Chengdu - Lhasa Train
Currently, there is only one pair of non-bullet trains, Z322/Z324, running from Chengdu to Lhasa/ from lhasa to Chengdu with the duration of 35.5/36.5 hours.
Although the linear distance is around 777 miles (1,250km), the rail travel of Z322/Z324 covers a total length of 2,088 miles (3,360km) since it uses the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is a big detour. Luckily, a new railway, Sichuan-Tibet Railway has been under construction since 2014. When completed in 2028, duration between the two cities will be greatly shortened to around 13 hours as it traverses directly between. The main stops of this new rail line include Chengdu, Ya'an, Garze, Chamdo and Nyingchi.
Z322/Z324 run between Chengdu Railway Station and Lhasa Railway Station. The former one is about 3 miles away from the city center and can be easily accessed by subway Line 1 and Line 7 and many other city buses. Please kindly notice that the Chengdu Railway Station is also called North Railway Station by the local people, thus the subway stop there is named "North Railway Station". City bus, taxi and minibus are frequently used way of transfer in Lhasa. Travelers can take bus No. 14 to Tibet Museum & Norbulingka and No. 13 to Potala Palace.
(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)
See more Chengdu Schedule
(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)
See more Lhasa Schedule
Notes:
1. "++" indicates the third day.
2. The timetable is for reference only. For real-time schedule, please search for it by the tool on top of the page.
(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)
Although this pair of non-high speed trains takes around 35.5/36.5 hours, the beautiful scenery along the way is the best pay-back for the time devoted. Grasslands, gobi, mountains, lakes and occasionally you can even have a quick glance of wild animals like Tibetan antelope, yak, and wild donkeys etc. It is no doubt that this can be a memorable experience.
A sleeper bed is highly recommended or can even be regarded as a "necessary' for this overnight long distance trip, let along its altitude.
The Chengdu to Lhasa train tickets are always under great demands, thus travelers are suggested to book the tickets in advance, especially during hot season.
The tickets of this rail line are usually not able to be changed or cancelled online once issued. Travelers need to make the change or cancellation at the railway station by holding original travel document used for booking and paper ticket. In this way, travelers are recommended to well make their travel plan beforehand.
Tibet Travel Permit is a must for international travelers to enter Tibet. To get onboard, both the original Travel Permit and rail ticket will be required.
Oxygen supply equipments are set up onboard to ease altitude sickness. The equipments will begin work at appointed spot on the way. Passengers can also seek help from onboard doctors if necessary.
Travelers who are tight in time and cannot afford a 43 to 44 hours trip may choose flight instead. Each day, about 15 flights are opearted between and take only about 2.5 hours for the whole trip. Though the ticket price is higher, it saves your time for visiting in Lhasa.
Major Rail Lines from Chengdu to:
Major Rail Lines from Lhasa to:
Although the linear distance is around 777 miles (1,250km), the rail travel of Z322/Z324 covers a total length of 2,088 miles (3,360km) since it uses the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is a big detour. Luckily, a new railway, Sichuan-Tibet Railway has been under construction since 2014. When completed in 2028, duration between the two cities will be greatly shortened to around 13 hours as it traverses directly between. The main stops of this new rail line include Chengdu, Ya'an, Garze, Chamdo and Nyingchi.
Z322/Z324 run between Chengdu Railway Station and Lhasa Railway Station. The former one is about 3 miles away from the city center and can be easily accessed by subway Line 1 and Line 7 and many other city buses. Please kindly notice that the Chengdu Railway Station is also called North Railway Station by the local people, thus the subway stop there is named "North Railway Station". City bus, taxi and minibus are frequently used way of transfer in Lhasa. Travelers can take bus No. 14 to Tibet Museum & Norbulingka and No. 13 to Potala Palace.
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Schedule
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|
Lhasa to Chengdu Train Timetable
| Train No. | Departure - Arrival | Travel Time |
|---|
Notes:
1. "++" indicates the third day.
2. The timetable is for reference only. For real-time schedule, please search for it by the tool on top of the page.
Ticket Fare of Chengdu - Lhasa
| Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|
| -- -- | -- -- | -- -- |
Travel Tips:
The Chengdu to Lhasa train tickets are always under great demands, thus travelers are suggested to book the tickets in advance, especially during hot season.
The tickets of this rail line are usually not able to be changed or cancelled online once issued. Travelers need to make the change or cancellation at the railway station by holding original travel document used for booking and paper ticket. In this way, travelers are recommended to well make their travel plan beforehand.
Tibet Travel Permit is a must for international travelers to enter Tibet. To get onboard, both the original Travel Permit and rail ticket will be required.
Oxygen supply equipments are set up onboard to ease altitude sickness. The equipments will begin work at appointed spot on the way. Passengers can also seek help from onboard doctors if necessary.
Chengdu - Lhasa Flight
Major Rail Lines from Chengdu to:Major Rail Lines from Lhasa to:
- Last updated on Apr. 25, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Chengdu-Lhasa Train
Asked by Steve Locke from NEW ZEALAND | Nov. 25, 2019 12:28
Reply
ReplyWhich day does the Lhasa to Chengdu train depart?
I have seen that the Z234 train from Lhasa to Chengdu goes every other day but how can I find out exactly which day that will be next July? I am hoping to take it on July 9th.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
Answers (1)
Answered by Morris | Nov. 27, 2019 02:24
0
0Reply
00ReplyIt runs every next day, so according to the newest date in Dec now, it should runs on odd days in July, 2020 unless they made some adjustment of the schedule.
Asked by Frankie from NETHERLANDS | Sep. 27, 2019 00:01Reply
ReplyIs it too late to book train to Lhasa for early October now?
Answers (1)
Answered by TravelChinaGuide | Sep. 28, 2019 20:1100Reply
00ReplyThank you for your inquiry.
Train ticket only begin for sale 30 days within departure date. You can still buy tickets for early October now as long as there are still tickets available. You can input the cities and date on our website for detailed train and ticket availability. Thank you for your support of our booking service.
Train ticket only begin for sale 30 days within departure date. You can still buy tickets for early October now as long as there are still tickets available. You can input the cities and date on our website for detailed train and ticket availability. Thank you for your support of our booking service.
Asked by Patrick from SINGAPORE | May. 20, 2019 02:12Reply
ReplyHi, I will like to check on the train schedule and timing.
If I were to reach Chengdu on 18th September and will want to take the 19th train from Chengdu to Lhasa. And can I check if the train will reach Lhasa as per scheduled? If I take 19th September 2137hr train, I will reach Lhasa at 21st September 0955hr?
My trip back will ideally be on 29th September train, 1830hr depart and reach Chengdu on 1st October, 0700hr?
Will I be expecting any delay as I will be taking the 1st October flight home. Thanks to advice.
My trip back will ideally be on 29th September train, 1830hr depart and reach Chengdu on 1st October, 0700hr?
Will I be expecting any delay as I will be taking the 1st October flight home. Thanks to advice.
Answers (1)
Answered by Jacquelyn | May. 20, 2019 18:5400Reply
00ReplyIf the trains are on schedule, you will did reach Lhasa on Sep 21 and Oct 01 to Chengdu. However, the delay cannot be known in advance. Usually this will not happen to Z type rides unless there is a problem for the whole rail line. If you plan to take an international flight back home, maybe it is safer to choose a late afternoon flight, just in case.
Asked by Darcy from FRANCE | Apr. 16, 2019 02:24Reply
ReplyWhich day will the train runs to Lhasa in August?
Answers (1)
Answered by Ternence | Apr. 16, 2019 18:0800Reply
00ReplyTrain Z322 should runs on even days in August.
Asked by Cameron | Oct. 29, 2018 01:38Reply
ReplyI want to travel from Chengdu to Lhasa but there is no train available on my day.
I was advised to make a transfer in Xining. I am wondering if 3.5 hours is enough for transfer? I heard that overnight train delays, so I'm worried what if I cannot catch the one from Xining to Lhasa. The next one is 1.5 hours later but never get soft sleeper tickets. The one after that is 6.5 hours later. I do not want to sit in station for over 6 hours. Is there any one tried this transfer?
Answers (1)
Answered by Andrew | Oct. 29, 2018 23:4700Reply
00Reply3.5 hours should be fine usually. The trip would not delay for such a long time unless there is serious weather problem or some accident. If you are indeed very worried about this problem, you may consider the transfer in Chongqing instead. If Z322 is not available on your date, direct one from Chongqing must be in service. There are many high speed rides a day to Chongqing North and they hardly delay.