Xining Railway Station is the starting point for one of the most scenic train journeys in China. In 2006, the highest railroad in the world was opened to provide a transport link between Xining and Lhasa in Tibet. The train winds its way through 1972 kilometers of magnificent scenery over 48 hours: the journey is quickly becoming as much of an attraction as either Xining or Lhasa. Travelers are advised that foreigners may only enter Tibet with a special permit which is issued through authorized travel agents organizing group tours.

There are also direct trains to many major Chinese Cities from Xining Railway Station, including Beijing (20 hrs), Shanghai (25 hrs), Chengdu (20.5 hrs), Qingdao (35.5 hrs), Zhengzhou (19 hrs) Lhasa (23 hrs) and Golmud (9 hrs).

There are three different ways to book a train ticket in Xining: over the phone, online and at the ticket window. Tickets can be purchased over the telephone (9510 5105) 4-12 days (tickets during Spring Festival travel rush are available 20 days in advance since January 2013, but this is subject to change). According to new rules introduced on Jan 1, 2013, all train tickets must be collected within 24 hours of purchase. Tickets are non transferable and are void if not used on the correct day.

To book tickets online, use the site www.12306.cn. Tickets can be reserved daily from 7:00-23:00 from 12-20 days in advance (subject to change; pre-sale booking periods often change during the Spring Festival and other important National Holidays). You can buy rail tickets at the sales window up to 10-20 days in advance (also subject to change).

Using the real-name system, if a passenger loses their train ticket they can report the loss to get a new ticket. The replacement fee for lost tickets is 2 RMB and passengers will receive a ticket replacement. Passengers who have lost their tickets can report this at the train station ticket window if they have their original valid ID that was originally used to purchase the tickets and the date and station names of the original ticket. Passengers can get replacement tickets up to 20 minutes before departure time.

Xining Railway Station (Xining Huochezhan)
Destinations: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Golmud
Add: 2 Qilian Lu, Northeast of Xining city
Tel: 0971 8172 222
Ticket Reservations: 0971 9510 5105
Bus routes: 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 16, 17, 20, 22, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 35, 40, 107, 109

Wusi Dajie Ticket Office
Add: 1F, Jiaotong Apartment, 40 Wusi Dajie, Xining
Tel: 0971 613 6454

Xining Qinghai Railway Ticket Service Company
Add: 7 Jianguo Lu, Xining
Tel: 0971 812 5617

Tiedao Hotel Ticket Office
Add: Tiedao Hotel, 12 Huzhu Lu, Xining
Tel: 0971 819 2021

Qinghai Hotel Ticket Office
Add: Wusi Dajie, Xining
Tel: 0971 614 4888 ext.2473, 613 6454

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