How to Get from Singapore to Tibet: Your Easy-to-Use Guide for 2024

For those planning a trip to Tibet from Singapore, getting there is becoming increasingly easier. There are several popular and convenient routes to take, and the visa-free policy for Singaporean citizens entering China simplifies the journey more than you might expect. Read this article to learn the details about traveling from Singapore to Tibet and prepare for your lifetime adventure.

How Far is Singapore from Tibet? Understanding the Distance and Locations

Singapore and Tibet are geographically distant, separated by approximately 34,00 kilometers (2,110 miles) in a straight line. Singapore, a bustling island city-state, is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. In contrast, Tibet, a region on the Tibetan Plateau, is part of China and situated in East Asia, north of the Himalayas.

Traveling between these two locations typically involves a flight, often with a layover, due to the lack of direct routes. The journey offers a stark contrast between Singapore’s tropical, urban environment and Tibet’s high-altitude, mountainous terrain and cultural heritage.

No Direct Train or Flight from Singapore to Tibet: Connecting is Essential

Traveling from Singapore to Tibet requires multiple connections, as there are no direct trains or flights linking the two destinations.

There are two main routes to Lhasa from Singapore. First, you can travel to a major city in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Guangzhou. From these cities, you can catch domestic flights or take the train to Lhasa, Tibet's provincial capital.

Alternatively, you can travel to Nepal, flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa or traveling overland across the border at Gyirong Port to reach Lhasa. Both routes provide a mix of urban and scenic high-altitude experiences.

Getting from Singapore to Tibet via Chengdu: The Most Recommended Route

Traveling to Tibet via Chengdu in China is the most popular route for Singaporean tourists. Chengdu is relatively close to both Tibet and Singapore, and there are frequent flights to choose from.

From Singapore, there are three daily direct flights to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport from Changi Airport. Flights typically take between 4 hours 25 minutes and 4 hours 50 minutes, costing as little as US$150 per person for a one-way economy flight.

Once in Chengdu, we recommend taking a flight to Tibet, as Chengdu offers the most frequent flights to Lhasa, with departures a dozen times daily. It is easy to get a flight except during the peak summer months. The flight to Lhasa from Chengdu takes around 2 hours and costs about $200 per person for a one-way ticket.

Traveling to Tibet via Chengdu in China is the most popular route for Singaporean tourists.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Chengdu to Lhasa, which departs every other day at 21:11 and arrives in Lhasa at 7:41 on the third day. The journey takes approximately 34.5 hours to cover a distance of 3,070 kilometers. The soft sleeper berth costs about $137 per person and is recommended for its comfort and privacy.

Getting from Singapore to Tibet via Beijing/Shanghai: Seamless Transfer Options

If you are planning to enter China via either Beijing or Shanghai, you have a wide range of options for getting to Tibet. Around 7 flights run from Singapore to Beijing and 13 flights to Shanghai daily. Flights to Beijing take around 6 hours and can cost from around $190 per person, while flights to Shanghai cost from around $240 and take around 5 hours.

Both Beijing and Shanghai have daily direct flights to Lhasa. From Beijing, there are three flights to Lhasa each day, taking around 4 hours. Flights from Beijing to Lhasa typically cost from around $200 per person for a one-way economy ticket.

From Shanghai, there are two flights to Lhasa per day, taking around 6.5 to 7 hours with a short stopover in Xi’an or Chengdu. Flights from Shanghai generally cost from around $360 per person for a one-way economy ticket.

An alternative to flying to Lhasa is to take the train, and both Shanghai and Beijing serve as gateway cities for the famous Tibet trains. The train from Beijing to Lhasa departs daily at 19:53, covering a distance of 3,757 kilometers and taking around 40 hours. The train from Shanghai to Lhasa also departs daily at 18:33, taking around 44.5 hours to reach the plateau.

Getting from Singapore to Tibet via Guangzhou: Convenient Access to Southern China

Guangzhou, located in the southern part of China and much closer to Singapore, offers a convenient connection for those traveling to Tibet. Every day, there are 7 non-stop flights from Singapore to Guangzhou, taking around 4 hours to reach the southern port.

From Guangzhou, there are 2 direct daily flights to Lhasa, with a stopover in Chongqing or Diqing for 40 to 55 minutes. All flights from Guangzhou to Lhasa depart in the morning at 8:05 or 9:00 and arrive in Lhasa at 14:10 or 14:50.

Additionally, there is a train bound for Lhasa from Guangzhou, departing at 9:15 am every day and arriving at 14:17 on the third day. Although it is the longest train route to Lhasa, the Guangzhou to Lhasa train crosses major regions of China, from south to north and then to the plateau in the west. This route provides a real understanding of the landscape changes across China.

Getting from Singapore to Tibet via Kathmandu: A Popular Route for Himalayan Exploration

For Singapore tourists interested in the landscapes and culture of the Himalayan regions, traveling to Tibet via Kathmandu is an excellent choice.

There is currently one daily direct flight from Singapore to Kathmandu, which takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes. Fares for a direct flight generally start at around $300 for a one-way economy ticket.

From Kathmandu, you have two options for getting to Lhasa in Tibet. The most popular route is to travel overland, crossing the Sino-Nepal border at Gyirong Port. This overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is world-class, allowing you to experience the most popular attractions of the plateau while appreciating the stunning landscapes. Along the way, you can visit the Everest Base Camp to admire the world’s highest peak.

Alternatively, flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa run three times per week and are the only international flights permitted to land in Tibet. These flights take around 90 minutes to cross the Himalayas and cost around $500 per person. During the flight, you may have the chance to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayan mountains from the plane window.

Required Permits for Travelling from Singapore to Tibet

Entering Tibet from Mainland China

Nationals of Singapore currently have a visa-free allowance for travel into China and can stay for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa. This means that as a citizen of Singapore, you only need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet.

While a visa is not required for entry via mainland China, you are still required to be on a pre-arranged tour and are not permitted to travel to Tibet independently. We will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf for free, as long as you book your Tibet tour with us.

You only need to send us a copy of your valid passport, and we will take care of the rest of the application procedures. Once issued, we will deliver the permit to your address in mainland China, allowing you to board your flight or train to Lhasa before your Tibet adventure.

Entering Tibet from Nepal

Even though a standard visa is not required for entry to mainland China for Singaporean travelers, when entering from Nepal, you will still need to have the Chinese Group Visa. All international tourists, regardless of nationality, are required to have this for entry to Tibet from Nepal.

We will obtain the visa using your original passport when you arrive in Kathmandu, and processing normally takes around three working days. Therefore, it is recommended to be in Kathmandu ahead of time for the visa application before your trip starts. We will also have the Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary permits ready for your trip across the border to Tibet.

Conclusion

Traveling from Singapore to Tibet is an exciting adventure made easy with multiple connection options. You can choose from several convenient routes via major mainland cities like Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, or opt for a scenic journey through Kathmandu. Each route offers unique experiences and seamless transfers. Also, remember to secure the necessary permits for a hassle-free trip. For more questions, feel free to contact us or book your Tibet tour with us right now!