Chengdu Railway Station Guide: How to Take the Train to Tibet from Chengdu

Chengdu West Railway Station is one of the four major railway stations in Chengdu and the only one that operates trains to Lhasa. The train departs every other day and takes around 34 hours to cross the vast and scenic Tibetan Plateau.

For a smooth and hassle-free Tibet train journey from Chengdu, this comprehensive guide has everything you need. Read on to learn about the Chengdu to Lhasa train schedule, how to book your ticket, how to get to the station, how to board the train, and more helpful tips to make your journey easier.

Chengdu Lhasa Train Schedule: Train Z322 Departs from Chengdu West Railway Station

Train Z322 is the Tibet train from Chengdu. It leaves Chengdu West Railway Station every other day at 21:10 and arrives in Lhasa at 07:41 on the third day, after a journey of about 34.5 hours. The whole trip covers 3,070 km and crosses five provinces in mainland China before reaching the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. The return trip on train Z324 departs every other day at 19:00.

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

Chengdu West Railway Station

How to Book a Ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa? May I Choose a Soft Sleeper or a Hard Sleeper?

There are a few ways to book Tibet train tickets from Chengdu. China Railway’s official website at 12306.cn is one of the most popular in China. Buying train tickets requires real-name identity verification. International credit cards are accepted as payment options.

One of the most convenient choices is to book through us. As a registered Tibet travel agency, we are very experienced at securing tickets. The added comfort and privacy of the soft sleeper are highly recommended for long trips. We guarantee that you’ll get the soft sleeper ticket you want on the day you want to travel.

Where is Chengdu West Railway Station? How to Get There?

Chengdu has several train stations, but the station for the Tibet train is Chengdu West Railway Station. It’s a modern and relatively new station that serves as the departure point for several long-distance trains. Located about 10 km west of Tianfu Square in the city center, the station is convenient to reach from downtown and other major locations around the city.

1. From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Chengdu West Railway Station

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is one of the city’s two major airports. From there, you can reach the train station by metro, shuttle bus, or taxi.

Subway: Metro Line 9 runs to Chengdu West Railway Station and can be reached by Line 10, which runs from the airport. Take Line 10 to Huaxing Station and transfer to Line 9. The subway takes around 40 minutes and costs 5 RMB.

Shuttle Bus: There is a daily airport shuttle that operates from 06:30 to 20:00. Line 2 runs all the way from the airport to the train station in about 20 minutes. The ticket price is 12 RMB. There are two shuttle bus stations. One is at the outside of Gate 2, Terminal 1, and the other is outside the Gate 4, Terminal 2.

Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the train station costs around 50 RMB, and the drive takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Chengdu West Railway Station

Tianfu International Airport is a little further away but still has convenient connections to Chengdu West Railway Station.

Subway: Metro line 18 runs from Tianfu Airport to Chengdu South Railway Staton. From there, switch to line 7 to get to Cultural Palace Station (Wenhuagong), and transfer to line 4 to get to West Railway Station. Tickets cost 5 RMB.

Taxis: Taxis transfer you to the railway station in around 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic. The cost is between 100-150 RMB.

3. From Chengdu East Railway Station to Chengdu West Railway Station

Subway: There are two subway routes to transfer between these railway stations. The fastest route takes around 35 minutes. Board Metro Line 2 and then transfer to Line 4 at CUTCM & People’s Hospital Station. Line 4 stops at Chengdu West Railway Station. Line 7 runs direct between the two stations. It is a little more convenient to not have to change metro lines, but it takes 45 minutes.

Taxi: Taxis can transfer you between stations in 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. It will cost between 30-50 RMB.

4. From Downtown City to Chengdu West Railway Station

How to get to Chengdu West Railway Station from downtown will depend on where you’re starting from. Metro Line 4 runs direct to the railway station and is easy to reach from downtown areas such as Tianfu Square. From there, it takes around 45 minutes. Board Metro Line 2 at Tianfu Square Station and transfer to Line 4 at CUTCM & People’s Hospital Station.

Taxis are also easy to find downtown, but traffic can sometimes be congested. Plan for 30-45 minutes to reach the railway station from downtown. The ride will cost 30-50 RMB.

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

Taking the train is a simple process, but it always helps to be prepared. Here are the steps you need to take in order to board the Tibet train.

1. Prepare Your Travel Documents

In addition to a valid passport, all international travelers to Tibet need a Tibet Travel Permit to get on board. 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

Arrive at the station at least 1 hours before departure. Once inside, follow the signs to the security check. After clearing security, proceed to the designated waiting hall for Train Z322.

3. Find Your Platform & Get Onboard

Boarding gates will usually open 30 minutes before departure. Follow the announcements and station staff guidance to find your platform. Show your ticket and passport again at the gate. Once onboard, locate your berth and settle in for the journey ahead.

Chengdu West Railway Station Waiting Hall Interior

Alternative Ways to Take Tibet Train from Chengdu

Chengdu’s status as a transportation hub in the Southwest of China means there are other routes to Lhasa you can consider.

1. Chengdu - Xi’an - Train to Tibet

Thanks to the opening of Xian-Chengdu high-speed railway, tourists now can get easy access to Xi’an from Chengdu, with huge convenience. The train running time is greatly 3.5 hours. And there are dozens of G trains and D trains provided every day, departing from early morning to late afternoon. Therefore, you can take it as your plan B to take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Xian and continue moving to Tibet via the Xian to Lhasa train.

2. Chengdu - Xining - Train to Tibet

As the starting point of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Xining is the perfect city for tourists to enjoy the whole rail route of the noted railway, with the best breathtaking scenery. You can first take a flight to Xining, which takes only about 1.5 hours. While the train from Xining to Lhasa departs seven times a day, and takes about 21 hours.

Conclusion

Choosing Chengdu as your starting point for the Tibet train has many advantages. Direct trains to Lhasa and other cities in China give you flexible options for planning your travel route, and Chengdu is a beautiful and fascinating city to visit. Subway, shuttle buses, and taxis let you easily reach the railway station from anywhere in the city, and the modern facilities help make travel smooth. Contact us for more information about planning your Tibet train tour from Chengdu, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.