Chengdu to Lhasa Train
Train Z322 is a direct express train from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region. The Chengdu to Lhasa train takes about 34 hours and 38 minutes in total and covers a distance of approximately 3,028 kilometers. Although relatively long, the trip offers spectacular views along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. After leaving Xining, the train travels across the Tibetan Plateau, passing Qinghai Lake, the majestic Kunlun Mountains, Hoh Xil, and the Tanggula Mountains. Along the way, you can enjoy views of vast grasslands, snow-capped peaks, rivers, and occasionally wild yaks.
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Schedule
Currently, there is one pair of trains connecting Chengdu and Lhasa: Z322 from Chengdu to Lhasa and Z324 from Lhasa to Chengdu. Train Z322 starts from Chengdu Longquanyi Railway Station at 19:01 and makes another stop at Chengdu West Railway Station at 20:46. Most passengers traveling from Chengdu to Lhasa will board at Chengdu West Railway Station, located on Jinhui Road in Qingyang District, Chengdu (成都市青羊区金辉路). Therefore, this guide focuses on Chengdu West Railway Station as the main boarding point for the Chengdu-Lhasa journey.
Z322 runs from Chengdu to Lhasa every other day, while Z324 operates in the opposite direction on the same schedule. Along the way, the trains stop at Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, and Golmud. Z322 starts from Chengdu Longquanyi Railway Station, while Z324 makes its final stop there after passing through Chengdu West Railway Station.
There are three main types of accommodation: soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and hard seat, with prices generally ranging from highest to lowest. Each soft sleeper compartment has four berths, a sliding door for privacy, and power outlets. Hard sleeper compartments have six berths in an open layout and are a more economical option. Hard seats are not recommended for this long journey.
Chengdu to Lhasa – Train Z322
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Boarding Station | Chengdu West Railway Station |
| Departure - Arrival | 20:46 - 07:24+2 |
| Duration | 34:38 |
| Frequency | Every other day |
| Soft Sleeper | CNY997.5/USD153 |
| Hard Sleeper | CNY627.5/USD97 |
Note: Before choosing a train from Chengdu to Tibet, please contact a Tibet travel agency to obtain your Tibet Travel Permit. According to regulations, all foreign travelers must have this permit to enter Tibet. Please carry your passport and the original Tibet Travel Permit when boarding the train.
Lhasa to Chengdu – Train Z324
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrival Station | Chengdu West Railway Station |
| Departure - Arrival | 17:30 - 07:01+2 |
| Duration | 37:31 |
| Frequency | Every other day |
| Soft Sleeper | CNY997.5/USD153 |
| Hard Sleeper | CNY627.5/USD97 |
2026&2027 Chengdu Lhasa Train Schedule
| 2026 Months | Chengdu → Lhasa | Lhasa → Chengdu |
| Nov | ODD | ODD |
| Dec | ODD | ODD |
| 2027 Months | Chengdu → Lhasa | Lhasa → Chengdu |
| Jan | EVEN | EVEN |
| Feb | ODD | ODD |
| Mar | ODD | ODD |
| Apr | EVEN | EVEN |
| May | EVEN | EVEN |
| Jun | ODD | ODD |
| Jul | ODD | ODD |
| Aug | EVEN | EVEN |
| Sep | ODD | ODD |
| Oct | ODD | ODD |
| Nov | EVEN | EVEN |
| Dec | EVEN | EVEN |
Please kindly note: ODD refers to the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, etc. EVEN refers to 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, etc.
The Timetable of Chengdu - Lhasa Train Z322
| Railway Stations | Arrival Time | Departure Time | Stop Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu West | 20:18 | 20:46 | 28 minutes |
| Guangyuan | 02:04 | 02:38 | 34 minutes |
| Lanzhou | 08:20 | 08:40 | 20 minutes |
| Xining | 11:22 | 11:42 | 20 minutes |
| Delingha | 15:28 | 15:34 | 6 minutes |
| Golmud | 17:55 | 18:20 | 25 minutes |
| Lhasa | 07:24 | Final Stop | - |
The Timetable of Lhasa - Chengdu Train Z324
| Railway Station | Arrival Time | Departure Time | Stop Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa | - | 17:30 | - |
| Nagqu | 20:55 | 21:01 | 5 minutes |
| Golmud | 08:04 | 08:29 | 25 minutes |
| Delingha | 10:40 | 10:46 | 6 minutes |
| Xining | 16:23 | 16:43 | 20 minutes |
| Lanzhou | 19:29 | 19:52 | 23 minutes |
| Guangyuan | 01:30 | 01:37 | 7 minutes |
| Chengdu | 07:01 | 07:21 | 20 minutes |
How to Book a Chengdu-Lhasa Train Ticket?
At present, you can get a train ticket in two ways. One is to book online by yourself in advance, and the other is to seek help from your commissioned travel agency to book it for you. If you have already booked a ticket yourself, you can enter the railway station using your passport and Tibet Travel Permit.
Major Cities Along the Way
Lanzhou
Situated along the Yellow River, Lanzhou is the second-largest city in northwest China and also a famous city on the ancient Silk Road. Trains between Chengdu and Lhasa will make a stop of about 20 minutes at Lanzhou Railway Station.
Xining
As one of the world’s high-altitude cities, Xining is the eastern gateway city of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the path to the ancient Silk Road and Tangfan Ancient Road. There's Qinghai Lake, known as the paradise of birds, attracting many tourists every year. On the train journey, you can see part of Qinghai Lake. The train between Chengdu and Lhasa will make a stopover for about 20 minutes at Xining Railway Station.
Golmud
The Golmud-Lhasa section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest and longest plateau railway in the world. You will arrive in Golmud in the evening and stop for 25 minutes before entering Lhasa. You can get off the train and have a break at Golmud Railway Station to adapt to the altitude better.
Around 1–2 hours after Golmud, you will catch your first views of the Kunlun Mountains. Along the journey to Lhasa, you will also enjoy the stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and beautiful lakes.
Conclusion
Although the Chengdu to Lhasa train takes 35 hours, the scenic beauty along the way and gradual altitude acclimatization make it well worth the experience. Ensure you have your Tibet Travel Permit ready for a smooth trip, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau.