What to Know about Tibet Train Journey from Shigatse to Lhasa

The latest news is that all the trains running between Lhasa and Shigatse are now Fuxing bullet trains, completely replacing the normal trains, which are the ones you take from other cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xining and so on to enter Tibet. The distinct advantage of the Fuxing bullet trains over normal trains is that they are swift enough for you to jump on the train and you'll be at Lhasa in just 2 hours from Shigatse.

Different Types of Seats to Choose from a Shigatse to Lhasa Train Journey

The most economical option is the second-class seat, with a ticket price of 64 RMB per person. There are 5 seats in each row. Among them, there are two seats by the window in each row, which are perfect for enjoying the view. Each second-class carriage has about a dozen rows of seats. The space is relatively compact, the backrest is adjustable, and it is equipped with a small table and a charging port for use. This option is suitable for most tourists. After all, the train journey only lasts for two hours.

First-class seats will offer you a better travel experience than second-class seats. As a result, the ticket price also increases, at 103 yuan per person per seat. The first-class carriages accommodate four people in each row, and the number of rows in each carriage reduces to just a few, so the space is very spacious. On the basis of the second-class seat service, the first-class seat is also more comfortable. Some train services offer free snacks and beverages for first-class seats, but like second-class seats, no main meals are provided for free.

The business class seat with a ticket price of 225 yuan per person represents the best service on the Fuxing bullet train. The seating layout is two or three seats per row. Each seat is equipped with an electrically adjustable seat that supports various modes such as sitting, semi-reclining, and fully reclining. Each seat is also equipped with a TV, high-quality main meals, snacks, beverages, disposable slippers and other exclusive services.

All Train Carriages Are Equipped with an Oxygen Supply System to Ensure Your Safety

Like all the trains heading to Tibet, the bullet trains on this route are also equipped with an oxygen supply system to minimize the impact of altitude sickness on passengers to the greatest extent. The altitude of Shigatse Railway Station is approximately 3,850 meters. On the way to Lhasa Railway Station, which is at an altitude of 3,600 meters, you will pass through an altitude point of 4,000 meters. The average altitude of the train journey is around 3,600 meters, and the altitude shows a gradually decreasing trend. Overall, after you have adapted to the altitude in Shigatse, it is completely fine to take the train back to Lhasa.

What Scenery Can You Appreciate through the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway?

The Lhasa-Shigatse Railway is actually an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, with a total length of approximately 250 kilometers. This route will take you past plateau meadow, pasture, the barley fields and the Yarlung Zangbo River, and you will see the distant Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains.

What Should Be Noted When Buying a Train Ticket from Shigatse to Lhasa?

You can freely purchase train tickets between Lhasa and Shigatse on the 12306 platform, but this itinerary can only be arranged for you by a travel agency. You can get such a train experience through a private customized Tibet tour. You can also choose some small group Tibet tours that include the experience of the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway, such as the 8day Lhasa Shigatse Everest Base Camp tour.

Our travel agency offers a free service to help tourists buy train tickets. The seats for the tickets can be chosen by the window or by the corridor. However, when the ticket supply is tight, they can only be randomly assigned.

Train tickets for bullet trains also go on sale 15 days in advance. Whether departing from Lhasa Railway Station or Shigatse Railway Station, the sale starts at 3 p.m. Beijing time. Only by buying tickets at the on sale time can you purchase the seat and position you want with the greatest possibility.

Conclusion

Both Shigatse Railway Station and Lhasa Railway Station are just a few kilometers away from the city center, which is very convenient. I think such a short 2-hour train trip is very suitable for those tourists who just want a light train experience, as it can save them the fatigue of a 20-hour train ride.