Xi’an Railway Station Guide: How to Take the Tibet Train from Xi’an

Xi’an Railway Station is one of the major train stations in western China. It serves as a key transportation hub connecting Xi’an with many cities across China, including Lhasa. The station is located in the center of Xi’an and is easily accessible from downtown, the airport, and nearby scenic spots. Thus, for foreign travelers heading to Tibet by train, taking a train from Xi’an Railway Station is a convenient option.

In this guide, we will walk you through every essential detail of Xi’an Railway Station, including its location, the train schedules, ticket booking and collection, the boarding process, and more. Read on to prepare for a smooth train journey from Xi’an to Lhasa.

Xi’an to Lhasa Train Schedule: Z165/Z265 Trains from Xi’an Railway Station

Currently, there are two major trains that connect Xi’an with Lhasa: Train Z265 from Guangzhou and Train Z165 from Shanghai. Both stop at Xi’an Railway Station. The Xi’an to Lhasa train takes around 30 to 31 hours and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station on the second day. During the peak travel season, Tibet train tickets can sell out quickly. Therefore, it’s a smart idea to book your ticket in advance, ideally 15 days before your departure.

Train Number (Route)	Departure	Arrival	Duration	Frequency	Details
Z265 (Guangzhou to Lhasa)	07:53	14:54 (the next day)	31hr, 01min	Every Day	Details
Z165 (Shanghai to Lhasa)	09:27	15:30 (the next day)	30hr, 03min	Every Day	Details

Note: Train schedules may change seasonally. When you make an early reservation, please contact us for more details.

How to Book and Collect the Tibet Train Ticket at Xi'an Railway Station?

Generally speaking, here are three main ways to book your train ticket from Xi’an to Lhasa: First, you can use online platforms like 12306.cn (the official railway website), Ctrip, and Trip.com. Second, you can purchase tickets in person at Xi’an Railway Station Ticket Office, which can be easily found next to the entrance of the waiting hall.

However, you should provide both your passport and a Tibet Travel Permit (original or printed copy) to book the Tibet train tickets, and you can only get the Tibet Travel Permit through a local travel agency. So here comes the third and most recommended option: Booking your Tibet train ticket through a licensed agency like us.

If you book the Tibet tour with us, we will not only help you obtain both the train ticket and the Tibet Travel Permit, but also send them to you personally. This way, you can enjoy a one-stop service without worrying about the complicated ticket booking and collection procedures.

Where is Xi’an Railway Station? How to Get There?

Xi’an Railway Station enjoys a central location in the city, just outside the ancient city wall’s north gate. This makes it easily accessible whether you’re staying downtown, arriving from the airport, or planning a day trip to the Terracotta Warriors.

Get to Xi’an Railway Station from Downtown

If you're based in downtown Xi’an, getting to the station is quite easy. A taxi from the Bell Tower area usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and the fare is typically 8-10 CNY.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can take the metro. Metro Line 4 has a direct stop at the station, so you won’t have to worry about traffic, making it a convenient choice.

Additionally, there are many bus lines available from downtown Xi'an to the railway station, such as Bus No. 611, Bus No. 229, and Bus No. 251. If you’re carrying heavy luggage or tight on time, it would be better to choose a taxi or the metro, as the bus can be crowded and slow sometimes.

Get to Xi’an Railway Station from Xianyang International Airport

Xi’an Railway Station is about 39km away from Xianyang International Airport, and passengers also have three major ways to get to the station from the airport. Among these, the most convenient one is taking the Airport Shuttle Bus-Bell Tower North Route. It runs between Airport Terminal 2 and the Xi’an Hotel, while Xi’an Railway Station is one of the stops. It takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes and costs 25 CNY per person.

The metro system is another choice and it costs less than the Airport Shuttle Bus does. You can first take Metro Line 14 from Airport Terminal 1/2/3 to Xi'an North Railway Station, then transfer to Metro Line 4 to Xi’an Railway Station. The whole process takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes and only costs 8 CNY.

Taking a taxi is the most expensive option, while it takes the least time. You can get to Xi’an Railway Station within 1 hour by taxi, and the cost is around 80-100 CNY.

Get from Xi’an Railway Station to the Terracotta Warriors

The distance from the train station to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is about 37km. Taking the Scenic Area Direct Bus is the most hassle-free option—it costs only 30 CNY and takes you directly to the entrance of the Terracotta Warriors. Alternatively, you can take a train to Lintong Station (where the Terracotta Warriors are located) and then catch a taxi from there.

It's also possible to reach the site from Xi'an Railway Station by metro and bus, but this option takes the longest time and involves several transfers, which might be a bit complicated for foreign visitors—so it's not recommended.

How to Board the Tibet train at Xi’an Railway Station?

Prepare Required Documents and Arrive Early

As the station is quite large and you need to pass the security check before boarding the train, it’s wise to arrive at least 1-2 hours before departure. Be sure to have all necessary documents on hand—this includes your passport, your Tibet Travel Permit, and your train ticket. Without these, boarding the train to Lhasa won't be possible.

Pass through Security Check

Upon arrival at the station, your first step is to pass through the security checkpoint, located at the main entrance. For everyone’s safety on the train, both your luggage and carry-on items will be checked to ensure no dangerous items are brought aboard. Also, keep your passport and Tibet Travel Permit handy, as you’ll need to present them alongside your ticket.

Find the Waiting Room

As you enter the waiting hall, you need to find the right waiting room for your train. There are altogether 12 waiting rooms on both floors of Xi’an Railway Station, including normal waiting rooms, soft-berth rooms, special waiting rooms for mothers and infants etc.

You can check the train information displayed on the big LED screen to find the corresponding waiting room for your train. Alternatively, you can ask the station staff for help. Show them your train ticket, and they will direct you to the right waiting room.

Enter the Platform and Get Onboard

When boarding begins, scan your ticket and passport at the automatic gates to enter the platform. Once on the platform, you need to find the correct carriage according to your train ticket. As you get onboard, your ticket may be checked again by a train staff member standing at the carriage door.

Find Your Seat or Berth

The train ticket contains a lot of useful information, including your seat or berth number. The corresponding berth numbers are printed on the compartment doors of sleeper carriages. If you have difficulty finding your seat or berth, ask the attendants in uniform for help, and they will direct you to the right place.

Once you’ve found your berth, you can place your luggage on the overhead rack or under the lower sleeper berth. After that, you can simply relax and wait for departure.

Other Popular Railway Routes from Xi’an Railway Station

Beijing to Xi’an Train: One of the Hottest Train Travel Routes for China Tours

Beijing is not only the capital of China but also a city rich in history and culture, attracting visitors from all over the world. For travelers planning a trip to Tibet and first arriving in Beijing, taking a train from Beijing to Xi’an and then continuing by train to Lhasa is an excellent route.

Currently, there are more than 35 trains running between Beijing and Xi’an every day, including 22 high-speed G trains, several D-series trains, express trains (T series) and fast trains (K series). It takes about 4 to 6 hours by high-speed train to arrive at Xi’an North Railway Station.

There are also overnight trains running between the two cities. By taking them, you can not only spend a comfortable night on the train, but also start your Beijing or Xi’an tour right from the early morning after the train journey.

Xi’an to Chengdu Train: Fast and Convenient Travel in Western China

In the past, the railway line from Xi’an to Chengdu was one of the earliest mountain railroads. The trains departing from Xi’an normally take 14 to 17 hours to arrive at Chengdu Railway Station. However, the Xi’an–Chengdu high-speed railway has significantly improved transportation in Western China since its opening in 2017.

Each day, there are more than 80 trains that run between Chengdu and Xi’an. Among them, most are G-series and D-series trains, which take only 3-4 hours from Xi’an North Railway Station to Chengdu East Railway Station. In addition, there are 4 T-series and K-series trains taking 15-16 hours from Xi’an Railway Station to Chengdu West Railway Station with lower costs.

More Tips for a Smooth Tibet Train Journey from Xi’an

Secure Your Tibet Travel Permit in Advance

The Tibet Travel Permit is a must for all foreign travelers entering Tibet, and you’ll need a copy of the permit to board the train. Keep in mind that this permit cannot be applied for on your own. Instead, you’ll need to turn to a reliable travel agency for assistance. For a hassle-free choice, you can reach out to us and we can assist with both Tibet train ticket booking and Tibet Travel Permit application.

Pack Essential Items

The journey from Xi’an to Lhasa takes over 30 hours, so it’s important to pack essentials. While the train offers basic amenities, it’s wise to bring wet wipes, toilet paper, a power bank, an adapter, snacks and anything else to make your train journey more comfortable.

Get Prepared for High-altitude Environment

While the train climbs gradually to the Tibetan Plateau, it’s still wise to be prepared for altitude sickness. Take some medicine, avoid strenuous activities onboard, drink plenty of water, and get as much rest as possible. These tips will help you better deal with the altitude change.

Conclusion

Xi’an Railway Station serves as one of the best gateways for travelers heading to Tibet by train. With its central location, convenient transportation links, and direct train access to Lhasa, it’s a perfect departure point for your Tibet adventure.

Taking the train from Xi’an to Lhasa can not only cut down travel time compared to departures from coastal cities like Shanghai or Guangzhou, but also offer you the opportunity to experience Xi’an’s own historical treasures like the Terracotta Warriors before embarking on your Tibet adventure.

By preparing your documents in advance, booking your tickets early, and following the station guide, you can start your journey from Xi’an to Tibet smoothly and comfortably. If you want to know more information about taking a Tibet train from Xi’an, never hesitate to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you anytime.