How to Get to Tibet from France: The Ultimate Guide by Flight and Train

Traveling from France to Tibet is now easier than ever. Convenient daily flights operate from France to popular gateway cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Kathmandu, and from there, you can easily transfer to Lhasa. Meanwhile, for French passport holders, you can enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry to China, which makes traveling to Tibet much simpler.

In this guide, we will explain how to get to Tibet from France and highlight the best routes available. Whether you prefer to travel by flight, train or even overland, you will find the most suitable way to the plateau. Read on to get ready for a smooth adventure to Tibet!

How Far is Tibet from France? Is There a Direct Flight?

France is located in Western Europe, while Tibet lies on the plateau in Asia. The straight-line distance between the two is about 7,600 kilometers (about 4,700 miles). However, since there are no direct flights, the actual travel distance from France to Tibet is longer due to connecting routes through mainland China or Nepal.

Currently, you can firstly fly directly from France to popular gateway cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kathmandu. From these cities, you can then choose to travel to Lhasa by train, flight, or even an overland route. While this journey may be time-consuming, the whole travel experience is both rewarding and enriching.

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France to Tibet via Beijing: The Most Recommended Route

Flying from France to Beijing is one of the most popular routes to reach Tibet. There are two to three daily flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Beijing, with a flight time of about 10 to 11 hours. One-way economy fares typically start from €1,000 per passenger.

Once in Beijing, you can choose between a flight or the Tibet train to Lhasa. Flights from Beijing to Lhasa depart three times a day, in the morning and afternoon. Operated by Air China and Tibetan Airlines, these flights take about 4 hours to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

If you prefer the Tibet train experience, the Z21 train departs daily from Beijing at 19:53 and takes around 40 hours to reach Lhasa Railway Station. The journey offers stunning views along the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

France to Tibet via Shanghai: Convenient Transfer via Modern Metropolis

Shanghai is another excellent transit option for tourists from France. The modern city receives three non-stop flights from Paris each day. Operated by China Eastern and Air France, these flights take about 11 to 13 hours, with fares starting from around €1,300 per passenger.

From Shanghai, you can choose to fly to Lhasa for a faster journey. The flight from Shanghai to Lhasa takes about 7 to 8 hours, with a short layover in Xi’an or Chengdu. Besides, you can also take a train to Lhasa from Shanghai, which departs daily at 18:33 pm and takes about 45 hours across over 4,300 kilometers.

Shanghai is an ideal choice for those who prefer a vibrant city experience. Before heading to the plateau, you can take the chance to explore some of the city’s famous attractions, such as the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Yu Garden.

France to Tibet via Guangzhou: Easy Access to Southern China

Guangzhou is a major port city in southern coastal China and offers convenient connections to many international destinations, including France. Daily non-stop flights from Paris to Guangzhou are available, taking around 11 hours and 40 minutes. Fares can be as low as €500, making this route more budget-friendly compared to flights to Beijing or Shanghai.

From Guangzhou, daily flights to Lhasa are available and take about 5.5 hours, usually with a stopover in Chongqing or Diqing. Alternatively, you can take a train from Guangzhou to Lhasa, which is the longest Tibet train route from mainland China and takes about 53 hours to complete.

During you stay in Guangzhou, you can also explore popular landmarks of the city, like Canton Tower, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Shamian Island. Don’t miss the chance to try authentic Cantonese cuisine, one of China’s Eight Great Cuisines.

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France to Tibet via Chengdu: The Closest Gateway to the Plateau

Chengdu is considered the most convenient gateway to Tibet. It is geographically closer to Lhasa and offers the most frequent daily flights to Tibet. While there are currently no direct flights from France to Chengdu, you can easily connect via major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

From Chengdu, there are over 20 daily flights to Lhasa, with a flight time of just about 2 hours. With so many departures, it’s easy to choose a flight that fits your schedule. Alternatively, the train from Chengdu to Lhasa runs every other day and takes approximately 34.5 hours, offering a more scenic and gradual ascent.

If you want to try an overland adventure, you can also drive from Chengdu to Lhasa along the famous G318 Highway. This road trip takes you through amazing landscapes like valleys, grasslands, forests, and glaciers. The whole trip usually takes 7 to 10 days.

Chengdu is also a great place to spend a day or two before your Tibet adventure. You’ll be amazed to see the famous giant pandas here, and tasting the delicious Sichuan hot pot is an experience you won’t want to miss.

France to Tibet via Kathmandu: A Journey Across the Himalayas

In addition to the major gateway cities in mainland China, you an also travel to Tibet via Kathmandu, Nepal. Although there no direct flights from France to Kathmandu, you can transfer via cities like Doha, Dubai, or Delhi. The total flight duration usually lasts from 12 to 20 hours, with prices starting from around €400 per person.

Once in Kathmandu, you can either fly or travel overland to Lhasa. The flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa are available every Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday and Friday, and take only about 1.5 hours. You will have a chance to see the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and other Himalayas peaks from the plane window.

For a more rewarding and epic journey, consider traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Following the scenic Friendship Highway, the road trip will take you through some of Tibet’s more iconic sights, including Mount Everest and Yamdrok Lake, before reaching Lhasa. The entire trip normally takes about 8 days to complete.

What Permits are Required to Enter Tibet from France? Chinese Visa Free Now!

Normally, all international tourists need to obtain a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit before entering Tibet. But here’s the good news: As of 2025, French passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. Therefore, for now, you just need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.

The Tibet Travel Permit cannot be applied for individually, but we can help you to obtain it in a smooth and easy way. Simply send the copies of your passport to us, and we will handle the rest for you. The application typically takes 8 to 9 working days, so be sure to contact us early before your travel date.

When touring Tibet, there will be additional permits to obtain, if you visit remote regions like Mount Everest or Mount Kailash. Don’t worry - we will take care of all these documents on your behalf as long as you book your Tibet tour with us.

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Conclusion

Although there are no direct flights from France to Tibet, reaching the region is still convenient via several routes. You can first fly to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Kathmandu, and then choose to continue your journey to Lhasa by flight, train, or even an overland drive. Whichever route you choose, you can enjoy a wonderful and unforgettable journey to Tibet.

As a leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we’re here to make your journey from France to Tibet smooth and pleasant. We guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit, and can also help book your flights or Tibet train tickets. Feel free to contact us now and start your once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Roof of the World!