Xi'an-Lhasa Trains

Currently, there are only two pairs of normal-speed trains running between Xi’an and Lhasa. The duration is over 32 hours. The train tickets from Xi’an to Lhasa is relatively difficult to buy, especially in peak season.

Xi'an-Lhasa Normal-Speed Trains

Quick Facts

• Distance: 1,780 miles (2,864 km)
• Terminals: Xi’an Railway Station, Lhasa Railway Station
• Duration: 32½ hours
• Main stops: Xining, Naqu  

Xi'an to Lhasa Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 31st, 2023)

• Please note: The trains listed above are only some of the ones in operation. The timetable is just for your reference.
• If you want up-to-date schedules, you can use the search tool at the top of this page or search via our China Highlights train ticket service.

Lhasa to Xi'an Normal-Speed Train Schedules

(Updated on May 31st, 2023)

Xi'an to Lhasa Normal-Speed Train Ticket Fares

Train Travel Tips 

Since there are only 2 pairs of normal-speed trains from Xi’an to Lhasa, you have to prepare plan B. The train tickets are difficult to buy, especially in peak season. You can consider taking a flight from Xi’an to Lhasa. There are about 8 pairs of flight tickets between Xi’an and Lhasa every day in shoulder season. The duration is about 2,200CNY for single trip and duration is about 3.5 hours. You can check the discount in advance to get a better price.

Tips for Taking Trains to Lhasa

Please remember the most important thing when you board the train to Lhasa:

   You have to board the train with your Tibet Permit or the copy of your Tibet Permit. If you book a tour with us or other travel agencies, please ask them to offer you Tibet Permit in advance. To apply for Tibet Permit, you have to offer travel agencies the scans of your Chinese visa and passports. It usually takes 20 days to apply for the Permit.

Please kindly notice that Tibet doesn’t open to foreign visitors in March as it is the lunar new year of Tibet.

Since train tickets from Xi’an to Lhasa are relatively difficult to buy, you may also consider taking a train from Xining/Lanzhou to Lhasa. There are more trains departing from these two cities.