Chongqing to Lhasa Train

The Chongqing to Lhasa train Z223 departs every other day. The entire railway is 3,269 kilometers long and takes about 33 hours and 48 minutes. You will depart from Chongqing West Railway Station at 21:53 in the evening, passing through the four provincial regions of Chongqing, Sichuan, Qinghai, and Tibet along the way, and finally arrive at Lhasa Railway Station at 07:41 in the morning on the third day.

Also please remember to take your personal passport, Tibet Entry Permit and your train ticket before boarding the train. As you might be checked several times during the train journey, it is recommended that you bring several copies of your Tibet Travel Entry Permit.

Reasons for Taking a Chongqing to Train

1. The Chongqing to Lhasa train is one of the popular Tibet trains along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Chongqing is very distinctive and worthwhile to visit. Chongqing is surrounded by mountains and is built on the mountain where the Yangtze River and Jialing River intersect. It is also known as Jiangcheng, also known as the mountain city. The night view of the mountain city is the most famous scene in Chongqing. And Chongqing hot pot is famous all over the world, spicy and delicious. Before traveling to Tibet, you can also take a cruise to this hilly city along Three Gorges on the Yangtze River.
2. Transportation in Chongqing is very convenient for foreigners. You can fly to Chongqing directly from Seattle, London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Budapest, Sydney, Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Seoul, Osaka, etc.
3. The scenery of the train travel is breathtaking, especially from Xining to Lhasa, which you cannot have such an experience by air. You will be attracted by the white clouds, snow-capped mountains, bright sunshine, emerald grassland, colorful prayer flags, limpid lakes, etc.
4. Last but not least, taking a train to Tibet is the best way for you to adapt to the high altitude gradually.

Chongqing to Lhasa Train Schedule

In the southwest of China, there are two famous and important train routes. One is the Chongqing to Lhasa train route, and the other is the Chengdu to Lhasa train route. Trains depart from Chongqing and Chengdu, respectively. For example, if Chengdu departs on odd days of a month (January 1, 3, 5...), then Chongqing’s departure days are even (January 2, 4, 6...). So if you miss the Chongqing departure day, you can choose to take the high-speed train from Chongqing to Chengdu, which is only a 1.5-hour ride, and take the train from Chengdu to Tibet the next day.

Since Chongqing West Railway Station is large, passengers who are unfamiliar with it may get lost and miss the train. You are advised to arrive at the station 1 hour before departure to avoid delays and reduce losses.

The Latest Timetable of Chongqing to Lhasa Train:

2025 Chongqing Lhasa Train Schedule

Please kindly note: ODD refers to 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, etc. EVEN refers to 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, etc.

How to Get to Chongqing West Railway Station?

The Chongqing to Lhasa train now departs from Chongqing West Railway Station instead of Chongqing North Railway Station. Chongqing West Railway Station is located in the western suburbs of Chongqing, which is about 40 kilometers away from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, about 20.9 kilometers away from Chongqing North Railway Station, and about 15 kilometers away from Chongqing Railway Station.

Location: No.168, Fengzhong Road, Shapingba District of Chongqing (重庆市沙坪坝区凤中路168号). 

From Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is located in the northern suburbs of Chongqing, and it is 40km away.

By Subway: You can take Line 10 - Line 4 - Circle Line to Chongqing West Railway Station, which takes about 1hr and 16mins, at CNY 7.

By Bus: You can take the Airport Express Bus K06 directly to Chongqing West Railway Station. The journey is approximately 70 mins. The shuttle bus operates from 8:30 to 21:00, departing every 40-60 mins and costing CNY 20 per person.

By Taxi: Alternatively, you can travel between the two places by taxi, which takes about 1.5 hours and may be relatively higher.

Sidenote: It's better not to go to Chongqing West Railway Station to take the train to Tibet on the same day you arrive at Chongqing Airport. One is the inconvenience of transportation, and the other is that the train journey takes too long and you might be very tired. You are suggested to stay in Chongqing for 1-2 days and then take the train.

From Chongqing North Railway Station

There's a distance of around 20km, and it takes at least 53 mins.

Take Chongqing Rail Transit Loop Line: Walk to the South Square of Chongqing North Railway Station and then take Chongqing Rail Transit Loop Line to Chongqing West Railway Station. It takes 53 mins at CNY 5. Frequency is based on passenger flow, usually every 10 mins.

By high-speed train: You also can take a high-speed train from the North Railway Station to the West Railway Station, which takes around 25 mins. The first-class seat is 19 CNY per person. There are around 17 trains each day.

From Chongqing Railway Station

There's a distance of 15km, and it takes at least 26 mins to ride.

By Subway: Walk 380 meters, get on Metro Line 1 (heading to Bishan) at Lianglukou Station, and then change to Line 5 (heading to Tiaodeng) at Shiqiaopu Station after 5 stops. Get off at Chongqing West Railway Station after 4 stops. It takes about 42 mins and costs CNY 4.

By Taxi: Taking a taxi is also a good choice and it takes around CNY 35 for a 26 mins drive.

How to Buy Chongqing to Lhasa Train Tickets?

1. Entrust a travel agency to buy the train ticket for you. (Recommended!)

The most convenient way is to entrust a travel agency to buy a Chongqing to Lhasa train ticket. You just need to book your train ticket 15 days prior and send a copy of your passport to the travel agency. Correspondingly, the travel agency would charge you a service fee, which varies depending on the tourist season.

2. Buy the train ticket at a train station or railway ticket agency

The disadvantage of this method of purchase is that in addition to your passport, you also need to provide your Tibet entry permit, which is usually issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau 10 days before your departure date. And the train ticket is released 15 days in advance in China. So if you wait for your Tibet entry permit, it's very likely that the ticket will be sold out.

3. Buy the train ticket online at https://www.12306.cn

This is a good choice for foreign guests living in mainland China. The disadvantage of this method is that the website requires real-name registration, and the system will review it after registration. Besides, you must have taken the train once before you buy the train ticket on the official website. Or you can ask your Chinese friends to help you buy train tickets.

Conclusion

The Chongqing to Lhasa train offers a scenic and comfortable journey across China’s diverse landscapes, taking you from Chongqing’s mountain city charm to Tibet’s majestic beauty. With convenient schedules, modern amenities, and breathtaking views, it’s a memorable way to experience Tibet’s unique environment. Ensure you have your permits and tickets in order for a smooth trip.