Flying from Beijing to Lhasa is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get to Tibet. At present, there are four direct flights from Beijing to Lhasa each day. The flight journey takes only about 4.5 hours to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport.
In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about Beijing to Lhasa flight. Read to know the flight schedule, ticket costs, required documents, how to get to Beijing Airport for boarding, and how to transfer from Lhasa Airport to downtown, etc. Get ready for a smooth journey from Beijing to Tibet!
Why Take a Flight to Lhasa from Beijing?
As the capital city and an international metropolis, Beijing has many direct flight connections with other overseas countries and regions, such as the United States, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, etc. So, it is very convenient for you to enter China via Beijing without transfers.
Meanwhile, Beijing is the first choice for one to start their once-in-a-lifetime China-Tibet tour. You can explore many world-famous historic sites in this imperial city. The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace... all make Beijing an extremely attractive city for anyone who is fond of Chinese culture and history.
What’s more, compared to the train to Tibet from Beijing, the flight is fast, time-saving, and more frequent. For tourists who don’t want to spend time on transportation, flying can get you to Lhasa more quickly and let you focus more on sightseeing on the plateau.
Beijing is a popular gateway to Tibet.
Join our most popular Lhasa and EBC tour for a smooth experience!
Beijing to Lhasa Flight Schedule: 2025 Updates
Currently, there are four non-stop flights from Beijing to Lhasa available every day. The flights are operated by Tibet Airline, Air China as well as Lucky Air. Respectively departing at 7:25 am, 7:45 am, 12:55 pm, and 14:55 pm, the flights to Tibet from Beijing take about 4:15 hours to 4:30 hours to reach Lhasa.
All these flights depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), with Lucky Air using Terminal 2, and the others using Terminal 3. The arrival airport is Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), the largest airport in Tibet.
Beijing to Lhasa Flight Schedule
Flight No. & Airlines | Dep./Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
8L9511 - Lucky Air |
07:25 - 11:50 |
4h 25m |
Daily |
CA4125 - Air China |
07:45 - 12:10 |
4h 25m |
Daily |
CA4123 - Air China |
12:55 - 17:35 |
4h 40m |
Daily |
TV9816 - Tibet Airlines |
14:55 - 19:10 |
4h 15m |
Daily |
Lhasa to Beijing Flight Schedule
Flight No. & Airlines | Dep./Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
TV9815 - Tibet Airlines |
09:45 - 13:35 |
3h 50m |
Daily |
CA4126 - Air China |
13:15 - 17:10 |
3h 55m |
Daily |
CA4124 - Air China |
12:55 - 17:35 |
4h 05m |
Daily |
8L9512 - Lucky Air |
19:30 - 23:25 |
3h 55m |
Daily |
Please note: The above schedules are only for reference. Please feel free to contact us for an inquiry about a Tibet tour with the flight to Tibet.
Our clients arrive at Lhasa Gongga Airport from Beijing.
Beijing to Lhasa Flight Cost: Is It Expensive? Can I Get a Discount?
The price of a Beijing to Lhasa flight can vary greatly depending on the season, airline, and other factors. Generally, an economy ticket for a nonstop flight starts from around $200 per person during the peak season from May to October. In the low season of Tibet tours, you may find tickets as low as $130 per person.
To get a cheaper flight ticket, you can check fares on different websites and consider more departure dates for comparison. Also, instead of a direct flight, you can choose a connecting flight if you’re not in a rush. Indirect flights from Beijing to Lhasa usually have stopovers in Chengdu or Xi’an for several hours, but the prices can be significantly lower.
Will I Suffer from Altitude Sickness When Taking a Flight to Lhasa from Beijing?
Beijing is at 43.5 meters above sea level while Lhasa is at 3650 meters. Therefore, it is common to suffer from altitude sickness when taking flight to Tibet. However, you can take some measures to get better adapted to the altitude and reduce the symptoms.
For example, do proper exercises before you take the flight and take some medicine to prevent altitude sickness. After arriving in Lhasa, move slowly, and avoid running or rushing. Drink more water and do not take showers for the first two days in Tibet. Stay relaxed, and stay in Lhasa for several days before you head to higher places.
You can stay in Lhasa for a few days to adapt to the high altitude.
Join our most popular Lhasa and EBC tour for a smooth experience!
What Documents are Required to Take the Beijing to Lhasa Flight?
Before entering China via Beijing, you need to obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa. The good news is that tourists from many countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Singapore and more, can now enjoy a visa-free entry to China. So, check if you qualify for this great policy before you go.
Next, you need to prepare the Tibet Travel Permit, which is the primary document to enter Tibet and is mandatory for every international traveler. The permit cannot be obtained through individual application, but we can help you handle it.
Just contact us at least 20 days in advance before your planned trip, and mail us copies of your Chinese Visa and passport. And we will handle the rest. After the permit is issued, we will immediately send it to your address in Beijing before your flight departs.
Tibet Travel Permit is required to take a flight to Tibet.
Where is Beijing Airport and How to Get There for Boarding?
The flight from Beijing to Lhasa departs from Terminal 3 or Terminal 2 of Beijing Capital International Airport. Located in the northeastern suburb of Beijing city, the airport is about 25 kilometers from the downtown. It is 67 kilometers away from Beijng Daxing International Airport, which is in the south of Beijing city.
The best way to get to Beijing Capital International Airport is by taking the subway, which will cause no traffic jams. You can first take the Metro Line 2 and then transfer to the Airport Express Line to directly reach Terminal 3 or Terminal 2. From Tiananmen Square, the subway journey only takes about 70 minutes and costs about 29 yuan.
As the airport will receive a large number of passengers for both boarding and disembarking, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance to allow enough time for check-in.
You can take subway to reach Beijing Capital International Airport.
How to Get to My Hotel After Arriving at Lhasa Airport?
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is in the southwest of Lhasa, about 85 kilometers from the city center. It is one of the highest airports in the world, as well as the only international airport in Tibet.
You can take the airport shuttle bus to get to the downtown from the airport. The shuttle bus runs for about one hour and costs 30 CNY per person one way. The final stop is the Civil Aviation Bureau Station, which is near the Potala Palace.
As a better option, you can enjoy our free shuttle transfer between the airport and downtown, if you have booked your Tibet tour with us. In this way, our local tour guide will wait for you at the airport and then escort you to your reserved hotel in Lhasa by private car.
Our tour guide picked up our clients at Lhasa Gonggar Airport.
Join our most popular Lhasa and EBC tour for a smooth experience!
Conclusion
The flight from Beijing to Lhasa is a good choice to enter Tibet, as it is time-saving and relatively frequent. Departing four times each day, the flight takes only about 4.5 hours to reach the plateau. For a cheaper ticket, you can book early or choose the low season of Tibet tour.
As the leading Tibetan tour operator with years of experience, we will try our best to make your Beijing to Lhasa flight journey smooth and worry-free. For any questions, feel free to contact us or leave your message below - we’ll make sure everything goes smoothly for your Tibet tour.
Ask a Quick Question