Looking to get to Tibet quickly and make the most of your time exploring the plateau? Why not choose a nearby airport with fast and convenient flight options! In this article, we introduce the top six closest airports to Tibet and provide insider tips on choosing your flight journey. Read on to get inspired for a more efficient journey to Tibet by air.

Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport - The Only International Airport Close to Tibet

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is not only the closest international airport to Tibet but also the only one outside China with flights to Lhasa. Located just 6 km east of downtown Kathmandu, the airport is easily accessible from popular tourist areas in the city.

Currently, Himalaya Airlines operates three non-stop flights to Lhasa every week, departing on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. The flight duration is between 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. You can book the ticket online directly from Himalaya Airlines or through a travel agent.

If you take the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, we recommend choosing a window seat on the left side of the plane. In this way, you can get a unique bird's-eye view of the magnificent Himalaya Mountains.

Chengdu Airports - The Most Popular Gateway with The Most Frequent Flights

Chengdu's two airports are major transportation hubs for southwestern China and are the most popular choice for flying to Tibet due to their close proximity and frequent flights.

Every day, Tianfu International Airport and Shuangliu International Airport offer more than 20 non-stop flights to Lhasa. These flights depart throughout the day from 06:25 until 21:00. Flight times are around 2.5 hours, operated by Air China, Chengdu Airlines, Tibet Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines.

Both airports are easily accessible from downtown Chengdu. Shuangliu International Airport is around 16 km southwest of downtown. Tianfu International Airport is a little further away, 51 km to the southeast, but it is easy to reach by subway, taxi, or airport bus.

For tourists flying from Chengdu to Lhasa, the abundant flight options allow you to plan your tour schedule flexibly. Whether you are traveling from overseas to Tibet via Chengdu or from other mainland cities, there are plenty of choices. You can also consider spending a day or half a day here exploring this charming city.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport - Also a Popular Choice in Western China

Chongqing, in western China, is a fascinating destination in its own right and a popular departure point for Tibet. Jiangbei International Airport, located 19 km from the city's urban center, offers more than 10 direct flights to Tibet every day.

Air China, Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and China Southern Airlines operate these flights, with flight times ranging from 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 5 minutes. Flights from Chongqing to Lhasa depart throughout the day, from 06:40 to 18:15, making it convenient to find connections.

To get to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, you can take the airport express bus, which is connected to different parts of the city. You can also use the Chongqing Rail Transit metro lines, which can be a faster choice during rush hour.

Kunming Changshui International Airport - Best Choice from Southwest China

Less than a three-hour flight away, Kunming Changshui International Airport is a key gateway to Lhasa from southwest China. Flights are offered by China Eastern Airlines, Tibet Airlines, and Lucky Air, with five departures per day between 9:05 and 16:45. One-way tickets start as low as $204.

Changshui Airport is located about 25 km northeast of the city center and sits at an elevation of 2,100 meters. This higher elevation can be advantageous when arriving in Lhasa, which is at 3,656 meters, as it helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Spending some time in Kunming can help you adapt more easily. The airport is also easily accessible by car, bus, and metro.

Xining Caojiabao International Airport - The Closest Airport in Northwest China

Xining is another high-elevation city, with Caojiabao International Airport located at 2,275 meters. It is the closest airport to Tibet in northwest China. Flights from Xining to Lhasa take around 2 hours and 5 minutes, with daily departures from Sichuan Airlines and Tibet Airlines around lunchtime.

As a departure point, Xining has the advantage of being connected to other cities in China by high-speed rail. Although the airport is smaller than many other Tibet gateway cities, it is quick to pass through. The airport is located 28 km east of downtown Xining and can be reached by airport shuttle bus.

Diqing Shangri-La Airport - The Closest Airport in South China

Shangri-la City is the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan province in China. China Eastern flies from Diqing to Lhasa daily. Flights depart at 12:40 and arrive 2h 10m later. Tickets cost around 125 USD. It is the closest airport to Lhasa in South China.

The airport is about a 20-minute taxi ride away from downtown, which costs around 30 CNY. The city of Shangri-la is connected to China's high-speed rail network and is only a 1h 20m train ride from Lijiang or about 5h from Kunming.

Which is the Best Airport to Fly to Tibet?

The best airport to fly to Tibet depends on your travel plans and itinerary. Chengdu and Chongqing offer the most frequent flights to Tibet and have numerous international flight connections. If you're in a hurry to get to Lhasa, connecting through Chengdu or Chongqing can significantly reduce your travel time.

Kathmandu is an excellent starting point for a tour of the Himalayan region. Flying to Lhasa and then traveling back to Kathmandu overland via Mount Everest is a popular tour, allowing you to see both sides of the Himalayan range. Choose this airport if you plan to tour both Tibet and Nepal.

Flying from Xining can be a good alternative if you miss the Tibet train. The 2-hour 5-minute flight is much faster than the 21-hour 30-minute train journey. Also, getting to Xining from major cities like Beijing is easy by high-speed train, offering the opportunity to enjoy scenic views of the countryside along the way.

Kunming and Diqing are the best departure points if you want to explore the southwest China. The area around these cities boasts breathtaking natural attractions, such as the Stone Forest, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Pudacuo National Park.

Conclusion

Flying to Tibet can be quicker when you choose one of the closest airports listed above. Depending on your travel plans, you can pick popular airports like Chengdu, Chongqing, or Kathmandu, or consider lesser-known options such as Kunming, Diqing, or Xining. As a leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we can help you book your flight ticket and obtain the necessary Tibet Travel Permit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or book your Tibet tour with us now!