2025 Updates:
Booking Train Tickets to Tibet
Are you planning to travel to Tibet by train in 2025? You’ll need to be aware of some important changes. In the past, travelers could book train tickets online; however, this is changing. You will have 2 main options for booking train tickets:
Booking train tickets through an agency
Train tickets to Tibet are in very high demand, especially if you plan to travel during the high season, from May until the middle of October, and if you want to secure a soft-sleeper ticket (the most comfortable option). Even previously, when it was possible to book tickets online, it was nearly impossible for popular train routes to Tibet, because most tickets would already be secured before they were released to the public.
The most reliable option for securing train tickets is to reserve them through one of the ticket-booking agencies that can reserve tickets in advance before they are released to the public. Of course, these agencies charge a commission fee, but they can guarantee train ticket reservations.
Train tickets are released 15 days before the train departure date, so you need to secure your booking before tickets are released to the public because they will be immediately sold.
Reserving train tickets at the ticket counter
For those living in China or planning a long vacation, there is an option of booking train tickets at the train station ticket counter. You will need to visit the counter 16 days before the train departure date to secure your tickets before they are all sold out. In addition, the new rules demand you to present your Tibet Travel Permit.
If you decide to take advantage of this option, you need to plan your tour to Tibet ahead of time to receive your permit before booking your train tickets.
Foreign travelers can no longer book train tickets online using popular ticket-booking websites. However, you can still utilize these websites to see current train schedules and reserve trains in Mainland China, if you are visiting other destinations during your trip.
Planning your tour to Tibet?
Contact us today to help you secure your Tibet Travel Permit and plan your journey. As a 100% Tibetan-owned and local agency, we know all current travel regulations, provide accurate information, and offer the best advice based on years of experience.
WHAT IS TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT
This official document, along with a Chinese visa for some nationalities, is required to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. The permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and can only be arranged through a licensed travel agency.
To apply, you will only need to send us a clear scan of your passport and Chinese visa at least 20 days before your planned travel date.
Tibet Permit will list your itinerary and travel dates, and you will be able to travel according to the program on your permit. You will also need this permit to book your train tickets in person and board the train or flight to Tibet.
In the past few years, more nationalities have been allowed to enter China and Tibet without a Chinese visa. If you can travel visa-free, we will still need to apply for your Tibet permit with your passport copy. Contact us for the latest information on the required documents:
Countries with a visa-free policy to travel to China and Tibet
Citizens of countries that can travel to Tibet visa-free:
Americas (30 days): Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay
Europe (30 days unless noted): Albania (90 days), Andorra, Armenia (90 days), Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina (90 days), Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino (90 days), Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan
Asia-Pacific & Pacific Islands: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, Japan, Malaysia (90 days), Maldives, Mauritius (60 days), Mongolia, New Zealand, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga
Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Citizens of all other countries must apply for a visa before traveling to China.
While citizens of the United States have to apply for Chinese visas, they can enjoy more relaxed requirements. For US citizens only, it is not necessary to submit airline tickets or proof of itinerary, making planning your trip more flexible and the application process easier.
Citizens of the USA and many other countries can now submit their application online for review before visiting the Embassy. Once this review process is complete, you will only need to submit your passport to the Chinese Embassy, making the entire process more streamlined.
Before entering China, all foreigners, with or without a visa, can now submit their entry registration (arrival card) information online. If you won’t complete it online before arrival, you will still be able to use the paper version handed out on your flight to China. Fill it out:
- Online on your laptop
- On your smartphone
- On the NIA 12367 mobile app
- Through mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay
The online arrival card service is free of charge. You should only use official NIA channels and avoid fake websites charging fees.
Train Routes That Take Your Breath Away
Traveling to Tibet by train is an adventure that starts the moment you board. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world’s highest railway, offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, serene grasslands, and occasional sightings of wildlife.
Popular Routes:
- Xining to Lhasa: The shortest and most scenic route, ideal for first-time travelers. There are several departures daily.
- Xian to Lhasa: A popular option allowing you to experience one of the ancient capitals of China, famous for its Terracotta Army, before heading west.
Tip: You can take a direct train from Xian to Lhasa, or you can take a high-speed train to Xining first and transfer to a Xining to Lhasa train that will save you a few hours of travel time. - Chengdu to Lhasa: Pair your train journey with some panda-spotting in Chengdu. Please note that at the moment, trains from Chengdu depart every other day.
New Developments for 2025:
While there is no exact date announcement, we are waiting with anticipation for the opening of a new line that will connect Nyingchi in Eastern Tibet with Lhasa via a high-speed train. Stay tuned for announcements or reach out to us for the latest updates on route availability.
CITIES WITH RAILROAD CONNECTIONS TO LHASA
| City | Duration | Distance | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 40 hours | 3757 | Every Day |
| Shanghai | 47 hours | 4373 | Every Day |
| Xian | 31 hours | 2864 | Every Day |
| Chengdu | 36 hours | 3070 | Every Other Day |
| Chongqing | 36 hours | 3030 | Every Other Day |
| Guangzhou | 53 hours | 4980 | Every Day |
| Xining | 21 hours | 1972 | Several Times Every Day |
| Lanzhou | 24 hours | 2188 | Several Times Every Day |
Why Choose Train Travel
Train travel to Tibet isn’t just about the views—there are more reasons why visitors choose train travel to visit the region.
Altitude: Preparing for the Heights
Tibet’s high altitude is part of its allure, but it requires preparation. Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), and the train will take you through mountain passes over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) high.
Train Ticket Classes for Tibet Journeys
What to Pack for the Train Ride
ITINERARIES FOR YOUR JOURNEY IN TIBET
While planning your train travel is important, the most spectacular journey is awaiting you in Tibet! If you haven’t decided what places to visit, you can explore our most popular tours or contact us for more information.
8 DAYS LHASA TO EVEREST
The most popular group tour in Tibet visiting important cultural and historic places combined with stunning landscapes.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US
our travelers about us
“I travelled with Wonders of Tibet on the 15 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour. Every member of the team that I met delivers high standards of service as mentioned by other clients in their reviews.”
Review on TripAdvisor
“The trip was enjoyable and interesting. It was a pilgrimage for me. I met with many interesting characters along the way. All of us in the group were above 70 years old. The journey was based on trust.”
Review on TripAdvisor
“I joined Wonders of Tibet for a 15-day Mt. Kailash tour in August 2023 and am very impressed with the high standard of organization. Very clear and prompt communication long before our arrival in Tibet and well designed itinerary to ensure we are fully acclimatised”
Review on TripAdvisor
“I travelled with Wonders of Tibet on the 15 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour. Every member of the team that I met delivers high standards of service as mentioned by other clients in their reviews.”
Review on TripAdvisor
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Traveling to Tibet by train in 2025 promises unforgettable scenery, cultural immersion, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At Wonders of Tibet, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the adventure. From permits to itineraries, we’ve got you covered.
