Tibet Train from Hong Kong to Lhasa
There is no direct train from Hong Kong to Lhasa. Travellers who want to reach Tibet by train from Hong Kong change in a city in mainland China. The good news is that you can combine the train with some sightseeing in China.
| Change in | Why | How to get there from Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Xining (most recommended) | several trains a day, only about 21 hours to Lhasa, start adjusting at 2,275 m, only one night on the train | fly (usually with a connection) |
| Chengdu / Chongqing (most popular) | direct flights, a reasonable train journey | fly direct, about 2.5 hours |
| Guangzhou (closest) | just an hour away by high-speed train, but the longest train ride to Lhasa | high-speed train to Guangzhou South |
| Xi’an (culture stopover) | see the Terracotta Warriors first | fly direct, about 3 hours |
1. Xining Transit — The Best Choice
Xining is where the Qinghai–Tibet Railway begins. Changing in Xining has several advantages:
- several trains a day to Lhasa, so sleeper tickets are easier to get in summer
- Xining (2,275 m) helps you start adjusting to the altitude
- only about 21 hours to Lhasa, one night on the train instead of two
- you can choose a train that crosses the high plateau in daylight
- Xining has a rich mix of cultures, and Qinghai Lake and Kumbum Monastery are nearby
2. Chengdu / Chongqing Transit
Chengdu and Chongqing are neighbouring cities, about 1.5 hours apart by high-speed train, and both have direct flights from Hong Kong.
- the Chengdu and Chongqing trains run on alternate days
- both cities are famous for food: hotpot and Sichuan cooking
- Chengdu: the Giant Panda Base, the Leshan Buddha, Mount Emei
- Chongqing: a dramatic hillside city with great night views
3. Guangzhou Transit
Guangzhou is the closest mainland city, about an hour from Hong Kong West Kowloon by high-speed train. But the Guangzhou–Lhasa train is the longest, about 53 hours (two nights). It suits travellers who want to see a lot of China from the window.
4. Xi’an Transit
Xi’an has direct flights from Hong Kong (about three hours). Trains to Lhasa pass through Xi’an from other cities, so they only stop for a few minutes and can be late. Be on the platform early.
Required Documents
- Hong Kong and Macau residents: Home Return Permit
- Foreign visitors and Taiwan residents: passport and Tibet Travel Permit
- Chinese citizens: ID card
Our recommendation: for most travellers from Hong Kong, the best route is to fly to Xining, spend a day or two at Qinghai Lake, and then take the train to Lhasa. You spend less time on the train, adjust better to the altitude and have more choice of trains. Contact us to plan the whole trip.
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