Chengdu to Lhasa 2025 - Should I Take the Train or Fly?

Non-stop flights connect Chengdu's airports (CTU/TFU) with Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) in about 2.5 hours. This is not only the fastest option but also a highly convenient one, with over 20 daily departures from around 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM to fit your itinerary. If the timing suits your schedule, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is more recommended compared to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, due to its closer proximity to the city center. Hailed as one of China's most beautiful flight routes, this journey offers a spectacular visual feast on a clear day, featuring a majestic panorama of endless, snow-draped peaks, profound gorges, and serpentine rivers unfolding beneath you.

However, flying directly to Lhasa (3,650m) gives your body no time to adjust to high altitude. Your first day in Lhasa should be for rest.

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The Chengdu to Lhasa train journey operates primarily on the world-renowned Qinghai-Tibet Railway, offering passengers breathtaking views of Hoh Xil, the Changtang Grassland, the Tanggula Mountains, and Lake Cona along the way. Currently, the main train service from Chengdu to Lhasa is the Z322, which departs from Chengdu West Railway Station to Lhasa Railway Station. Covering a total distance of approximately 3,360 kilometers, the journey takes about 34.5 hours to complete. One scheduled departure is available daily, typically around 9:00 PM.

To help passengers acclimatize to the high altitude, the carriages are equipped with a continuous diffusion oxygen supply system. With the ongoing construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, set for full completion around 2030, the train travel time from Chengdu to Lhasa is projected to be dramatically reduced to just 13 hours.

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1. High Altitude Precaution: It is crucial to spend your first day in Lhasa (3650m) resting. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities, and it is highly advised that you avoid taking showers for the first three days. You may also consider medication like Diamox after consulting your doctor. A highly recommended strategy is to select a hotel that provides oxygen amenities such as oxygen dispensers or oxygen-enriched rooms.

2. Must Have Permits: All non-Chinese passport holders must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (also called Tibet Entry Permit) before entering Tibet, and additional permits may be required for certain areas due to its proximity to international borders. At Tibet Discovery, we handle all permit applications for our clients, so you don’t need to worry about the paperwork.

3. Best Time to Visit Lhasa: May to early October offers the most stable weather and beautiful scenery in Lhasa, and is also the prime season for participating in vibrant local festivals like the iconic Shoton Festival.

4. What to Pack: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm are non-negotiable due to the intense high-altitude sun. Pack layered clothing, as temperatures can swing dramatically in a single day.

Generally, a classic Chengdu tour needs about 2~3 days. What you can't miss include the Chengdu Panda Base, Jinli Old Street and Renmin Park to experience the local leisurely life. For more time, it is highly advised to extend your tour to the nearby World Heritage sites, such as the Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, Jiuzhaigou, etc.

After your Chengdu experience, you can take a flight or a train to Lhasa. A classic Lhasa tour takes 3~4 days. Your first day in this high-altitude capital should be dedicated entirely to rest and acclimatizationand. Once acclimatized, you can begin with the essential highlights: majestic Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, bustling Barkhor Street, which is a perfect blend of faith and local life. Extend your exploration to include the Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Tibet Museum, which will offer a superb overview of the region's rich tapestry of culture, history and art. For the ultimate adventure, venture further to breathtaking destinations like Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, or Mt. Everest.

Choose one of our Chengdu Lhasa Tours below or chick to check All Chengdu Tibet Tour ⋙

☞ 6 Days Classic Chengdu Lhasa Highlights Tour
☞ 7 Days Lifetime Tibet Train Tour from Chengdu
☞ 10 Days Chengdu Lhasa Everest Overland Tour