Jian Zhao
Quick Read – What's Inside
I've been guiding travelers around Qinghai for over a decade. And let me tell you – getting from Xining Railway Station to Qinghai Lake is where most people hit their first headache. The internet is full of outdated info or routes that just don't work if you don't speak Chinese. So I'll break it down from what I've seen actually work for my clients – the real costs, the hidden time traps, and the shortcuts nobody tells you about.
Here's the quick truth: you have four real options to cover the ~150 km (93 miles). Bus is cheapest but inflexible. Private transfer is my personal favorite for most travelers. A train-bus combo works if you're adventurous. And self-drive gives freedom but comes with its own risks.
Bus from Xining Railway Station
The bus is what 80% of first-time visitors try. And honestly? It's fine – if you know exactly where to go.
Where to catch the bus
Don't look for a bus at the railway station itself – you won't find a direct bus there. Instead, you need to head to Xining Bus Station (Xining Qiche Zhan), about 4 km away. Take a taxi (10-15 CNY, 10 minutes) or subway Line 1 to Xiaozhai station, exit B, then walk 5 minutes east.
The bus to Qinghai Lake (黑马河方向, Heimahe direction) leaves roughly every hour from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. The ticket costs 37 CNY per person – cash only, no credit cards. Tell the driver you want to get off at Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区), which is the main entrance of Qinghai Lake. The ride takes about 2.5 hours.
Private Transfer from Xining Railway Station
This is what I always recommend to my clients who value time and comfort. You'll find drivers waiting outside the arrival hall – they'll approach you with signs saying "Qinghai Lake." But don't just grab the first one.
Negotiate hard. A standard private car (sedan, 3-4 passengers) should cost 400-500 CNY one-way. If they quote 600+, walk away. Use Didi (Chinese Uber) app if you have it – a one-way ride costs about 350-450 CNY. The driver will take you directly to whichever entrance you want (Erlangjian is the most developed; Shinaihai is less crowded but less services).
The drive takes about 2 hours on a good day – but traffic can double that on summer weekends. I've been stuck for 4 hours in July. So if you go on a Saturday, leave before 7 AM or after 5 PM.
Train + Bus Combination
This is the route most online guides miss. There's a train from Xining Railway Station to Heimahe Town (黑马河) – a small town right on the western shore of Qinghai Lake. The train number is K980X (check 12306.cn) and it departs at 7:50 AM. Ticket price: 38.5 CNY for hard seat. The journey takes about 3 hours.
Once you arrive at Heimahe station, jump on a local minibus (10 CNY) or shared taxi (20 CNY per person) to the lake – it's a 20-minute ride. From Heimahe, you can walk to the shore for free (no entrance fee!) because the "official" paid area is elsewhere. This is my insider trick for budget travelers who still want a stunning view.
Catch: The return train from Heimahe to Xining leaves at 4:45 PM. You'll have about 6 hours at the lake – enough time for a relaxed walk and a meal, but no time for serious hiking.
Driving Yourself from Xining Railway Station
Renting a car gives you ultimate freedom, but it's not for everyone. Xining Railway Station has several car rental desks – China Car Rental, eHi, and others. You'll need your passport, an international driver's license (with a Chinese translation stamp), and a credit card deposit (usually 2000-5000 CNY).
Daily rental for a compact SUV (like a Haval H6) is about 250-350 CNY. The drive to Qinghai Lake is a straight shot on the G6 Expressway – no tricky turns. But watch out: the altitude hits 3200m at the lake, and the highway has sections with no service stations. Fill up in Xining before you go.
Which Option is Best for You?
| Option | Cost (One Way per Person) | Flexibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 37 CNY | Low | Budget backpackers, no luggage |
| Private Transfer | 100-170 CNY (shared cost if 3-4) | High | Groups, families, comfort seekers |
| Train + Bus | 48-60 CNY | Medium | Adventurous solo travelers, free lake entry |
| Self-Drive | 80-120 CNY (fuel + rental per person) | Very High | Experienced drivers, those wanting remote spots |
My personal pick for 90% of travelers: private transfer booked through your hotel or a reliable channel like Klook. It's not the cheapest, but the time saved and stress avoided are worth every yuan. If you're on a shoestring, go with the train-bus combo – and don't forget to bring snacks because Heimahe has limited food options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.
I’m from Xining and I always tell visiting friends to take the official direct bus from the railway station – it’s cheap, clean, and leaves on time every morning. This time I went with my cousin who was visiting from Guangzhou. The bus driver even gave a little commentary about the lake’s history and the best spots for photos. We rented bikes at the lake for an hour – best 20 RMB ever spent. No complaints whatsoever. If you’re heading to the lake, this is the way to go.
Took the shared minibus from the square just outside Xining Railway Station – cheap (60 RMB) and left as soon as it was full. The ride took about 2.5 hours with one bathroom break. The driver drove carefully on the winding roads, which I appreciated. Qinghai Lake is simply breathtaking – the contrast of blue water, green grass, and white clouds is something else. Bring a jacket though, it got chilly by the water even in July. 10/10 would do it again!
Hands down the best decision we made on our Qinghai trip! We joined a small group tour from Xining Railway (arranged via our hostel for 200 RMB each). Our driver, Mr. Li, was super knowledgeable – he pointed out grazing yaks, told stories about the local nomads, and even stopped at a hidden viewpoint for photos. The lake was impossibly blue, and we had plenty of time to walk along the shore. Absolutely recommend this way – don’t hesitate!
We took the direct tourist bus from Xining Railway Station to Qinghai Lake – cost was decent (around 80 RMB per person) and the ride was smooth. The only downside: they dropped us off at a busy section near Erlangjian with tons of vendors, and we had to wait almost 40 minutes for the return bus. If you want a quieter spot, consider renting a car or hiring a driver. Still, the lake was gorgeous and the trip was worth it overall.
I booked a private car from Xining to Qinghai Lake through my hotel and honestly, it was a mixed bag. The driver was friendly but took a wrong turn near the mountains, adding almost an hour to the drive. The lake itself was stunning, but the car’s AC barely worked on a hot day. For the price we paid, I expected a bit more professionalism. Not a disaster, but I’d probably try the public bus next time.