Hard Sleeper on Tibet Train: A Budget-Friendly Choice

Tibet trains offer soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat options for different comfort levels and budgets. Among these, the hard sleeper is a balanced option that combines comfort and cost-effectiveness, sitting between the higher price of the soft sleeper and the lower comfort level of the hard seat.

So, what is a hard sleeper like? What facilities are available in the hard sleeper carriage? How can you get a hard sleeper ticket for the Tibet train? What are the differences between a hard sleeper and a soft sleeper? Stay assured, we are here to clarify all these questions for you.

What is a Hard Sleeper on the Tibet Train? Is It Really “Hard”?

In fact, a hard sleeper isn’t as “hard” as it sounds. As one of the two sleeper classes on Tibet trains, it is usually regarded as the second-class option. It offers a good balance between price and comfort, making it an ideal choice for budget travelers.

Hard sleepers are named "hard" simply because their mattresses are not as thick as those of soft sleepers. However, there's no need to worry—they are still soft overall and can ensure passengers a comfortable night's sleep.

Typically, each Tibet train has 8 hard sleeper carriages. Each carriage contains 10 compartments, with 6 berths per compartment. Thus, a carriage can hold 60 people, making a total capacity of 480 passengers.

Unlike soft sleeper cabins, which offer lockable doors and a higher level of privacy, hard sleeper compartments are open to the aisle and don’t have doors. While this means less privacy, the open layout can make it easier to interact with fellow travelers—possibly making your trip more enjoyable.

Note: Actual conditions may vary depending on the specific train.

Which Hard Sleeper Berth Should I Choose: Upper, Middle and Lower?

Each hard sleeper compartment includes six bunks—two on the top, two in the middle, and two on the bottom. Each hard sleeper berth is 60 cm wide and 180 cm long. And the approximate heights of the upper, middle, and lower berths are 65 cm, 70 cm, and 90 cm respectively.

Every type has its own pros and cons, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Below, we’ll provide a detailed introduction to each berth to help you make a smart decision:

1. The lower berth

All in all, the lower berth is the most popular of the three, mainly because it offers more space and greater convenience. There's often a small shared table between the two lower bunks, handy for passengers in the same compartment to place drinks, snacks, or books. What’s more, the lower berth is also an excellent spot to take in the full view through the window.

During the day, you can sit on it to enjoy the scenery, and at night, getting in and out of bed is the easiest compared to the other berths. It is an ideal choice for senior passengers or those travelling with kids.

However, the lower berth isn’t perfect. Since passengers using the middle and upper berths have to pass by it when climbing up or down, and the corridor nearby often has people walking back and forth, it can be noisier. This may affect your rest. Additionally, during the daytime, other passengers might sit on the lower berth to relax or enjoy the view.

2. The middle berth

Like its name says, the middle berth strikes a good balance between convenience and comfort. With a height of about 1.2–1.5 meters, you won’t have to worry about hitting your head when you sit up. It offers more space than the upper berth and is easier to access. Compared to the lower berth, it offers better privacy and gets less disturbance from the aisle.

As for the drawbacks, first, you’ll need to climb a ladder, which can be a bit challenging for those who are physically weaker or suffer from altitude sickness. Secondly, when passengers on the upper berth climb up or down, there might be slight shaking that disturbs you.

3. The upper berth

The upper berth offers the best privacy among the three. Far from the aisle, it’s least likely to be disturbed—perfect for passengers who want to rest quietly and avoid outside interruptions, especially at night. Additionally, it’s the cheapest option, making it a great pick for those on a tight budget.

However, due to its high position, getting in and out of the berth is the most challenging. Therefore, it’s not recommended for elderly passengers, children, or those with significant altitude sickness. Moreover, the upper berth has the least headroom (usually less than 1 meter), so sitting up straight can be uncomfortable, and there’s very little space to turn or stretch. It’s not ideal for taller passengers (over 1.75 meters).

What Facilities Are Available in Hard Sleeper Cabins?

1. Bedding and basic amenities

To ensure a comfortable sleep for passengers, the hard sleeper carriages provide basic bedding, including a mattress, a quilt, a blanket, and a pillow. These items are changed for each new trip, so they are fresh and hygienic. Of course, if you’d like extra peace of mind, you can also bring your own towel to lay over the pillow.

In addition, each hard sleeper compartment is equipped with a small table for passengers to place their belongings or dine. There’s also a thermos in every compartment, making it easy to get hot water whenever you need it.

2. Luggage storage

In a hard sleeper carriage, you have two main options for storing your luggage. One is the overhead rack that runs along the corridor, roughly at the same height as the upper bunk. Usually, it can fit bigger things like 24-inch suitcases and stuff like that. The other option is the space beneath the lower bunk, which is ideal for smaller bags or backpacks.

However, don't leave your valuables in either of these locations. It's best to keep them with you at all times. When you sleep at night, tuck them under your pillow for added security.

3. Oxygen supply

There are two oxygen supply systems on Tibet trains. The major one is the dispersion oxygen system which delivers oxygen by mixing it with the air in the air-conditioning system. It will start working automatically after the train passes Golmud Railway Station.

The other one is the independent oxygen outlets. They are usually installed on the wall above the pillows, making it convenient for passengers to use while lying in bed. When you feel any of the altitude sickness symptoms, you can ask for a free oxygen tube from the train staff and connect it to the outlet, then you can breathe normally and gradually get better.

4. Power sockets

Each hard sleeper carriage has 3 charging sockets in the aisle, making it easy for passengers to charge their electronic devices. However, since the number of outlets is limited, it's a good idea to fully charge your devices before departure and carry a power bank with you. Also, your device might not fit the sockets—bring an adapter just in case.

Friendly reminder: There’s no WiFi on Tibet trains, and mobile signals can be unstable too. If you want to pass the time during the ride, it’s a good idea to download some movies or novels in advance to enjoy.

5. Other Public facilities: Dining Car, Toilet, etc

Every Tibet train has a dining car in the middle and it offers three meals a day. It is an ideal place for passengers to enjoy their meals while taking in the beautiful scenery outside the window. The meals it offers are generally simple but hygienic Chinese-style and Tibetan-style dishes. There are also food trolleys where you can buy set meals, snacks, and drinks.

There are two squat-style toilets at the end of each hard sleeper carriage. You need to pack enough toilet paper as they run out very fast in the trains. Just outside the toilets, there are three washbasins with running water at room temperature, liquid soap dispensers, mirrors, and small trash bins. If you want to wash up there, remember to bring your own washing tools like towels, soap, toothpaste, and brushes.

Also at the end of each carriage, you can find 24-hour hot water dispensers. There you can get free hot water for tea, instant noodles, or coffee during the trip.

If you need to smoke, some trains have designated smoking areas at the connections between carriages. However, in recent years, with stricter smoking regulations in place, more and more trains have become completely smoke-free. This is particularly true for the section between Golmud and Lhasa, where smoking is strictly prohibited due to the activation of the train’s dispersed oxygen supply system.

It’s recommended that you ask the train staff on board if smoking is allowed. Violating the rules may result in a fine.

Hard Sleeper vs Soft Sleeper: What is the Difference?

No matter which mainland city in China you depart from, taking a train to Tibet is always a long journey, requiring at least 1-2 days on board. Therefore, to ensure a more comfortable train experience, we recommend choosing either a soft sleeper or a hard sleeper.

The most obvious difference between soft and hard sleepers lies in the number of beds and the level of privacy: each hard sleeper compartment has 6 beds, while a soft sleeper compartment has only 4. Additionally, soft sleeper compartments have doors that can be locked, while hard sleeper compartments do not.

As a result, soft sleepers offer more space, greater comfort, and better privacy, but at a higher price. Hard sleepers, while not as quiet, comfortable, or private as soft sleepers, are more reasonably priced.

You can see a detailed comparison of the two in the table below:

Comparison Items	Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper
Carriage Structure	4 berths with a lockable door	6 berths and no door
Space and Tiers	bunk size: 75cm×190cm, upper and lower tiers	bunk size: 60cm×180cm, upper, middle and lower tiers
Facility Configuration	TV, power sockets (1 in the compartment + 3 in the corridor)	3 sockets in the corridor
Toilet	both squat toilet and seat toilet	squat toilet only
Ticket Price	higher	lower

How to Get a Hard Sleeper Ticket on the Tibet Train?

1. The price of hard sleeper tickets

Currently, several cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, have direct trains to Lhasa. Prices vary depending on the length of the journey. Of course, the three berths in hard sleepers also differ in price. You can refer to the table below for specific route and price information:

Train Route	Upper Berth (CNY)	Middle Berth (CNY)	Lower Berth (CNY)
Beijing to Lhasa	720	742	763
Shanghai to Lhasa	793.5	817.5	841.5
Guangzhou to Lhasa	865	892	919
Chengdu to Lhasa	627.5	645.5	663.5
Chongqing to Lhasa	627.5	645.5	663.5
Xi'an to Lhasa	611.5	629.5	647.5
Lanzhou to Lhasa	522	535	550
Xining to Lhasa	495	507	521

Note: Prices listed in the table above are reference values and will probably rise during the peak travel season.

2. When and how to book the ticket

Although hard sleeper tickets are more abundant and generally easier to purchase compared to soft sleepers, it's still advisable to book in advance(at least 15 days before your departure) during the peak travel season in Tibet.

There are two ways to purchase a hard sleeper ticket to Lhasa: one is to buy it directly at the ticket counter at the departure station, and the other is to book it online. Here at Chinatibettrain, we can help book hard sleeper tickets for you according to your different needs, ensuring you a hassle-free journey.

3. How to upgrade to a soft sleeper

If soft sleeper tickets are still available, you can upgrade your hard sleeper ticket by paying the price difference. Upgrading from a hard sleeper to a soft sleeper is both possible and common—some passengers choose to upgrade for added comfort, others to better acclimatize to altitude sickness, and still others for the convenience of family or group travel.

If you wish to upgrade before the train departs and haven’t printed a paper ticket, you can modify your booking online 30 minutes before departure. If you’ve already printed your paper ticket, you can still upgrade by bringing your valid ID and ticket to the ticket counter and paying the fare difference.

As a travel agency dedicated to providing our guests with an unforgettable Tibet journey, we understand the importance of a comfortable train experience to Tibet. Therefore, starting in 2025, we guarantee that we can secure soft sleeper tickets for all of our clients. You can rest assured that we will take care of both your train tickets and the necessary Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Hard Sleeper Journey

Bring earplugs and an eye mask: Although the lights in the hard sleeper carriage are turned off at night to allow passengers to rest, other sources of light and the noise from people moving around or talking may still disturb your sleep.

Take a pair of comfortable shoes or slippers: This will make it more convenient for you to get on or off your bed, especially for the middle berth and upper berth.

Take some light activity: The journey to Lhasa is long, and it can get tedious if you stay lying down the whole time. Heading to the dining car for a nice meal or standing by the corridor to enjoy the scenery are both great options.

Bring your thermos: You can get free hot water from the hot water dispenser, and drinking plenty of water can help with altitude acclimatization.

Lock your bags: Even though theft is rare, a small padlock for your suitcase (stored under the lower berth) gives peace of mind.

Conclusion

Compared with the more expensive soft sleepers and the less comfortable hard seats, the hard sleepers are undoubtedly a choice that is both budget-friendly and comfortable.

In a hard sleeper carriage, you can choose from the lower berth, middle berth and upper berth. The lower berth is more spacious and convenient, while the middle berth and upper berth enjoy more privacy.

Although there are more hard sleeper berths available than soft sleepers, hard sleeper tickets can still sell out quickly during the peak tourist season. That’s why letting us book your ticket in advance is a better option. Plus, we can help with getting your Tibet Travel Permit—the must-have paper for any foreign traveler heading to Tibet.

If you have any other questions about hard sleeper tickets or train travel to Tibet, feel free to contact us at any time—we’ll be happy to provide clear and detailed answers.