Flying from Chengdu to Lhasa is the fastest and easiest way to get to Tibet from mainland China. Chengdu has more flights to Lhasa than any other city, with over 20 departures each day during the peak season. The flight is also quick - just about 2.5 hours.
In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about the flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, including flight schedules, ticket prices, the documents you’ll need, which airport to use, and more. Keep reading to plan a smooth and worry-free journey to Tibet!
Why Choose the Chengdu to Lhasa Flight?
One key reason is that the flight from Chengdu to Lhasa is both frequent and flexible. Chengdu offers more direct flights to Lhasa than any other city in mainland China, with over a dozen daily departures. This gives you the flexibility to choose a flight in the morning, midday, or evening - whatever suits your schedule best.
Another major advantage is the shorter flight time. A direct flight from Chengdu to Lhasa takes just about 2.5 hours, while flights from cities like Beijing or Shanghai can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours. Compared to taking the train, which takes at least 22 hours, it’s also much faster.
In addition, Chengdu is a great stopover city. You can easily find international flights to Chengdu from cities like Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Bangkok, and Seoul. Many major Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, also offer convenient direct flights or high-speed trains to Chengdu.
Chengdu is the most popular gateway to Tibet.
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Chengdu to Lhasa Flight Schedule: 2025 Updates
At present, there are 25 direct flights from Chengdu to Lhasa in peak travel season from May to October. These flights depart as early as 6:25 AM and run throughout the day until about 20:55 PM, depending on the season. The flight time is about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Major operated by Tibetan Airlines, Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and China Eastern, the flights from Chengdu to Lhasa depart either from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). It is important to double-check your airport before boarding.
Chengdu to Lhasa Flight Schedule (Selected)
| Flight No. | Dep./Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
|---|
| TV9803 (Tibet Airlines) |
06:25 - 08:40 |
2h 15m |
Daily |
| 8L9669 (Lucky Air) |
07:00 - 09:55 |
2h 55m |
Daily |
| TV9823 (Tibet Airlines) |
08:30 - 10:35 |
2h 05m |
Daily |
| MU5825 (China Eastern) |
11:55 - 14:35 |
2h 40m |
Daily |
| CA4405 (Air China) |
12:15 - 14:50 |
2h 35m |
Daily |
| MU5825 (China Eastern) |
13:55 - 16:25 |
2h 30m |
Daily |
| 3U8695 (Sichuan Airlines) |
14:30 - 17:15 |
2h 45m |
Daily |
| 3U8697 (Sichuan Airlines) |
15:30 - 18:25 |
2h 55m |
Daily |
| TV9845 (Tibet Airlines) |
16:10 - 18:45 |
2h 35m |
Daily |
| TV9838 (Tibet Airlines) |
20:10 - 22:30 |
2h 20m |
Daily |
Lhasa to Chengdu Flight Schedule (Selected)
| Flight No. | Dep./Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
|---|
| TV9837 (Tibet Airlines) |
08:00 - 10:00 |
2h 00m |
Daily |
| TV9881 (Tibet Airlines) |
09:35 - 11:40 |
2h 05m |
Daily |
| TV9926 (Tibet Airlines) |
10:40 - 12:40 |
2h 00m |
Daily |
| 3U8692 (Sichuan Airlines) |
11:00 - 13:10 |
2h 10m |
Daily |
| CA4402 (Air China) |
11:25 - 13:40 |
2h 15m |
Daily |
| TV9765 (Tibet Airlines) |
12:20 - 14:10 |
1h 50m |
Daily |
| 8L9670 (Lucky Air) |
13:05 - 15:15 |
2h 10m |
Daily |
| 3U6636 (Sichuan Airlines) |
15:00 - 17:00 |
2h 00m |
Daily |
| MU5826 (China Eastern) |
17:25 - 19:30 |
2h 05m |
Daily |
| TV9886 (Tibet Airlines) |
19:30 - 21:35 |
2h 05m |
Daily |
Note:
1. There are over 20 daily flights from Chengdu to Lhasa, and the 10 listed above are just a selection of the regularly scheduled options.
2. Flights to Lhasa can change due to weather and seasons, so the schedule above is just for reference during the peak season. For the latest flight times and ticket prices, please contact us.
Chengdu to Lhasa Flight Cost: How to Get a Discounted Ticket?
The cost of a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa can vary widely depending on the season, how early you book, and the airline you choose. During the peak travel season from May to October, one-way tickets typically range from $150 to $350 per person. In the low season, however, you may find fares as low as $90 to $170.
To get a discounted ticket, it is recommended to book early, as flight prices tend to rise significantly closer to the departure date. If your dates are flexible, consider flying during the low season to get better prices. Avoid traveling during Tibet’s high season, national holidays like National Day, and the summer vacation period.
What Documents are Required to Take the Chengdu to Lhasa Flight?
To take a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, you need to first obtain the Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. The good news is that, if you are from visa-free countries for China, such as Singapore, Australia, France, Germany, Malaysia etc, you only need the Tibet Travel Permit.
The Tibet Travel Permit can only be obtained through an authorized Tibetan travel agency. As a leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we can help apply for your Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf and deliver it to your hotel in Chengdu before your departure. Just make sure to contact us at least 20 days in advance to avoid any potential delays.
If you wish to travel out of Lhasa and visit Shigatse, Mt. Everest or Mt. Kailash, you need to apply for Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Permit. You don't need these permits to board a flight to Tibet. Your Tibet guide can help to apply for these documents after you arrive in Tibet.
Tibet Travel Permit is a must for touring Tibet.Join our most popular Tibet EBC tour with guaranteed permits.
Where is Chengdu Airport and How to Get There for Boarding?
Chengdu has two major airports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Both airports offer daily flights to Lhasa.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is located about 16 km southwest of downtown Chengdu. It has two terminals, T1 and T2, which are about a 10-minute walk apart. To get to the airport, you can take Line 10 of the Chengdu Metro, or take a taxi or Didi, which usually takes 30 to 40 minutes from the city center.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is newer and located about 50 kilometers southeast of downtown. Currently, Metro Lines 18 and 19 provide direct access to the airport, with travel times from downtown as fast as 30 minutes. If you're transferring from Shuangliu Airport, it also takes about 30 minutes by Metro Line 19.
Since the two airports are in different directions and far apart, it’s important to double-check which airport your flight departs from. Be sure to arrive at the correct airport at least 2 to 2.5 hours before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process without delays.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport offers many daily flights to Tibet.
Can I Fly to Other Cities in Tibet from Chengdu Instead of Lhasa?
Yes, you can fly to Nyingchi and Shigatse from Chengdu, in addition to Lhasa. If you wish to visit the heavenly Basum-tso Lake, Lulang Forest, or Midui Glacier, you can fly to Nyingchi first. And if you want quicker access to Mount Everest, you can fly directly to Shigatse.
1. Chengdu to Nyingchi Flight
There are seven daily direct flights from Chengdu to Nyingchi during the peak season. Operated by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines, these flights all depart in the morning between 6:30 and 9:40, from either Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. The flight time is approximately two hours.
Chengdu to Nyingchi Flight Schedule
| Flight No. | Dep./Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
|---|
| CA2755 (Air China) |
06:35 – 08:35 |
2h 00m |
Daily |
| CA2539 (Air China) |
06:45 – 08:50 |
2h 05m |
Daily |
| 3U8627 (Sichuan Airlines) |
07:00 – 09:00 |
2h 00m |
Daily |
| TV9730 (Tibetan Airlines) |
07:25 – 09:15 |
1h 50m |
Daily |
| CA2533 (Air China) |
07:35 – 09:45 |
2h 10m |
Daily |
| 3U6673 (Sichuan Airlines) |
07:55 – 10:00 |
2h 05m |
Daily |
| TV9711 (Tibet Airlines) |
09:30 – 11:30 |
2h 00m |
Daily |
2. Chengdu to Shigatse Flight
There is one direct flight from Chengdu to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. The flight departs every Wednesday from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at around 06:15 and arrives at Shigatse Peace Airport at around 08:55 am. Operated by Air China, the flight usually takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Chengdu to Nyingchi Flight Schedule
| Flight No. | Dep./Arr. | Duration | Frequency |
|---|
| CA4431 (Chengdu - Shigatse) |
06:15 – 08:55 |
2h 40m |
Every Wednesday |
| CA4432 (Shigatse - Chengdu) |
09:35 – 13:55 |
4h 20m |
Every Wednesday |
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Conclusion
With many daily departures, affordable prices, and the shortest flight times, flying from Chengdu to Tibet is the best option. Just be sure to book early, prepare the necessary documents (especially your Tibet Travel Permit), and allow enough time to reach the airport stress-free.
As the leading Tibetan tour operator with years of experience, we’re here to make your flight journey from Chengdu to Lhasa smooth and worry-free. Simply contact us and share your travel ideas and plans - we’ll make sure everything goes smoothly for your Tibet tour.
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