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Shanghai - Lhasa Train

Z164 is Shanghai to Lhasa train, while Z166 is the Lhasa to Shanghai train, which usually takes about 47.5/ 48.5 hours for this 4,373 km (2,717 mi) rail trip. Due to the unique geological environment, the top speed of this trip is lower than others, around 62 mi/h to 75mi/h during some part of the trip. Though the Shanghai to Tibet train trip takes a long time, for passengers who can afford it, it is a good way to experience the gradual scenery changes across China.
 

Basic Facts of Shanghai - Lhasa Train

 Duration: around 47.5/ 48.5 hours
 Distance: about 4,373 km (2,717 mi)
 Top speed: 100/ 120/ 140/ 160 km/h (62/ 75/ 87/ 99 mph)
 Operated at: Shanghai Railway Station, Lhasa Railway Station
 

Shanghai to Lhasa Train Schedule

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)
Train No.Departure - ArrivalTravel Time
Z16420:02 - 18:46++46h44m
See more Shanghai Schedule 
 

Lhasa to Shanghai Train Schedule

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)
Train No.Departure - ArrivalTravel Time
Z16611:30 - 11:58++48h28m
See more Lhasa Schedule 

Notes: 
1. "++" means the third day.
2. The above timetable is for reference only. Please search for the real-time schedule by the tool on top of the page.
 

Shanghai - Lhasa Train Ticket Price

(Last Update on Apr 25, 2023)
Soft SleeperHard SleeperHard Seat
CNY 1,311.5
USD 193
CNY 842.5
USD 124
CNY 402.5
USD 59

The ride departs from/ ends at Shanghai Railway Station, the one located near city center and Lhasa Railway Station. Shanghai Railway Station can be easily reached by subway line 1, line 3 and line 4. From Lhasa Railway Station, travelers can reach Potala Palace by bus no. 6 or no. 1, and Norbulingka by bus no.14.
 

Flights

In addition, there are usually 2 flights available each day between the two cities, one morning flight with a stopover in Xi'an and one afternoon flight with a stopover in Chengdu. The duration is only around 6 hours. But the ticket price is generally much higher.
 

Travel Tips

The tickets of trains from Shanghai to Lhasa Tibet are always under great demands thus it is highly recommended to book one in advance. If it sold out, travelers may make a transfer in other cities for a connection, including Xi'an, Lanzhou and Xining.

Tibet Travel Permit is requested for entering Tibet, all international travelers need to show the original travel permit before boarding.

There are oxygen supply equipments onboard to ease altitude sickness. The equipments will begin work at appointed spot on the way. Passengers can also seek help from onboard doctors if necessary.
 

Major Cities along the way

Labeled with modernization, financial center, and multiculturalism etc, it is one of the most prosperous cities in China and a must-go destination for China travel. In addition to its metropolis role, traditional Southeast China water towns melt into the surrounding areas harmoniously as well. Travelers will find the city attractive with a combination of both modern and traditional features.
 Suzhou is only about 30min away by high speed train from Shanghai and ticket price can be lowered to CNY34.5 by second class seat. Suzhou Classical Gardens is absolutely a must see of the city, among them, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Tiger Hill and Lingering Garden are very popular. Except gardens, Zhouzhuang and Tongli Water Town are also good option.
 Xi'an, one of the birthplaces of ancient Chinese civilization, attracts hundreds and thousands of travelers from all over the world. Numerous historical sites and cultural relics scattered in cities, with no doubt, Terracotta Warriors is the best-known one. From here, train Z265 also runs to Lhasa, the ticket price is CNY1,005.5 for soft sleeper and CNY647.5 for hard sleeper.
 It is known as the Holy Land and also called 'the City of Sunlight'. The city is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscape, unique cultural as well as Tibetan Buddhism. Every year, especially March to October, many travelers from home and abroad gather here to explore this mysterious land.

Major Rail Lines from Shanghai to:

Major Rail Lines from Lhasa to:
- Last updated on Apr. 25, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Shanghai - Lhasa Train
Asked by Billy from LATVIA | Nov. 18, 2019 18:47Reply
When the train Z164 go through Hoh Xil, is it day time or at night time?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jim | Nov. 19, 2019 23:41
00Reply


Hoh Xil should be on the way from Golmud to Amdo, so between 04:40am to 12:38pm. There should be some day time for the scenery.
Asked by Edith from CANADA | May. 13, 2019 18:03Reply
Can tickets be refunded in case I did not get China visa and Tibet visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by TravelChinaGuide | May. 14, 2019 17:20
00Reply


Thank you for your inquiry.

Normally the tickets can be cancelled before departure time. However, during summer and peak season, the tickets can only cancelled at station ticket counter in person. In this case, if you fail to get China visa, you may not able to cancel it by yourself at station counter. If the policy happens during your travel date, we will inform you by email first before ticket issuing.
Asked by Kate from INDONESIA | Jan. 16, 2019 01:30Reply
Is this Z164 a daily train or every next day?
I plan to travel in Sep, 2019. If I book ticket months in advance, can I surely get the tickets?
Answers (1)
Answered by TravelChinaGuide | Jan. 16, 2019 17:47
00Reply


Thank you for your inquiry.

The ticket in and out of Lhasa is very hard to get during summer time. The ticket would begin for sale 30 days within the departure date. If you make the booking in advance, we will try our best to buy it for you at the earliest sale moment. However, the ticket availability cannot be 100% guaranteed in advance. We will inform you the booking status by email without delay if there is any update. Hope for your kind understanding.
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