Tibet Train Travel Tips and Guide

Traveling by train is one of the most scenic and comfortable ways to discover Tibet. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these tips will enhance your train journey through this enchanting land.

Where to Eat on the Tibet Train?

During your train journey, attendants will frequently push trolleys through the aisles offering boxed Chinese food, snacks, and drinks for purchase. Opting for pot noodles can be a convenient choice because the train is equipped with a continuous supply of hot drinking water. For a more comfortable dining experience, the dining carriage allows you to order food and dine in a more agreeable setting. 

Alternatively, you can prepare some delicious foods before you board the train. There are many snack shops both around and inside the train station where you can easily purchase a variety of foods. It is suggested to give priority to some energy-boosting snacks like nuts or dried fruits. These not only provide a convenient source of sustenance during the journey but also help keep you energized for the adventures that await you in Tibet.

Can You Smoke on the Tibet Train?

Smoking is strictly prohibited on trains bound for Tibet. The trains are specifically equipped with sophisticated oxygen-supply systems. This kind of system is crucial as it helps you adapt to the low-oxygen environment of the plateau. Smoking can pose significant risks and increase the likelihood of fire hazards, so if you are a smoker, the only opportunity to indulge is when the train makes stops at stations. You can step out onto the platform to smoke. But it's essential to remember that once you are back on the train, refrain from lighting up. Any violation of the smoking ban inside the train will result in fines. According to railway regulations, individuals caught smoking on the train may be subject to fines ranging from 70 to 277 dollars. This regulation ensures your safety and comfort during your train journey to the magnificent landscapes of Tibet.

Can You Take a High-Speed Train to Tibet?

At present, the high-speed railway project connecting Chengdu and Lhasa remains under construction. As a result, there is no direct high-speed train available yet from cities across Mainland China to Lhasa. Nevertheless, if you're planning a train journey to Lhasa, there's a convenient alternative. From most major cities in China, you can easily board a high-speed train bound for Xining. High-speed trains can make you to cover long distances in a relatively short time. Once you arrive in Xining, you can transfer to a dedicated Tibet train. This two-step travel option enables you to experience the best of both high-speed and specialized plateau travel services.

Choose a Train out of Tibet

If your primary aim is to fully soak in the mesmerizing train scenery during your Tibet adventure, then choosing a train journey out of Tibet instead of one into Tibet is a brilliant idea. When you decide to take the train outbound from Tibet, you'll find that securing a train ticket is a much smoother process. The availability of outbound train tickets is relatively higher compared to inbound ones. This means you can focus on the stunning vistas passing by your window without the added worry of ticket-hunting.

Recommended Tibet Train Journey Route

Due to the challenges posed by prolonged train travel time at high altitudes, the Xining-Lhasa railway is widely regarded as the optimal choice. Spanning 1,956 kilometers, ascending to over 5,000 meters above sea level, and passing by the famous Tanggula Pass and Lake Cona, this route typically takes about 21 hours. In this way, you can spend less time on the monotonous train journey and more time experiencing the beauty of Tibet in person. When you arrive in Lhasa, you will also have enough energy to prepare to explore Lhasa's many well-known attractions such as the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, etc. Then, Lake Yamdrok, Mount Everest and Lake Namtso must also be on your must-visit list.

Conclusion

If you're keen to visit Tibet, I encourage you to reach out to our travel agency. We're passionate about crafting exceptional itineraries and can assist with everything from travel advice to securing your train tickets.