Taking a Train to Tibet: The Most Money-Saving Transportation Method
Tibet is located in the west of China. Even if you set off from Shanghai in the east of China, you will find that even in the peak season of July, choosing the highest quality soft sleeper only costs about 185 USD. Compared with the economy class fare of at least 350 USD in July, the train fare is at least half cheaper. Not to mention that if you choose a hard sleeper, the price can be one third less than that of a soft sleeper.
Why Is It Usually Cheaper to Go to Tibet by Train than by Plane?
Train fares in China are regulated by the government. No matter which route you choose, stability throughout the year is its most prominent feature, with occasional minor increases or decreases. Air ticket prices are greatly influenced by market supply and demand and usually change along with the alternation of peak season and off season. It is also necessary to take into account that all the routes to Tibet are high-altitude routes, which are difficult to fly on. This is also one of the reasons why the ticket prices are relatively high.
When Will the Air Ticket to Tibet Be Cheaper than the Train Ticket?
From June to August is the most popular tourist period in Tibet tourism. If you want to choose a cost-effective mode of transportation, you can go for the train without hesitation. You can expect that from November to March each year, which is the off-season for tourism, some airlines will offer air tickets at prices lower than train fares. Even so, it is not absolute. First of all, you need to keep a close eye on the discounts offered by various airlines. Only by being lucky can you get the special ticket prices. Secondly, the departure time point of the discounted ticket price you find might not match your planned travel time, which would be a waste of effort. So, as long as you can accept that a train journey usually lasts between 20 and 50 hours and you want to save money, I suggest you just choose the train directly.
A Combination of Different Transportation Methods Can Help You Balance Time and Money
You can fly from your departure city to Xining/Chongqing/Chengdu and then take a train to Tibet. These three cities are all transportation hubs, and there are also many train departures to Lhasa. However, it still depends on the specific actual situation to find it out whether it is suitable or not.
There are only regular-speed trains to Tibet, but high-speed train networks are widespread among other Chinese cities. You can also choose to take a bullet train instead of a plane to Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining and Lanzhou, and then take a green train to Tibet. The maximum speed of high-speed trains can reach over 300 kilometers per hour. At first glance, it may not seem as fast as an airplane, but for medium and short distances, choosing high-speed trains can save a lot of time compared to airplanes, which is significantly reflected in luggage collection. Moreover, flights are often delayed, which is not as good as the very punctual high-speed trains in this regard. The ticket prices of high-speed trains remain relatively stable throughout the year. For medium and short-distance trips, high-speed trains is cheaper than air travel.
Conclusion
When you read up to this point, do you start to feel a bit torn about which route to choose? Don't worry. We offer free transportation plan design to all our customers. Even if you want to take a detour to another tourist city before going to Tibet, we can still help you think of a route plan. When we help you purchase train tickets, plane tickets or high-speed rail tickets on your behalf, the actual fare will be charged without any service fee.
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39 Comment ON "Taking a Train to Tibet: The Most Money-Saving Transportation Method"
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.