Lhasa Transportation - Get to Lhasa & Get Around Lhasa

Lhasa has established international air routes connecting to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Singapore, and Hong Kong. These flights are operated by multiple carriers, including Himalaya Airlines, West Air, and Tibet Airlines.

Kathmandu – Lhasa: During peak season like summer, there is a daily non-stop flight, taking about 1.5 hours. The schedule may adjust to 4 non-stop flights per week in the off-season.
Singapore – Lhasa: This route operates with 3 weekly flights, including a stop in Chongqing with a total journey time of approximately 10.5 hours (including the stop).
Pokhara – Lhasa: This route is another key air link between China and Nepal after Lhasa-Kathmandu. It offers 1 non-stop flight per week, taking about 1.5 hours.
Hong Kong - Lhasa: It is served by 2 weekly flights with a stop in Chengdu. Total travel time is about 7.5 hours including the stop.

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

As the biggest and most important airport in Tibet, Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA, 拉萨贡嘎国际机场) is known as one of the highest airports in the world with an altitude of 3,570 m. The Airport is located in Gonggar County, Shannan City, Tibet, about 60km to downtown Lhasa City. It takes about 1~1.5 hours to drive from the airport to central Lhasa area. There are airport shuttle buses in fixed route, normally the bus costs about 30 CNY to the centralized accommodation Barkhor Street area. Tibet Discovery will offer all-inclusive package including convenient and comfortable pickup and drop off service and quality Tibet tour for you if you take our tour package.

Check more about Flights to Tibet 丨 Lhasa Flights Scheduel

Lhasa is well connected with main popular domestic tourist cities. Currently, passengers can take direct trains to Lhasa from Xining, Chengdu, Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Travelers departing from other cities along the route, such as Xi'an, Lanzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Zhengzhou, Shijiazhuang, Changsha and so on, can also board trains bound for Lhasa. The daily direct trains to Lhasa costs around 20.5~53.5 hours based on the distance to Lhasa, while Chengdu and Chongqing run trains to Lhasa every other day for about 34~34.5 hours duration.

If you find the train duration too long but still wish to experience the railway journey, We highly recommend flying to Xining from your starting city first and then taking the train from Xining to Lhasa. This option significantly shortens the overall travel time while still allowing you to enjoy the scenic highlights of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway.There are 3 kinds of seats are available on each specilized plateau train: Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper and Hard Seats. Better plan your itinerary as early as possible, because each kind of ticket is in highly demand and difficult to book in summer peak seasons.

Train to Lhasa Routes Summary

Lhasa Railway Station

Sits in southwest Lhasa, the Lhasa Railway Station (拉萨站) is the terminal and the biggest station of Qinghai Tibet Railway. It is located in Liuwu New District, southwest of Lhasa, nearly 10 km to the downtown Lhasa area, for about 30 minutes' riding to Potala Palce from the railway station. At an elevation of 3,641 meters above sea level, the railway station build on plateau is about 71 meters higher than Lhasa Gonggar Airport, so please walk slowly when you get out of the train station against altitude sickness.

Check more information about Tibet Lhasa Train Schedule & Ticket Price

To Nearby Destinations from Lhasa by Car or Train

Namtso Lake, the highest lake in the world and the second largest lake in Tibet, located in the northwest of Lhasa, is about 200 km to Lhasa. Tourists will spend around 4~5 hours' drive from Lhasa to this holy lake. The common route follows the Lhasa - Damxung - Namtso itinerary. Lhasa to Damxung section runs along the 109 National Highway which is in relatively good road condition. The road from Damxung to Namtso Scenic Area is also well-maintained and paved but involves crossing the Nagela Pass at an elevation of 5,190 meters. This section features multiple sharp curves and steep slopes, requiring careful and attentive driving. Please note that winter road conditions at Nagela Pass can be icy from snow. It is recommended to check real-time weather and road status prior to travel.

Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three holy lakes, is located about 110 km southwest of Lhasa, with 2~2.5 hours' drive. The journey itself is spectacular, following mountain roads that offer breathtaking vistas before revealing the lake's stunning, turquoise-blue waters. The common route from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake follows: Lhasa - Quxu County - Gampa La Pass - Yamdrok Lake. Lhasa to Quxu section runs along G349 National Highway which is paved, smooth, and generally sees light traffic, allowing for a comfortable drive. Quxu County to Gampa La Pass section is a winding mountain road that climbs continuously to Gampa La Pass at an elevation of 5,030 meters, featuring some sharp bends, requiring slow and cautious driving. Gampa La Pass to Yamdrok Lake part of the road remains curvy and requires controlled speed, especially on the descent toward the lakeshore. Visiting Yamdrok Lake is also typically done by car, with stops at designated viewpoints along the way to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, is located approximately 270 km southwest of Lhasa. The fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway. The journey takes about 2.5 hours on modern, comfortable trains, with 2~3 scheduled departures daily. For travelers seeking a more scenic and comprehensive experience, a popular option is to drive from Lhasa to Shigatse, passing major attractions like Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Palcho Monastery in Gyantse. This route takes a full day (about 8~9 hours) but is rich in sightseeing. To save time on the return trip while experiencing another mode of travel, many visitors then take the train back from Shigatse to Lhasa, completing a convenient and diverse travel loop.

Nyingchi, Swizerland in Tibet, is about 400 km east of Lhasa. The most efficient way to travel between the two cities is by the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, which offers 2 daily services and completes the journey in approximately 3.5~5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive via the G318 National Highway. The road trip takes about 5~7 hours, offering greater flexibility and the chance to stop at scenic spots along the way.

1. Acclimatize Gradually: For travelers who visit Lhasa Tibet the first time, taking a train to Lhasa from cities at a lower elevation helps to acclimate themselves to high altitude if time allows.

2. Book Early: Book your tour package as early as possible, for it’s difficult to buy ticket of flight or train in summer peak season. Tibet Discovery will work out a professional and reliable tour arrangement for you.

3. Prepare Fully: Get everything ready before you go. Packing well (prepare your passport, cloth, permits, supplies, common medicines and other useful goods) and know some info about the weather, customs, etc. Especially do lots of protection against sunburn and high altitude sickness. Since foreign tourists must be accompanied by local tour guide and driver, you are free to contact the local guide, driver or us once need some help during the Tibet travel.