How to Get to Tibet from Beijing by Train
Before you board the world's highest railway, give yourself at least one full day in Beijing. Sunrise at the Forbidden City is cinematic: crimson walls glowing under a pale sky, tour groups still asleep. Walk north and you can hike Jingshan Hill for a bird's-eye view of the old imperial axis, then cycle through the hutongs to grab a jianbing breakfast. Afternoon options are equally iconic: admiring the Temple of Heaven's echo wall or taking a selfie on the Great Wall. At dusk, neon washes over the Olympic "Bird's Nest". Then, your Tibet train awaits.
Direct Train to Tibet: Z21 Beijing West to Lhasa
Every evening at 19:22, train Z21 glides out of Beijing West Railway Station bound for Lhasa. Forty hours and twenty minutes later—11:42 on the third calendar day—the doors open at 3,650 m above sea level. Ticket classes are simple: hard seat ¥360, hard sleeper ¥763, soft sleeper ¥1,144. Tibet train tickets sell out fast; 12306 releases them exactly fifteen days in advance, and a passport plus Tibet Travel Permit are compulsory at boarding. The train passes through Xining, the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. From Xining onwards, the carriages are equipped with oxygen supply systems to help passengers acclimatize to high altitudes (up to 5,072 meters at Tanggula Pass). As you travel, keep your camera ready: the route unveils stunning landscapes, including the turquoise waters of Qinghai Lake, the vastness of the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve (home to Tibetan antelopes), and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, making the long journey a visual feast.
Alternative: Transfer via Xining
If direct tickets sell out (common during peak seasons: May-October), opt for a transfer in Xining. Xining to Lhasa has more frequent trains, increasing your chances of booking.
Beijing to Xining by High-Speed Train: Takes about 10 hours, with second-class seats around 773 CNY. Comfortable and time-efficient, it gets you to Xining ready for the next leg.
Beijing to Xining by Flight: A 3-hour journey with economy class tickets starting at 800 CNY, ideal for those short on time.
From Xining, connect to any train bound for Lhasa, ensuring you still experience the scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway with its oxygen-equipped carriages.
Conclusion
Traveling to Tibet is an unforgettable adventure, and we're here to make it seamless. Our travel agency offers free ticket-booking services for all guests who book our Tibet tour packages, eliminating the hassle of securing tickets during peak times. Whether you choose the direct Z21 or a transfer via Xining, we'll handle the logistics, letting you focus on anticipating the magic of Tibet—from the Potala Palace in Lhasa to the tranquil shores of Lake Namtso. Start your journey with confidence, knowing every detail is taken care of.
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35 Comment ON "How to Get to Tibet from Beijing by Train"
Asked by Liliana Me** from N/A
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash