How to Get to Tibet: Flights, Trains & Overland Routes Explained

Tibet—the mystical, high-altitude plateau nestled in the heart of the Himalayas—has long captivated the imagination of travelers with its stunning landscapes, spiritual depth, and ancient traditions. But once you’ve decided to embark on a Tibet tour, a common question follows: How do you get to Tibet?

Tibet is not just another tourist destination—it’s a region with unique travel regulations, remote geography, and limited access points. While foreigners must join an organized tour and obtain the required permits, there are multiple ways to travel to Tibet, each offering its charm and adventure.

In this guide, we’ll break down the major transportation options—flights, trains, and overland routes—to help you choose the best way to get to Tibet based on your interests, travel time, and entry point into China.

 Entry Requirements: What You Need Before Traveling to Tibet

Before we explore your transportation options, let’s cover the essentials:

🛂 A. Chinese Visa

To enter mainland China (including Tibet), most foreigners need a Chinese visa—unless you’re eligible for China’s new 15-day visa-free entry (available to select nationalities in 2025). Apply through your local Chinese consulate or use an accredited visa service.

🏔️ B. Tibet Travel Permit

All foreign travelers must also obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the region. You cannot travel independently in Tibet—tours must be arranged through a licensed Tibetan travel agency, which will apply for your permit.

✅ Pro Tip: You cannot board a train or flight to Tibet without the Tibet Travel Permit, so arrange your tour and permit well in advance.

 Flights to Tibet: The Fastest Option

Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Tibet. Although there are no international flights directly into Tibet, you can easily connect from several major cities in mainland China and occasionally from Kathmandu, Nepal.

✈️ A. Domestic Flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is Tibet’s primary airport, located about 65 km from Lhasa city center. Major Chinese cities with regular flights to Lhasa include:

•Chengdu – 2.5 hours

•Chongqing – 2.5 hours

•Xi’an – 3 hours

•Beijing – 4.5 hours

•Shanghai – 5.5 hours

•Guangzhou – 5.5 hours

Chengdu and Chongqing are the most popular departure cities, thanks to frequent flights and proximity to Tibet.

📄 Important:

To board a flight to Tibet, you’ll need to show a physical copy of your Tibet Travel Permit. Your tour operator will usually send this to your hotel in China before departure.

✅ Pros of Flying:

•Fastest travel time

•Ideal for those on short itineraries

•Best for travelers with limited vacation days

❌ Cons:

•Less scenic than the train or overland routes

•Sudden altitude gain can cause altitude sickness

✅ Tip: Spend a day or two acclimatizing in Chengdu or Xining before flying to reduce the risk of altitude sickness upon arrival in Lhasa (3,656 meters).

Train to Tibet: The Scenic Route on the “Sky Train”

If you’re seeking a more immersive journey into the Tibetan Plateau, the Qinghai–Tibet Railway—also called the Sky Train to Lhasa—offers an unforgettable experience.

Built to connect Tibet to the rest of China, the Qinghai–Tibet Railway is the world’s highest railway, reaching elevations of over 5,000 meters.

🚆  Major Train Routes to Lhasa

Here are the main routes and their travel times:

Departure City Duration Distance

Xining ~21 hrs 1,972 km

Lanzhou ~23 hrs 2,188 km

Chengdu ~36 hrs 3,070 km

Chongqing ~35 hrs 3,050 km

Beijing ~41 hrs 3,757 km

Shanghai ~47 hrs 4,373 km

Guangzhou ~53 hrs 4,980 km

Xining is the most recommended starting point for two reasons:

1.It’s the starting point of the high-altitude section of the railway.

2.It helps with gradual altitude acclimatization.

🛌 Classes of Train Tickets

There are three main types of train tickets:

•Soft Sleeper (First Class) – 4-berth cabins, ideal for comfort

•Hard Sleeper (Second Class) – 6-berth open cabins

•Hard Seat (Not Recommended) – Cheapest, but uncomfortable for long journeys

🗺️  Scenic Highlights on the Train Journey

•Tanggula Pass – The world’s highest train station

•Qinghai Lake – A stunning turquoise lake

•Hoh Xil Nature Reserve – Home to Tibetan antelopes and wild donkeys

•Snow-capped mountains, yaks, and nomadic tents

✅ Pros of Taking the Train:

•Gorgeous high-altitude landscapes

•More gradual acclimatization to the altitude

•Unique and memorable experience

❌ Cons:

•Long travel time (especially from southern or eastern China)

•Limited train tickets during peak seasons

•Lower air pressure and oxygen levels on the train

✅ Tip: Book a soft sleeper berth for a comfortable experience, and pack warm clothes, snacks, and toiletries for the journey.

Overland Travel to Tibet: For the True Adventurer

For those seeking the ultimate adventure tour in Tibet, overland routes offer a raw and scenic alternative to flights and trains. These road journeys allow you to enter Tibet gradually, crossing some of the most beautiful and rugged terrains in the world.

🚙 Overland from Nepal to Tibet: Kathmandu to Lhasa

This is the only international overland route into Tibet and perhaps the most adventurous.

•Distance: ~1,000 km

•Duration: 7–9 days

•Highlights:

•Gyirong Port border crossing

•Mount Everest Base Camp (North Side)

•Tingri and Shigatse monasteries

•Arrival in Lhasa

Travelers will need a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu (different from a regular visa) and a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged by the travel agency.

✅ Pros:

•Combines Nepalese and Tibetan landscapes

•Opportunity to visit Everest Base Camp

•Adventure-packed and scenic

❌ Cons:

•Remote and potentially bumpy roads

•Requires more paperwork and coordination

•Weather-dependent (especially in monsoon or winter)

⸻

🚙 Overland from Mainland China to Tibet

Multiple overland routes connect China’s western provinces to Tibet:

•Chengdu–Lhasa (Sichuan–Tibet Highway)

•Wild landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain passes

•Takes 7–10 days

•Yunnan–Tibet Highway (Kunming to Lhasa)

•Route through Shangri-La and Meili Snow Mountain

•Best for cultural encounters and nature

These routes are ideal for private vehicle tours, motorbike adventures, or 4WD expeditions.

✅ Note: Overland tours must still be arranged through a licensed travel agency.

Comparing All Routes: What’s Best for You?

Travel Method Duration Best For Pros Cons

Flight 2–6 hrs Time-conscious travelers Fast, easy Sudden altitude gain

Train 21–53 hrs Scenic travelers, gradual acclimatization Panoramic views, unique Long duration

Overland (Nepal) 7–9 days Adventure seekers Everest Base Camp, diverse landscapes, Remote, bumpy

Overland (China) 7–12 days Explorers with time Culturally rich and scenic Complex logistics

Pro Tips for Tibet Travel

🧭 Book your tour early, especially during high season (May–October)

📄 Confirm your Tibet Travel Permit before finalizing flights or train tickets

🌡️ Prepare for altitude by acclimating in high cities like Xining or Chengdu

🎒 Pack light but smart—warm clothes, sun protection, and meds are a must

🔋 Bring backup power for trains and road trips (limited outlets)

🎧 Download offline maps and music—the internet is spotty in remote areas

 Conclusion: The Journey Is Part of the Destination

Reaching Tibet is not just a transfer from point A to B—it’s an integral part of the experience. Whether you soar over the Himalayas by plane, glide through snowy passes on the world’s highest railway, or drive across valleys carved by glaciers, your Tibet travel journey begins long before you set foot in Lhasa.

Choosing the best route depends on your time, comfort level, and travel style. But no matter how you get there, one thing is guaranteed: your Tibet tour will be a transformative adventure into one of Earth’s most majestic and spiritual destinations.