Cost of Tibet Train Tickets for Foreigners
Every train that rolls onto the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a classic "Z-series" express—green on the outside, gentle on the wallet. A key feature of these trains is their relatively stable fares, which remain nearly consistent throughout the year with only minor fluctuations. This stability stems from their role as a vital lifeline for daily travel, serving a wide range of passengers—from budget-conscious workers and students to families and tourists.
Classic Routes to Tibet: Fares and Durations
Xining to Lhasa
As the starting point for all Tibet-bound trains (where the Qinghai-Tibet Railway begins its most scenic stretch), this 21-hour journey offers a gentle introduction to plateau landscapes. Fares start at around ¥224 for a hard seat, with hard sleepers at approximately ¥495 and soft sleepers (private four-bunk cabins) at ¥781. Along the way, you'll pass vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and even catch glimpses of wild yaks, making the slow pace part of the adventure.
Shanghai to Lhasa
This epic 45-hour ride crosses half of China, blending urban skylines with rural vistas before ascending into the Tibetan Plateau. A hard seat costs about ¥402, while a hard sleeper is around ¥793 and a soft sleeper ¥1,262. Though lengthy, the train's comfortable cabins and dining car (offering hot meals like noodles) make the journey manageable—plus, the changing scenery from the Yangtze Delta to the Himalayan foothills feels like a mini-travelogue.
Beijing to Lhasa
Covering 3,753 kilometers in 40 hours, this route lets you watch China's geography shift from northern plains to high-altitude valleys. Fares are roughly ¥360 for a hard seat, ¥720 for a hard sleeper, and ¥1,144 for a soft sleeper. Many travelers use the journey to acclimatize to higher altitudes gradually, with the train's oxygen supply system easing the transition to Lhasa's 3,650-meter elevation.
Guangzhou to Lhasa
A 53-hour journey from southern China's bustling metropolis to Tibet's spiritual heart, this route combines tropical greenery, mountain ranges, and desert plateaus. Hard seats cost around ¥447, hard sleepers ¥865, and soft sleepers ¥1,468. It's a long haul, but the chance to meet fellow travelers from diverse regions and share stories over steaming cups of tea makes the time fly.
Conclusion
Train tickets to Tibet are not just budget-friendly; they're often half the cost of a flight, leaving you more to Spend money where it counts. Book a Tibet tour package with us, and we'll handle your train ticket reservations free of charge. No more stress over sold-out seats—just sit back, enjoy the ride, and let the plateau unfold before you.
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35 Comment ON "Cost of Tibet Train Tickets for Foreigners"
Asked by Liliana Me** from N/A
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash