Lhasa Railway Station
The primary rail gateway to Tibet, offering a scenic journey on the world's highest railway and a crucial point for altitude acclimatization.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy scenic plateau views
Lhasa Railway Station
Best Time
Enjoy scenic plateau views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The primary rail gateway to Tibet, offering a scenic journey on the world's highest railway and a crucial point for altitude acclimatization.
"The Railway Station is huge but the check-out gate was limited to three rows. Foreigners will have to go to another small office to get the permit-to-enter Tibet cleared."
Carry Your Tibet Permit
Always have your Tibet Entry Permit handy for security checks. Foreigners need this for clearance. :ticket:
Acclimatize Slowly
The train journey helps, but take it easy upon arrival to adjust to the high altitude. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Approaching Lhasa
Experience the world's highest railway, offering breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau. Oxygen is pumped into carriages to combat altitude sickness.
Gateway to the Potala Palace
Lhasa
The station serves as your entry point to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, home to the iconic Potala Palace.
Modern Infrastructure
Lhasa Railway Station
A large and modern station, it's the primary hub for rail travel into this remote and beautiful region.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Acclimatization is Key
Permit Checks and Security
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Carry Your Tibet Permit
Always have your Tibet Entry Permit handy for security checks. Foreigners need this for clearance. :ticket:
Acclimatize Slowly
The train journey helps, but take it easy upon arrival to adjust to the high altitude. :cloud:
Expect Security Checks
Be patient with thorough security procedures. It's part of the experience. :lock:
Walk to Coach Parking
Be prepared for a 300m walk to the coach parking area with luggage. :luggage:
Tips
from all over the internet
Carry Your Tibet Permit
Always have your Tibet Entry Permit handy for security checks. Foreigners need this for clearance. :ticket:
Acclimatize Slowly
The train journey helps, but take it easy upon arrival to adjust to the high altitude. :cloud:
Expect Security Checks
Be patient with thorough security procedures. It's part of the experience. :lock:
Walk to Coach Parking
Be prepared for a 300m walk to the coach parking area with luggage. :luggage:
Enjoy the Views
The train journey itself is a highlight, offering stunning plateau scenery. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lhasa Railway Station is a modern gateway to Tibet, praised for its role in gradual altitude acclimatization via the scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway. While the station itself is large, visitors note the necessity of permit checks and a walk to parking. Some trains can be a bit dirty, but the unparalleled views make the journey worthwhile.
"The Railway Station is huge but the check-out gate was limited to three rows. Foreigners will have to go to another small office to get the permit-to-enter Tibet cleared. Those immigration officers (most are locals) were helpful and friendly. We have to walk with our luggages to the coach parking which is about 300m away. We were being greeted and warmly welcomed by our friendly guide at the common foot path outside the station. Everything was great after that."
Jimmy Chai
"Took the train to Shigatse. A chaotic station as usual. Tight security. The waiting hall is big. The train is dirty and muggy but the view is amazing."
Kandi W
"The last station of the "highest world railway, which rises to 5,000 meters above sea level. Oxygen is pumped to the wagons, so that passengers do not have altitude sickness."
Ashwani Kumar Sinha (PhotoSnieper)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lhasa Railway Station is primarily accessed via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, connecting Lhasa to major cities in China like Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Flights are also an option to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, with onward transport to the station.
Absolutely! The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is renowned for its spectacular views of the Tibetan plateau, including mountains, lakes, and grasslands. It's considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. +1
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world's highest railway, with the highest point at Tanggula Pass exceeding 5,000 meters. Oxygen is pumped into the carriages to help passengers acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness.
While there are modern trains serving Lhasa, the term 'bullet train' might be misleading. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway operates high-altitude trains designed for the challenging terrain, not high-speed bullet trains in the conventional sense.
Lhasa is connected by rail to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xining. There are also services to other Tibetan cities like Shigatse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, foreign travelers typically need a Tibet Entry Permit to enter Tibet. This permit must be obtained in advance through a registered Tibetan travel agency. You'll need to present it at the station for clearance.
Foreigners will need to go to a specific small office within the station to have their Tibet Entry Permit cleared by immigration officers.
It's highly recommended to book train tickets to Lhasa well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as they can sell out quickly. Booking through a travel agency is often part of the permit process.
Lhasa Railway Station operates 24 hours a day for train arrivals and departures, though passenger services and ticket counters will have specific operating hours.
Yes, trains to Lhasa typically offer different classes, including hard seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers, catering to various budgets and comfort preferences.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Lhasa Railway Station is a large and modern facility. While it can be busy, many visitors find the atmosphere pleasant and peaceful, especially with the backdrop of natural beauty.
Public Wi-Fi can be unreliable or unavailable within the station and on trains in Tibet due to connectivity limitations in the region. It's best to prepare for limited internet access.
The station offers basic amenities such as waiting halls, restrooms, and some food and drink vendors. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water.
Reviews suggest that while the views are amazing, some trains can be a bit dirty and muggy. It's a good idea to bring hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
Taxis and pre-arranged tour vehicles are the most common ways to get from the station to your accommodation. Your tour guide will likely meet you outside the station.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, keep in mind the permit checks and the walk to the parking area. Having a pre-arranged guide or transport can make the transition smoother for families.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Be prepared for the permit checks upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, and have your documents organized.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
To ensure passenger comfort and safety at such extreme altitudes, the trains are equipped with pressurized cabins that pump in oxygen, mitigating the effects of altitude sickness. This thoughtful design allows travelers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery without significant discomfort. Many travelers describe the journey as a 'romantic ritual,' a slow immersion into the unique landscape and culture of Tibet.
While the journey is undeniably beautiful, it's important to note that internet connectivity can be spotty or non-existent on the train. This means embracing a digital detox and fully immersing yourself in the present moment and the stunning surroundings.
Navigating Lhasa Railway Station: Practicalities
Another practical consideration is the walk from the arrival gates to the coach parking area. This can be a distance of about 300 meters, so be prepared to manage your luggage accordingly.
Despite the potential for a slightly chaotic feel and tight security, many visitors find the station experience manageable and are warmly welcomed by guides and locals once outside the immediate station area. The overall impression is that of a functional gateway to an extraordinary destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit