Can You Take a Bullet Train to Enter Tibet?
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which can be fully called a world artificial wonder, currently only has direct express trains and no bullet trains on its way to Tibet. However, the new project is in full swing. We can fully look forward to the day when we can speed into Tibet by bullet train. Although you can't reach Tibet by bullet train currently, there are other bullet train routes within Tibet that you can have a try.
The First Bullet Train Line in Tibet: Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway
All the bullet trains in Tibet are intercity bullet trains, with a speed of about 160 kilometers per hour. There is a fixed bullet train departing from Lhasa at 8:10 a.m. every day, which takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes and arrives in Nyingchi around 12 noon. Its train number is C881 and the route will pass through four stops in sequence: Shannan, Jiacha, Lang County and Milin. Each stop will last about 2 to 4 minutes. This route is approximately 430 kilometers long, with most it located at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. This scenic route winds along the Yarlung Zangbo River through snow-capped mountains and canyons, with a high proportion of Bridges and tunnels.
Conversely, on the same route, there is one daily bullet train from Nyingchi to Lhasa, with the train number C882. The departure time of this train is 12:25 p.m. It takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes and arrives in Lhasa at around 4:18 p.m.
This bullet train line, which was opened in 2021, has made the economic and tourism resource exchanges between Lhasa and Nyingchi more frequent and convenient.
The Second Bullet Train Line in Tibet: Lhasa-Shigatse Railway
Although the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway, as an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, was completed long ago, it was not until 2025 that the Fuxing high-altitude bullet train officially began operation. Now, there is a bullet train C885 departing at 8:40 a.m every day, which takes about 2 hours and arrives in Shigatse at 10:44 a.m. There is another daily train on the same route, the C887 bullet train departing at 1:40 p.m. and arriving in Shigatse at 3:44 p.m. Unlike the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway bullet train, these are non-stop bullet trains.
It's also very convenient to take a bullet train back to Lhasa from Shigatse on the contrary. Similarly, there are two bullet trains departing for Lhasa from Shigatse every day, one at 11:05 a.m. and the other at 4:05 p.m. It also takes only two hours to reach the destination, which is in line with the consistent style of the bullet train: punctuality. This route takes you across the Lhasa River, the Yarlung Zangbo River and the Northern Tibet grassland, with breathtaking scenery along the way.
Conclusion
Speaking of which, the bullet train fares on both the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway and the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway are quite reasonable. The single-trip second-class seat fare on the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway is only 129 RMB, and that on the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway is only 64 RMB. If you want to have some unique and novel experiences during your Tibet tour, taking a bullet train must rank high on your list.
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39 Comment ON "Can You Take a Bullet Train to Enter Tibet?"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
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.