Why Take Flight to Lhasa from Chengdu

1.Chengdu operates the largest number of flights to Lhasa each day, usually around 12~17 flights each day during April to October, which not only ensure a flexible choices of flights, but also a cheaper fare.

2. It takes only about 2.5 hours to fly to Lhasa from Chengdu, which is much shorter comparing with Beijing (4.5hrs), Xian (3.5hrs), Shanghai (7hrs), and Guangzhou (6hrs).

3. There are many international airlines operating direct flights to Chengdu. You can take flights to Chengdu from Amsterdam, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Frankfurt, London, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo and Singapore, etc. The number of international flights to Chengdu is still growing.

4. Chengdu is well is well connected to other cities in China, with daily flights arriving from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming, Xian, Hong Kong, etc.

Chengdu Lhasa Flights
Our dear customers visited Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Chengdu Lhasa Flights Schedules

14 December 2022 Last updated at 13:52

As the most important gateway to Tibet, Chengdu operates more than 30 flights between Chengdu and Tibet(Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse and Qamdo) in summer and autumn days from early morning about 6am to late afternoon around 9pm. If you are planning a travel to Tibet, you can choose Chengdu as the flight departing hub because it has a much more frequent flight schedule. While in other cities like Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, it is quite difficult to book flight tickets especially during tourist peak seasons(June to October).

Chengdu to Lhasa Flights Timetable

Every day, there are about 13 flights departing from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport which are operated by different airline companies. You are suggested to book flight ticket in the morning so that you can have enough time to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude in Lhasa. Check out following latest updated Chengdu to Lhasa flights schedules:

Chengdu|CTULhasa|LXA

Important Notice: 1) Above flight schedules and fares are only for reference, please contact us to catch up on the latest information. But we usually will keep them updated; 2) The airlines companies usually will cut down the flight schedules during winter and spring seasons. There may be no daily flight in some months.

Our top Chengdu Lhasa Tours:

>> 4 Days Best of Tibet Tour from Chengdu

>> 6 Days Classic Chengdu Lhasa Highlights Tour

>> 10 Days Chengdu Lhasa Everest Overland Tour

About Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU - 成都双流国际机场) is the fourth largest and busiest airport in China. The airport is only about 16km southwest to the center of Chengdu City. Currently Chengdu Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is the most important airport in Southwestern China. It serves for both domestic flights and international flights. In 1993, the airport was identified as "International Port Airport" and gained "Visa on arrival” rights in 2000. Since January 1, 2019, the 144 Hour Transit Visa Free policy was applied to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. All these facts make the airport a convenient hub for both international and domestic travel.

Until December 2016, there are 270 flight routes to/off Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, including 95 international (regional) routes, operating air traffic to 2019 209 domestic and international (regional) destinations.

International Flights to Chengdu

So far travelers can take flights to Chengdu directly from following destinations:

  • 1) Europe (Amsterdam, London, Madrid, Frankfurt, Moscow, Paris)
  • 2) Australia (Melbourne, Sydney)
  • 3) North America (San-Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver),
  • 4) Africa (Port Louis, Mauritius)
  • 5) Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha)
  • 6) East Asia (Seoul, Jeju Island, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Nha Trang, Hanoi, Danang, Bangkok, Suratthani, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mao, Saipan, Yangon, Siem Reap)
  • 7) Southeast Asia (Kathmandu, Colombo)
  • 8) Other regions (Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Taichung, Songshan, Kaohsiung) can reach Chengdu directly by flight.

Domestic Flights to Chengdu

Chengdu is fully linked to most destinations in China. The flights to some popular tourist destinations, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Lhasa, Kunming, are very frequent. Even so, you’d better book the ticket as early as possible because the demands are quite high during peak seasons (May to October)

  • 1) Eastern China - Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Nanjing, etc;
  • 2) Northern China - Beijing, Xian,Hohot, Tianjing, Taiyuan, Luoyang, Lanzhou, Xining, etc;
  • 3) Southern China - Guangzhou, Shenzheng, Guilin, Sanya, Kunming, Guiyang, Yichang, etc;
  • 4) Western China - Lhasa, Dali, Lijiang, Shangrila, Urumqi, etc

Terminal 1(T1) or Terminal 2(T2)

Travelers have to get to the right terminal to take flight because there are two terminals in Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Currently the Terminal 1 only operates flights for Sichuan Airlines and international flights. The rest airlines in China, such as Air China, China Eastern Air, China Southern Air, Shenzhen Airlines, etc, run their flights in the Terminal 2.

Transfer to/off Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is only about 16km to the city center. You can take a taxi to the downtown, costing around 20~50 CNY. You can also take a bullet train to Chengdu East Railway Station or Chengdu South Railway Station, then take metros to other places in Chengdu. The Metro Line 10 connecting downtown to the airport is under construction, and is supposed to put into operation in the end of 2017.

Chengdu Lhasa Flights
Terminal 1 of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

About Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA - 拉萨贡嘎国际机场) is the largest and most important airport in Tibet Autonomous Region. In 2016, the airport has greeted more than 3 million passengers, most of whom are travelers, including thousands of foreigner travelers. The airport is about 62 kilometers (39 mi) southwest of the city in Gonggar County of Shannan Prefecture. The airport is one of the highest airports in the world with an elevation of 3,570 meters (11,710 ft). Airbus A340 and Boeing 757 aircrafts are allowed to land in the airport.

International Flights to Lhasa

So far, there is only one international air line connecting Lhasa: Kathmandu – Lhasa. During summer days, there are daily direct flights operated, sometimes two flights and sometimes just one flight. Only Air China and Sichuan Airlines are operating the Kathmandu - Lhasa flights. To take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, one will need a Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit and Tibet Border Pass.

Domestic Flights to Lhasa

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is well connected to many cities in China, including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Kunming, Chongqing, Xining, Shangri-La, etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu is the most popular hub for taking flights/off Tibet. There are more than 20 flights flying between Chengdu and Lhasa each day. Xian also operates about 4~6 flights to Lhasa each day.

Transfer to/off Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 60km from Lhasa downtown. It costs about 100~200 CNY to the Barkhor Street area of Lhasa city. Airport shuttle bus is also available, and costs only about 25 CNY. It usually takes about 1~1.5 hours to transfer between the airport and Lhasa downtown.

Tibet Discovery also provides you convenient and comfortable airport pick-up and drop-off services which are usually included in our Tibet tour packages. If you take our group tours, you will enjoy our free airport pick-up and drop-off services which are offered at contain hours:

Free Airport Transfer to Hotel in Lhasa

  • - Around 10:00 pick up travelers who arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport before 09:30 AM;
  • - Around 14:00 pick up travelers who arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport before 13:30 PM;
  • - Around 17:00 pick up travelers who arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport before 16:30 PM.

Free Transfer to Airport from Hotel in Lhasa

  • - Around 07:00 pick up travelers who departs from Lhasa Gonggar Airport between 09:00 ~ 11:30 AM;
  • - Around 09:30 pick up travelers who departs from Lhasa Gonggar Airport between 11:30 AM ~ 14:30 PM;
  • - Around 12:30 pick up travelers who departs from Lhasa Gonggar Airport after 14:30 PM.

- Learn more about Lhasa Gonggar International Airport.

Chengdu Lhasa Flights
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Flights from Chengdu to Other Prefectures in Tibet

Besides Lhasa, travelers can also take flights to other prefectures in Tibet from Chengdu, including Shigatse, Nyingchi and Qamdo. But the flights schedules are limited:

Chengdu Shigatse Flights

There is usually a daily flight to Shigatse Peace Airport from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport each day in the early morning around 6am. The returning flight departs around 09:15 am from Shigatse to Chengdu.

Chengdu Nyingchi Flights

There are 3 flights to Nyingchi Mainling Airport from Chengdu each day. All flights leave at early morning between 6:15~8:15am. The returning flights (3 flights) also leave in the morning.

Chengdu Qamdo Flights

From Chengdu, travelers can also take a flight direct to Qamdo Prefecture, less visited region in Tibet.

Chengdu Lhasa Flights
Take Flight to Nyingchi

Chengdu to Nyingchi, Shigatse and Qamdo Flights Timetable

Flight No. Departure Arrival Duration Frequency Plane
06:15
Shuangliu International Airport T2
08:25
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
2h 10m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
06:20
Shuangliu International Airport T2
08:40
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
2h 15m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
07:05
Shuangliu International Airport T2
09:10
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
2h 5m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
08:15
Shuangliu International Airport T2
10:10
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
1h 55m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
06:00
Shuangliu International Airport T2
08:35
Shigatse Peace Airport
2h 35m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
06:45
Shuangliu International Airport T2
08:05
Qamdo Bangda Airport
1h 20m SMTWTFS Airbus A319

Nyingchi, Shigatse, Qamdo to Chengdu Flights Timetable

Flight No. Departure Arrival Duration Frequency Plane
09:05
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
11:05
Shuangliu International Airport T2
2h SMTWTFS Airbus A319
10:00
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
11:45
Shuangliu International Airport T2
1h 45m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
09:05
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
11:05
Shuangliu International Airport T2
2h SMTWTFS Airbus A319
10:50
Nyingchi Mainling Airport
12:30
Shuangliu International Airport T2
1h 40m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
09:15
Shigatse Peace Airport
11:30
Shuangliu International Airport T2
2h 15m SMTWTFS Airbus A319
08:50
Qamdo Bamdo Airport
10:10
Shuangliu International Airport T2
1h 20m SMTWTFS Airbus A319

Take Flights to Tibet from other Cities in Sichuan Province

Kangding

Kangding Airport (KGT) in Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan also runs a daily flight to Lhasa each day. The airport is located at over 4,280 meters above sea level, and about 370km away from Chengdu. If you are happened to travel in this area, this airport is a great option to take flight to Lhasa.

Mianyang

Miangyang, the second largest city in Sichuan Province, also operates 2 flights to Lhasa during Summer and Autumn days. Nanjiao Airport is only about 9km from Mianyang City and about 125km from Chengdu.

Chengdu Lhasa Flights
Kangding Airport in Sichuan Province

Tibet Travel Permit and Flight Travel

A Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) is the MUST-DOCUMENT to take a flight to Tibet. It is firstly needed to book flight from the airport or ticket agent. When you check in and check out the airports, the original Tibet Travel Permit also will be checked. (Note: if you take flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you only have to have the scanned copy of Tibet Travel Permit.) Please remember to duplicate at least 3 copies of Tibet Travel Permit because the permits are required for many occasions. The permit can only be issued in Tibet by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, and also can be only applied by travel agency behalf of travelers. It needs about 15~20 days to obtain the permit.

How to Apply for Tibet Travel Permit

1. Contact us to work out and confirm an itinerary in Tibet;

2. Send us the scanned copies of your passport, and provide an available address in China(hotel or local agency) to receive your permit;

3. We apply for the Tibet Travel Permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa;

4. Once the permit is issued, we will send the original permit to you by post.

> Learn more detail about Tibet Travel Permit Application

Chengdu Lhasa Flights
Tibet Travel Permit

Useful Notes on Tibet Flight Travel

1. Necessary documents required to take a flight to/off Tibet

- Chinese visa is always needed no matter you are taking a flight or a train to Tibet. The office man in the airport will check your Chinese visa when your go to board the plane.

- The passport will be needed for many situations: booking flight ticket, checking in flight, checking in hotel, checking in the Border Station in Tibet, etc. Make sure your passport is valid and original.

- Original Tibet Travel Permit will be checked when you board your plane at the airports in China.

2. How to book flight ticket?

The flight ticket can be booked at online websites, such as Booking.com, Expedia, Ctrip, Qunar, etc. You can also buy the ticket from the airports in China or flight resellers. You are also welcomed to let us book your flight. We are always keeping up with the latest flight news and usually can book the ticket at a cheaper price. During summer and autumn, it usually gets difficult to book the flights to Lhasa. While using our booking service, we will not only book the ticket, but also arrange a valuable tour package.

3. When is the best time to fly to Tibet?

Generally speaking, months from April to October are recommended for traveling in Tibet. Other months are usually very cold, and possibly have heavy snow, especially in regions like Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, Namtso Lake, etc. The flights schedules are also more frequent during April to October. During December to March, the airline companies will cut down the flight schedules, usually from daily weekly, even to none. But top cities like Chengdu and Xian still operate daily flights during the shoulder season. It is recommended to take the morning flight so that you can get to Lhasa before late afternoon, and have enough time to acclimatize yourself to the altitude and thin air in Lhasa. The morning flights also cut down the risk that your flights would be delayed or canceled.

4. Apart from Chengdu, where can I also take a flight to Tibet?

Apart from Chengdu, you can also fly to Tibet from Xian, Chongqing, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Shanggri-la, etc.

5. International flights to China

So far, Kathmandu is the only international city which operates flights to Lhasa. It is only about 375 miles (1.5 hours)’s flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa. During months from May to October, there are usually one or two daily direct flights operated. In the low seasons, there might be less or no daily flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa. To take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, one will need a Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit and Tibet Border Permit.

6. What else airport I can fly to except for Lhasa Gonggar International Airport?

Tibet has five airports in total. Besides Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you can also take a flight to Shigatse, Nyingchi, Ngari and Qamdo. But only certain cities in China operate flights to these smaller cities.

- Shigatse - there is daily flight flying between Chengdu and Shigatse each day. The airport name is Shigatse Peace Airport, which is about 46km from Shigatse city.

- Nyingchi - Chengdu usually offers 4 morning flights to Nyingchi Milin Airport. While its neighboring city Chongqing also has 3 morning flights to Nyingchi each day. If you travel from Nyingchi to Lhasa, you are recommended to take a flight to Nyingchi firstly from Chengdu or Chongqing. It is also available to fly out Tibet directly from Nyingchi.

- Qamdo – Both Chongqing and Chengdu operate a daily flight to Qamdo in Tibet. But there are few travelers have chosen this line because Qamdo is not a popular tourist destination in Tibet.

- Ngari - Urumqi (capital of Xinjiang) offers a daily direct flight to Ngari with a stop at Kashgar on every Tuesday and Friday. Taking this flight, passengers need Military Permit and Border Pass as well as Tibet Travel Permit.

7. The regulation on the free luggage allowance on the plane

Luggage Type First Class Business Class Economy Class Allowed Baggage Size
Allowed Carry-on Baggage 5kg * 2 pieces 5kg 5kg 55cm/20cm/40cm(L/B/H)
Allowed Free Checked-in Baggage 40kg 30kg 20kg 100cm/60cm/40cm(L/B/H)

8. Will my kids get a discounted flight ticket?

Kids aging 2 to 12 years old (including 12) will get a discount of 50% of the full price of the flight fare. If an adult take a flight to Lhasa from Chengdu with a child aging at 10 and the full price for the economy class is 1680 CNY, the ticket fare for the child is 840 CNY. The child also doesn’t have to pay for Airport Construction Fee while the adult has to. Infant under 2 years old only has to pay 10% of the full price, but the separate seat is not provided.

9. How do I collect (receive) the flight ticket?

Since most flight tickets are booked online, so firstly you will receive an e-ticket. You will change a paper ticket when you checking in your flight at a counter in the airport.