Xining-Lhasa Trains

Travel between Xining and Lhasa by train is available for tourists, the distance between them is about 1906 km. Xining (西宁) is the capital of Qinghai Province in western China, and the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau. Xining is also called the Summer Resort Capital of China for its cool summer. The region also provides a number of attractions making a visit to the area well worth considering. The scenery of the Qinghai Lake, provides an escape from fervent cities and allows you to experience beautiful natural sceneries. The Birds Island, situated on the northwest of Qinghai Lake, is a heaven for birds. To the city’s southwest, is the birthplace of the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. There are many attractions, such as, Northern Buddhist Temple in XiningRiyue Mountain in Xining or Sun and Moon Mountain in XiningQinghai Museum, and Dongguan Great Mosque in Xining, which attracts a great deal of visitors all year around. The transportation in two cities is convenient,  train is one of the means of transportation. Take a city tour in Lhasa, visit the famous Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, the Barkhor Street and other highlights of this city and explore the Tibet culture and religions. 

Xining and Lhasa are both hot destinations for tourists from domestic and abroad. The two cities now have connected by railway, which offer tourists a way to see the beauty along the railway from Xining to the Tibetan Plateau by train. Furthermore, you are able to get accustomed with growing altitude gradually to reduce the risk of high altitude sickness if you travel from Xining(2,261m) to Lhasa(3,650m). Here, you will find some information about Xining – Lhasa trains, including train schedule and some tips for travel to the two cities.

Lhasa Railway Station 拉萨火车站
Add: Tongzhan Road, Duilong Deqing District, Lhasa City 拉萨市堆龙德庆区通站路
Tel:0971-9510 5105

Xining Railway Station 西宁火车站
Add: Jiangguo Road, Chengdong District, Xining City 青海省西宁市城东区建国路
Tel:0971-7192 222

Trains Timetable from From Xining to Lhasa

Train No.
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Travel Time
Z323
12:27
09:55  (+1day)
21h28m
Z917
14:01
11:20  (+1day)
21h19m
Z21
15:21
12:40 (+1day)
21h19m
Z165
21:27
19:30 (+1day)
22h3m

Trains Timetable from From Lhasa to Xining

Train No.
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Travel Time
Z166
11:30
08:55 (+1day)
21h25m
Z22
16:30
13:25(+1day)
20h55m
Z324
18:35
15:15(+1day)
20h40m
Z918 09:00
06:43(+1day)
21h43m
Z266
11:30
08:55(+1day)
21h25m 

Please Note:

  • The route is very hot, so please book the tickets in advance if you want to get to Lhasa from Xining by train.
  • Generally, the seats on the train in China have two types including soft seat and hard seat. Also, there are two kinds of sleeper seats on China’s trains which are hard berth and soft berth. Hard berth is divided into upper berth, middle berth and lower hard sleeper (lower berth is the best); while soft berth is divided into upper berth and lower berth (lower berth is better).
  • In China, taking a train is a comparative cheaper way to cut down the travel cost. While correspondingly, the comfortable level is lower than by air.
  • For luggages, passengers need to take them by themselves and keep an eye on them during transporting without luggage-checking service on the train.
  • Do not bring too many luggages during the peak seasons if possible.
  • The above trains might be slightly changed due to practical situation, feel free to contact us for the detailed and newest information
  • Tibet Travel Permit is required for entering Lhasa and travelling around Tibet, make sure you got the permit before going Tibet by train, or you will not be allowed to get on the train. If you don’t have the permit, we could offer the service include the permit application, ticket booking and Tibet tour arrangement.