Common Questions for Foreign Tourists on Boarding the Tibet Train

Are you boarding the Tibet train for the first time? This article serves as your handy companion, offering clear, easy-to-follow tips to guide you through the boarding process without stress.

1. Can foreign tourists board the Tibet train with their original passport without printing a paper ticket?

So the answer is yes. China Railway fully supports e-tickets for foreign tourists. As long as you booked your ticket with your original passport, you just need to show this passport throughout the entire process from entering the station to boarding. No paper ticket is required at all, and it won't affect your trip in any way. And do remember there is an additional essential document: Tibet Travel Permit.

2. At which specific stages is the Tibet Travel Permit checked Is it a must-have document?

The Tibet Travel Permit is absolutely a must-have for boarding. There are two key check stages. First, it will be checked at the manual verification desk before the waiting hall. Staff will verify your passport, Tibet Travel Permit and booking information, then stamp the permit and let you pass. Second, the crew may conduct a random check inside the carriage. You just need to show the permit again.

3. Can a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit be used?

It depends on your departure station. If you're departing from Xi'an, Chongqing or Lanzhou, you must present the original Tibet Travel Permit. Copies or digital files won't be accepted. For other stations like Xining or Chengdu, a copy of the permit plus your original passport is sufficient for entry.

4. Is there a dedicated channel for foreign tourists to enter the station for Tibet trains? Do I need to queue separately from Chinese tourists?

There is no dedicated entry channel for foreign tourists. You can follow the regular public channels and queue with other Chinese tourists. Also, You can choose the manual channel for passport verification to finish your ticket check-in. If you prefer self-service gates, simply place your passport page down on the "Passport" sensor—the same place where Chinese passengers scan their ID cards. The gate will open automatically in about 3 seconds, and you don't need to operate any screens.

5. Can I bring a portable oxygen cylinder through security for the Tibet train? What if I'm worried about altitude sickness?

Unfortunately, you can't bring any canned or bottled oxygen cylinders, no matter their size. They are considered high-pressure dangerous goods and will be confiscated during security checks. But don't worry. All Tibet trains are fully oxygenated. From Golmud to Lhasa, the entire carriage has diffused oxygen supply. There are oxygen outlets next to every seat and bunk, and the crew will provide oxygen tubes for free. Both the station and the train offer free oxygen services to help you cope with altitude sickness.

6. Are there any special luggage restrictions for Tibet train security checks?

The luggage rules are basically the same as regular trains, with only one additional restriction: canned oxygen cylinders and flammable and explosive items are prohibited. The regular restrictions are as follows: checked luggage should not exceed 20kg, carry-on bags should not exceed 5kg. Prohibited items such as knives, lighters and alcohol are not allowed. Food, toiletries and common medications can all be brought normally.

7. After checking in, how can I quickly find my carriage position on the platform?

After checking in, follow the signs to the platform via the overpass or underground passage. There are clear carriage number indicator lines on the platform floor. You can go directly to the position corresponding to your carriage number as shown on your ticket and wait for the train to arrive. The electronic screens on the platform will also display the corresponding positions of each carriage, helping you find the right spot easily. Asking help from the train staff is also recommended.

8. What if I have an emergency before departure and miss the check-in time? Can I still enter the station and board the train?

Train check-in stops 3 minutes before departure. If you miss it, don't panic. You can go to the manual ticket window with your original passport to change your ticket, or do it through the 12306 app. Changing to another Tibet train on the same day is free, provided there are available seats. If you need to change to a train the next day or later, a fee will be charged, which varies depending on how close to the departure time you make the change.

9. After boarding, how can I quickly find my hard seat or sleeper bunk? Are the signs clear?

The signs are very clear throughout the train, so you don't need to ask the crew for guidance. For hard seats, there are number and letter markers above the windows, such as 01A or 02B, just like high-speed trains. You can take the seat corresponding to the number on your ticket. For hard sleepers, the carriage is divided into multiple compartments with 6 bunks each. There are markers like "01 Upper/ Middle/ Lower" above the windows or on the bunk walls, corresponding to your ticket which shows "Carriage X, Bunk X Upper/ Middle/ Lower." For soft sleepers or deluxe soft sleepers, each compartment has 4 bunks respectively. The bunk numbers and upper/ lower bunk signs are posted on the compartment door. You can just push the door and check in.

10. Do I need to register my passport information with the crew after I board the Tibet train?

The crew may take the initiative to come around with a smart terminal to scan your passport and verify your identity and bunk information. They only check the information and won't keep any documents. Once verified, they will leave. There's no paper registration process at all, and you won't have to exchange paper tickets for plastic bunk cards as in the past.

11. If I can't clearly see the bunk information on my ticket, can I ask the crew to check after boarding?

Yes, you can. Just show your original passport to the crew directly. They can look up your specific seat or bunk information with one click on their handheld terminal and guide you to the exact location for free. The crew is always ready to help with such issues.

12. What should I do if I find someone occupying my bunk after boarding?

First, try to communicate politely with the person. If they don't cooperate, contact the carriage crew directly. Show your original passport to the crew, who will verify the information in the system and immediately ask the occupant to move. Each bunk on Tibet trains is linked to a specific passport, ensuring exclusive use. There will be no duplicate allocation issues.

13. I'm worried about missing my stop. How to deal with it?

Every carriage is equipped with display screens that show the next station, and English versions are also available. Additionally, you can check your train's schedule on the 12306 app—including the exact arrival time at each station and whether the train is on time. Trains in China are generally very punctual. Moreover, Lhasa is usually the final stop for most Tibet trains, so you don't have to worry about missing it.

14. If I need a receipt for reimbursement, can I print a boarding certificate with my passport? Where can I print it?

Yes, you can. No paper ticket is needed. With your original passport, you can print a "Trip Information Notice" at the self-service ticket machine or manual ticket window in the station. This notice is only for reimbursement purposes, not for boarding. You can also issue an electronic railway invoice directly through the 12306 app, which is more convenient and saves you time.

15. If I experience altitude sickness after boarding, is there medical service available on the train?

Yes, the train is well-equipped to handle such situations. Each carriage has crew members equipped with oximeters, first-aid kits and oxygen tubes. They can provide free oxygen supply and blood pressure measurement services. If your altitude sickness is severe, the crew will contact the conductor to open a green channel at the next station and arrange for medical staff to meet and treat you. All Tibet trains are equipped with basic medical emergency equipment to ensure your safety.

Conclusion

If you have any other confusing questions, our professional travel consultants are glad to provide you with comprehensive information and support.