Tibet Train Schedules and Prices 2026

In general, trains from mainland China to Lhasa are in much higher demand and more difficult to purchase than those from Lhasa back to mainland cities. Train tickets in China go on sale 15 days in advance, but tickets to Lhasa often sell out quickly. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to book at least 30 days ahead, as it can be difficult to secure seats—sometimes it depends on luck and timing.

Tibet trains run daily between Lhasa and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Xining, and Xi’an, and every other day between Chengdu and Chongqing.

Time Schedules and Official Prices of the Tibet Train

The table above shows part of the Tibet train schedules for your reference. If you’d like to see more routes and detailed information, please visit the related pages for major trains such as the Beijing–Lhasa Train, Shanghai–Lhasa Train, Chengdu–Lhasa Train, Xining–Lhasa Train, and others, or vice versa.

Please note that the Xi’an–Lhasa trains are pass-by trains originating from Shanghai and Guangzhou. In addition, all Tibet trains pass through Lanzhou and Xining, where the Qinghai–Tibet Railway begins its climb onto the plateau.

How to Buy a Tibet Train Ticket?

Tibet train tickets can be purchased on the official website of the state-owned China Railway (www.12306.cn) up to 15 days in advance. However, tickets to Tibet sell out quickly throughout the year. For foreign travelers, it's very difficult to secure preferred seats such as soft or hard sleepers at the station, as they are usually fully booked well in advance.

Therefore, it's highly recommended to book your train tickets through the same agency that arranges your Tibet tour. An additional service fee of CNY 200-1000 may apply, depending on the season and departure city.

Usually, after your agency books your Tibet Train ticket, they will forward you an E-Ticket with your name on it. Passengers can enter the railway station with their original passport and a copy of your Tibet Travel Permit, and then proceed to board the train through the manual check channel. After leaving Golmud, oxygen is supplied throughout the train, helping passengers gradually adapt to the high altitude of the plateau.

Here's a video for your reference.

Children’s Tibet Train Ticket

Children's discounted prices for Tibet trains are based on their age. No child can take the train alone without the company of an adult. The age of the children will be checked according to her/his passports.

• Children under 6 years old: free of charge. One adult can take only one child, and the child shouldn't occupy any sleeper/seat.
• Children between 6 and 13 years old: 15% to 50% discount, sleeper/seat of their own;
• Children over 14 years old: full price, sleeper/seat 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 a 3-star facility train in China, but it is not a hotel, and no disposable items are 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 the 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 on.

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

Prohibited Items on the 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 is never permitted; this includes self-loaded, gunpowder-based modern ammunition
• Incendiaries, including but not limited to flammable gases, liquids, fuels, fireworks, and other explosive devices
• Martial arts and self-defense items, including but not limited to knives and guns, and so on
• Oversized and/or overweight items
• Perishables
• Animals or any objects impeding public health, including extremely odorous objects

Conclusion

Tibet train tickets are in high demand, especially for routes from major Chinese cities to Lhasa. To secure your preferred soft or hard sleeper, it's highly recommended to book your Tibet train tickets in advance. By checking the Tibet train schedules and prices 2026, you can plan your journey effectively and enjoy a smooth train ride across the stunning Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.