Ultimate Guide to Booking a Luxurious Tibet Train Ticket
Many foreign travelers wonder: what's the most luxurious option, and how do you secure a private, comfortable space? Go read and you'll know everything.
First things first—all trains to Tibet are classic green-skinned trains (no dedicated "luxury" carriages), but they offer three seating options: hard seat (basic, bench-style), hard sleeper (open-plan berths with no private doors), and soft sleeper (the premium choice for comfort-seeking travelers). Hard sleeper is affordable but lacks privacy, with rows of berths lining open carriages—great for budget travelers but not ideal if you're after a quiet family or private experience. Soft sleeper, however, is where comfort meets convenience: each compartment has four berths (two upper, two lower) with a sliding door that closes off the aisle, creating a cozy, private space for your group. It's the closest you'll get to a luxurious train experience on Tibet routes, perfect for those wanting to arrive refreshed and ready to explore Lhasa or beyond.
Let's dive into why soft sleeper is worth the upgrade. Each 4-berth compartment comes with wider, cushioned mattresses that feel far more comfortable than hard sleeper options, even on the 40+ hour journey from cities like Beijing or Shanghai. You'll find a small table between the lower berths—ideal for sharing snacks or planning your itinerary—and charging outlets for each berth. Most importantly, every berth has its own oxygen outlet: as the train climbs to high altitudes (up to 5,072 meters at Tanggula Pass), you can attach the provided tubes for a steady supply of oxygen, easing altitude discomfort. Each compartment also has a hot water flask you can refill at the carriage's water station, and there's a luggage rack above the door for small bags—larger suitcases fit neatly under the lower berths. While the soft sleeper is luxurious by Tibet train standards, it's important to note that bathrooms are shared for every whole carriage and there are no shower facilities on board—pack travel-sized toiletries and wet wipes for freshness.
Can You Get a Private Cabin for Two?
Many couples or small families ask if they can book a private 2-person cabin—and while Tibet trains don't offer dedicated two-bed compartments, there's a simple workaround: book all four tickets in a soft sleeper compartment. This turns the space into your private haven, perfect for families wanting to travel together or groups seeking privacy. However, Tibet train tickets (especially soft sleeper) sell out fast, especially during peak season (June to August).
Pro Tips for Booking Your Premium Tibet Train Ticket
To ensure your journey is as smooth as possible, here are some key tips: Book early—during peak season, tickets go on sale 15 days in advance, and soft sleeper cabins sell out within hours. If you're aiming for a private cabin, booking through our travel agency increases your chances, as we have access to block bookings that aren't available to individual travelers. Also, note that each train has only 2 soft sleeper carriages (32 berths total), so demand is extremely high.
Conclusion
The price of a soft sleeper ticket from Beijing to Tibet, for example, is approximately 1,144 CNY, and we're willing to realize your Tibet train dream.
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35 Comment ON "Ultimate Guide to Booking a Luxurious Tibet Train Ticket"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
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