Xining - Lhasa Train

Xining to Lhasa trains and Lhasa to Xining trains are running back and forth along Tibet Railway with the total distance of 1,956 km (1,215 mi). Currently, 6 pairs of trains are available daily with the journey time of about 20 - 21.5 hours. Ticket price is CNY 521 for a hard sleeper and CNY 808 for a soft sleeper.
 

 Open date: July 1st, 2006

 Operated at: Xining Railway Station, Lhasa Railway Station

 Duration: about 20 - 21.5 hours

 Distances: 1,956 km (1,215 mi)

 Top speed: 120 - 160 km/h (75 - 99 mph)

 Major station along the way: Delingha, Golmud, Tuotuohe, Amdo, Nakchu

(Last Update on May 8, 2026)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z223	11:55 - 07:24+	19h29m
Z8981	12:50 - 10:25+	21h35m
Z21	15:27 - 11:47+	20h20m
Z265	18:19 - 14:53+	20h34m
Z165	19:28 - 15:36+	20h8m
Z8991	22:00 - 18:26+	20h26m

See more Xining Schedule

 

(Last Update on May 8, 2026)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z8982	09:30 - 06:08+	20h38m
Z166	11:50 - 09:07+	21h17m
Z266	12:35 - 10:11+	21h36m
Z22	15:50 - 13:01+	21h11m
Z8992	17:30 - 15:15+	21h45m
Z324	18:50 - 16:23+	21h33m

Notes:
1. The above timetable is only for reference. Please search for the real-time schedule via the search box on page top.
2. "+" means the second day.

Tibet Railway is the first and only railway connecting Tibet with other areas of China, providing tourists another way to reach Tibet other than flight. The scenery along the way is amazing, including grassland, gobi, snow-capped mountains, and you may even see rare animals. It is also the world’s highest railway. When traveling on it, you’d better bring some medicines to protect you from high mountain sickness. Also, Tibet Travel Permit is required from overseas travelers to Tibet. 
 

Up to now, there are 4 flights flying from Xining to Lhasa and vice versa. The departure time at Xining Caojiabao Airport is from 10:00 to 17:00, and the departure time at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is from 08:10 - 18:35. 

Passengers who want to save time are recommended to take a flight to transport between the 2 cities, but be sure to be prepared for the possibility of having altitude sickness after landing. On the other hand, taking trains is more suitable for passengers who want to save money and have sufficient time; also, the trains allow passengers to gradually adopt to the high altitude climate; but be prepared for the long journey time on trains.