Beijing + Tibet Tours
Chengdu + Tibet Tours
Shanghai + Tibet Tours
Xining + Tibet Tours
Lanzhou Lhasa Train Schedules and Fares
At present, there are 4 pairs of trains running Lanzhou and Lhasa every day, with stops in cities such as Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Nagchu, etc.
The seats in the train between Lanzhou and Lhasa can be divided into three classes - Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper and Hard Seat. Accordingly, they are charged with different prices. The Hard Seat is the cheapest, but not recommended, for you have one night to stay in the train. The Hard Sleeper is more expensive and offers a berth (6 berths in a compartment) to sleep. The Soft Sleeper has the highest price, and offers the best facilities and best environment.
Check the following table for details about Lanzhou Lhasa Train Schedules and Fares to decide which to choose.
Which Seat Class to should I take, Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper or Hard Seat?
With one night to stay in the train, Hard Seat is not recommended to tourists because it’s more likely to get a high altitude sickness without a good rest. In Soft Sleeper and Hard Sleeper, there are also quite different facilities and services. Most foreign travelers prefer to have a Soft Sleeper for a better sleep. There are only 4 berth in one compartment of Soft Sleeper Carriage, while there are 6 in the Hard Sleeper Compartment. So you are unable to stretch your body freely in the bunk of Hard Sleeper Carriage. With a door in every compartment in the Soft Sleeper Carriage, it will be quieter. Moreover, you can use the cleaner water basin and toilets because they are shared by less people. The following chart is the facility information of Soft Sleeper and Hard Sleeper:
Comparison between Soft Sleeper and Hard Sleeper
| Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of Sleepers | 4 | 6 |
| Size of Sleeper | Width:700mm/Length:1900mm | Width:500mm/Length:1800mm |
| TV | Yes | No |
| Power Supply | Yes | No |
| Vacuum Flask | Yes | Yes |
| Door | Yes | No |
(Important Notice: Since there are usually about 64 Soft Sleepers on each train to Tibet, so you’d better confirm your trip and book the train tickets as early as possible. Currently passenger can book the train ticket 15 days in advance.)
Facilities on Lanzhou Lhasa Train - Life on the Train
| Air Conditioning and Oxygen Supply | All trains connecting Lanzhou and Lhasa enjoy an air-condition system. It is able to create appropriate temperature and adequate ventilation. To offer enough oxygen, the trains are equipped with two kinds of oxygen supply stems. One is "dispersion-mode" oxygen supply system to add oxygen in the cars and keep a sufficient oxygen content. The other oxygen supply can be used directly by the passengers through independent ports whenever they need. The oxygen outlet can be found everywhere in the train. As the trains reach Golmud Railway Station, the oxygen supply begins to work. |
| Food and Drink | There is a dining carriage in the middle of the train where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Only Chinese food is provided here such as rice, vegetables and soup. It is also accessible to buy some food and fruits from the Food Trolley. At the end of every carriage, there is a Hot Water Dispenser from which you can get some water. Do not drink the water in washing area. |
| Luggage Storage | There are luggage areas in every carriage. In Soft Sleeper Compartment, the luggage closet is located above the door. It is about 16 inches (40cm) high and 20 inches (50cm) wide. In the Hard Sleeper Carriage, the luggage area is above the window by the side of aisle. In the Hard Seat Carriage, you can find luggage area above the seats by the window. You can also place your suitcase under the seats. |
| Toilet and Washing | There is a western-style toilet in every Soft Sleeper Carriage and a squat toilet in every Hard Sleeper Carriage or Hard Seat Carriage. Toilet paper is not provided in the toilets and you need to bring your own. There is a simple washbasin in the toilet and another outside. Only cold water (undrinkable) is provided. |
| Compartment | You can see a table, a vacuum flask, a trash can and a power supply socket in every compartment. In the Soft Sleeper Carriage, there are small TVs fixed on the door near the aisle. There are also pothooks for hanging clothes or small bags. |
Lanzhou to Lhasa or Lhasa to Lanzhou?
It all depends on whether you travel from Lanzhou to Lhasa or from Lhasa to Lanzhou. If you want to experience a sightseeing train, Lanzhou-Lhasa Train and Lhasa-Lanzhou Train both won’t disappoint you. Along the railway between Lanzhou and Lhasa, you can view endless breathtaking scenery.
Starting your train journey from Lanzhou, you have an opportunity to adapt the high altitude gradually which can reduce the risk of high altitude sickness. However, the highest altitude on the way reaches to over 5,000 km, and you might not feel quite good while the train is passing the highest land.
Taking a train from Lhasa to Lanzhou and you have already accustomed with the high altitude in Tibet, you can just focus on sightseeing.
Beautiful High Plateau Landscape along the Qinghai Tibet Railway
Major Cities along the Way
The train journey from Lanzhou to Lhasa takes about 23~23.5 hours. During the 24 hours, you will stop at 3 to 5 stations (depending on the specific train). When the train stops at the railway stations, you can take a walk outside and breathe the fresh air. The following is a short introduction to the three important cities along the road.
Xining
Xining is an important tourists’ city preached on the edge of Tibet Plateau. Many tourists come here to explore the Buddhism in Taer Monastery and enjoy the beauty of Qinghai Lake. Qinghai Lake is a surreal-looking saline lake in west Xining. Apart from the spectacular lake view, it provides flourishing flowers and heaps of birds. You can get a glimpse of Qinghai Lake on your train journey. The trains will stop at Xining Railway Station for 20 minutes. You can go out and stretch your legs.
Golmud
Golmud is famous for its featured natural landscape. The mountains, lakes, parries and animals have attracted large amounts of tourists. The trains will take a stop at Golmud Railway Station for 25 minutes. If weather permits, you may see the stars at night. The altitude is getting higher from Golmud to Lhasa so you can drink some hot water and have a good rest to prevent altitude sickness.
Nagchu
Nagchu is famous for its iciness and vastness. Thanks to the harsh natural condition, the grassland is protected well and maintains its overwhelming primitiveness which always gives a shock to the tourists. On a good day, you may be able to see the most amazing views when the green or yellow grassland join the azure sky in distance and the drooping clouds fly over the flocks and herds. The trains between Lanzhou and Lhasa just stop at Nagchu Railway Station for 6 minutes. You are not recommended to walk out.
Beautiful Qinghai Lake in Xining, Qinghai Province
Cuo'na Lake in Nagchu along Qinghai Tibet Railway
How to Plan a Lanzhou Travel
Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, is a historic city stretched along the Yellow River. As a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, it blends rich history with modern energy. Known for its riverside landmarks, friendly locals, and world-famous beef noodles, Lanzhou serves as the perfect gateway to Northwest China and the journey to Tibet.
One Day Esscence of Lanzhou Tour
Start your journey at the Gansu Provincial Museum, where the legendary "Flying Bronze Horse" awaits. Then, follow the Yellow River to three iconic riverside landmarks: the tender Statue of Mother Yellow River, the century-old Zhongshan Bridge (the first iron bridge to span the river), and the charming Waterwheel Park, where giant wooden wheels turn gracefully against the city skyline. Cap off your day at White Pagoda Mountain. You can take a cable car or a leisurely walk to the top, and be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Lanzhou and the mighty Yellow River winding through the city below.
If you have more days, transfer to Dunhuang. There are world-famous Mogao Caves, magical Echoing Sand Mountains and beautiful Crescent Lake, which will give you an unforgettable trip.
Waterwheel Park in Lanzhou City
Tibet Travel Permit and Train Travel
A Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) is the MUST-HAVE DOCUMENT to take a train to Lhasa from Lanzhou. However, only authorized travel agencies can apply for it on your behalf. But don't worry, since the procedure to obtain the permit is not complicated. And we Tibet Discovery can help you handle all the stuff. As one of the leading local Tibet tour operators, Tibet Discovery has expertise in the permit policy and the application process. With years of experience, we specialize in efficiently obtaining Tibet Travel Permits for our clients. Just confirm your Tibet tour with us and provide us with your necessary documents (valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining & Chinese Visa), and we manage all application procedures to ensure you receive your permit promptly, allowing you to enjoy your trip as planned.
Please note 1) it takes about 14 working days to receive your Tibet Travel Permit after you provide us with copies of your valid passport and Chinese Visa, so we recommend you send these documents well in advance to us. 2) remember to duplicate at least 3 copies of Tibet Travel Permit, as it will be required for many occasions throughout your trip.
Learn more detail about Tibet Travel Permit Application
Sample of Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit)
How to Book Lanzhou Lhasa Train Tickets
You can book tickets yourself either online or at the railway station. For online booking, visit the official 12306 website (www.12306.cn/en) or download the 12306 App (which has an English version). The process involves registering an account, completing identity verification by entering your passport information, then searching for trains and making payment, with support for Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay bank cards. Alternatively, you can visit any railway station ticket office in person to buy tickets with your passport and Tibet Travel Permit. If you prefer a more convenient option, simply provide your passport information to a trusted travel agency to book for you, saving the trouble of registering and going through the verification process yourself.
Both your passport and Tibet Travel Permit are required to book train tickets at a railway station, but only passport information is needed if you book online. Please have both documents ready in advance, as they will be checked when entering the station, during ticket inspection, and when boarding the train.
How to Get to Lanzhou Railway Station
There are several railway stations in Lanzhou, including Lanzhou Railway Station, Lanzhou East Railway Station, Lanzhou Xinqu Railway Station and Lanzhou Xinqunan Railway Station, among which Lanzhou Railway Station is the only railway station operating trains to Lhasa.
Lanzhou Railway Station is located in No. 393, East Railway Station Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City (兰州市城关区火车站东路393号), about 4 kilometersfrom the city center, approximately 15 minutes' drive away. It is easily accessible by multiple public buses or a short taxi ride. For a more convenient and hassle-free experience, you can also choose our private transfer service. Feel free to contact us!
If travelers choose to fly to Lanzhou and then transfer to Lhasa by train, you can take high speed trains running between Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport and Lanzhou Railway Station. You can get there within one hour.
B-Plan for Lanzhou Lhasa Train
1. Take a flight to Tibet
It is also available to take a flight directly (about 2.5 hours) to Lhasa from Lanzhou if there isn’t any accessible train ticket. However, there is only one flight per day, so it is better to make a decision and book the ticket early.
(The above flight info is just for reference only.)
2. Take Train to Tibet from other Cities
If you fail to book a train ticket of Lanzhou to Lhasa but you don’t want to miss the beautiful landscape around Qinghai-Tibet Lhasa Railway, take a train from other trains from other cities. Available trains include Beijing-Lhasa train, Chengdu-Lhasa train, Chongqing-Lhasa train, Xian-Lhasa train, Shanghai-Lhasa Train, Guangzhou-Lhasa Train, and Xining-Lhasa Train. Xining offers the best chance of securing a ticket, as all trains to Lhasa must pass through Xining. Fly to Xining, and you will get greater opportunity to book the train.
Tibet Train Routes and Gateway Cities
- Beijing Lhasa Train
- Shanghai Lhasa Train
- Chengdu Lhasa Train
- Chongqing Lhasa Train
- Guangzhou Lhasa Train
- Lanzhou Lhasa Train
- Xining Lhasa Train
- Xian Lhasa Train
- Lhasa Shigatse Train
- Lhasa Nyingchi Train
- Yunnan Tibet Railway
- Sichuan Tibet Railway
More Information about Tibet Train
- How to Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel Train Ticket
- How to Read Tibet Train Ticket and Ticket Maps
- Change Tibet Trains at Xining Since April 19
- Tibet Train Sleeper and Seat Types
- Soft Sleeper on Tibet Trains
- Hard Sleeper on Tibet Trains
- Hard Seats on Tibet Trains
- Tibet Lhasa Train Schedule & Ticket Price
- Facilities and Amenities on Tibet Trains
- Oxygen Supply on Tibet Trains
- Medical Service in Tibet Trains
- Toilet and Bathroom on Tibet Trains
- Dining on Tibet Trains
- Tibet Train Luggage Allowance and Restriction
- How to Board & Disembark Tibet Trains
- Qinghai Tibet Railway Facts and Features
- What to see along the Qinghai Tibet Railway
- Latest News about Tibet Train
- Tibet Travel Permit and Tibet Train Travel
- Lhasa Railway Station
- Tibet Railways Map
- Tibet Train FAQs
Recommended Tibet Train Tour Packages
Check out our most popular train tour packages departing from most popular gateway cities to Tibet - Beijing,Xian, Chengdu, Xining, Shanghai, etc. All packages are customizable according to your requirements. If you have more time, you can extend your trip from Lhasa to other popular destinations, such as Shigatse, Mount Everest, Nyingchi, Ngari, etc. Check more >Tibet Train Tours
-
Chengdu / Lhasa
7 Days Private Scenic Tibet Train Tour from Chengdu
Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, Qinghai Tibet Railway, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
-
Chengdu / Xining / Lhasa
9 Days Private Chengdu Panda & Qinghai Tibet Railway Experience Tour
Highlights: Chengdu Panda Base, Qinghai Lake, Scenic Qinghai-Tibet Train Journey, Potala Palace
-
Xining / Lhasa
6 Days Scenic Private Qinghai Tibet Train Tour from Xining
Highlights: Qinghai Lake, Scenic Qinghai-Tibet Train Journey, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
Prefer to tailor a trip that totally suits your requirements and interests? Our 20+ professional, helpful and friendly travel experts are ready to help! Tell us your needs, and one of our experts will get to you with trip details within 0.5~23.5 hrs. You can also call us at 86-28-85227275 / 86-28-85223672.
Karen
Wonder
Jack
Rita
Johnson
Vivien
Wing
Ariel
Leo
Tracy
Evelyn
April
Phoebe
Kelly
Shirley
Reya
Juliet
Elk
Samantha
Felix
SeanOur specialists are always ready to help!
Have a question? Get answers from our travel experts soon!
- Your Question:
- Your Name:
- Your Email:
- Submit