Service is valid from March 1, 2012 until further notice. Subject to alteration wherever possible check times locally before traveling. All trains have air conditioning, pressurized cabins, and oxygen. The train costs varies depending on the season. The prices listed below are current as of 2012 however the actual price will vary depending on the season, travel agency, city, and if your a tourist or local. Ticket scalping is common during the high season (summer months and Chinese holidays) where enterprising entrepreneurs purchase tickets in advance and resell them for a premium.

Tip: If you are a tourist and you have a camera, take a picture of your ticket in case you lose or misplace it.

The new section of the railway, known as "Qinghai-Tibet", begins at the Xining West Railway Station and concludes at the Lhasa Railway Station. You can catch a train heading to Xining from most major cities in China.  If you cannot obtain a ticket directly to Lhasa from your current city, try purchasing one for Xining as chances are you will be allowed to continue to Lhasa for an additional fee once you arrive in Xining.

Train Fares:

Y = Chinese Yuan; $1 USD = 6.32 Y (as of 2012)

* Unreserved seats are available. This means you are not guaranteed a seat, but if one does become available, you may take it, otherwise you will have to stand in the aisles. Prices are usually 50RMB lower than the hard seat price.

** Prices above do not include the Tibet Travel Permit.

*** Beijing-Lhasa is 4,064 km, of which 1,110 km are over the newly-built Qinghai-Tibet railway.

Train to Tibet Schedule:

To Lhasa, Tibet  

Departing from Lhasa, Tibet

Where to purchase Tibet Train Tickets?

Train tickets in China need to be purchased in advance, normally at least 5 days. However the system is not perfect and therefore you can still purchase tickets the same day assuming there are seats left. Tickets can be purchased either at your current train station or via a tour agent. You can also reserve tickets here.

Hard seat tickets are easier to obtain as opposed to soft sleeper. However please be advised that the hard seat option is not for everyone. The seats do not recline and you have to be more cognizant about your belongings. The hard seat obtion is great for a true cultural interactive experience.

China Railway Telphone Number:

Beijing West Railway Station: 86-10-95105105

Chengdu Railway Station: 86-28-83322088 83332499

Lanzhou Railway Station: 86-971-8192832

Chongqing Railway Station: 86-23-63862607

Xining Railway Station: 86-971-8192832

Train Classes - What the numbers and letters mean

Trains in China begin with a letter and number, eg T98. The letter represents the category of the train. Some trains are faster and more modern and this is reflected in the letter. The number is the trains unique identifer.