Embark on an epic rail adventure aboard train Z264/Z266, which links Guangzhou and Lhasa over 4,980 km in about 54 hours—China’s longest continuous train service. This daily express travels through eight provinces, from the subtropical lowlands of Guangdong to the snow-capped heights of the Tibetan Plateau, offering ever-changing scenery and a comfortable ride equipped for high altitudes.
Guangzhou to Lhasa Train Schedule and Fares
| Train No. | Direction | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Soft Sleeper (4-berth) | Hard Sleeper (6-berth) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z264 | Guangzhou → Lhasa | 09:15 | 14:54 (+2 days) | 53 h 39 m | USD 228 / CNY 1,468 | USD 133 / CNY 865 |
| Z266 | Lhasa → Guangzhou | 12:35 | 20:13 (+2 days) | 55 h 38 m | USD 228 / CNY 1,468 | USD 133 / CNY 865 |
- Tickets go on sale 15 days before departure and sell out quickly, especially from April to October (peak season).
- International visitors must hold a valid Tibet Travel Permit to board; most travel agencies will arrange this for you.
Guangzhou to Lhasa Train Key Route Stations
| Day | Station | Altitude | Arrival | Departure | Stop Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guangzhou | 21 m | — | 09:15 | — |
| 1 | Chenzhou | 189 m | 13:21 | 13:24 | 3 min |
| 1 | Changsha | 63 m | 16:58 | 17:04 | 6 min |
| 1 | Wuchang | 24 m | 20:23 | 20:44 | 21 min |
| 2 | Zhengzhou | 108 m | 01:34 | 01:40 | 6 min |
| 2 | Luoyang | 147 m | 03:06 | 03:10 | 4 min |
| 2 | Xi’an | 385 m | 07:43 | 07:53 | 10 min |
| 2 | Baoji | 618 m | 09:20 | 09:26 | 6 min |
| 2 | Lanzhou | 1,520 m | 15:05 | 15:32 | 27 min |
| 2 | Xining | 2,200 m | 17:59 | 18:19 | 20 min |
| 2 | Delingha | 2,980 m | 22:11 | 22:15 | 4 min |
| 3 | Golmud | 2,780 m | 00:36 | 01:01 | 25 min |
| 3 | Amdo | 4,702 m | 09:34 | 09:38 | 4 min |
| 3 | Nagqu | 4,500 m | 10:56 | 11:02 | 6 min |
| 3 | Lhasa | 3,650 m | 14:54 | — | — |
Highlights Along the Guangzhou to Lhasa Train
- Qinghai Lake: A vast, turquoise inland sea framed by distant peaks.
- Kunlun Mountains & Yuzhu Peak: Permanent snowfields rising above the horizon.
- Hoh Xil Nature Reserve: Spot wild Tibetan antelopes and yak herds across unspoiled plains.
- Tuotuo River: The Yangtze’s headwaters meander through alpine meadows.
- Tanggula Pass: At 5,072 m, the highest railway point; legend says eagles can’t fly higher.
- Qiangtang Plateau: Endless grasslands dotted with nomadic camps.
- Namtso Lake: Known as the “Heavenly Lake,” its sapphire waters lie just before Lhasa.
Guangzhou to Lhasa Train Amenities
- Oxygen is automatically supplied after Golmud to aid acclimatization.
- Dining car and trolley service offer meals and snacks (prices tend to be higher than off-train).
- Free hot water throughout the journey.
- Soft-sleeper cabins include a private washbasin and toilet; hard-sleeper cabins are more communal but budget-friendly.
Guangzhou to Lhasa Train Travel Tips
- Cabin Choice: Soft sleepers are highly recommended for comfort on this 54-hour journey.
- Pack Wisely: Layered clothing, sleep mask, earplugs, personal snacks, and pre-downloaded entertainment.
- Acclimatization: Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and use the oxygen supply if needed.
- Photography: Keep your camera at hand for sunrise over the Kunlun and sunset on the plateau.
- Arrival in Lhasa: Plan a full rest day; local transfers are usually arranged by your travel agency.
For a seamless and tailored experience on the Guangzhou–Lhasa route, trust Journey2tibet to handle every detail—from securing your Tibet Travel Permit and hard-to-find soft-sleeper tickets to arranging comfortable transfers and expert altitude-acclimatization advice. With our in-depth local knowledge and personalized service, Journey2tibet makes your epic rail journey stress-free, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking scenery and cultural discoveries that await.
