Lanzhou to Lhasa Train
Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu province and a tourist city with the second shortest train route to Lhasa, is an excellent gateway to Tibet. Thus, large numbers of tourists choose to travel by train to Tibet. The Lanzhou to Lhasa train only takes around 23 hours and covers a distance of 2,188 kilometers (1,360 miles). Traveling to Tibet by train from Lanzhou, you will view the stunning landscape along Qinghai Tibet Railway, such as Qinghai Lake, Kunlun Snow Mountain, Hoh Xil No Man's Land, Tanggula Mountain, etc. Also, you can have a good rest to adapt to the high altitude.
Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Schedule
There are generally about four pass-by trains heading to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu/Chongqing, and Guangzhou, which have stopovers in Lanzhou. As it's a long journey to Tibet from Lanzhou by train, you are supposed to choose a comfortable cabin for a good rest. There are two classes of cabins available: a soft sleeper cabin with a supple bed and more privacy (4 beds in one compartment) and a hard sleeper cabin (6 beds in one compartment).
Here, we list the schedules and prices of all the trains from Lanzhou to Lhasa. Please keep in mind that your Tibet Travel Permit is required to be present when checking in for the train from Lanzhou to Lhasa.
Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Schedule:
| Train No. | Dep. - Arr. | Duration | Soft Sleeper Ticket | Hard Sleeper Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z223/Z323 Chengdu/Chongqing to Lhasa train |
08:40 - 07:41+1 | 23hr 01min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
| Z21 Beijing to Lhasa train |
12:31 - 11:42+1 | 23hr 11min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
| Z265 Guangzhou to Lhasa train |
15:32 - 14:54+1 | 23hr 22min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
| Z165 Shanghai to Lhasa train |
16:36 - 15:30+1 | 22hr 54min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
Lhasa to Lanzhou Train Schedule:
| Train No. | Dep. - Arr. | Duration | Soft Sleeper Ticket | Hard Sleeper Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z166 | 11:50 - 12:06+1 | 24h 16min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
| Z266 | 12:35 - 13:18+1 | 24h 43min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
| Z22 | 15:50 - 16:13+1 | 24h 23min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
| Z224/Z324 | 19:00 - 19:29+1 | 24h 29min | CNY823/USD127 | CNY522/USD80 |
Notice: The timetable and schedule are just used for reference. Actually, at present, Tibet travel is quite popular and the actual ticket requirements far exceed the supply. As a result, tourists have to pay more than the net price to buy tickets. Sometimes, even travel agencies have to buy tickets from scalpers. Therefore, we can help you book the train tickets in and out of Lhasa by adding a little service fee (subject to different seasons and cities) to the net price to guarantee the tickets for you.
How to Get to Lanzhou Railway Station
Currently, there are four railway stations in Lanzhou: Lanzhou Station, Lanzhou West, Lanzhou East, and Lanzhou North. Only Lanzhou Railway Station (Lanzhou Station) provides trains to Tibet. Please note that Lanzhou East and North stations mainly handle freight, while Lanzhou South is a high-speed rail station. Going to the wrong station may result in missing your train, so be sure to head to the correct one.
Location of Lanzhou Railway Station: No. 393, Eastern Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City (兰州市城关区火车站东路393号).
From Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport to Lanzhou Railway Station
1. Intercity Train (Recommended)
Follow the signs in Terminal 2 to walk to the Zhongchuan Airport Railway Station. Take the intercity train from Zhongchuan Airport East to Lanzhou Station. The journey takes about 1 hour, and the ticket costs around CNY 20. It's fast and convenient.
2. Airport Shuttle Bus
Take the Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 directly to Lanzhou Railway Station. Ticket counters are available at various points in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Route: Zhongchuan Airport → Wanda Crossroad → Oriental Hotel → Lanzhou Railway Station
Operating Hours: From the first arriving flight until the last
Frequency: Buses depart based on flight arrivals
Ticket Price: Around CNY 30
3. Taxi
Take a Taxi at the airport. The ride to Lanzhou Railway Station is about 72 km, takes roughly 50 minutes, and costs approximately CNY 280 depending on traffic and time of day.
From Lanzhou West Railway Station to Lanzhou Railway Station
1. By Bus (Budget-Friendly)
Take Bus No. 31 or K102 between Lanzhou West and Lanzhou Railway Station. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and the fare is CNY 4.
2. By Train (Fastest)
Buy a train ticket from Lanzhou West to Lanzhou Station. The journey takes about 10–14 minutes, and the ticket price ranges from CNY 6–8.
3. By Metro (Convenient)
Board Metro Line 1 at Lanzhou West Station (North Square), heading toward Donggang. After 7 stops, transfer at Dongfanghong Square to Line 2, heading toward Yanbai Bridge. Get off after 2 stops at Lanzhou Railway Station. The full trip takes about 30 minutes.
4. By Taxi (Flexible)
Taking a taxi is another convenient option. The journey takes about 25–35 minutes, and the fare is around CNY 25–30. However, be aware that it may be difficult to find a taxi during peak hours.
Facilities of Lanzhou Lhasa Train
The Lanzhou–Lhasa train is well-equipped to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. A dining car offers basic meals, snacks, and drinks, while each coach has toilets and washbasins at both ends. Boiled drinking water is available 24 hours a day. To help passengers adjust to the high-altitude environment, the train is equipped with both a centralized oxygen supply system and individual oxygen outlets near each berth. These systems help minimize the risk of altitude sickness, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey with peace of mind.
Conclusion
Taking the train from Lanzhou to Lhasa offers stunning views of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and a comfortable way to acclimatize to high altitude. With modern facilities and oxygen supply systems, it’s a great option for travelers heading to Tibet. Just ensure you have your Tibet Travel Permit ready.