Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Route: Schedules, Options, and Tips

Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province in northwest China, holds a significant place in history as a crucial point along the ancient Silk Road. This bustling metropolis, with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes, serves as the starting point for the awe-inspiring Lanzhou Lhasa Trains.

Embarking on a journey from Lanzhou to Lhasa is an unforgettable experience. The train route showcases China’s diverse terrain and captivating beauty. Lanzhou Railway Station serves as the gateway to Tibet, making it a special place for travellers. Lanzhou, near Xining, is a vital stop for trains to Tibet. Every other day, a train leaves Lanzhou for Lhasa, allowing easy access to the wonders of Tibet.

Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Route

Only one train (Z917) goes from Lanzhou to Lhasa every other day. However, trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and other cities stop in Lanzhou, resulting in around 4-5 trains heading to Lhasa each day. Getting tickets for these trains can be difficult. Here are the schedules for all trains to Lhasa from Lanzhou.

At present, there is no direct route from Lanzhou to Lhasa. We recommend 10 transfer routes: Z917, Z322, Z21, Z265, Z164, Z6811, Z917, Z223. You can choose according to your own needs.

Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Schedule

Lanzhou sightseeing before train boarding.

Lanzhou offers breathtaking sights in every direction.

• To the north, Dunhuang houses an extensive collection of ancient knowledge in countless books.
• Labrang Monastery, located to the south, is one of the six prominent Gelug school monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism.
• The Bingling Temple grottoes can be found to the west.
• To the east lies the Maiji District, renowned for the extraordinary Maijishan caves. These caves, intricately carved into the imposing cliff, are connected by walkways. The caves feature a monumental Bodhisattva carving and showcase over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and more than 1,000 square meters of wall murals.

For Buddhism enthusiasts and art lovers, Lanzhou and its surrounding area serve as an excellent introduction to the remarkable wonders awaiting Tibet.

Find your way to Lanzhou Railway Sation

Location: Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu Province along Huochezhan Dong Road (火车站东路)

Accessing the station from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport is quick with the new Zhongchuan Railway. Trains run 11 times daily, taking 30 minutes and costing CNY21. Taxis take an hour, costing CNY150, while buses cost CNY2 and taxis start at CNY8. Confirm the fare with the taxi driver beforehand.

Tibet Travel Permit is Must needed document to take Lanzhou to Lhasa Train

To travel to Tibet from Lanzhou by train, you need a permit. You can book tickets without them, but you must have them to board the train. Backpackers cannot enter Tibet independently, so you need a travel agency to help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit in advance. The permit and your ticket will be checked during check-in. A photocopy of the permit is acceptable in Beijing. Usually, travel agencies obtain the permit a few days before your train journey and deliver it to your hotel. Once approved, the train ride offers breathtaking views and encounters with Tibetan culture. It also provides time for introspection and a sense of tranquillity. The permit is worth the effort for the transformative experience of exploring Tibet’s beauty, culture, and spirituality.

To explore Tibet by train, you need a Tibet travel permit. This permit is crucial and different from a Chinese visa. To obtain it, book a tour with a registered travel agency in Tibet. They will assist with the application process and provide knowledgeable guides. Apply in advance with accurate personal information to avoid rejection. 

What sort of window view do we expect to see on Tibet Train?

Just like a car road trip, one can enjoy the scenery on both sides. The stunning scenery along the Beijing-Lhasa railway will never disappoint. As the train passes Xining and enters the Golmud region, breathtaking views appear one after another. Capture this memorable experience with your camera. Major attractions include Qarhan Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Tuotuo He River, Tangula Pass, Tsonag Lake, Qiangtang Prairie, Namtso, etc.

The Lanzhou train offers stunning views of the Yellow River and majestic mountains, making the journey unforgettable. The Lanzhou Lhasa Trains reveal Tibet’s changing scenery, from plains to highlands, with breathtaking mountains and bridges that leave passengers amazed by nature’s beauty.

Travel Tips for Catching Your Train

1. Verify your train ticket and ensure that you arrive at the appropriate train station.
2. You will be granted access to the train 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. The train will be sealed off 5 minutes before departure, so make sure to be punctual.
3. While waiting in the designated area, please consult the real-time train schedule and a display showing the boarding time for your train.
4. Form a queue for the ticket inspection conducted by the ticket collectors or insert your ticket into the turnstile (be certain to select the correct platform).
5. Present your ticket to the train attendant stationed at the doorway of your train carriage before embarking on your journey.

Important things to Note:

• The schedule above is only for reference.
• Foreign tourists must obtain a Tibet Entry Permit before buying a train ticket to Tibet. Ticket-only service is not available.
• Tibet train tickets sell out fast, so inquire 3-5 months before departure.
• Limited tickets from Beijing to Lhasa, so fly to Xining and take a train to Lhasa instead.

Feel free to contact us to inquire about customizing a Tibet tour that includes a flight to Tibet. We will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

Views On Tibet Trains from Lanzhou to Lhasa

The Lanzhou Lhasa Trains, starting from humble beginnings in Lanzhou, have brought countless adventurers and pilgrims to this spiritual haven, forging a deep connection between two extraordinary destinations.

In conclusion, the Lanzhou Lhasa Trains stand as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and the desire to explore and connect with the world around us. This epic train journey, spanning vast distances and transcending cultural boundaries, uplifts the soul and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to embark on it.

Related posts:

Xining Lhasa Train: Latest Tibet Railway Schedules and Tips Train Schedule and Tips from the Vibrant Changsha to Lhasa Xi’an to Lhasa Train: Latest Schedules and Sightseeing Guide Lanzhou To Lhasa: Traversing The Tibetan Plateau By Train, Spanish Tourists Traveling to Tibet: Travel Options and Tips Experience the Tibetan Train from Vibrant Chongqing to Lhasa Lhasa to Shigatse Train: Fastest train on High Altitudes. Chengdu to Lhasa Train: A Scenic and Convenient Travel Route How to Travel in Tibet From Major Cities in China by Train Tibet Train Guangzhou to Lhasa: More Travel Information about Guangzhou