Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province at an altitude of 2,275 metres. It is now possible to take the train to the Tibetan Plateau from Xining. The distance from Lhasa to Xining is 1972km / 1233 miles.

ChinaTibetTrain.com recommends that if you want to experience the new train to Tibet but do not want to spend hours travelling from other cities, you should fly into Xining and then take the train.

Peak Season: June and August and May or September to early October.

Warning: Xining is a popular destination to jump on the train and head to Tibet. Because of this corruption is everywhere. Do not be surprised to pay additional fees, surchanges, etc due to the suppply and demand issues. One way to avoid the huge fees during the peak season is to ride from other stations.

Costs: It costs around 800 Yuan ($126US) for a

First-class sleeper berth: 800 Yuan or $126USD
Second-class sleeper berth:500 Yuan or $79USD
Soft Seat: 250 Yuan or $40USD

Xining to Lhasa by train:

The K9801 and K9811 are the only 2 trains that start from Xining and arrive in Lhasa. K9801 departs from Xining every other day at 15:02 from Xining Train Station, and arrives at Lhasa at 14:55 on the second day.

The training from Xining is pressurized, supplied with oxygem altimetres, and sealed. The windows have ultraviolet filters to protect passengers from UV radiation.

Lhasa to Xining by train:

The following map shows you the train route to Tibet from Xining:

Where to purchase tickets/flights from Xining to Lhasa Tibet?

You can arrange travel to Tibet via agencies.