Tibet Transportation — Getting to Tibet and Traveling Around

Tibet’s transportation is less convenient than in other major cities of China, as it is remote and high in altitude. 

Routes for getting in and out are rather limited, but with the increase of transportation networks, it has become easier than before. Once you arrive, travel between key cities such as Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi is relatively straightforward. 

For foreign travelers, there are some restrictions on traveling to Tibet. Your vehicle has to be arranged by local travel agency. We have listed some useful information about Tibet transportation and suggestions for you below.

How to Get to Tibet

Getting to Tibet by Air

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to enter Tibet, and it’s the easiest option for first-time visitors. But usually, Tibet will not be the first landing port for your international flight to China. You need to fly into a major city first, then continue on to Tibet.

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is about 1 hour’s drive from Lhasa city center. Major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Kunming all have daily direct flights to Lhasa. Chengdu is the most popular hub, with the most frequent departures and the shortest flight time (2½ hours). There is also one international route from Kathmandu, Nepal (2 hours).

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Practical Travel Example by Air from the U.S.

• Fly from your U.S. city to Beijing (If your country has direct flights to Chengdu, you can also make Chengdu your first stop. There are more direct flights from Chengdu to Lhasa with shorter time).
• Spend 3–4 days to recover from jet lag and explore Beijing.
• Take a flight from Beijing to Lhasa in the morning (4½ hours), arriving early enough to rest and acclimate to the altitude.
• For your return journey, the simplest option is to fly back from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to another major Chinese city or your next destination, and then connect with your international flight home. This route is usually the fastest and most reliable way to travel out of Tibet.

Getting to Tibet by Train

The Qinghai–Tibet Railway links Lhasa with many major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. Among them, Xining is the best starting point, the journey takes about 21 hours and has the most frequent departures.

Qinghai–Tibet Railway Map

The ride itself is part of the adventure. You'll pass snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and the high-altitude scenery of the Tibetan Plateau, making the train journey a memorable travel experience.

Scenery along the Qinghai–Tibet Railway

However, train travel to Tibet comes with challenges. Journeys are long (20–40 hours), tickets can be difficult to secure during peak season, and facilities are quite basic. Oxygen outlets are available on board, but cabins are often crowded. 

A soft sleeper is the most comfortable choice, with four berths per compartment. If your group is smaller than four and you want privacy, we can try to book the entire compartment for you.

Getting to Tibet by Road

Overland travel to Tibet is possible via several routes from inland China, such as the Qinghai–Tibet Highway from Xining, the Sichuan–Tibet Highway from Chengdu, and the Yunnan–Tibet Highway from Shangri-La through Markham. These journeys take several days, cover rough terrain, and pass through very high altitudes.

For seasoned adventurers, the reward is the dramatic scenery and a true sense of challenge. If you are looking for an overland adventure, we can help arrange it to make sure you travel safely and comfortably.

Sichuan–Tibet Highway

How to Traveling Around Tibet

The Main Way to Get Around is by Car

Most attractions in Tibet can only be reached by car. Distances are often long, but the journey itself is part of the experience. The scenery along the way is stunning, from snow mountains to turquoise lakes, so the hours on the road rarely feel wasted.

If you travel with us, we'll carefully design your itinerary to balance driving and sightseeing. We'll arrange a spacious, comfortable private car with an experienced driver, so you can enjoy the trip without feeling too exhausted.

By Train

Railway lines within Tibet are limited, but trains do connect some major cities:

• Lhasa – Shigatse: about 3 hours by high-speed train
• Lhasa – Nyingchi: about 5 hours by regular train
• Lhasa – Shannan: about 1.5 hours by regular train

However, since attractions in Tibet are scattered in different cities, we recommend using a private car throughout the trip. This way, you won't have to move your luggage frequently, and the transitions between sites will be easier.

By Plane

Flights are available to a few cities, such as Nyingchi and Shigatse. However, schedules and flights are not always stable due to weather and demand. If you are short on time, flying may be considered, but it is not as reliable as traveling by car or train.

Explore Tibet with China Highlights

Tibet is still a holy and mysterious destination for travelers. Because of the government's policy, foreign travelers are not allowed to travel independently and Tibet travel permits are needed.

China Highlights has Tibetan local tour guides who speak good English and take you deep into the Tibetan culture. We guarantee to arrange your Tibet travel permits and take care of your tour. If you are planning a Tibet tour, please see our popular itineraries below for inspiration:

• 17-Days Beijing, Xian, Tibet, Chengdu, Guilin and Hong Kong Tour
• 13-Days Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai Private Tour
• 8-Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
• 7-Days Tibet Tours by Train from Xining
• 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour

If you have any ideas or want to customize the above tours, just tell us your interests and requirements, and we will help you create your Tibet tour.