Chongqing West Railway Station Guide: How to Take Tibet Train from Chongqing

There are four major train stations in Chongqing, and among them, Chongqing West Railway Station is the only one that offers a direct train to Lhasa. Thanks to its convenient location, you can easily reach Chongqing West Railway Station. Whether you're arriving at the airport, staying downtown, or finishing a Yangtze River cruise, it's a great starting point for your journey to Tibet.

We’ve put together this detailed guide to take you through every part of your journey—from figuring out train times and booking tickets to finding your way around Chongqing West Railway Station and getting on board. Read on to learn all the essential information you need to ensure a stress-free start to your Tibet adventure.

Chongqing to Lhasa Train Schedule: Z223 Train from Chongqing West Railway Station

The train from Chongqing to Lhasa (Z223) departs from Chongqing West Railway Station every other day at 21:53 and arrives in Lhasa at 07:41 on the third day. The return train from Lhasa to Chongqing (Z224) departs at 19:00 and arrives at Chongqing West Railway Station at 06:10 on the third day.

The Z223 covers a total of 3,030 kilometers and makes stops at seven stations along the way: Chongqing West, Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud, and Lhasa. The whole trip takes roughly 34 hours. The return train, Z224, has two more stops than the Z223—Nanchong North and Nagchu—and the journey takes around 35 hours total.

Train Number (Route)	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Frequency
Z223 (Chongqing to Lhasa)	21:53	07:41 (the third day)	33hr, 48min	Every Other Day
Z224 (Lhasa to Chongqing)	19:00	06:10 (the third day)	35hr, 10min	Every Other Day

Please note: The schedule of the train between Chongqing and Lhasa above is for reference only and may change seasonally. For early reservations, we recommend contacting us for the most up-to-date information.

How to Book and Collect the Tibet Train Ticket at Chongqing West Railway Station?

Train tickets from Chongqing to Lhasa can be purchased both online and offline. For convenience, you can book tickets on the official China Railway 12306 website (12306.cn) using your valid passport. If you are already in Chongqing, you can also buy your tickets in person at the ticket counters at Chongqing West Railway Station.

However, booking a Tibet train ticket is a slightly more complex process than booking a regular train ticket in China, primarily because foreign visitors require a Tibet Travel Permit (also known as the “Tibet Entry Permit”) to enter Tibet. This permit is issued by the Tibet Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau and can only be applied for through a registered Chinese travel agency—individual travelers cannot obtain it on their own.

Therefore, the best option is to reach out to us for assistance. We can help you book the train ticket and deliver the paper ticket to your hotel or any address in China. In addition to the Tibet train ticket, we also provide a one-stop service for applying for the Tibet Travel Permit, arranging your tour, and more—ensuring a smooth and carefree journey to Tibet.

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

Opened in 2018, Chongqing West Railway Station is located in Shapingba District, about 15–20 kilometers from downtown Chongqing and well-connected by metro, taxi, and shuttle buses. Travelers can easily reach the station from most areas of the city.

Get to Chongqing West Railway Station from Chongqing Airport

For most international visitors coming to Chongqing, their first stop is usually Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The airport is about 37 kilometers from Chongqing West Railway Station, and the most straightforward way to reach the station is via Airport Express Bus Line 06.

This bus route starts at the airport and ends at Chongqing West Railway Station, operating from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM with departures every hour. The entire journey takes around one hour and costs 20 CNY per person.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can first take Metro Line 10 and transfer to Metro Line 5 at Central Park West. The whole journey takes about one and a half hours, and the cost is only 8 CNY.

Get to Chongqing West Railway Station from the downtown area

To get to Chongqing West Railway Station from downtown Chongqing, you have three main options. First, Metro Line 5 and the Loop Line both provide convenient access from downtown Chongqing to Chongqing West Railway Station. In addition, several public bus routes also serve the station, including No. 213, No. 441, No. 473, No. 499, No. 325, No. 504, and No. 526.

Surely, you can choose to take a taxi to the railway station, although this option is much more expensive than taking the metro or a bus. You can choose the most convenient option based on your location in the city.

Get to Chongqing West Railway Station from Yangtze River Cruise Port

Taking a Yangtze River cruise is a fantastic way to explore the civilization of the Yangtze River. After finishing the cruise journey, you can take Metro Line 1 to Shiqiaopu and then transfer to Metro Line 5 to get to Chongqing West Railway Station. It includes 13 stops in total and takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the destination.

How to Board the Tibet train at Chongqing West Railway Station?

Prepare Required Documents and Arrive Early

Head to the railway station at least two hours before departure, as you may have to wait in long queues with other passengers before boarding. Additionally, keep your passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and train ticket easily accessible when you need to present them for inspection.

Pass through Security Check

Before entering the train station, you are required to pass through a security check at the entrance. All your luggage and personal belongings will go through a security scanner. Dangerous or prohibited items are not allowed inside the station. You will also be asked to present your train ticket and other required documents mentioned above to the station staff for inspection.

Find the Waiting Room

After the security check, enter the station hall, where you’ll see a large LED board displaying train information such as train number, departure and arrival times, and waiting room number. Locate the correct waiting room for your train. If you’re unsure, you can show your ticket to a station staff member to ask for help.

Enter the Platform and Get Onboard

About 20 minutes before the train departs, the station staff will start checking train tickets. After your ticket is checked, you’ll need to walk for several minutes to the platform, possibly going up or down stairs along the way.

Using the carriage number on your ticket, you can find the correct door to board the train. If you're not sure, ask the train staff standing by the train doors for help. They can assist you in finding the right door and boarding the train.

Find Your Seat or Berth

After boarding the train, you need to find your seat or berth according to your train ticket. In hard seat carriages, the seat number is printed on the wall between two windows. In sleeper carriages, the berth number is printed on the door of each compartment.

You can place your luggage under the lower berth or in the luggage rack opposite the upper berth. Once everything is settled, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your wonderful train journey to Tibet.

How to Transfer from Chongqing to Chengdu for the Tibet Train?

Trains to Tibet depart from Chongqing on even-numbered days, while trains from Chengdu depart on odd-numbered days. If there’s no Chongqing–Lhasa train available or the tickets are sold out on your travel date, you can either stay an extra night in Chongqing or take a high-speed train to Chengdu and catch the train from Chengdu to Lhasa instead.

Specifically, the train from Chengdu to Lhasa (Z322) departs from Chengdu West Railway Station at 21:10 and arrives in Lhasa at 07:41 on the third day. This allows you to arrive in Chengdu during the day and catch the evening train, or spend a night or two in Chengdu before continuing your journey.

There are dozens of high-speed trains running daily between Chongqing and Chengdu. It takes about 1.5–2.5 hours to get from Chongqing to Chengdu. The first train departs at 05:14, and the last one leaves at 21:52.

More Tips for a Smooth Tibet Train Journey from Chongqing

Prepare for High-Altitude Sickness

Before embarking on the trip, you can consult your doctor about medications to prevent or treat altitude sickness. While on the train, try to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, and get enough rest. These tips will help your body better adjust to high altitude.

Pack Essential Items

While the Tibet train offers basic amenities, it’s wise to bring your own wet wipes, toilet paper, a power bank, an adapter, a thermos, and other items to ensure a smooth and comfortable train journey. Also, for a good night's sleep, you can pack an eye mask, earplugs, and a pair of slippers.

Keep Important Documents Safe

Your passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and train ticket are essential documents for your journey—losing them can cause significant delays or even prevent you from entering Tibet. Avoid storing these documents in your checked luggage or in the shared luggage racks. Instead, keep them in the carry-on bag that you carry with you at all times.

Conclusion

For a wonderful Tibet journey, Chongqing West Railway Station serves as a convenient and modern departure point, easily accessible from the downtown area, the airport, or the Yangtze River cruise port. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free journey that allows you to focus on the breathtaking landscapes along the way to Tibet.

If you're planning to travel to Tibet from Chongqing and need assistance with train tickets, Tibet Travel Permit, and guided tours, feel free to contact us. We always do our best to ensure every guest has an unforgettable journey to Tibet.