Beijing to Lhasa Flight: Traveling from Beijing to Tibet by Air

Traveling from Beijing to Lhasa by air is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the heart of Tibet. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying from Beijing to Lhasa, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey into the spiritual center of Tibet.

Why Fly to Tibet from Beijing?

Beijing is a major transportation hub for domestic and international flights. With 79 direct routes to 50 countries, it is one of the top destinations for tourists arriving in China. It is also among the Chinese cities with direct connections to Lhasa, making it a convenient stopover point for international tourists on their way to the Tibetan Plateau.

Beijing to Lhasa Flight Schedule: 2024/2025 Updates

There are now three daily direct flights to Lhasa from Beijing offered by Air China and Tibet Airlines. All the flights depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), taking a little over four hours to arrive in Tibet. Departure times are staggered with early morning, noon, and mid-afternoon options. Choose the best time based on your arrival in China or Beijing tour plans.

Before going to Tibet, you can also spend a few days seeing Beijing's iconic sites. The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven are just a few of the attractions for learning about the city's culture and history. It would be a shame to miss the legendary Great Wall which can be visited on an exciting day trip from the city, and it’s well worth the time to experience local cuisine, nightlife, and markets.

Before flying to Tibet, you can visit the Great Wall and other landmarks in Beijing.

Prices have also come down compared to a few years ago. Direct flights to Lhasa used to cost around 500 USD but can now be found for 230-276, depending on the time of year. The increase in tourism and trade between Tibet and the rest of China has made transportation more efficient, with savings passed on to travelers.

Beijing to Lhasa Flight Cost: Is It Expensive and How to Find a Cheaper Option?

Flights to Tibet are a little more expensive than routes of similar length to other cities. Despite the improvements in infrastructure, Tibet remains a remote area.

The flight prices from Beijing to Lhasa are higher during the high travel season. During the summer and fall, direct flights cost between 150 and 250 USD. In winter, when the cold keeps many travelers away from Tibet, prices are much lower. Traveling outside of major Chinese holidays will be less expensive. Prices during the Labor Day holiday in May and National Week in October are considerably higher.

It can be much cheaper to connect to Lhasa through another city, rather than flying direct from Beijing. It adds to the travel time but offers significant savings. From via Chongqing is one of the cheapest options. Tickets for flights CA8651/CA4420 cost around 127 USD. The travel time is 8 hours and 15 minutes, including a 4-hour, 5-minute layover in Chongqing.

What Documents Are Needed for the Beijing to Lhasa Flight?

International tourists traveling to Tibet need a Tibet Travel Permit to board their flight to Lhasa. Tibet Travel Permits can only be arranged through a registered, local Tibet travel agency after booking a guided tour that includes a guide and driver. It usually takes 8-9 business days to obtain, but we recommend starting the process 2-3 weeks in advance.

Tibet Travel Permit is required to take the flight from Beijing to Lhasa.

Our tour packages include all travel permit-related services. After obtaining your Chinese tourist visa, we’ll let you know what information is needed. We’ll apply for the permit with scanned images of your visa, passport information page, and tour details. After you arrive in China, one of our local staff will deliver the TTP to you at your hotel or airport if you’re connecting directly to Tibet.

Where Is Beijing Airport and How to Get There for Boarding?

From the city center, Beijing Capital Airport is 32 kilometers to the northeast, with easy access by road and light rail. The Airport Express Line runs from downtown Beijing to the airport from stations at Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes, and tickets cost 25 CNY (~3.5 USD). Arrival points are available at both terminals two and three. Terminal One can be accessed from the station at Terminal Two. It’s the fastest and cheapest option, but not recommended if you have a lot of luggage. The Airport Express Line has limited space for bags.

It is convenient to get to Beijing Capital International Airport from downtown Beijing.

Taxis are always a convenient option. From downtown, it costs around 135 CNY (19 USD) to reach the airport. Make sure the driver is using the meter. Traffic varies a lot in Beijing, the average time to reach the airport is about 40 minutes. Buses run from different parts of the city to the airport throughout the day, with a few night buses available as well. It usually takes 70-80 minutes, depending on traffic. Bus tickets cost between 20 and 55 CNY (3-8 USD).

Where is Lhasa Airport and How to Get to Downtown After Arrival?

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located outside the city, around 64 km from downtown. The airport gives visitors a scenic welcome to the region. Sitting on the southern bank of the Yarling Tsanpo River, it’s surrounded by wide plains, with 6000m+ mountains in the distance.

Our guide greets clients at Lhasa Gongga Airport.

There are taxis and shuttle buses to take people from the airport to downtown Lhasa. In 2011, the Lhasa Airport Expressway was built to improve access. Travel times to the city have been reduced to between 40 and 65 minutes.

The shuttle bus pick-up area can be found at Gate 6 in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3. Buses run from 05:00 to 19:30, departing when full, usually every 15 minutes. Tickets cost 30 CNY (~4 USD) per person. Taxis are faster, taking around 40 minutes to reach the area around Potala Palace. Costs range from 200 to 260 CNY (28-36 USD).

Conclusion

Beijing offers travelers incredible convenience when arriving in China and transferring to Tibet. With more flights available at lower prices, you can fly to Lhasa easily without hurting your budget. We recommend you take advantage of the opportunity to visit the famous sites in Beijing before starting your Tibet tour. We offer Beijing Tibet tours that include the highlights of the capital with Tibet tours of all kinds. It’s an experience of seeing the diverse history, culture, and nature that make China such a fascinating destination.