Train from Beijing to Lhasa
Train from Beijing to Lhasa
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Beijing-Lhasa train Z21 was launched in July, 2006, this great railway between Beijing and Lhasa takes passengers from northern China to the furthest southwestern Tibet plateau for their lifetime Tibet tour. The Beijing to Lhasa train is served as one of the 3 initial railway routes of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, with other two lines moving from Chengdu to Lhasa and Xining to Lhasa. The Beijing-Lhasa train stretches 3753km all the way to Lhasa, crossing 8 provinces with 1110 km running on the world's highest Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The total train ride is about 44 hours from Beijing to Lhasa, the return train from Lhasa to Beijing is called Z22. More details, please contact Tibet Local Guide Travel Service
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
240 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
82
Average
51
Poor
14
Terrible
12
Cindy R
186 contributions
Dec 2019
I boarded the train in Xining (not Bejing) for the 20 hour journey to Lhasa. The scenery was spectacular and I enjoyed the experience of riding the highest rail route in the world. Oxygen was adjusted throughout the train as the altitude changed but passengers were also able to request personal tubes to connect to oxygen outlets in the compartments.
The dining car provided a nice supper which was not expensive.
The train itself needed updating, however. Not all of the restroom facilities worked and the cars were dingy and dated.
Passengers must choose between either hard (6 bed) compartments or soft (4 bed) compartments, since none of the cars provide seating only. So if you travel on the train just a few hours you still must purchase a bed.
All in all, I am happy that I chose the train to travel to Lhasa.
The dining car provided a nice supper which was not expensive.
The train itself needed updating, however. Not all of the restroom facilities worked and the cars were dingy and dated.
Passengers must choose between either hard (6 bed) compartments or soft (4 bed) compartments, since none of the cars provide seating only. So if you travel on the train just a few hours you still must purchase a bed.
All in all, I am happy that I chose the train to travel to Lhasa.
Written 14 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1014travels
Atlanta, GA45 contributions
Oct 2019
I took the Z21 train departing at 2000 on October 13 from Beijing West Railway Station and arriving at Lhasa Railway Station two days later at 1245 on October 15. The train ride took 40 hours and 45 minutes, went through 8 Chinese provinces for a distance of 2334 miles.
For two travelers we purchased the entire cabin (4-soft sleeper/1st class tickets). In the soft sleeper cabin, there are 4 bunks, the cabin has more privacy, a better sleeping environment, includes a door that locks and of course incurring the extra cost gets you extra room. The demand for train tickets is huge, I placed my train ticket order request in late April for an October 13 departure. The train tickets don’t go on sale until about one month before the scheduled departure date. If you decide to take this train it will be very close to your departure date before you get confirmation.
To make you even more nervous, depending on the time of year you’re traveling you may not get all of the tickets you requested, you may not get the soft sleeper or even be able to secure tickets directly from Beijing to Lhasa. It’s a little nerve racking for those that like to plan ahead but this is just how the system works. I was fortunate to get my request filled but you definitely need to have a plan B. I used Tibet Vista as my broker to purchase the tickets. Tibet Vista has years of experience and familiarity with purchasing train tickets to Tibet and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
In my opinion, the train ride was average. The train itself may have been considered modern in 2006 but in 2019 the train is showing its age. The ride was neither exciting nor scenic, but I suspect part of this is due to a good portion of the ride being at night when you can’t really tell what’s what. I remember one night looking out the window and seeing snow everywhere but unfortunately that’s all I could tell. By sunrise the next morning there was no snow to be seen. I’m sure it would have been something to see during the daytime.
I also won’t truly know if taking the train made a difference with acclimating to high altitude. However, considering my side effects were limited to not sleeping well some nights and the occasional shortness of breath I’ll give the train ride at least partial credit.
The toilet facilities were basic but relatively clean. Travel note: Remember to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer!!
I felt safe on the train.
Most workers on the train spoke limited or no English.
Food is available for purchase, and you have access to hot water. However, my best advice is to stop by a local shopping mart on the way to the train station. We did and loaded up on bottled water and snacks. After we got to the train station we stopped by McDonald’s and got an order to go. We carried it all on the train in addition to our luggage with no issues.
Overall, I’m glad I have the experience and memories of taking the highest train ride in the world. Just level set your expectations, you’re not riding a modern bullet train, but you have to cover a lot of territory to get to Lhasa and this train ride is a unique way to do it. If you have the opportunity, ride the train at least once.
For two travelers we purchased the entire cabin (4-soft sleeper/1st class tickets). In the soft sleeper cabin, there are 4 bunks, the cabin has more privacy, a better sleeping environment, includes a door that locks and of course incurring the extra cost gets you extra room. The demand for train tickets is huge, I placed my train ticket order request in late April for an October 13 departure. The train tickets don’t go on sale until about one month before the scheduled departure date. If you decide to take this train it will be very close to your departure date before you get confirmation.
To make you even more nervous, depending on the time of year you’re traveling you may not get all of the tickets you requested, you may not get the soft sleeper or even be able to secure tickets directly from Beijing to Lhasa. It’s a little nerve racking for those that like to plan ahead but this is just how the system works. I was fortunate to get my request filled but you definitely need to have a plan B. I used Tibet Vista as my broker to purchase the tickets. Tibet Vista has years of experience and familiarity with purchasing train tickets to Tibet and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
In my opinion, the train ride was average. The train itself may have been considered modern in 2006 but in 2019 the train is showing its age. The ride was neither exciting nor scenic, but I suspect part of this is due to a good portion of the ride being at night when you can’t really tell what’s what. I remember one night looking out the window and seeing snow everywhere but unfortunately that’s all I could tell. By sunrise the next morning there was no snow to be seen. I’m sure it would have been something to see during the daytime.
I also won’t truly know if taking the train made a difference with acclimating to high altitude. However, considering my side effects were limited to not sleeping well some nights and the occasional shortness of breath I’ll give the train ride at least partial credit.
The toilet facilities were basic but relatively clean. Travel note: Remember to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer!!
I felt safe on the train.
Most workers on the train spoke limited or no English.
Food is available for purchase, and you have access to hot water. However, my best advice is to stop by a local shopping mart on the way to the train station. We did and loaded up on bottled water and snacks. After we got to the train station we stopped by McDonald’s and got an order to go. We carried it all on the train in addition to our luggage with no issues.
Overall, I’m glad I have the experience and memories of taking the highest train ride in the world. Just level set your expectations, you’re not riding a modern bullet train, but you have to cover a lot of territory to get to Lhasa and this train ride is a unique way to do it. If you have the opportunity, ride the train at least once.
Written 13 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edin Krnic
Tuzi, Montenegro3,115 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
This train route from Beijing to Lhasa is on high altitude on the world. Very impressive route specially from Xi an to Lhasa
Written 7 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ycalu
Maputo, Mozambique312 contributions
Sep 2019
Its a great way to get to Lhasa, the views are amazing. But the the conditions of the train could be better.
Written 20 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
areveurecat
Barcelona, Spain119 contributions
Jul 2019
We travelled from Beijing to Lhasa by train. All in all, it took us 42 hours. Soft sleeping bed option, a berth with 4 beds, small table, kettle and big window. Pretty comfortable, not cold at all, given the altitudes we went through. There's a restaurant that serves pricey but decent food; the WC was being cleaned up and never became that stinky; The whole journey was more pleasant and comfortable than expected.
Written 14 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ines J
Funchal, Portugal26 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Train is old, carriages not accordingly to modern way of traveling. We traveled in soft sleepers, not really that soft, with 4 people in each tiny compartment and one washroom on each end of the carriage. We had to use the same clothes during all trip (41 hours) and no shower available. Restaurant carriage medium range with very friendly staff, though none of them could speak other language than Chinese
Written 20 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose L
Brisbane, Australia82 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
It is almost impossible to avert your gaze from the awe-inspiring landscape this train passes through. We had a soft sleeper which was very comfortable. Contrary to other reviews we’d read, the toilet was very clean, and the food was fine. We bought a meal from the trolley that came past. For the middle part of the journey, when we crossed the highest parts, oxygen was pumped in and the train was heated. This made for a good night with no affect from the altitude. A really wonderful experience all round.
Written 22 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew O
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
I got on @ Xi'an, for the 30 hours to Lhasa. I could only book a seat. You change trains @ Xi Ning and I found out later that sleepers can be booked from here (it happens in the evening). If you do get stuck with a seat, go to the dining car @ 11pm, and for Y40 you can sleep there and get a midnight meal with tea
Written 20 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
monkysan
Brescia, Italy49 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
The sky train arrives in Lhasa with departures and durations different from Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Xinin. We departed from Xi’an total duration 32 hours; obligatory to reserve the bunks, in compartments of 4. Food on board purely Chinese, very cheap, bring toilet paper and a disinfectant for the hands. The bathrooms are quite dirty. wonderful views, traveling for hours above 4500 meters up to 5050 meters. Oxygen on board even if the train is pressurized.
Written 10 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Praveen M
Lima, OH38 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Berths not very comfortable. Bathrooms not clean, especially difficult during a 20 hour trip.Food served mediocre. Recommend taking a flight.
Written 9 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geert v
Koksijde Bad, Belgium1 contribution
Ik wil zelf naar Chengdu vliegen en ter plaatse aansluiten en met een gids de trein nemen , enkele dagen in Lhasa verblijven en terug met het vliegtuig tot Chengdu en dan terug...
Dank voor een eventueel antwoord !
TibetLocalGuide.COM
Lhasa, China891 contributions
For the train travel to Lhasa, you do not need a guide. Once permits ready, you can board the train for Lhasa. For the tour in Lhasa, you will need a tour guide.
BerkshireRaleigh1
berkshire9 contributions
I am a single middle aged women traveling alone from Beijing to Lhasa and have a few questions,
1) is it safe to travel alone? 2) is bedding included in the cabins? 3) is food included in the price.
TibetLocalGuide.COM
Lhasa, China891 contributions
Hello it is safe to travel alone, no problem. bed included if you get soft or hard sleeper tickets, and food is available to buy.
Jose A
Sao Goncalo, RJ1 contribution
Como comprar a passagem de trem de Pequim para lhasa tibet
TibetLocalGuide.COM
Lhasa, China891 contributions
Beijing to Lhasa train tickets are on sales normally 30 days before train leaves, if the direct train tickets are in high demand, you can easily book the connecting train via Xi'ning, more trains from Xi'ning. You will also need permits to get train tickets printed out, so we suggest you book via agent to handle everything. For Tibet train ticketing reference, you can find on "Visit Tibet Travel Service org".
Arlene R
Victoria, Canada8 contributions
On a train from Chengdhu to Lhasa the train arrives at 9:55++ in Lhasa .. The most scenic part of the trip is from Xining to Lhasa. If i is dark from the evening before arvin in Lhasa until the morning of arrival is most of the scenery missed? If one was to take the trip is it more scenic to travel from Lhasa to Chengdhu so that most of the scenic part of tip is in daytime from Lhasa to Xining
TibetLocalGuide.COM
Lhasa, China891 contributions
Right from Lhasa to Xi'ning or vice versa will be good. Chengdu or Beijing to Lhasa, it takes too long time. If you do not have much time, please consider flying up and down. Choose a shoulder season to avoid massive travelers.
Henry B
Christchurch, New Zealand13 contributions
Hi there! Looking at doing this trip in Winter this year and wondering how to manage the permit situation, do you have to be with a guide while you're on the train? Can you get the permit and travel solo through Tibet without the guide? All tours seem to be westbound from China, any advice on doing the opposite?
Axel5171
Halifax, UK153 contributions
I travelled Eastbound from Lhasa to Beijing. Booked the train through an online agency and travelled on the train without a guide. You do however require a permit to enter Tibet and this is only available through an accredited agency
Hel B
Bristol, UK58 contributions
How easy is it to catch the train in Beijing? I’ll be flying into Beijing and wanting to go straight to Tibet - so I’ll be jet lagged and don’t speak/read mandarin. I’m worried I’ll end up getting on the wrong train and ending up somewhere else!
Richard L
Houston, TX17 contributions
All comments above are true and very valid. You can always hire a tour guide in Beijing for the day, and they can take you to the correct train station, help you get your ticket, and make sure you get onto the correct train. That’s what we did, we’ll worth it as it is very, very crowded
Jupiter81
Rome, Italy430 contributions
Is it possible to make this trip with a child of 4 years old?
selvakumar2015
Chennai, India684 contributions
Is it possible to travel on Z21 from Beijing to Lhasa ( Tibet ) by train, see around Lhasa and then continue by road to Katmandu ? How long does it take ? What will be the train ticket and road trip cost ? Any RELIABLE AND REPUTED tour operator ?
forevermagpie
Truro, United Kingdom41 contributions
Firstly you cannot buy any train ticket to Lhasa without an entry permit so to get an entry permit you have to book a trip with an operator .I can recommend Tibettraveltours via Amyzhang9968 on wechat. Its almost impossible to but the train ticket without an operator and the 'scalpers' price which is an extra 300 rmb on top of the ticket price. A soft sleeper from Beijing is 1024 and it takes 48 hrs . Onward from Lhasa you can only travel if you are booked with an agency and you also need an Alien Travel Permit which you cannot achieve yourself. If you want to go further to my Kailash then you need a military pass which only the agency can achieve for you. The permits are checked when you buy the ticket and on arrival at Lhasa - and before you are allowed on the train ... so see tibettours all the info is on there but putting it simply - no independent travel in Tibet is allowed .
marinpartyof4
sf119 contributions
Any advice on how to purchase train tickets from Beijing to Lhasa? Any recommendation on which website to purchase as it appears the timetables for October are not out yet. Tour agency says it's easier to purchase ourselves vs having them buy it......based on comments from Zhangchilove, by the time one sees the timetables online, it's already sold out......any recommendations or tips are most appreciated....
TrainAdvisor
China1 contribution
From June to October, it is very hard to purchase the train ticket from Beijing to Lhasa or from other cities to Lhasa, even if you plan to purchase one 2 months in advance. So I advise you to let your travel agency to buy it.
From now, the ticket pre-selling time can only be 30 days in advance, but it is relatively easy to purchase the train tickets from now to next May.
DavidGReading
Reading6 contributions
When is the best time of the year to do this train journey . Thanks
Katie E
Stevens Point, WI68 contributions
We did this trip in June. The train journey is long and boring. There really isn't much to see. The train bathrooms and the smell of food-TERRIBLE! Fly there!!
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