How to Travel to Lhasa

Planning a trip to Lhasa can be both exciting and challenging, especially when deciding on the best mode of transportation. There are three main ways to travel to Lhasa: by plane, train, or road. You can travel from major cities in mainland China or from Kathmandu, Nepal by plane. In this guide, we’ll explore the different travel routes and provide some helpful tips to make your journey to Lhasa smooth and memorable.

Three Ways to Travel to Lhasa

Currently, there are three primary ways to travel to Lhasa from other parts of mainland China: by plane, train, or car. Many travelers often wonder which option would maximize their enjoyment of the Tibetan journey. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual circumstances.

1. By Plane

If you have limited vacation time, flying is the best option. Taking a flight to Lhasa offers a unique experience of viewing the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from above.

2. By Train

If you have more time, consider taking a train into Tibet and flying out. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is renowned not only for its advanced construction technology but also for the breathtaking scenery along the route, which includes snow-capped mountains, vast wilderness, grasslands, and lakes. Summer is the peak travel season, with additional trains running from Xining. Be sure to book a train that travels through the Golmud-Nagqu section during the early morning hours to fully appreciate the essence of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

3. By Road

There are several routes for road travel into Tibet, including the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway, Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, and Qinghai-Tibet Highway. These routes are suitable for travelers with long vacations, as the journey takes at least 5-8 days.

Comparison of Travel Methods

Traveling by Plane

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is the only airport in Lhasa and the largest in Tibet. It is located 70 kilometers from Lhasa city center, with a drive time of approximately 1.5 hours.

Which Cities Have Direct Flights to Lhasa?

Currently, 37 cities in China offer direct flights to Lhasa, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Tianjin, Nanjing, Xi'an, Changsha, Xining, Mianyang, Hefei, Zhengzhou, Yinchuan, Hohhot, Taiyuan, Hangzhou, Handan, Nanyang, Dalian, Baotou, Fuzhou, Kangding, Urumqi, Xiangyang, Shenyang, Taizhou, Guiyang, Kunming, Lijiang, Nanchong, Shangri-La, Dazhou, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Jinan, and Wenzhou. Chengdu and Chongqing have the most direct flights. If you are not departing from any of these cities, you can fly to Chengdu or Chongqing first and then transfer to Lhasa.

Tips:

• If direct flights are too expensive or your schedule is tight, consider flying to Xining first and then taking a train or another flight to Lhasa.

• Besides Chinese cities, you can also fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu is the only international city with direct flights to Lhasa, operated by Himalaya Airlines, with flights typically available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flight duration ranges from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.

• Getting from the Airport to the City: You can take an airport shuttle bus or a taxi to the city center. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Taxi fares are around 200 RMB, while the airport shuttle bus costs 30 RMB. Shuttle bus departures are synchronized with flight arrivals.

Travel Tips:

The airport shuttle bus is conveniently located at the exit of Lhasa Gonggar Airport, with the final stop being the Civil Aviation Bureau near the Potala Palace. For return trips, purchase tickets at the Civil Aviation Bureau ticket office near the Potala Palace.

Operating Hours: 4:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Intervals: Buses depart every 5-10 minutes in the morning and every 10-15 minutes in the afternoon.

Tip: If you can't find the "Civil Aviation Bureau Ticket Office," look for the nearby landmark "Aviation Hotel," which is very close.

Traveling by Train

Lhasa Railway Station is the terminus of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. No matter where you start—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, or Xi'an—you will pass through Xining on your way to Lhasa by train. The journey from Xining to Lhasa takes about 20 hours.

Which Train to Take from Xining?

There are currently six trains from Xining to Lhasa. The best scenery is found after Golmud Station, so the ideal train is one that passes Golmud during the daytime. Therefore, later departures are better for enjoying the views.

Scenic Highlights on Z165 Train (for example, departing at 9:20 PM):

Around 10:30 AM: Passing by the First Bridge of the Yangtze River at Tuotuo River

Around 11:30 AM: Reaching Tongtian River

After 12 PM: Crossing the Tanggula Pass

Around 2 PM: Arriving at Lake Cuonahu (Heaven Lake)

Getting from the Train Station to the City: There is a bus stop on the east side of the station square, with fares at 1 RMB. You can choose the route based on your destination. Taxis are also available, with a starting fare of 10 RMB.

Travel Tips: Lhasa city also has many shared electric scooters, making it convenient to explore the city. Reference price: 4 RMB for 20 minutes.

Traveling by Car

For those who love road trips, you can choose to travel to Lhasa by road from mainland China. There are four highways that lead to Lhasa: the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, and Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, departing from Chengdu, Kunming, Xining, and Urumqi, respectively. Among these, the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways are the most popular with both domestic and international tourists.

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway covers approximately 2,500 kilometers from Chengdu to Lhasa, traversing the Hengduan Mountains and connecting Chengdu in Sichuan Province with Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Along the way, you can witness a variety of geographical landscapes, including mountains, valleys, grasslands, and lakes. You can also explore Tibetan villages, taste local delicacies, and experience the vibrant Tibetan culture.

The Qinghai-Tibet Highway starts in Xining and stretches 1,947 kilometers, roughly paralleling the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. This highway passes through the Kunlun Mountains and Tanggula Mountains, with sections over 4,000 meters above sea level extending for more than 1,200 kilometers, making it one of the highest highways in the world. Travelers on this route will also pass through the beautiful Qiangtang Grassland and the sacred Lake Namtso.

Important Notes for the Journey:

• The Sichuan-Tibet route can be muddy and winding, especially during the rainy season when landslides and mudslides are more likely.
• During winter, some sections of the road may be closed.

Traveling to Lhasa with Top Asia Tour

For first-time travelers to Tibet, especially foreign visitors, it’s highly recommended to join a guided tour. This is because Tibet has strict travel regulations, and foreign visitors need an entry permit to travel there. Additionally, the customs and culture in Tibet are quite different from other parts of China, and having a local guide can make your experience much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Our Top Asia Tour is a reliable and professional travel agency offering well-organized tours with no hidden costs. All transportation is handled by licensed vehicles, and experienced guides will ensure a smooth and insightful experience.