Despite Tibet being located in the remote western part of China, it is not difficult to reach from the mainland. There are three main ways to get to Tibet: by train, flight, or overland, each with its own different routes. Check out this article to get the ultimate guide on how to get to Tibet from mainland China.

Getting to Tibet, China by Train: 8 Routes to Travel on the Scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway

When it comes to taking the train to Tibet, you have eight cities in mainland China offering direct routes to Lhasa. Departures are available from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining, Xi’an, Guangzhou, and Lanzhou, with travel times ranging from 22 to 53 hours to reach the plateau. While it might seem like a long journey, the breathtaking sights along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway make the trip truly worth it.

Schedules of All Trains to Lhasa

Train Route	Dep./Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Beijing - Lhasa	19:53/11:36	39hrs,43min	Daily
Shanghai - Lhasa	18:33/15:05	44hrs,32min	Daily
Xining - Lhasa	12:50/10:20	21hrs,30min	Daily
Chengdu - Lhasa	21:11/7:41	34hrs,30min	Every Other Day
Guangzhou - Lhasa	09:15/14:17	53hrs,2min	Daily
Chongqing - Lhasa	21:56/07:41	33hrs,45min	Every Other Day
Xi’an - Lhasa	7:53/14:17	30hrs,24min	Every Other Day
Lanzhou - Lhasa	8:40/7:41	23hrs,1min	Every Other Day

Trains from Beijing are among the most popular ways to reach Tibet, starting from the capital city. Although not the longest journey to Lhasa, the trip takes nearly 40 hours and offers a spectacular view of China's vastness, passing through eight provinces before reaching the plateau region.

The journey from Shanghai, taking about 44 hours, offers another extensive route allowing you to cross the nation and reach the plateau. This train passes and stops in Xi’an, so during the low season, you can also start your trip to Lhasa from this famous former Imperial capital.

Xining is the closest gateway city to Lhasa, and trains from this Qinghai provincial capital take just over 21 hours to reach Lhasa. Since Xining is already on the plateau, it's the perfect place to start for those who want to acclimate to the intermediate altitude before arriving in Lhasa.

Trains from Chengdu are the top choice for travelers heading to the plateau from Southwest China. They offer the chance to visit the adorable giant pandas before setting off. With a journey lasting 34 hours, it's one of the best train trips to Lhasa from mainland China.

From Guangzhou, the longest journey of all, trains take a little over 53 hours to reach the plateau, spanning three days. These trains, covering the longest distance to Tibet in China, also pass through Xi’an en route to Lhasa.

No matter which train route you take, it's best to book your ticket in advance due to high demand. As a better option, we can assist you in obtaining your Tibet train ticket. We can book your train tickets well in advance of your travel date and also help you obtain the required Tibet Travel Permit for boarding the train to Lhasa.

Getting to Tibet, China by Flight: Multiple Direct Routes to Save Your Time

Flying is the fastest way to get to Tibet, and it's perfect if you're eager to save time on your journey. You'll find direct flights from more than a dozen cities across mainland China to Lhasa almost every day. Popular routes include Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xining, Xi’an, and Kunming, among others.

Among these routes, Chengdu stands out as the most popular starting point for flights to Tibet. It offers the highest frequency of flights to Lhasa, with over 20 departures daily from morning until night. You can easily pick a flight that fits your schedule best, without feeling rushed or wasting any time.

If you're traveling from the eastern part of China, you can also take convenient flights to Lhasa from Beijing or Shanghai. Beijing offers three non-stop flights to Tibet daily, with a flight time of around 4.5 hours. From Shanghai, there are two daily flights with a stopover in Xi’an and Chengdu, taking approximately 7 hours.

Additionally, Xi’an boasts a good number of daily flights to Tibet, with 6 departures per day and a flight duration of about only 3 hours. If you're into ancient Chinese culture and history, you can explore some iconic landmarks in Xi’an before hopping over to Tibet.

Choosing the right flight journey depends on your travel plans and preferences, but it's crucial to book early. Flights to Tibet tend to fill up rapidly, particularly during peak seasons. Making advance bookings not only secures your preferred flight but also increases the chances of securing better deals.

Getting to Tibet, China by Overland: G318 Highway is Highly Recommended

There are four overland routes to Tibet from the mainland, each following the four main highways to Lhasa. While overland travel might not be the top choice for everyone heading to Tibet, it promises an exceptional adventure—one you'll never forget.

For most tourists, the highly recommended overland route is the journey from Chengdu to Lhasa, traveling along the renowned G318 Highway. This route, spanning over 2000 kilometers, is celebrated as one of China's most scenic roads, offering breathtaking views along the way.

Starting from the Chengdu plains, the route winds through high mountains, canyons, winding rivers, lush forests, and tranquil lakes before reaching Lhasa. Along the journey, you'll encounter numerous breathtaking sights, including Xindu Bridge, Daocheng Yading, the 72nd Turn of the Nu River, Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier, among others.

The other three highways are the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, beginning in Xining and running parallel to the Qinghai Tibet Railway; the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, originating from Kunming in Yunnan Province; and the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, which starts from Yecheng in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

For overland to Tibet, it's essential to acclimatize gradually to prevent altitude sickness. Plan for frequent breaks and avoid strenuous activities. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and get enough rest during the journey. Also be prepared for weather changes, especially in mountainous regions.

For a smoother journey, consider reaching out to a local travel agency like ours to join an overland tour to Tibet. With seasoned local guides and drivers, we'll take care of all the details, including travel documents, accommodations, and dining, ensuring a seamless experience throughout your journey.

Documents Required to Get to Tibet, China: Chinese Visa & Tibet Travel Permit

For travelers getting to Tibet from mainland China, securing a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit is essential. The Chinese Visa is typically obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip. Plus, if you're from Singapore, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, or Spain, you can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry into China until November 2024.

The Tibet Travel Permit is a must-have for entering Tibet and is necessary for obtaining other travel documents within Tibet. While this permit cannot be obtained individually, don't worry! We can assist you in applying for it on your behalf. Once you book your Tibet tour with us, we'll ensure your Tibet Travel Permit is ready before your journey to Lhasa.

Making It Easy to Travel to Tibet with Us

Traveling to Tibet from mainland China is simpler than you might imagine. Since all international tourists visiting Tibet are required to be part of a pre-arranged tour, we're here to assist in planning your China and Tibet tour. We can advise on the best way to reach Tibet for your vacation needs and arrange a suitable route to ensure a smoother journey.

Choose from our selection of small group tours and private tours, allowing you to explore both China and Tibet in one go. Once you book your tour with us, enjoy our one-stop service. We can help secure train tickets and flights to Tibet from mainland China, provide necessary travel documents, and offer the guidance of responsible local tour guides. Traveling to Tibet with us promises a comfortable and pleasant journey!

Conclusion

Getting to Tibet from mainland China can be done in several ways: by flights, by taking the Tibet trains, or by an overland drive. No matter which option you choose, it's essential to prepare the required documents. We can assist you in obtaining these documents and booking your flight or train tickets. Feel free to contact us for more information or book your tour with us now for a lifetime journey!