tibet, a lot of trekking gear can be rented in Lhasa, so you don’t need to bring bulky items with you. You can bring a clearly marked power bank with a capacity of up to 27,000 mA on board the train.

12. Do the Attendants on the Tibet Train Speak English?

It is likely that at least some of the train attendants will speak some basic English, but you should try to be prepared for potential language barriers. Download a translation app in advance, or seek help from other passengers if you are having difficulty. Our travel consultants can also be reached for assistance.

13. Is It Safe for Seniors to Travel through Tibet Train?

There is no age limit for taking the Tibet train, and onboard staff with medical training and the dispersed oxygen system generally make it safe. Seniors are recommended to consult with a doctor before traveling to ensure there will be no complications on the long journey.

14. Are There any Entertainment Facilities on the Tibet Train?

Each berth in the soft sleeper cabin is equipped with a personal LED TV screen in a convenient position for viewing when you’re lying down. You can download movies before boarding the train to watch while on board. Hard sleeper cabins have shared TVs, but the screens are on the small side.

15. What Views Can I Expect to See along the Tibet Train Journey?

Starting from Xining, you can see Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. Crossing over Tanggula Pass (5,072m) marks entering Tibet. You’ll see the snow-capped peaks of the Kunlun Mountains and might see wildlife, such as Tibetan antelopes, in the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve. On the final approach, you’ll get amazing views of the rivers and grasslands of the Lhasa River Valley as the legendary city comes into view.

Kunlun Mountains along Qinghai-Tibet railway

Conclusion

The most important thing to know is that train travel in Tibet is not only safe and comfortable but is one of the best ways to experience the unique landscapes of this remote land. With convenient facilities and amenities, you’ll cross the vast expanses in comfort. The Tibet train makes it safe for travelers of all ages to manage the transition to the plateau’s high elevation so everyone can enjoy the experience.

It’s a popular journey, so book your tickets early. Contact us for more information about planning your Tibet train travel and discover the wonders of one of the world’s truly unique regions.