Tibet Train Schedule and Price 2024

Train Tickets in China start to sell 15 days in advance. Train tickets to Lhasa are always in high demand, so making a booking 30 days in advance is highly recommended, or it's difficult to guarantee the train tickets, but leave it to fate and luck.

Tibet trains run daily between Lhasa and Beijing/ Shanghai/ Guangzhou/ Lanzhou/ Xining/ Xian, and every other day between Chengdu/ Chongqing.

All agencies charge service fees besides the official ticket price between CNY 200~1000 depending on the season and different cities. In general, the train to Lhasa is in higher demand, and harder to purchase, thus the service fee is higher than the train from Lhasa.

Time Schedule and Official Prices of Tibet Train

The train between Lhasa and Chengdu/Chongqing departs every other day. Check the table below to see the ODD & EVEN-number date in 2024 that has the train from/to Chengdu and Chongqing. Eg. in Jan 2024, the train from Chengdu to Lhasa, only available on EVEN-number days. Like on 02 Jan, 04 Jan., etc.

Note: We will update this schedule once the new ones are issued.

How to Buy a Tibet Train Ticket

Since 2021, Tibet train tickets can be purchased on the official site of the state-owned China Railway(www.12306.cn) 15 days in advance. The Tibet train tickets sell out quickly all year long. It is almost impossible for foreigners to purchase it on their own. Hence it is highly suggested that you book the train ticket with the same agency which arranges your Tibet tour. Usually, CNY 200~1000 will be added as a service fee depending on the season.

Don’t keep any hope of buying Tibet train tickets at the railway station on the spot after you arrive in China. It is almost impossible.

Usually, after your agency books your Tibet Train ticket, they will forward you an ETicket with an order number on it. With this order number & your original passport, you can exchange the actual paper ticket at the ticket hall of any railway station in China.

Children’s Tibet Train Ticket

Children's discounted prices of Tibet trains are based on their height. No children can take the Tibet train alone without the company of an adult. The height of the children will be checked at the railway station.

Children under 1.2m: free of charge, if one of such child shares one sleeper with one adult; 
Children between 1.2~1.5M: half price, if one of such child shares one sleeper with one adult;
Children over 1.5M: full price, sleeper of his/her own;

What to Pack for a 2-day Tibet Train Journey

You should realize that you will spend 2 nights on the train. The Qinghai-Tibet train is considered as a 3-star facility train in China, but it is not a hotel, and no disposable provided. You need to prepare your own slippers, towel, cup, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and even toilet paper. 

Another problem you have to think about is the food, although there is a restaurant car in the middle of the train which provides Chinese food. At least you need to think about buying some milk, bread, fruit, and instant noodles. etc. for the train journey. 

Luggage Limitation & Prohibited Items on Tibet Train

Unlike traveling by air, the Tibet train does not provide a luggage check-in service. All of your luggage has to be carried along by yourself. There’s a shelf available in the carriage for you to put your luggage with. 

Luggage Limitation on Tibet Train: 20kg/ Adult Passenger
The width, height, and length of one piece of luggage is limited to 160cm; 
The length of luggage in the shape of the pole is limited to 200cm;
The weight of a wheelchair for the disabled does not include luggage limitation;

Prohibited Items on Tibet Train

• Archery equipment
• Canisters, tanks or other devices containing propellants
• Corrosive or dangerous chemicals or materials, including but not limited to liquid bleach, tear gas, electronic control devices (stun guns, TASER guns), radioactive and harmful bacteriological materials
• Firearms or ammunition. Black powder, percussion caps or any ammunition used with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion-cap ignition system or similar type are never permitted; this includes self-loaded, gunpowder-based modern ammunition
• Incendiaries, including but not limited to flammable gasses, liquids, fuels, fireworks, and other explosive devices
• Martial arts and self-defense items, including but not limited to knives, and guns. etc
• Oversized and/or overweight items
• Perishables
• Animals or any objects impeding public health including extremely odorous objects