How to Get to Tibet from Chengdu 2024/2025
Chengdu is a main gateway city to Tibet. For tourists who plan to take a Chengdu Tibet tour, they usually get to Lhasa - the capital city of Tibet - from Chengdu first and then extend to other cities such as Shigatse, Gyantse, and further to Mt. Everest. The distance between Chengdu and Lhasa is approximately 1250km. Lhasa is located to the west of Chengdu. As of now, taking a train (36.5h) and a flight (2.5h) are two major transport methods for traveling between Chengdu and Lhasa that most tourists preferred.
Travel from Chengdu to Tibet by Flight
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Chengdu and Tibet. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is the flight hub to get to Tibet. Lhasa Gonggar Airport, about 60km away from Lhasa city, is the largest airport in Tibet. There are 4 other airports in Tibet: Shigatse Peace Airport, Nyingchi Mainling Airport, Qamdo Bangda Airport and Ngari Gunsa Airport. The former 3 all operate direct flights between Chengdu while the last one need to take a transfer in Lhasa.
Chengdu to Lhasa Flights
From about 6:00 in the morning to 18:30 in the afternoon, there are over 30 direct flights from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. The flight will only need about 2.5h. Main airlines include Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, etc.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (IATA: CTU)
Address: Jichang Yingbin Road, Shuangliu District, Chengdu (成都市双流区机场迎宾路), about 16km to Chengdu downtown (Tianfu Square)
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (IATA: LXA)
Address: Gyazuling Town, Gonggar County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet (西藏自治区山南贡嘎县甲竹林镇), about 60km from Lhasa downtown (Potala Palace)
Sichuan Airlines
Lhasa Gongga International Airport
Chengdu to Tibet Flights (part)
| Flight Route | Airline | Dep.~Arr. Airports | Dep.~Arri. Time | Duration | Frequency |
| Chengdu - Lhasa | China Southern Airlines | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (T1) - Lhasa Gonggar International Airport |
08:35 - 10:50 | 2 hrs 15 mins | daily |
| Chengdu - Lhasa | China Eastern Airlines | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (T2) - Lhasa Gonggar International Airport |
09:30 - 11:55 | 2 hrs 25 mins | daily |
| Chengdu - Lhasa | Air China | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (T2) - Lhasa Gonggar International Airport |
13:15 - 15:40 | 2 hrs 25 mins | daily |
| Chengdu - Lhasa | Tibet Airlines | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (T2) - Lhasa Gonggar International Airport |
15:00 - 17:20 | 2 hrs 20 mins | daily |
| Chengdu - Shigatse | Tibet Airlines | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (T2) - Shigatse Peace Airport |
9:05 - 11:25 | 2 hrs 20 mins | daily |
| Chengdu - Nyingchi | Air China | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (T2) - Nyingchi Mainling Airport |
7:55 - 10:00 | 2 hrs 5 mins | daily |
| Chengdu - Qamdo | Air China | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (T2) - Qamdo Bangda Airport |
8:25 - 9:50 | 1 hr 25 mins | daily |
Note: The flight schedules listed above are for reference only, for more details please feel free to contact our private consultant.
Travel from Chengdu to Tibet by Train
Taking a train is an enjoyable experience between Tibet and Chengdu. And you’d better take the soft sleeper seats for the journey of 3360km, the best highlight of which is to witness the highest railway in the world - Qinghai Tibet Railway, also to enjoy the stunning plateau landscape along the railway.
Chengdu to Lhasa Train
With the advantage of easier tickets booking, Chengdu has been one of the most popular gateway cities to Tibet by train. The train Z322 leaves from Chengdu Railway Station every other day, going northward via Guangyuan, Lanzhou, and Xining, then going down southwest passing the Qinghai Tibet plateau and finally reaching Lhasa Train Station on the third day.
Chengdu Railway Station
Address: No.1 Zhandong Rd, Jinniu District, Northern Chengdu (成都市金牛区站东路1号), about 5km from Chengdu downtown (Tianfu Square)
Lhasa Railway Station
Address: Tongzhan Road, Liuwu New Area, Lhasa, Tibet (西藏自治区拉萨市柳梧新区通站路), about 7km from Lhasa downtown (Potala Palace)
Lhasa Railway Station
View Seen on Chengdu to Lhasa Train
| Train No. | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
| Z322 | Chengdu Railway Station | Lhasa Railway Station | 21:37 | 9:55 (third day) | 36 hrs 18 mins |
Note: The train timetable listed above is for reference only. You can click Chengdu to Lhasa (Tibet) Train Schedules to get the real-time train information.
How to Plan a Chengdu Tibet Tour
It usually takes 6-7 days to tour Chengdu in Sichuan and Lhasa in Tibet. You can either take a flight (2.5h) to shorten your trip or take a train (36.5h) to help yourself adapt to the high altitude gradually.
While you are in Chengdu, it is recommended to meet the national treasure – Giant Pandas in Chengdu Panda Base in the morning, and then visit the peaceful Wenshu Temple in Chengdu downtown. In the afternoon, have a cup of tea at People’s Park to feel the leisure lifestyle of Chengdu and try some reputed Chengdu snacks in Jinli Old Street.
☞ 4 Days Best of Lhasa Tour from Chengdu by Flight
After take a flight or train to Lhasa and a night’s good sleep, you can start your Lhasa exploration from the grandiose Potala Palace and the holiest Jokhang Temple. Then take a walk at the Barkhor Street. The next day, spend a leisure time at the largest Tibetan garden – Norbulingka Park and then watch the famous Buddhist debating in Sera Monastery.
☞ 6 Days Classic Chengdu & Lhasa Highlights by Flight
If you have more days, it is highly recommended to extend your tour to Mt. Everest - the highest mountain in the world. On the way, you can pay a visit to holy Yamdrok Lake and you will pass Shigatse and Gyantse where you can see the magnificent Karola Glacier and tome-honored Palcho Monastery.
☞ 9 Days Lhasa Kathmandu Overland Tour from Chengdu
☞ 10 Days Chengdu Lhasa Everest Overland Tour
Travel with China Discovery
China Discovery is a leading comprehensive travel agency in China, providing excellent customized tour packages across China. We have helped thousands of travelers fulfill their dream tour in China. Just tell us your schedule and budget, we can arrange a satisfactory China tour including Chengdu, Lhasa and other popular tourist destinations. It will cover transport, sightseeing, tour guide, local vehicle and driver, accommodation, Chinese Visa application assistance, etc. The length, places to visit, and theme can be customized depending on your individual requirements. You may choose from our most popular Chengdu Tibet tours or contact us to customize a special one!
Chengdu Family Tour Customized by China Discovery
Jeff from Taiwan Visited Potala Palace with China Discovery
Our Customers in Front of the Mt. Everest
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Recommended Chengdu Tibet Tours
Top 3 Chengdu Tibet tours chosen by most customers to explore Chengdu Tibet in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
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Questions & Discussions
Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
Thank you
Thanks for your message. To take a train to Lhasa, you need to go to Chengdu North Railway Station (火车北站) which is located at 3rd Section, North Second Ring Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu City (成都市金牛区二环路北三段). You can get there by Metro Line 1.
Currently there is only one train to Lhasa which departs every other day at 02:48pm from Chengdu North Railway Station, and arrive at Lhasa at 09:55am of the third day. You are suggested to book the train ticket in advance because the demand is usually high.
Best regards,
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