Beijing is one of the most popular entry cities in China and an important gateway to Tibet. If you are planning to travel to Tibet from Beijing, there are three main options: train, flight, and overland. Read this article to learn the details about how to get to Tibet from Beijing and prepare for a smooth and enjoyable journey to the plateau.

How Far is Beijing from Tibet? Overview on the Distance and Location

Beijing, situated in the northeastern part of China, is the current and historic capital of China. Meanwhile, Tibet, as an autonomous province of China, is located in the southwestern region, known as the “Roof of the World” due to its high altitude.

The straight-line aerial distance between Beijing and Lhasa, Tibet's provincial capital, is approximately 2,100 to 2,500 kilometers. However, due to the mountainous terrain, the actual travel distance is longer. Traveling from Beijing to Tibet by road typically involves a journey of around 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers. The railway distance is about 3,757 kilometers from Beijing to Lhasa.

Option 1: Beijing to Tibet by Flight - The Fastest Way to Minimize the Travel Time

If you are pressed for time and want to reach Tibet as quickly as possible, you can take a flight. Currently, there are three direct flights from Beijing to Lhasa every day, operated by Air China and Tibet Airlines. These flights depart from Beijing Capital International Airport at 7:45 am, 12:35 pm, and 14:55 pm, respectively. The flight takes approximately four hours to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport in the afternoon.

The price of a flight ticket from Beijing to Lhasa is about $340 for an economy ticket. Additionally, you can choose to fly from Beijing to Lhasa via connecting flights through cities such as Xi'an, Chengdu, Xining, Chongqing, or Kunming. Air tickets to Tibet from these cities may be cheaper, but the flight time is usually longer.

Option 2: Beijing to Tibet by Train - The Scenic Journey along Qinghai-Tibet Railway

It will be an unforgettable experience if you travel to Tibet from Beijing by train. The Beijing to Lhasa train departs every day and traverses a total stretch of 3,757 km before reaching the plateau. It departs from Beijing West Railway Station at 19:53 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 11:36 am on the third day, taking nearly 40 hours.

The main highlight of this wonderful train journey is the section from Xining to Lhasa. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views through the window, such as snowcapped mountains, desolate Gobi and desert, the beautiful Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, clear Namtso Lake, and vast grasslands.

The average altitude of the Beijing to Lhasa railway route is 3,379 m. After passing through Xining, the train gradually ascends to the highest point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the Tanggula Mountain Pass, at 5,072 m. While the train is equipped with onboard oxygen, so you don’t have to worry too much about altitude sickness. Just relax and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes along the railway.

And there are three different classes of seats on the train from Beijing to Lhasa. It is recommended to choose the soft sleeper berth if you want more privacy and comfort. The soft sleeper cabin consists of 4 berths with facilities such as a television, sockets, folding tables, etc.

Option 3: Beijing to Tibet by Overland - The Adventurous Route for In-depth Exploration

Driving from Beijing to Lhasa is sure to be a spectacular journey. National Highway 109, which spans 3,922 kilometers, serves as the lifeline between Beijing and Tibet. Along the way, you'll pass through Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, and Qinghai, eventually reaching Tibet.

The latter part of this route is actually the famous Qinghai-Tibet Highway, running from Xining to Lhasa. The segment from Xining to Golmud is 794 kilometers, and from Golmud to Lhasa is another 1,215 kilometers. This highway, which runs parallel to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, is the best and safest road to Tibet, making it the top choice for many travelers heading there.

Alternatively, for those eager to explore more natural scenery, you can opt for the G318 Highway. This classic route to Tibet is renowned for its stunning landscapes. Starting from Beijing, you would first head to Chengdu, and then travel west along the G318 Highway. This journey takes you through Ya'an, Kangding, and Litang, crossing multiple mountains and valleys, and ultimately arriving in Lhasa.

This overland route from Chengdu to Lhasa is characterized by its picturesque scenery and includes many famous attractions such as Daocheng Yading, Ranwu Lake, and Midui Glacier. However, the road conditions on this route are more complex, requiring more driving skills and experience.

Required Documents for Travelling from Beijing to Tibet

Whether you travel to Tibet from Beijing by train, plane, or overland, the Tibet Travel Permit is one of the indispensable documents required for a tour in Tibet. The application process is not complicated, and we can help you obtain it as long as you book your Tibet tour with us.

The only thing you need to do is send us copies of your passport and Chinese visa. We will then take care of the application on your behalf. It normally takes 8-9 business days to get the permit issued. Then we will send it to your address in Beijing before you take a flight or train to Tibet.

Make Your Travel from Beijing to Tibet Easy with Us

All international tourists are required to join a pre-organized tour to visit Tibet, but we can make it easy for you to enjoy a Beijing Tibet tour. Whether you prefer the scenic route by train, the convenience of a plane, or the adventure of an overland trip, we've got you covered.

You can choose from our small group tours, joining other like-minded tourists, to discover Beijing and Tibet together. Or, if you have your own plans, such as exploring more destinations, we can also customize your trip according to your needs. Once you book your Beijing Tibet tour with us, you will enjoy one-stop services from permits to accommodations, local tour guides, and more.

Conclusion

Overall, there are three main ways to travel to Tibet from Beijing: by train, by flight, or overland. You can decide which option suits you best based on factors like time, budget, and itinerary. And remember to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit before departing for Tibet. For a smoother journey, we can assist you in arranging your Beijing Tibet tour. If you still have any problems getting to Tibet from Beijing, don’t hesitate to contact us to book your tour with us now!