Trains and Flights to Tibet

The trains to Tibet are the less costly option, although they can take anywhere from 22 hours to 55 hours to get to Lhasa, depending on where your departure station is. They are much more of an adventure though, and can be a delightful journey of excitement and discovery that will stay with your forever.

Aside from the flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu, there are no international flights that land in Tibet, and all travelers flying into one of the five airports in the region must fly from either mainland China or Kathmandu in Nepal.

Flights to Lhasa from mainland China run from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, Kunming, Shangri-La, Xining, and Nanjing. The cost of flights to Lhasa is also much higher than to the rest of China due to the high demand, even in the off season.

The Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport with direct flights to Lhasa, which are run by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines. However, not all the carriers run every day, so it is advisable to book your flight in advance to ensure you get a seat, as these flights are normally busy during the peak season.

Flights take around 90 minutes to traverse the plateau, flying directly over the summit of Mount Everest before heading to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. Flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa are almost as expensive as those from China to Lhasa, but the faster time is an advantage. Flight prices do go down in the low season for Tibetan tourism, but the number of flights is also reduced, with usually only 2-3 flights per week.

Known as the Sky Train, the Qinghai Tibet Railway trains that run to Lhasa from seven gateway cities across China are a popular choice for tourists traveling to Tibet. Costing a lot less than a flight from the same city, the trains deliver you to the Tibetan capital in style, with luxurious (by local standards) cabins and a pleasant journey.

The trip to Lhasa can take from 22 hours at the shortest point to as long as 55 hours at the longest run. And, while much slower than flying, the lower cost and unforgettable experience make it worth the time it takes to get there. All the trains are customized to ensure passenger safety on this high-altitude journey across the Tibetan plateau, and come with piped oxygen, a classy dining car, comfortable sleeper berths, washroom facilities, food and drinks, and complimentary hot boiled water.

The staff on the trains are also very friendly and helpful, and all the amazing sights you will see along the way are announced in advance in English, Chinese, and Tibetan, so you are sure not to miss a thing.

Ticket prices quoted are for reference only, and the actual cost may vary depending on the season. Please contact us for an exact price for your departure date.

Guangzhou to Lhasa

Shanghai to Lhasa

Beijing to Lhasa

Chongqing to Lhasa

* – Trains from Chengdu leave on alternate days each month. ODD Days refers to the 1^st, 3^rd, 5th, etc. and EVEN DAYS refers to the 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, etc.

Months with ODD DAYS: February, March, June, July, September, and October.

Months with EVEN DAYS: January, April, May, August, November, and December.

Chengdu to Lhasa

* – Trains from Chongqing leave on alternate days each month. ODD Days refers to the 1^st, 3^rd, 5th, etc. and EVEN DAYS refers to the 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, etc.

Months with ODD DAYS: February, March, June, July, September, and October.

Months with EVEN DAYS: January, April, May, August, November, and December.

Lanzhou to Lhasa

Xining to Lhasa

Ϯ – Trains from Lanzhou and Xining leave “every other day” and you can contact us to find out on which day the train will leave closest to your expected departure date.