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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 - 25 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 in 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

Operated at: Lanzhou Railway Station, Lhasa Railway Station

Duration: about 23 - 25 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 Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z917	08:55 - 11:17+	26h22m
Z323	09:23 - 10:15+	24h52m
Z21	12:31 - 12:29+	23h58m
Z265	16:58 - 16:56+	23h58m
Z165	18:35 - 18:46+	24h11m

See more Lanzhou Schedule

Lhasa to Lanzhou Train Timetable

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)

Train No.	Departure - Arrival	Travel Time
Z918	09:00 - 09:25+	24h25m
Z166	11:30 - 12:08+	24h38m
Z266	12:40 - 13:10+	24h30m
Z22	15:50 - 16:14+	24h24m
Z224	19:00 - 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 Apr 25, 2023)

Soft Sleeper	Hard Sleeper	Hard Seat
CNY 860 USD 126	CNY 558 USD 82	CNY 240 USD 35

Lanzhou - Lhasa Trains vs. Flights

2 pairs of flights are operated between Lanzhou and Lhasa every day.

	Duration	Ticket Fares (Hard Sleeper/ Economy)
Trains	About 23 - 25 hours	CNY 567
Flights	About 2 - 2.5 hours	CNY 950 - 1,960

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 Apr. 25, 2023 -

Questions & Answers on Lanzhou - Lhasa Train

Asked by Rachel from USA | May. 08, 2019 03:44

Change ticket at station one day in advance

I currently have two tickets on train Z917. I was told that train Z165 may be available one day before travel. I am wondering if it is possible for me to make the change at station?

Answers (1)

Answered by TravelChinaGuide | May. 08, 2019 18:31

Thank you for your inquiry.

If the tickets become available one day before travel, you can hold paper ticket and ask for change at any railway station ticket counter in China mainland. However, please kindly notice that the ticket can only be changed one time after it was booked well.

Asked by Hartley from USA | Jan. 09, 2019 00:52

Do you need my copy of Tibet travel permit as well?

Can I offer you later after the ticket booking as I do not have it yet.

Answers (1)

Answered by TravelChinaGuide | Jan. 09, 2019 18:07

Thank you for your inquiry.
For ticket issuing, we do not need your copy of Tibet travel permit. However, to take the train, you need to have the permit in hands. Otherwise, you are not allowed for boarding even with confirmed ticket. Hope for your advanced notice. Thank you.