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Lanzhou - Lhasa Train

To date, there are 4 pairs of normal speed trains running back and forth between Lanzhou and Lhasa on a daily basis. The running distance between the 2 cities is 2,188 km (1,360 mi) in general. A single ride takes about 23 - 24.5 hours with the lowest price of CNY 550 for a hard sleeper ticket. A new railway connecting the 2 cities with higher design speed is under construction now. The journey time between the 2 cities can be cut down to about 16 hours after the new railway is opened.
 

Basic Facts:

 Open date: July 1st, 2006
 Duration: about 23 - 24.5 hours
 Distances: 2,188 km (1,360 mi)
 Top speed: 120 - 160 km/h (75 - 99 mph)
 Major stations along the way: Xining, Delhi, Golmud, Anduo, Naqu 
 

Lanzhou to Lhasa Train Schedule

(Last Update on Jan 13, 2025)
Train No.Departure - ArrivalTravel Time
Z32308:40 - 07:41+23h1m
Z2112:31 - 11:42+23h11m
Z26515:32 - 14:54+23h22m
Z16516:36 - 15:30+22h54m
See more Lanzhou Schedule
 

Lhasa to Lanzhou Train Timetable

(Last Update on Jan 13, 2025)
Train No.Departure - ArrivalTravel Time
Z16611:50 - 12:06+24h16m
Z26612:35 - 13:17+24h42m
Z2215:50 - 16:13+24h23m
Z22419:00 - 19:29+24h29m
Notes:
1. The above timetable is only for reference. Please search for the real-time schedule via the search box on page top.
2. "+" indictes the second day.
 

Lanzhou - Lhasa Train Ticket Fare

(Last Update on Jan 13, 2025)
Soft SleeperHard SleeperHard Seat
CNY 852
USD 117
CNY 550
USD 76
CNY 240
USD 33
 

Lanzhou - Lhasa Trains vs. Flights

One pair of flights are operated between Lanzhou and Lhasa every day.
Duration Ticket Fares (Hard Sleeper/ Economy)
Trains About 23 - 24.5 hours CNY 550
Flights About 2.5 hours CNY 700 - 2,000

Generally speaking, compared with trains, flights can save quite a bit of time. However, considering the special environment of plateau, passengers of flights may get strong altitude sickness as the environment around them changing dramatically in a very short period; while the trains allow passengers to have a period to adapt to the environment gradually. Thus, for passengers who have no experience in travelling in the plateau climate and geographic conditions, trains can be a more prudent transportation method. If your travel schedule is tight, choose the flight to save time, but remember to bring some medicines to protect you from the mountain sickness. 
 

 Major Rail Line from Lanzhou to: Major Rail Lines from Lhasa to:
- Last updated on Jan. 13, 2025 by Grace Yang -