How to Travel to Tibet from Chengdu: by Train, Flight or Overland

Chengdu, nestled in the plains and rolling hills of Sichuan province, is one of the best gateway cities to Tibet. Famous around the world for its spicy cuisine and giant pandas, it is also a city with a rich history going back over 2000 years.

As an important transportation hub in southwest China, it is easy to reach from cities around the world and connected to Tibet by road, rail, and air. With great attractions of its own and convenient domestic transfer options, it is one of the best starting points for a Tibet tour. Let’s explore all the options for getting to Lhasa and beyond from Chengdu.

Chengdu to Lhasa by Flight: The Most Convenient and Time-saving Option

Tibet is a remote area, and flying is the best option if you want to get there quickly. Chengdu’s two international airports are well-connected to many international and domestic destinations, including both Lhasa and Nyingchi in Tibet.

Over 20 non-stop flights fly daily from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Lhasa. Flying time is a little over two hours, and tickets start from 52 USD.

Travel to Tibet by Taking the Chengdu to Lhasa Flight

Selected Chengdu to Lhasa Flights

Nyingchi Manling Airport is the lowest airport in Tibet and the gateway to the eastern part of the region. The lower altitude and milder climate in Nyingchi make it a popular arrival point in Tibet. The area is filled with lush forests and pristine rivers and has been called the ‘Switzerland of Tibet.’ The flight from Chengdu is two hours long, and the tickets start from 123 USD.

Selected Chengdu to Nyingchi

Chengdu to Lhasa by Train: The Scenic Journey through Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Chengdu is one of the few gateway cities with a direct train to Lhasa. The 3,070 km rail journey travels through some of the most stunning landscapes in China through Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai Province until reaching the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The famous rail route to Tibet is the highest railway in the world with the spectacular scenery of the Tibetan Plateau just outside the window.

Trains depart every other day from Chengdu West Train Station. The whole journey to Lhasa takes 34.5 hours. Trains are equipped with many comforts for the convenience of travelers. A dining car and food carts serve hot Chinese and Tibetan foods during the day. Boiling water is available at all hours. Trains are also equipped with an oxygen system to help passengers acclimatize to the high elevation of the Tibetan Plateau.

Get to Tibet from Chengdu by Train

Hard sleeper and soft sleeper berths are available. We recommend soft sleeper berths for the day and half-long trip. Soft sleepers are equipped with comfortable beds, more storage space, and a door for privacy. The greater comfort will let you arrive in Lhasa refreshed and ready to continue your tour.

Chengdu to Lhasa Train

Chengdu to Lhasa by Overland: The Most Adventurous Way along the Beautiful G318 Highway

The overland route to Tibet from Chengdu is an adventurous way to get an intimate look at the scenery of the region. National Highway G318 runs all the way from Shanghai to Zhangmu at the border with Nepal. The Sichuan-Tibet Highway section from Chengdu to Lhasa is 2,144 km and usually takes seven days to travel.

The route through Sichuan Province includes sights like the peaks of the famous Four Sisters Mountain and the Tibetan-style villages in Danba County. Entering eastern Tibet, you’ll be immersed in a picturesque land of mountains, lakes, and forests. You can see the Midui Glacier, the most beautiful in China, and visit the enchanting Lulang Forest, one of the best vantage points for seeing Mount Namcha Barwa (7,782m).

Travel overland from Chengdu to Lhasa

What Documents are Required for a Chengdu Tibet Tour?

For entering China, you should first determine if a visa is needed. Citizens from 54 countries currently enjoy visa-free entry to China for stays between 15 and 90 days, depending on the country of citizenship. Travelers needing a can apply at the nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Service Center. The processing time is four working days. A standard tourist visa is valid for a single entry of 30 days.

All international travelers to Tibet require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). According to Tibet's travel policy, international travelers must pre-book a tour with a local Tibet travel agency like Tibet Vista, which at least includes hotels and transportation. The travel agency then applies for the TTP through the Tibet Tourism Bureau on your behalf. Processing takes at least 8-9 business days, and we recommend applying at least a month in advance.

Tibet Travel Permit is the must document to enter Tibet.

Additional permits are needed for visiting areas outside of Lhasa, including Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. These permits can be obtained after arriving in Tibet, and we will take care of all the details.

Insider Tips for Traveling to Tibet from Chengdu

Chengdu is a fascinating city worth exploring. Spend a few days seeing the sites like the Giant Panda Research Base and trying all the great local cuisine.

Cut down on your travel time and enjoy the scenic experience of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway by flying to Xining and boarding the train to Lhasa from there. The 20-hour train from Xining includes all the best highlights of the famous railway.

March to June and September to November are the periods where the best weather overlaps in Chengdu and Tibet. Enjoy the mild conditions with warm days and cool nights.

Summer is both the high travel season and the rainy season in Tibet and Chengdu. If you're traveling during this time, make sure to book well in advance.

The change in elevation between Chengdu and Tibet creates a risk of altitude sickness. Plan to stay in Lhasa for a few days in order to acclimatize, or visit Nyingchi first to ease the transition.

Conclusion

Chengdu is an excellent place to visit and a perfect gateway city to Tibet. With transfer options, including road, rail, and plane, you can personalize your experience of getting to Tibet. The scenic rail and overland routes offer adventure and a chance to appreciate the landscapes, while flying is the best choice for getting to Tibet as quickly as possible. Explore our full range of Chengdu Tibet tours, or let us know what you're looking for so we can start planning your dream Tibet adventure today.