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Lhasa Airport Location & Transportation to Downtown
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA) is located in Gonggar County, Shannan Prefecture of Tibet.
The distance between Lhasa airport and Lhasa downtown is about 60 kilometers, just one-hour drive by an express highway. Far from being dull, this one-hour drive is filled with scenic beauty as the road follows the tributary Lhasa River toward the city.
You can travel from the airport to Lhasa by the following transportation:
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Operates between Lhasa downtown (e.g., Civil Aviation Office) and the airport. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs around ¥30–40.
- Taxi: Costs approximately ¥150–200 for a one-way trip to Lhasa city center.
- Private Transfer: Many travel agencies, including Asia Odyssey Travel, offer private transfers, which can be more convenient, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group.
Join a Tibet Group Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel, and you’ll be warmly welcomed the moment you step out of the airport with a pure white Khata (similar to scarf). Our experienced local guide will transfer you safely and comfortably from the airport to your hotel in Lhasa.
Hotels in Lhasa: Where to Stay in Lhasa (Tibet)
Lhasa Airport Altitude: 3,650 m (11,811 ft)
Lhasa Gonggar Airport sits at an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters, making it one of the highest airports in the world.
During the drive back to your hotel in downtown Lhasa, you may experience mild symptoms such as light headache, an early sign of altitude sickness. These symptoms often become more noticeable at night, and the first evening in Lhasa might be challenging, with potential discomforts like insomnia and headaches.
However, try to rest as much as possible, stay hydrated, and trust that these symptoms will gradually subside. Your body will soon adapt, allowing you to fully enjoy your Tibetan adventure.
Lhasa Airport Flights: International & Domestic
Lhasa Airport International Flights
Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the only international airport among Tibet's various airports. Currently, it operates only three international flight routes:
- A non-stop flight between Lhasa and Kathmandu, Nepal
- A direct flight from Lhasa to Singapore via Chongqing (launched in December 2024),
- A direct flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (launched in February 2025).
With the rapid growth of China’s tourism and Tibet’s travel industry, it is expected that more international direct flights to Lhasa will be introduced in the future.
Domestic Flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport
About 95% of domestic flights to Tibet arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Notably, 70% of these flights depart from Chengdu, making Chengdu the primary gateway city to Lhasa. Other major cities offering flights to Lhasa are listed in the table below for reference.
| Departure City | Duration | Frequency | Departure City | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | 2h30min | 20+ daily | Chongqing | 2h50min | 10+ daily |
| Xi’an | 3h10 min | 10+ daily | Guangzhou | 4-6 h | Daily |
| Beijing | 4.5 h | Daily | Shanghai | 6-8 h | Daily |
| Kunming | 2.5 h | Daily | Xining | 2.5 h | Daily |
During Tibet’s peak travel season from April to October, there are more flights to and from Lhasa, including non-stop flights from distant cities. However, during the low season from November to March, flights from distant cities to Lhasa may stop over in cities closer to Lhasa.
For example, flights from eastern cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou to Lhasa often have stopovers in cities such as Xining or Xi'an, which are closer to Lhasa. Similarly, flights from southern cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Lhasa might transit through cities like Chongqing, Chengdu, or Kunming.
Additionally, during the peak season, many smaller cities in neighboring provinces like Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Xinjiang also offer direct flights to Lhasa.
Popular tourist destinations such as Daocheng and Kangding in Sichuan, Yushu in Qinghai, Kashgar and Turpan in Xinjiang, and Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan are among the locations with seasonal direct flights to Lhasa. This offers more travel opportunities for people visiting Tibet by flight.
Terminals and Facilities of Lhasa Airport
Lhasa Gonggar Airport has three terminals: T1, T2, and T3.
- T1 is the oldest terminal and currently does not handle any flights.
- T2 serves international flights but is relatively small, with limited options for dining and shopping inside.
- T3 is the largest and newest terminal, opened in 2021. It handles domestic flights and offers a more complete range of services and amenities.
Facilities at T3: The modern T3 terminal offers a variety of convenient services, including:
- Restaurants and cafes offering both local and Chinese cuisine
- Duty-free shops and souvenir stores
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Currency exchange services and ATMs
- Medical services, including oxygen supply for passengers affected by altitude sickness
T3 is designed to provide a more comfortable experience for travelers with all the essentials you need for a smooth journey.
FAQs about Lhasa Airport
1. How do I handle altitude sickness at the airport?
Since the airport is at high altitude, it’s important to:
- Move slowly and avoid heavy physical activity upon arrival.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
- Use oxygen cylinders, which are available at the airport, if needed.
- Take prescribed medication for altitude sickness if recommended by your doctor.
2. What is the best time to travel to and from Lhasa Gonggar Airport?
Flights to and from Lhasa are typically scheduled during daylight hours due to visibility requirements in the high-altitude region. Morning flights are more reliable since weather conditions in the region are more stable earlier in the day.
3. Are there direct international flights to Lhasa?
Currently, the only direct international flights to Lhasa are from Kathmandu, Nepal. Travelers from other countries need to transit through major Chinese cities like Chengdu, Beijing, or Xi'an.
4. Do I need a Tibet Travel Permit to fly to Lhasa?
Yes, a Tibet Travel Permit is required to board flights to Lhasa. Airlines will check this document during the boarding process, so ensure you have it ready along with your passport and Chinese visa.
5. Is luggage inspection stricter at Lhasa Gonggar Airport?
Yes, security checks at Lhasa Gonggar Airport are strict due to its sensitive geographical location. Make sure you comply with regulations on restricted items and pack accordingly to avoid delays.
Explore Lhasa and Tibet with Flights to Lhasa Airport
Planning a trip to Tibet? Choosing an itinerary that starts with a flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport allows you to maximize your time exploring this mesmerizing region. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, natural beauty, or cultural immersion, here are three curated itineraries to help you experience the best of Lhasa and Tibet.
Option 1: Classic Lhasa Discovery (5 Days)
Perfect for: First-time visitors seeking an introduction to Tibetan culture and history.
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
- Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring nearby streets.
Day 2: Spiritual Heart of Lhasa
- Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama.
- Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Stroll around Barkhor Street and shop for traditional Tibetan crafts.
Day 3: Monastic Marvels
- Visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous monk debates.
- Experience traditional Tibetan culture, such as Tibetan writing, thangka painting, Tibetan incense making, etc.
Day 4: Yamdrok Lake Adventure
- Take a day trip to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three holy lakes, and enjoy its turquoise beauty against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Day 5: Departure
- Transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.
Option 2: Everest Base Camp Expedition (8 Days)
Perfect for: Adventure enthusiasts ready for a journey into the Himalayas.
Day 1–3: Highlights of Lhasa
Explore Lhasa’s main attractions and acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 4: Gyantse and Shigatse
Drive to Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery, and marvel at the Gyantse Kumbum. Continue to Shigatse to see Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.
Day 5: Journey to Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Travel through the Himalayas to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. Enjoy the awe-inspiring view of Mount Everest.
Day 6: Sunrise at EBC and Return to Shigatse
Witness the sunrise over Everest and return to Shigatse for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Return to Lhasa
Drive back to Lhasa, enjoying scenic stops along the way.
Day 8: Departure
Fly from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to your next destination.
Explore Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel
With over 10 years of local expertise in Lhasa and Tibet (Xizang), our dedicated team at Asia Odyssey Travel brings you carefully curated Tibet tours for an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Drawing upon our extensive experience, we have meticulously crafted a range of Tibet tour packages, including Lhasa tours, Mount Everest Tours, Mount Kailash Tours, Tibet Trekking Tours, Tibet Train Tours, and Tibet Overland Tours. Whether you prefer the comfort and flexibility of a private tour or the budget-friendly option of a group tour, we have you covered without compromising on quality.
Additionally, we cater to various travel preferences, whether you wish to commence your Tibet tour from one of the popular gateway cities in China, embark on Nepal Tibet tours, or even explore the mesmerizing Himalayan region. Whatever you desire, Asia Odyssey Travel has the perfect tour to meet your needs, ensuring that your expedition to Tibet (Xizang) becomes an unforgettable adventure.
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