Xining Railway Station: The Beginning of Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Xining Railway Station is the main gateway for taking a train to Tibet. It’s the start of the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and all trains to Tibet - like those from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu - stop here. That means you’ll have more chances to get a train ticket to Lhasa if you start from Xining.

In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about Xining Railway Station, including where it is, which trains go to Tibet, how to get there, and how to reach downtown, etc. Read on and get inspired for your next train journey to Tibet!

Where is Xining Railway Station? What Facilities Are Available?

Located in Huzhou Road, Changwon District, Xining Railway Station opened in 1959 and completed reconstruction in December 2014. It is not only the first station on the Qinghai-Tibet railway but also an important station on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-speed Railway, which opened to traffic on December 26, 2014.

The rebuilt Xining Railway Station is divided into two spaces, the station building and two outdoor squares. Beneath the North and the South, outdoor squares, substantial car parking, and a bus terminal are housed. The main building is divided into three main levels, including a Waiting Hall level, a Platform Level, and an Arrivals Level.

With the expansion of the railway station, the surrounding area is becoming an integrated urban business district with business offices and integrated services together.

This ever-convenient station can be reached within 2 kilometers from most locations in the center of the city. Normally, you can pay around 10 CNY for a Taxi or 1 CNY for a city bus to get there.

Xining Railway Station is provided with two ticket offices for tourists to get the Tibet train tickets.

Tibet Train Routes from Xining Railway Station to Lhasa

As the start station of Qinghai-Tibet railway, Xining Railway Station serves the most frequent trains to Lhasa. In addition to direct trains from Xining to Lhasa, trains from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu also stop here on their way to Lhasa. This means you’ll have more train options and better chances of getting a ticket when departing from Xining.

Please note:
The train schedule from Xining to Lhasa above is just for reference. When you make early reservation, please contact us for more details.

How to Get to Xining Railway Station?

1. Get to Xining Railway Station from Beijing

It can be difficult to book tickets on the popular Beijing-Lhasa train to Tibet, but booking the Xining-Lhasa section is easier. Therefore, it is recommended to get to Xining from Beijing first and then take the Xining to Lhasa train instead.

The high-speed train from Beijing to Xining takes 10 hours and 13 minutes. It departs every day at 8:13, and tickets start from 835 CNY. Also, regular trains available from Beijing to Xining, departing four times per day and taking about 22 hours.

Flights from Beijing to Xining are a good choice for tourists who do not want to spend much time on the road. There are more than seven direct flights flying to Xining Airport from Beijing every day, leaving from early morning to late evening. It takes about 2.5 hours, and the air ticket price ranges from 600 CNY to 1280 CNY.

2. Get to Xining Railway Station from Chengdu

Chengdu is one of the most popular departure cities for a train journey to Tibet. However, it is quite difficult to get Chengdu-Lhasa train tickets during peak season, and the trains from Chengdu to Lhasa depart every other day. Instead of taking a direct train from Chengdu to Lhasa, many travelers will take a flight or train from Chengdu to Xining first and then take a Xining-Lhasa train to Tibet.

High-speed trains from Chengdu take between 9 and 15 hours. There are two high-speed trains to choose from each day, and tickets start from 286 CNY. Flying from Chengdu to Xining takes around 1.5 hours, and there are more than 20 flights to choose from, with tickets available for 600-700 CNY.

3. Get to Xining Railway Station from Xi’an

The ancient capital, Xi’an, is a popular destination in China and a convenient gateway city for reaching Tibet. High-speed trains from Xi’an to Xining are very fast, taking just over four hours. You can choose from three trains, with prices starting from 257.5 CNY.

Flights from Xi’an to Xining take around 1.5 hours, and there are many to choose from. Tickets can be found for the same price as train tickets, so it’s up to you what kind of travel experience you’re looking for.

4. Get to Xining Railway Station from Xining Caojiaobao Airport

The distance between Xining Caojiabao Airport and Xining Railway Station is about 31 km, which takes about 40 minutes without traffic and costs around 50 RMB by taxi.

Also, there is a direct shuttle bus from Xining Laojiao Airport to Xining Railway Station. It takes about 1 hours and costs 23 RMB per passenger.

How to Transfer from Xining Railway Station to Downtown?

If you plan to spend some time in Xining before continuing on to Tibet, the downtown area can be conveniently reached by taxi or bus.

From Xining Railway station, it takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach central areas like Xining People's Park, Mojia Street, or Dongguan Mosque, depending on traffic. A taxi stand is located on the north side of the station, and the ride usually costs around 20-30 CNY.

Several buses stop at or near the station, connecting to major destinations in the city. Bus no. 1 is the best for most tourists. It goes to People’s Park. Bus no. 47 can take you to Dongguan Mosque.

It is convenient to get to Xining Railway Station from Xining Airport by taxi or shuttle bus.

Insider Tips for Taking the Tibet Train from Xining

(1) Book your train tickets early. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a popular route for travelers to Tibet and tickets sell out fast. For a smooth experience, book your Tibet tour with us, and we will secure you a soft sleeper train ticket.

(2) All international travelers to Tibet must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before boarding the train. Our tour packages include obtaining all required permits on your behalf.

(3) Spend some time in Xining to start acclimatizing to the higher altitude. At 2,275 meters, it is lower than Lhasa.

(4) Soft sleeper berth offers added comfort and privacy for the 20+ hour trip. Arriving in Lhasa refreshed and well-rested is worth the extra cost.

Conclusion

Xining Railway Station is your convenient gateway to the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The modern station connects Lhasa to the rest of China by rail and can be conveniently reached from major cities all over China. Make sure to book your tickets early, or choose one of our Tibet train travel packages.

As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experiences, we’ll take care of booking your tickets, securing the permits, and putting together an unforgettable itinerary to enjoy the unique wonders of the roof of the world. Feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!