When traveling to Tibet by train, the soft sleeper stands out as the most comfortable and convenient choice for travelers. It is designed for greater privacy and comfort, with spacious berths, cozy bedding, lockable doors and other essential facilities for a pleasant Tibet train journey.
So, what exactly does a soft sleeper look like? How much does a soft train ticket cost, and how to get one? What to expect on a soft sleeper train journey? Read this guide to know all the details about Tibet train soft sleeper and prepare for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
What is a Soft Sleeper Like on Tibet Trains?
The soft sleeper is the first-class sleeper option on Tibet trains, designed for more comfort and privacy. On a Tibet train, there are usually two soft sleeper carriages, each containing eight cabins with four berths per cabin. So, there are totally 64 soft sleeper berths on a Tibet train.
The soft sleeper is the first-class sleeper option on Tibet trains.Each soft sleeper cabin features four berths over two levels. Soft quilts and pillows are provided on each berth for a comfortable journey. The cabin also includes a large window and a small table beneath it, a lockable door facing the corridor, luggage space above the door, and an LED television, etc.
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Upper Berth vs. Lower Berth: Which Soft Sleeper Should I Choose?
When booking your tickets for the soft sleeper, you can choose between the upper berth and lower berth, if there is availability. Each option has its own cons and pros.
The lower berth in the soft sleeper berth is more spacious. While both berths are the same size, being around 75 cm wide and 190 cm long, the lower berth offers more headroom of 90 cm. This allows you to sit comfortably during the day and enjoy the view from the large windows.
The lower berth is also more convenient, as you don’t need to climb a ladder to get in and out of bed. However, since it doubles as a shared seating area for all passengers in the cabin during the day, you may not have much privacy.
The lower berths of the soft sleeper on Tibet trains are more spacious.On the other hand, the upper berth provides more privacy since it is not used as a shared space. It is also less expensive than the lower berth. However, with only 80 cm of headroom and the need to climb up, the upper berth is less convenient.
In summary, if you prefer easy access and a better view, the lower berth is the best option. If you value more privacy and a lower cost, the upper berth might be a better choice.
What Facilities are Available in a Soft Sleeper Cabin of Tibet Trains?
In addition to soft and comfortable berths and bedding, the soft sleeper cabin offers a collection of facilities to enhance your travel experience.
Lockable Door:
Unlike the open-design hard sleeper cabins, the soft sleeper cabin has a lockable door, which provides more safety and privacy.
Oxygen Supply:
All Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supply systems. The oxygen outlet in the soft sleeper cabin is normally located near your berth, below the reading light. If you suffer from altitude sickness, you can use this oxygen outlet.
Oxygen outlet can easily be found in Tibet train soft sleeper.Air Conditioning:
All Tibet trains are air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable temperature onboard regardless of when you travel.
Luggage Space:
The main luggage storage in a soft sleeper cabin is above the door, where a large recess can hold several hold-all style bags. Luggage can also be stored under the lower berths, which have a foot of space for flatter luggage.
Power Sockets:
There are power sockets beneath the small table in the cabin, allowing you to charge your mobile photo and other small devices. However, the power supply may be limited, so it is recommended to bring a power bank.
Lights:
The main cabin light can be turned on and off, so you and your cabin mates can decide when to adjust it. There is also an individual reading light on each berth, which you can use as needed.
TV screens and headphones:
You can switch channels and adjust the volume independently.
TV screen is available on the Tibet soft sleeper cabin.Public Facilities:
Outside the cabin, there is a wide corridor with huge windows that are perfect for relaxing and watching the stunning Tibetan landscape pass by. The windows have foldable seats under them, allowing you to sit and enjoy the view.
At the end of each carriage, you will find toilets and washing facilities. On one side of the carriage is a Western-style toilet, complete with a toilet seat and lid, and on the other side is a Chinese squat-type toilet, for those that prefer them.
Outside the toilets, at each end of the car, are the washing facilities for passengers. Each washing area contains three sinks, with racks, and sometimes soap for washing your hands.
There is a washing area between two soft sleeper carriages on Tibet trains.How Much Does a Soft Sleeper Cost on Tibet Trains?
There are currently eight cities offering Tibet trains to Lhasa. Depending on the travel route and distance, the cost of the soft sleeper berth can vary from one to another. Check the details as follows:
| Tibet Train Route | Distance to Lhasa (km) | Soft Sleeper Price (CNY) |
|---|
| Beijing to Lhasa |
3,757 km |
￥1144 |
| Shanghai to Lhasa |
4,373 km |
￥1262.5 |
| Guangzhou to Lhasa |
4,980 km |
￥1468 |
| Chengdu to Lhasa |
3,070 km |
￥997.5 |
| Chongqing to Lhasa |
3,030 km |
￥997.5 |
| Xi'an to Lhasa |
2,864 km |
￥969.5 |
| Xining to Lhasa |
1,972 km |
￥781 |
| Lanzhou to Lhasa |
2,188 km |
￥823 |
Note: All the ticket prices are the net prices. The actual booking price is always higher due to the service fees required for a successful booking.
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How to Book a Soft Sleeper Ticket on Tibet Trains?
You can book your Tibet train ticket at a railway station ticket office, online via the China Railway Official Website (12306), or through a travel agency. Booking should be done as soon as ticket sales open, typically 15 days before departure, since soft sleepers are always in huge demand.
Since it is not often possible for you to buy the ticket when you arrive in China, and official website requires a Chinese payment method, the best way is to book through a travel agency like us. As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience handling Tibet train booking, we can guarantee you a soft sleeper train ticket for your journey.
Soft Sleeper vs Hard Sleeper: Which Type of Ticket is Right for Me?
While there is little difference between the beds in the soft and hard sleeper cabins, there is a significant difference in the quality and style of travel, not to mention the price.
The hard sleeper is much cheaper for all berths compared to the soft sleeper and is often more affordable for budget travelers. However, it is open to the rest of the train, with only a small curtain providing minimal privacy. The hard sleeper also has six berths per cabin, over three levels, so is a little more cramped.
Hard sleeper on the Tibet train is open to the corridor.The soft sleeper, on the other hand, offers the advantage of a lockable door for added security, as well as only four berths, providing more space in the cabin. While the soft sleeper offers a better cabin for a higher price, the hard sleeper may actually be a better way to connect with fellow travelers.
| Comparisons | Hard Sleeper | Soft Sleeper |
|---|
| Amount of Sleepers |
6 |
4 |
| Size of Sleeper |
60cm * 180cm |
70cm * 190cm |
| Door |
No |
Yes |
| TV |
No |
Yes |
| Ticket Price |
Medium |
High |
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Insider Tips for Enjoying a Soft Sleeper on Tibet Trains
1. Before taking the train, you must obtain the Tibet Travel Permit. We can help arrange your Tibet Travel Permit when you book your train ticket with us. We will deliver it to your hotel in mainland China, or hand it to you personally at the railway station in emergencies, ensuring you a smooth boarding process.
2. One thing to be noted is that there is no WIFI on the Tibet train. The televisions in the soft sleeper cabin are only for local programs. To pass the time, it’s best to prepare your own entertainment, such as downloading movies in advance or bringing books to read when you’re not enjoying the spectacular scenery.
3. There are a dining car for meals on Tibet train, and the trainmen also push food trolleys through the carriages selling box meals and snacks. However, the prices are much higher than usual. It is a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks to stay refreshed throughout the journey.
4. Although there is space for your luggage in a soft sleeper cabin, it’s recommended to keep your valuable items with you when leaving the cabin. While the cabins can be locked and there is little crime on the trains, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Conclusion
While trains to Tibet offer various seating options, the soft sleeper is the obvious choice for discerning travelers due to its comfort, security, and spaciousness. Luggage storage is adequate for four people, and the quieter atmosphere makes for a much more comfortable ride. If you are planning a trip to Tibet on the famous Qinghai Tibet Railway, then take the soft sleeper and travel in style.
For more questions about Tibet train travel, feel free to contact us or book your trip with us today. As the leading Tibet tour operator, we can guarantee you a soft sleeper berth and ensure you a hassle-free Tibet train experience!
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