Guangzhou - Lhasa Train

Currently, there is only one pair of non-bullet trains, Z264/Z266, running between Guangzhou and Lhasa. Distance is 4,980 km (3,094 mi) and the whole journey takes 53-55.5 hours or so. The high speed trains are not available.

It needs to be noticed that overseas travelers to Tibet need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit in advance. The permit is required when boarding at the railway station.
  Duration: around 53-55.5 hours
 Distance: about 4,980 km (3,094 mi)
 Top speed: 100/ 120/ 140/ 160 km/h (62/ 75/ 87/ 99 mph)
 Operated at: Guangzhou Railway Station, Lhasa Railway Station 
 (Last Update on Dec 5, 2024)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z264	09:15 - 14:17++	53h2m

See more Guangzhou Schedule 
 (Last Update on Dec 5, 2024)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z266	12:35 - 20:13++	55h38m

See more Lhasa Schedule 

Notes:
1. "++" means the third day.
2. The above timetable is only for reference. As for the real-time schedule, you can search for it by the search box on page top.
 (Last Update on Dec 5, 2024)

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
CNY 1,526 USD 211	CNY 919 USD 127	CNY 447 USD 62

Obviously, this is a very long journey, so you'd better buy an overnight sleeper in advance to make sure that you can have a good rest on the way. Besides, you are advised to take some magazines or journals, or download some movies to kill time when traveling. Make sure that your phone is fully charged. Food and water is available onboard, but you are recommended to take some on your own as they are usually priced higher.
 Of course, flight is in service between the two cities and the whole flight travel takes 4.5 hours or so. It cannot be denied that flight travel will save a lot of time compared with the 2-day more rail travel. However, flight ticket price is pretty high and even the cheapest economy class in low seasons may cost almost the same as the soft sleeper on the railway carriage. So if you are a budget traveler and not pressed for time, rail travel is a good experience. The scenery along the way are a feast for the eyes. 
 Traveling along the way is kind of time travel from a prosperous modern metropolis to one of the most featured holy lands. You will have a chance to view the beautiful natural sceneries such as Jinyintan Prairie, Qinghai Lake, Kunlun Mountains, Hoh Xil Unpopulated Area, Tanggula Mountains, and Nyainqentanglha Mountains. The flat plain, green grass, boundless gobi, blue sky and white cloud as well as snow capped mountains will be a good relaxation for both your body and soul.Major Rail Lines from Guangzhou to:
Major Rail Lines from Lhasa to: