Transferring from Lhasa Airport to the city center is not complicated, and you can choose from several good options. The most recommended choice is to use our free airport transfer service, which ensures the easiest and most comfortable experience.

There are also convenient taxis for more flexibility and airport shuttle buses for a budget-friendly option. In this guide, we’ll explain the different ways to get to downtown Lhasa from the airport. Keep reading to discover key details like distance, travel time, schedules, and fares - so you can get ready for your Tibet tour with ease.

Where Is Lhasa Gonggar Airport? How Far is It from Downtown Lhasa?

Located in Gonggar County of Shannan Prefecture, Lhasa Gonggar Airport lies about about 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) southwest of Lhasa’s city center. It is the main airport in Tibet, serving both international and domestic flights. At an elevation of about 3570 meters, it is also one of the highest airports in the world.

The drive from the airport to downtown Lhasa normally takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic. Following the well-maintained Lhasa Airport Expressway, the journey is a scenic one, offering beautiful views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and traditional Tibetan villages.

The Lhasa to EBC tour is the most popular itinerary among tourists.

Lhasa Airport to City: Our Free Airport Transfer Service - The Most Recommended Option

As the leading Tibet tour operator based in Lhasa, we offer a free airport transfer service for our clients. If you’ve booked a Tibet tour with us, you will enjoy free airport pick-up and drop-off. This is the most convenient and recommended option for international tourists, especially first-time visitors to Tibet.

Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our thoughtful Tibetan tour guide. Together with the driver, they will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. This ensures a smooth, worry-free transfer - no need to deal with local transport or language barriers.

Currently, our free Lhasa airport transfer service follows the schedule of our small group tours. On the arrival day, we provide free pick-up from the airport to the hotel at 10:00, 13:30, 16:00, and 18:30. On the departure day, we offer drop-off to the airport at 6:30, 8:00, and 12:00. We recommend confirming your pick-up or drop-off time in advance with your travel consultant.

Lhasa Airport to City: By Taxi or Didi - Flexible but More Expensive

To travel from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to the downtown area, you can also choose a taxi or a ride-hailing service like Didi (China’s version of Uber). These options offer more flexibility, allowing you to depart whenever you like, but they tend to be more expensive.

Taxis are available at the airport exit, and you can usually find one without too much waiting. The cost of a taxi ride from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to the city center is typically around 200 CNY and takes about one hour. However, during peak seasons, such as the summer holidays or National Day holiday, the price may rise to around 250 CNY.

Didi is another convenient option if you have the app installed on your phone. It can be switched to the English version, making it easier for international tourists to use. The cost of a Didi ride is usually similar to that of a taxi, and it can sometimes be slightly cheaper if discount coupons are available.

One thing to note is that whether you take a taxi or a Didi, the car may not be able to drop you off directly at certain locations due to traffic control, especially near the Jokhang Temple. In such cases, you may need to walk a considerable distance after your car ride. It is recommended to check the real-time traffic before your departure.

Taking the trip to Mount Everest Base Camp is highly recommended after exploring Lhasa.

Lhasa Airport to City: By Shuttle Bus - A Budget-Friendly Alternative

Airport shuttle buses are also available for tourists traveling from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to the city center. At only 30 CNY per person one-way, the shuttle bus is one of the most economical options. It connects Lhasa Gonggar Airport with the Civil Aviation Bureau building, located about 1.1 kilometers east of the Potala Palace.

The airport shuttle buses wait right outside the airport exit and are scheduled to depart according to flight arrivals starting from 8:30 a.m., timed to match the main daily flights to Tibet. The journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. In the opposite direction, shuttle buses from Lhasa city to the airport operate from 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with departures every 15 minutes.

While the shuttle is a reliable and budget-friendly choice, it does not provide door-to-door service. You may need to walk or take a taxi from the drop-off point to your hotel, which could be a bit challenging for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the area.

Additionally, buses can become crowded during peak hours or high travel seasons, and seats are not guaranteed. If you're carrying a lot of luggage, it's better to take a taxi or use our free airport shuttle service for a more comfortable and convenient experience.

Join our classic Lhasa to EBC tour for a smooth experience.

Conclusion

Getting from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to the city center is the first step in your Tibetan adventure, and luckily, there are several good transfer options to choose from. The best way is to use our free airport transfer service for a worry-free experience. You'll enjoy a comfortable private car, accompanied by our considerate local Tibetan tour guide.

Taxis and Didi rides are also available for more flexibility, while airport shuttle buses offer a low-cost alternative for those traveling on a budget. No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy a smooth transfer along the well-maintained Lhasa Airport Expressway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!