Tibet Transportation

Tibet used to be an inhospitable region, but lots of the people want to travel there. With the transportation network build up, it is easier to get to Tibet with different access. Rail, road, air all are very convenient. The most popular way to enter Tibet now is taking the train-the sky train. On the way, you can enjoy the unique high land scenery that you will miss by taking the flights, and at the same time, adjust yourself to the altitude gradually; the flight is faster and convenient, but see less; hitchhiking the road, it will take a longer time to get to Tibet and pretty tough. The biggest benefit is that you can spend more time at the wonderful scenaries and enjoy them all the way to Tibet.

Air

Tibet also opens both international and domestic airlines. You can take the regular direct domestic flights from Chengdu (2hours' flying time), Beijing (6hrs), Shanghai(8hrs), Chongqing (2hrs), Xi’an (3hrs), Guangzhou(5hrs) and Kunming (4hrs)to Tibet. The international route is from Kathmandu 2hours flying (capital of Nepal). Gongga Airport Tibet is at the Gongga County in the south of Lhasa 100 kilometers away. It takes around 2 hours’ driving from Lhasa. The airport bus costs 20yuan per person; taxi rental is about 200yuan per car.

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Going to Tibet, by Train or Flight?

Travelers get to Tibet either by train or by flight. These two methods of transportation have their own advantages and disadvantages.

By flight

Flights usually arrive at Lhasa airport in the morning or at noon, which enables enough time for travelers to have a good rest and get acclimatized to the altitude. The altitude of Lhasa is about 3500 meters, which is relatively lower than other regions in Tibet, so there are fewer cases of altitude sickness. Usually there might be discounts for the flight tickets to Lhasa. Search for Lhasa flights>>

By train

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Advantage: Train passengers can see the great scenery in the Holxil depopulated Area.

Disadvantages

1. The train ride to Lhasa takes 24 hours from Xining, or more than 48 hours from other cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. In addition, much of the train ride is completed during the night.

2. The train will pass Danggula Mountains which has an altitude of 6000 meters, plus the long-time train ride on the high-altitude area, train passengers may not get a good rest on the train.

3. It is difficult to get the train tickets to Lhasa, especially in July and August, and the tickets booking service charge might be even higher than the cost of the tickets during the high season.

Our suggestion

China Highlights suggests traveling to Lhasa by air and traveling back by train. Most trains depart Lhasa at 8:00 in the morning, and you have a whole day to see the scenery along the way. The return train ride is also more comfortable after you have got acclimatized to the high altitude from the trip. View our Tibet Tour Packages or contact us for a tailor-made tour.

China Highway

The highways to Tibet: 1. Qinghai-Tibet Highway: it runs the Xining - Golmud-Lhasa, 1,214 kilometers long. The average elevation of the highway is above 4,000 meters, running through the mountains of Kunlun and Tanggula. It takes you the shortest time to Tibet with the best and safest road comparing to others; 2. Xinjiang-Tibet Highway: it starts from Yecheng, Xinjiang Region, total 2841 kilometer. The most parts of the road are in the unpopulated area and does not have regular gas stations on the way, the drivers must prepare several barrels of fuel. It will spend you around half month's driving. Moreover, the transportation and the communication are also very inconvenient; 3. Sichuan-Tibet Highway: it starts from Chengdu and ends in Lhasa, total 2,330 kilometers long. On the way, it passed by the Ya'an and Kangding; 4.Yunnan-Tibet Highway:this road begins in Xia'guan City, Yunnan Province, stopping by the Shangri-La, then reachs the Markam County, Tibet, 800 kilometers long; 5. Sino-Nepal Highway: Lhasa - Golmud - Zhamud Friendship Bridge - Kathmandu, 2415 kilometers. Every day, two buses shuttle between germu and Lhasa. They start from germu at eight in the morning and arrive in Lhasa the next afternoon.