Beijing Railway Station Guide: How to Take Tibet Train from Beijing

Among all the railway stations in Beijing, Beijing West Railway Station is the only one offering trains to Tibet. Conveniently located in central Beijing, this modern station is easy to reach and simple for travelers to navigate.

For a smooth Tibet train journey from Beijing to Lhasa, check out this ultimate guide. Read on to learn about the Beijing to Lhasa train schedule, how to book your train ticket, how to get to the station, and how to board the Tibet train, among other useful tips.

Beijing Lhasa Train Schedule: Train Z21 Departs from Beijing West Railway Station

Train Z21 is the direct Beijing to Lhasa train. It departs every day from Beijing West Railway Station at 19:22 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 11:42 on the third day. The 3,757 km journey takes 40 hours and 20 minutes.

Hard and soft sleeper berths are available. Hard sleepers cost 718 CNY, and soft sleepers are 1144 CNY. Soft sleepers are the best choice for the long journey.

Taking the train, you will enjoy a scenic journey across China. The train passes through major cities like Taiyuan, Lanzhou, and Xining as the landscapes slowly transform to the stark beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. In Tibet, you’ll pass through Golmud, Nagchu, and over the high-altitude Tanggula Pass (5,072 m), before arriving in the Lhasa Valley for your first glimpse of holy Lhasa city.

Ticket offices are available on both squares of Beijing Railway Station.

How to Book a Ticket from Beijing to Lhasa? Do I Need to Book at the Station?

There are several ways to book Tibet train tickets from Beijing, including several online options. China Railway’s official website at 12306.cn is one of the most popular in China. Tickets can be booked for any of the many train routes around the country, including the Tibet train. Buying train tickets requires real-name identity verification. International credit cards are accepted as payment options.

Trip.com is often a more convenient platform for international travelers. There are many payment options, reservations can be made in advance, and the website offers wait listing for sold-out trains.

The most convenient choice is to book through a registered Tibet travel agency like us. We are very experienced in securing Tibet train tickets. As long as you book your Tibet tour with us, we will guarantee a soft sleeper berth ticket for your Tibet train journey!

Buying tickets at Beijing West Railway Station is not usually recommended. Tickets for the Tibet train are in high demand, and booking online in advance is a more reliable way to secure a seat. You also must provide your Tibet Travel Permit as well as your passport when buying a ticket at the station.

Where is Beijing West Railway Station? How Can I Get There?

Beijing’s modern transportation infrastructure makes it convenient to reach the railway station from anywhere in the city. Buses, subways, and taxis give travelers many options, and the station is centrally located, around 8km from Tiananmen Square.

1. Get to Beijing West Railway Station from Beijing Airport

Taxis can take you directly from the airport to Beijing West Railway Station, and are the fastest option when traffic is light. It typically takes around 60 minutes to get there, but budget more time if you are traveling during rush hour. It will cost between 120-150 CNY (16.5-20.7 USD).

During rush hour, taking a combination of the Airport Express train and subway can make reaching the train station from the airport faster. The Airport Express Line runs from the airport to Dongzhimen Station, where you can transfer to Subway Line 2. Travel to Xizhimen Station, and transfer to Line 4. Get off at Caishikou Station and get on Line 7, which goes direct to Beijing West Railway Station. It takes around 90 minutes, and costs 30 CNY (~4 USD).

Please note that Beijing has two international airports - Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Make sure to confirm which airport you will be landing at before arranging your transfer to the railway station.

2. Get to Beijing West Railway Station from the Downtown Area

From downtown Beijing around Tiananmen Square, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the train station by taxi, depending on traffic. Taxis can be flagged down on the road, or you can use local ride-hailing apps like Didi. The cost ranges between 30 and 50 CNY (~4-7 USD).

Subway Line 1 runs from Tiananmen West Station to Military Museum Station, where you can transfer to Line 9. Line 9 runs directly to Beijing West Railway. The trip by subway takes around 30 minutes, and costs 4 CNY (0.5 USD).

Beijing West Railway Station can be reached by Metro from Tian'anmen.

How to Board the Tibet Train at Beijing West Railway Station?

Beijing West Station is a modern station with convenient facilities for travelers, but it’s best to be prepared in advance. Know what to bring and where to go in order to have a smooth experience.

1. Prepare Your Travel Documents

The most important step is to have all of your documents prepared before going to the train station to board the Tibet Train. Bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit. All international travelers to Tibet must present the TTP before boarding the train. A paper ticket is no longer needed for boarding the train. You can scan your passport at the entry gate.

We will help you to get the Tibet Travel Permit, and send it to you before you taking the train. Just contact us in advance to avoid any delays of the permit application.

2. Pass through the Security Check & Wait in the Waiting Hall

You must pass through the security check when entering the station. It is similar to airport security, but without the restrictions on bringing liquids. Once inside, there are large waiting halls where you can find a seat, or, if there’s time, have a meal or snack at one of the many restaurants in the station.

3. Find Your Platform & Get Onboard

Each train platform has a separate boarding gate that can be accessed from the waiting hall. Large displays show the platform information and train status. Ticket check usually opens 15-20 minutes before departure, giving you plenty of time to reach the platform and board the train.

Descend to the platform to board the Tibet train after ticket checking at Beijing Railway Station.

More Tips for Taking the Tibet Train from Beijing

1. If you have trouble booking a train ticket from Beijing, or want a faster route, trains are also available from places like Xining and Xi’an. Xining to Lhasa train is the shortest direct train to Lhasa. It takes 2.5 hours to fly to Xining, and then only around 21 hours from there to Lhasa by train. The train from Xi’an takes 30 hours, and the city is only a 2h 15m flight from Beijing.

2. Tibet Trains are equipped with oxygen systems to help passengers adapt to the high-altitude conditions. Make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during the ascent on the train, and spend a few days acclimatizing in Lhasa before traveling to higher areas.

3. Advance booking is needed to secure the dates you want for the train, especially during peak seasons. In summer, and the October National Day holiday tickets sell out quickly.

4. Booking a soft sleeper is recommended. The added comfort and privacy will help you to arrive in Lhasa refreshed and ready to start your Tibet tour.

Conclusion

Beijing can be your gateway to China, and an adventure in Tibet. Getting to Beijing West Railway Station is easy from anywhere in the city, and it has many convenient amenities for travelers. With your documents prepared, including your passport and Tibet Travel Permit, you’ll be able to smoothly board and enjoy the diverse landscapes as you travel across China and ascend to the Tibetan Plateau. Book your trip with us for easy service obtaining your permit, and help with booking your Tibet train tickets.