Embarking on the Chengdu–Lhasa railway journey aboard Train Z322 offers travelers a remarkable blend of comfort and breathtaking scenery. Covering approximately 3,000 kilometers over 34 hours and 30 minutes, this direct express train departs from Chengdu West Station and terminates at Lhasa Railway Station, providing a unique chance to witness the stunning landscapes of western China and the high-altitude wonders of the Tibetan Plateau.
Scenic Highlights Along Chengdu to Lhasa Train
Train Z322 is an express train from Chengdu, Sichuan Province to Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region. Train Z322 departs from Chengdu West Station at 21:11 the next day and arrives at Lhasa Station at 07:41 on the third day, with a total journey of 34 hours and 30 minutes. Train Z324 departs from Lhasa Station at 19:00 the next day and arrives at Chengdu West Station at 07:03 the next day, taking 36 hours and 3 minutes. The train stops at Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha and Golmud along the way.
Departure from Chengdu
Your adventure begins at Chengdu West Railway Station, located in Qingyang District. Once the train departs at 21:11 on the scheduled days, settle into your berth and prepare for a journey that gradually transitions from the lush Sichuan Basin to the lofty Tibetan Plateau.
Crossing the Qin Mountains and Entering Gansu
In the early morning hours, Z322 rolls into Guangyuan, offering a brief ten-minute stop. Shortly after, the train traverses the Qin Mountains, moving towards Lanzhou. The twenty-minute layover in Lanzhou—an important Silk Road city along the Yellow River—gives passengers a glimpse of one of northwest China’s major cultural and historical centers.
Qinghai Province: Gateway to the Plateau
By late morning, the train arrives in Xining, the eastern gateway to the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Passengers can observe Qinghai Lake from the carriage windows—a vast, azure body of water renowned for migratory birds—and savor the refreshing chill of this high-altitude city during the twenty-minute stop.
Departing Xining, the train begins its steady climb in altitude. In Delingha and Golmud, you will briefly leave the carriage to stretch and acclimatize. Delingha’s six-minute pause is followed by the 25-minute stop in Golmud, the highest and most significant junction on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway.
Traversing the Tanggula and Kunlun Ranges
Beyond Golmud, the train ascends further into the Tanggula Mountains, cresting the highest railway pass in the world at over 5,000 meters above sea level. Along this stretch, passengers can marvel at snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands dotted with yaks and Tibetan antelopes, and the rugged splendor of the Kunlun Range.
Arrival in Lhasa
At 07:41 on the second morning after departure, Z322 arrives in Lhasa. The gentle approach through the Lhasa River valley culminates in the sight of the city’s iconic Potala Palace, signaling the end of an unforgettable rail experience.
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Schedule and Frequency
Currently, Train Z322 departs from Chengdu West Railway Station every other day at 21:11, arriving in Lhasa at 07:41 after 34 hours and 30 minutes of travel. The return service, Train Z324, leaves Lhasa at 19:00 on alternating days and reaches Chengdu at 07:03 after 36 hours and 3 minutes. Throughout the year, departures follow an odd-even calendar pattern:
| Month | Chengdu → Lhasa | Lhasa → Chengdu |
|---|---|---|
| January | Even days | Even days |
| February | Odd days | Odd days |
| March | Odd days | Odd days |
| April | Even days | Even days |
| May | Even days | Even days |
| June | Odd days | Odd days |
| July | Odd days | Odd days |
| August | Even days | Even days |
| September | Odd days | Odd days |
| October | Odd days | Odd days |
| November | Even days | Even days |
| December | Even days | Even days |
Note: “Odd days” refers to the 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.; “Even days” to the 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.
Chengdu to Lhasa Train Accommodation and Fares
Travelers can choose among three seat classes:
- Soft Sleeper: Private cabins with four berths, lockable doors, individual reading lights, television screens, and power outlets.
- Hard Sleeper: Economical cabins with six berths and shared facilities; ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort beyond basic seating.
- Hard Seat: Standard seating; not recommended for the lengthy Chengdu–Lhasa run due to limited legroom.
Approximate one-way fares per person are:
| Class | CNY | USD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Seat | 627.5 | 97 |
| Hard Sleeper | 997.5 | 153 |
| Soft Sleeper | 1,600–2,000 | 245–310 |
Travel Preparations and Permits from Chengdu to Lhasa Train
Foreign travelers must obtain a valid Tibet Travel Permit before boarding any train heading to Tibet. To collect tickets at Chinese railway stations, present your original passport along with the permit. Journey2Tibet offers full assistance with permit applications, ticket reservations, and detailed pre-departure briefings.
Why Choose the Train Over Other Modes from Chengdu to Lhasa?
- Gradual Acclimatization: The progressive altitude gain helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
- Immersive Scenery: Unlike air travel, the train offers panoramic views of the Hengduan Mountains, the vast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and high-altitude grasslands.
- Comfort and Convenience: With comfortable sleepers, dining cars, and onboard amenities, passengers can relax, dine, and sleep en route.
Tips for a Memorable Journey from Chengdu to Lhasa
- Book in Advance: Seats on Z322 sell out quickly—reserve at least 2–3 months before departure.
- Pack Warm Layers: Temperatures can plummet at high altitudes, even in summer.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring bottled water; high-altitude dehydration can worsen altitude symptoms.
- Offline Entertainment: Download music, films, or e-books in advance—Wi-Fi coverage is limited.
- Snacks and Cash: Stock up on local snacks in Chengdu and carry sufficient RMB for onboard purchases.
About Journey2Tibet
At Journey2Tibet, we specialize in crafting seamless, all-inclusive Tibet adventures. From securing travel permits to reserving train tickets and designing personalized itineraries, our expert team ensures every detail is handled. Experience the mystical allure of the Tibetan Plateau with confidence—partner with Journey2Tibet for a journey of a lifetime.
