Direct Train to Lhasa Isn’t Your Only Way to Tibet: More Options Available Today

Riding the world’s highest train to Lhasa is one of the most popular ways to reach Tibet. Currently, there are over 7 direct trains to Lhasa from major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining, and more.

However, due to its great popularity, direct train tickets to Lhasa often sell out quickly, especially during Tibet’s peak travel season from May to October. But don’t let the lack of a direct train discourage you.

In this travel guide, we’ll walk you through who should take a direct train to Lhasa and the best alternative ways to enjoy a scenic Tibet train journey when direct trains aren’t available.

Who Should Take the Direct Train to Lhasa? Ideal for Those Not Rushing for Time

If you're a rail fan, riding the world’s highest train to Lhasa should be an essential part of your Tibet adventure.

You can lie comfortably in a cozy soft sleeper cabin, admiring snow-capped peaks, Gobi deserts, shimmering alpine lakes, and boundless grasslands drift by, dotted with grazing Tibetan yaks and roaming Tibetan antelopes in the distance. It’s the perfect appetizer before diving into the heart of the Himalayas and Tibet’s rich Buddhist traditions.

In addition, any travelers with enough time who prefer to enjoy a richer Tibet travel experience or look for a punctual, efficient, and budget-friendly way to reach Tibet, are well-suited for taking a direct train to Lhasa.

Currently, seven major cities across China offer direct trains to Lhasa as follows:

Xining has the shortest Tibet train route and is the true starting point of the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway (or Tibet train). The Xining to Lhasa train (Z8991, Z8981) stretches 1,956 km and covers the top highlights for the Tibet train journey. It allows you to reach Lhasa within 21 hours with one night spent onboard.

Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an offer moderate-length direct train journeys to Lhasa, taking around 3 days together with diverse landscapes across central China.

Guangzhou offers you the longest train ride to Lhasa, spanning about 4,980 km across 8 provinces, from southern through central to western China and taking over 3 days to complete. With such a long ride, the Guangzhou to Lhasa train (Z264) is best suited for hardcore train lovers or travelers on a tight budget.

While diverse direct trains to Lhasa offer you a scenic and hassle-free ride to the Roof of the World, train tickets can sell out fast. If that happens, no worries! We’ve got the best alternatives for you. Please read on.

All the direct train routes to Lhasa from major cities across China.

Travel by scenic Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa and further travel overland to Tibet Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu.

Best Alternative: Fly to Xining and Take a Train from Xining to Lhasa

If direct trains to Lhasa from cities like Beijing or Shanghai are sold out, the best alternative is to split the journey into two parts: fly to Xining and later take the train from Xining to Lhasa. You can visit China Railway’s official website (12306.cn, English version available) to check the train ticket availability from Xining to Lhasa.

This works well because train tickets from Xining to Lhasa are generally easier to book than those from major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Besides, Xining marks the very beginning of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and the train journey from Golmud to Lhasa promises you the most scenic part of the entire route. Learn more about the breathtaking scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

On top of that, Xining sits at a moderate altitude of around 2,261 meters, making it an ideal place for you to begin adjusting to the steady altitude rise towards the towering Tibetan Plateau.

What’s more, if you have extra time, you can even explore Xining’s famous Ta’er Monastery and the enchanting Qinghai Lake nearby, the largest saltwater lake in China, before hopping on the scenic Tibet train to Lhasa.

Our guests fly from Beijing to Xining and board the Xining to Lhasa train to Tibet.

Fly from Beijing to Xining and board the scenic Tibet train to Lhasas for the epic ride.

Fly or Take a Bullet Train to Other Tibet Nearby Cities Still Offering Trains to Lhasa

Apart from considering taking the Tibet train from Xining to Lhasa, you can also check ticket availability from other cities closer to Tibet, such as Lanzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an. If tickets are available, you can easily fly or take a bullet train from Beijing or Shanghai to one of these cities and later board the Tibet train to Lhasa.

Among these Tibet gateway cities by train in China, we highly recommend Xi’an and Chengdu as the second-best alternatives to taking the Tibet train to Lhasa, right after Xining.

For history buffs, Xi’an, once the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties, offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s glorious past. Here, you can marvel at the life-sized Terracotta Army of the first Chinese emperor, trace the legendary journey of Buddhist master Xuanzang at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, bike on the ancient City Wall, savor hand-pulled noodles, and beyond before boarding the train to Lhasa. Learn more about Xi’an Tibet train tours.

Enjoy the bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an and keep traveling by Tibet train to Lhasa and explore Tibet EBC and beyond.

For travelers with families, Chengdu, the hometown of adorable giant pandas and known for its laid-back city vibe, is a wonderful stopover before heading to Lhasa by train. You can visit the world-renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center to observe adorable pandas playing up close, watch Sichuan Opera at a local teahouse, try the famously spicy Chengdu hot pot, and more. It’s the perfect icing on the cake for your Tibet adventure. Learn more about the Chengdu Tibet train tours.

Explore the lovely giant pandas in Chengdu and hop on the scenic Tibet train from Chengdu to the Roof of the World.

Take Direct Flights to Nyingchi and Take the Nyingchi-Lhasa Bullet Train to Lhasa

If your favourite direct train to Lhasa is currently unavailable, or you are concerned about altitude sickness for your Tibet tour, a win-win solution is to fly directly to Nyingchi, an enchanting and forested city about a 4-hour drive to east of Lhasa in eastern Tibet. From there, you can enjoy a comfortable bullet train from Nyingchi to Lhasa in just 3 hours.

Unlike other Tibet train routes that start from inland China, the Nyingchi to Lhasa bullet train runs through Nyingchi, known for its iconic “Swiss-style” landscapes. You’ll pass through lush forests, turquoise Nyang rivers, snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and idyllic Tibetan villages, a rare view of Tibet’s greener side to behold.

Particularly during the early Spring (mid-March to early April) when massive pink and white peach blossoms burst into full bloom, blanketing the deep gorges in soft shades of pink and white. You feel like venturing into a pink wonderland with blooming peach trees against the crystal-clear rivers and distant snowy mountains. You can join locals for archery, horseback riding, and other local festivities before heading to Lhasa. Highly recommended! Learn more about the Nyingchi tour.

Fly to Nyingchi to enjoy stunning peach blossoms and travel further by tourist bus or bullet train to Lhasa.

Moreover, since Nyingchi has the lowest altitude across Tibet (around 3,000m) and is more forested, warmer, and milder with oxygen-rich air, it is the most ideal Tibet arrival city for travelers of all ages. It offers you a soft landing in Tibet with a smoother acclimatization to the towering Tibetan Plateau.

In addition, getting to Nyingchi can’t be easier. You can easily take the non-stop flights from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Guangzhou to Nyingchi. During the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival in spring, charter non-stop flights from Shanghai are also available for travelers.

Enjoy the amazing peach blossom views from Ningchi to Lhasa by bullet train.

Fly into Lhasa and Enjoy the Scenic Tibet Train Out of Lhasa

During the peak Tibet travel season, when all direct trains to Lhasa are sold out but you still want to experience the Tibet train journey, a great workaround is to fly into Lhasa, and after your Tibet tour is completed, and then take the scenic Tibet train out of Lhasa to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime train ride.

This solution works well because train tickets leaving Lhasa are often easier to get than inbound ones from major Chinese cities. Besides, by the time you leave Lhasa, your body has already adapted to the altitude. Riding the train out allows you to descend gradually from the soaring Tibetan Plateau and feel more comfortable without the previous altitude stress.

What’s more, the scenery is just as spectacular in reverse: snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, turquoise lakes like Tsonag Lake, and herds of Tibetan yaks grazing under the open deep blue sky, all captured in your heart as lasting memories.

Our guests are ready to board the Tibet train to leave Lhasa for the final epic ride.

Travel in Less Busy Seasons to Get Train Tickets More Easily (Mar, April, Early June, Nov to Feb)

Last but not least, if direct train tickets to Lhasa are unavailable, another great alternative is to consider postponing or rescheduling your Tibet train journey.

You will find it much easier to book train tickets to Tibet in less busy seasons, such as March, April, early June, or from November to February. Besides, during these times, both the Tibet trains and Tibetan attractions are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful and immersive travel experience. Learn what it’s like to travel by the Tibet train in four seasons.

Another hidden bonus is that traveling in the shoulder or winter season of the Tibet tour, you can enjoy hefty discounts for mid-range and 5-star luxury hotels across Tibet, and more affordable Tibet tour packages, and free entrance tickets. So long as your schedule is flexible, this can be both a budget-friendly and crowd-free solution!

Our guests enjoy the Tibet winter tour by scenic Tibet train.

Enjoy the thrilling Tibet train journey from Beijing to Tibet in off-season and further travel to Shanghai.

More Insider Tips for Taking a Connecting Train to Lhasa

For foreign nationals taking the Tibet train to Lhasa, you can only travel via a pre-booked and guided Tibet tour with a registered local Tibet travel agency like us, as mandated by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

Meanwhile, as a trusted partner with China Railway, we can offer you one-stop services to secure soft sleeper Tibet train tickets and help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, a key travel document to board the Tibet train to Lhasa and offer convenient flight/train station pick-up and drop-off services, seasoned local Tibetan guide, local driver, and extensive quality local hotel to choose from and beyond. You can enjoy a hassle-free and immersive Tibet train tour like no other!

In addition, the Tibet train journey is both safe and efficient. From Xining to Lhasa, the train is equipped with oxygen supplies and a sealed cabin environment, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride across the Tibetan Plateau.

Onboard, a clean dining car serves decent and freshly prepared Chinese meals. Western-style seated toilets, squat toilets, sink basins for general washing, and a hot water dispenser are also available to ensure you have a comfortable ride on the Tibet train. Learn the top Tibet train FAQs.

Our local Tibetan guide greets newly-arrived guests at Lhasa Railway Station with an auspicious Hada.

Conclusion

So even if direct train tickets to Lhasa are hard to find, don’t let that stop your dream Tibet train journey. Alternatives like flying to Xining, Chengdu, or other closer gateway cities to board the train to Lhasa, or taking an outbound train and rescheduling your Tibet train experience, still allow you to enjoy the epic ride across the rugged Tibetan Plateau.

As the saying goes, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” So, as long as you are ready, we are here to provide you with professional and attentive Tibet travel services you need for an once-in-a-lifetime journey in Tibet. If you have more questions about the Tibet train tour, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Looking forward to traveling with you for an adventure of a lifetime in Tibet. Tashi Delek!