The Tibet train, connecting Tibet with the rest of China, has been the lifeline for the development of Tibet, the remotest province of China. Since the commencement of the railway line in 2006. China’s railways have played a significant role in the development and betterment of the livelihood of the locals and the improvement of the tourism industry in Tibet.
Taking the train, aside from being cheaper, could also help travellers acclimate and access the remotest region of the Tibet Qinghai plateau.
Due to its elevation and terrain, Tibet is the last province of China to have a train. With the increase of modern technology and economic prosperity in China, Tibet and the Tibetan people receive this love and blessing from the Beijing central government through the railway line connecting us with the rest of China.
After the railways linked Tibet to the rest of China, the train has been the primary mode of transportation between Tibet and the rest of the Country. Millions of commuters travel between Tibet and the rest of China yearly.
The world’s highest Railway line
The Qinghai to Tibet Railway line includes the world’s highest point, the Tanggula Pass, at 5231 Meters, and the world’s highest railway station, the Tanggula station, at 5072 meters. The average height of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway line is above 4000m. This is why we have a coach specially built for the High altitude of Tibet. We will change from the regular Coach to a pressurized coach somewhere in Xinning.
The passenger coaches to Tibet are built especially for high altitudes and have oxygen supplies for each berth. The trains are pressurized, and every passenger train has a doctor on board. A passenger’s Health registration card is required to take the train to Lhasa. This card can be obtained from the ticket window when you get your train ticket. Everyone must read the Health notice for High altitude and sign the agreement on the train card.
You can book the train tickets to/ From Lhasa.
Lhasa Train Station Guide
When you arrive at the Lhasa train station, you can follow the locals to get out of the train station. Once you are at the entrance of the main building of the train station, all international travellers have to go to the Arrival Registration block to check the Tibet travel permit and register your arrival in Tibet. The guide will wait for you in the waiting area right on the main road. You will have to come to the main road to meet the tour guide and walk to the parking area for the car.
Please keep the contact number of your tour guide and the Driver handy. When you arrive in Lhasa, please make sure you have a copy of your Tibet Travel Permit.
Conclusion of Tibet Train
The train to Lhasa is convenient for travel to Tibet from China. However, all travellers must remember that traveling to Tibet requires a tour organized with alocal Travel agency, a Tibet travel permit, a Tibetan Tour Guide, and a Private Vehicle. Please find more information about Tibet travel Regulations here.
You must produce a copy of your Tibet travel permit at the train station in major Chinese cities while getting your train Ticket. Please have a copy of the Tibet permit ready when you leave your home for China. To receive the permit by email while you are in China, ensure you can access your email in China. Also, take preventive measures like giving your Alternative email to your travel agent inLhasa, signing up on WeChat to chat with your travel agent, and getting your agent’s phone number to call.
About Tibet Travel & Tours
Tenzin Travel is one of Tibet’s most experienced tour operators, with over 20 years in the industry. Founded by a local Tibetan family with decades of expertise as guides, managers, and route planners, we craft personalized itineraries for every traveler.
Our Lhasa office is just steps from Barkhor Square, and our all-Tibetan team ensures deep cultural, linguistic, and religious insights, setting us apart from other agencies.
Beyond tourism, we support Tibetan communities by donating a portion of each tour to local projects. Your travel to Tibet is about more than profit—it’s about opportunity for us to give back.