How to Travel from Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train

Traveling to Tibet by train is an incredible experience to see the vast plateau landscapes up close. For those coming from Hong Kong, there is no direct train to Lhasa. However, you can choose from four convenient ways to realize your Tibet train journey.

Read this ultimate guide for traveling from Hong Kong to Lhasa by train, and learn about the best routes and all the need-to-know information before your lifetime adventure to Tibet.

Why Choose to Travel to Tibet via Hong Kong?

One of the major reasons foreigners travel to Lhasa from Hong Kong is the lack of international restrictions. Hong Kong does not require a visa from most countries and is an easily accessible gateway to mainland China. Scheduled flights operate from major international airports around the world directly to Hong Kong, and there is plenty to see and do while waiting for your connecting flight or train.

English is one of the main languages spoken in Hong Kong, and the culture is still very British, after being a British overseas colony for almost 100 years. Now a part of China again, Hong Kong SAR incorporates the best of British culture mixed with Chinese foods, religions, beliefs and people.

For those who have a few days to spare before your Tibet tour, it is highly recommended to tour the island and take in some of the best sights. Visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon, and then take in the last night market in Hong Kong at Kowloon’s Temple Street. You can easily ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, or see the 34-meter-high statue of Buddha, which sits on the top of the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.

Ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

Is There a Direct Train to Tibet from Hong Kong? Not at Present

There is currently no direct train to Tibet from Hong Kong, but the city is well connected to Mainland China, for easy access to Tibet gateway cities. In 2018, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail opened, directly connecting Hong Kong to mainland China by train.

The fastest trains from Hong Kong to Guangzhou take only 46 minutes. Trains depart all day long, and from Guangzhou, you can board the Tibet train. Flights from Hong Kong also make it convenient to choose from other Tibet gateway cities such as Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai, giving you a choice of departure points.

Four Best Ways to Travel from Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train

Choose from the best train routes to Tibet with Hong Kong’s easy access to cities all over Mainland China.

1. Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train via Guangzhou: The Most Convenient Option

Guangzhou is the easiest Tibet gateway city to reach from Hong Kong, making it the most convenient option. More than 40 high-speed trains run between the two cities every day from 07:00 to 21:00. Traveling from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South Railway Station takes around one hour.

The train from Guangzhou to Lhasa leaves in the morning from Guangzhou Railway Station, so it’s usually best to stay at least one night before departing for Tibet. Transferring from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Guangzhou Railway Station takes around 50 minutes by taxi and costs around 90 CNY. You can also take the Metro Line 2 towards Jiahewanggang, which costs 6 CNY only.

Train number Z264 departs daily from Guangzhou Railway Station to Lhasa. It leaves at 09:15 and takes 53 hours to reach the destination at 14:17. It’s a 4,980 km journey that travels in a grand arc through China. For a little over two days, you’ll pass through the changing landscapes in China’s southern, central, and western regions before ascending to the Tibetan Plateau.

The Tibet train to Lhasa passes through beautiful scenery.

2. Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train via Chengdu: The Best Transfer Experience

Traveling to Tibet via Chengdu is popular for two reasons. It’s a fascinating city with a rich history and legendary cuisine and has some of the most flexible options for reaching Lhasa.

One high-speed train travels from Hong Kong to Chengdu daily. Train G2964 departs at 10:04 and arrives in Chengdu at 18:22. Tickets start from 809.5 CNY, or you can choose the added comfort of first-class seats for 1,401 CNY.

Train Z322 from Chengdu to Lhasa departs every other day at 21:11, leaving enough time to transfer on the same day. The 3070-km journey takes 34.5 hours. Hard sleeper tickets cost 627.5 CNY, and soft sleeper tickets cost 997.5 CNY.

Visit Chengdu Panda Research Base during your stay in Chengdu

3. Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train via Xining: The Shortest Train Route

The train from Xining to Lhasa is the shortest direct train to Tibet and a popular option for travelers whose main interest is the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Xining has the most frequent trains available to Tibet, giving travelers flexible options for planning their Tibet trip.

There are no direct trains from Hong Kong to Xining, so the fastest way to get there is by air. Flight connections through major cities are available taking 8-10 hours to arrive, including stopover. Flights via Xi’an, Beijing, or Nanjing can be booked for around 1,000 CNY.

Six trains depart from Xining to Lhasa every day, leaving between 11:40 and 21:50. Trains take 20-21 hours to arrive, traveling over the highest railway in the world. Tickets cost 495 CNY for a hard sleeper and 781 CNY for a soft sleeper.

It’s possible to arrive early enough to board the train on the same day, but we recommend spending some time in Xining to acclimatize to the high elevation before continuing on to Tibet. There are beautiful sites to explore, like the Kumbum Monastery and Qinghai Lake, while you adapt to the 2,275m average elevation.

Ta'er Monastery is a must-see in Xining.

4. Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train via Beijing or Shanghai: The Classic Way

Beijing and Shanghai are two of China’s top cities for tourists with famous attractions and convenient transfer options for reaching Tibet. Both cities can be reached by flight or train from Hong Kong, so they can easily fit into any traveler’s schedule.

The train from Hong Kong to Beijing takes a little over 8 hours with tickets starting from 1,248 CNY. Flying can cut that time down to 3.5 hours, with 14 direct flights available each day. The earliest flights arrive before noon, so it’s easily possible to board the train to Lhasa on the same day.

Train Z21 from Bejing to Lhasa departs at 19:22 every day. It takes 39h 43m to make the 3,757 km journey to Lhasa. Hard sleeper tickets cost 720 CNY, and soft sleepers cost 1144 CNY.

Shanghai is 8-10 hours from Hong Kong by train. Three direct trains are available each day, departing between 7:19 and 11:37. Tickets start from 951 CNY. Flights to Shanghai only take 2.5 hours, with many flights to choose from. Tickets can be found for as low as 575 CNY.

Train Z164 departs from Shanghai Railway Station for Lhasa at 18:33, so it’s possible to arrive early enough to board the train on the same day. The train journey takes 44h 32m, and tickets cost 793.5 CNY and 1262.5 CNY for a hard sleeper and soft sleeper, respectively.

The high speed train from Hong Kong to Beijing largely shortens the travel time between two cities.

How to Book a Tibet Train Ticket in Hong Kong?

The most convenient way to book a Tibet train ticket is through a registered local Tibet travel agent like us. As the only official partner with China Railway, we can guarantee you a soft sleeper Tibet train ticket.

Tickets can also be booked online through the official China Railway website at 12306.cn. Register for an account and complete the real name ID verification. After that, you can book your ticket and choose the International Card or China UnionPay option for payment.

Do I Need Any Documents to Travel to Tibet from Hong Kong by Train?

All international travelers to Tibet need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). For international travelers who can enjoy China's visa-free policy, you can directly apply for Tibet Travel Permit.

If you are from countries that require a Chinese Visa, then you need to first obtain your visa before getting the Tibet Travel Permit.

Travelers holding Hong Kong or Macao passports do not need to apply for Tibet Travel Permit.

To ensure that your trip to Tibet is hassle-free, we offer Tibet tour packages that include all the travel documents you need for your Tibet trip. Just contact us in advance and tell us your travel plan.

More Insider Tips for Traveling from Hong Kong to Lhasa by Train

It is recommended that you take some things on the train, for this extremely long journey. Books can help to pass the time, when not looking at the scenery through the large windows. And some music on your phone or mp3 player is a good idea too.

Food is available on all trains to Lhasa, and consists mainly of Chinese dishes, with a few Tibetan ones for the more adventurous traveler. However, it is best to take some food with you if you are not familiar with Chinese or Tibetan food. Pot noodles, packet meals and such are a good choice, as there is boiling water available on the train.

There are washing facilities as well, although you will not be able to shower. Take toiletries with you, as you will be on the train for almost 3 days.

The trains are all air-conditioned to keep the temperature constantly comfortable throughout the trip, so comfortable clothes and light shoes are suggested, instead of the heavy boots and thick clothes you will need when you get up to the plateau.

Conclusion

Whichever route you choose, you will enjoy a wonderful Hong Kong Tibet tour which is filled with amazing sights and wondrous experiences, and the journey of a lifetime. As the leading Tibet train tour operator with years of experience, we are here to make your train journey as smooth as possible. Feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!