How to Travel from Chongqing to Tibet: By Flight or Train?

Chongqing is a dynamic, sprawling metropolis of dramatic hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers in southwest China. It is an ultra-modern, multi-tiered city, delighting visitors with its spicy Sichuan cuisine, stunning skyline, and historic attractions.

As a major transportation hub, Chongqing offers convenient transfer options for reaching Tibet. After enjoying the vibrant city, travelers can board a train or plane with direct connections to Lhasa or Nyingchi. With direct flight connections to cities in Europe, Asia, and Australia and close proximity to Tibet, Chongqing is an enchanting and convenient gateway to the roof of the world.

Chongqing to Tibet by Flight: The Most Convenient Way

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chongqing to Tibet. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is located a short 19km away from the urban center. Even in heavy traffic, it is only around 30 minutes by car or taxi. Free shuttle buses depart from around the city, and a transit rail link can get travelers to the airport in 10-13 minutes.

It is covenient to take a flight to Tibet from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

1. Chongqing to Lhasa flight

There are more than 10 direct flights each day from Chongqing to Lhasa’s Gonggar Airport. Flights, taking around 2 hours and 50 minutes, depart in the morning and afternoon on a number of airlines, including Air China, China Southern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines, and West Air. Tibet Airlines has the best prices, with tickets starting around 91 USD.

Table of Selected Chongqing to Lhasa Flights

2. Chongqing to Nyingchi flight

Nyingchi, in eastern Tibet, is an alternative to flying directly to Lhasa. Tibet’s eastern region has a milder climate with sites of serene natural beauty like Lulang Forest. The lower altitude also helps visitors to gradually acclimate to the high elevation of the plateau.

Three daily flights fly direct from Chongqing to Nyingchi Mainling AIrport. China Southern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines, and West Air offer flights that take 2 hours and 25 minutes to arrive. All flights depart in the morning, and tickets cost around 117 USD.

Table of Chongqing to Nyingchi Flights

Chongqing to Tibet by Train: The Scenic Way

Chongqing is one of the gateway cities to Tibet that has a direct train. It allows travelers to take the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the highest train in the world. That section, from Xining to Lhasa, gives passengers a close-up view of the amazing scenery of the Tibetan Plateau. See snow-capped mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and vast plains pass by through the window from the comfort of a modern train.

Beautiful scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Trains depart every other day from Chongqing West Railway Station. The whole journey takes 33 hours and 48 minutes to cross the 3030 km to Lhasa. Trains are equipped with dining cars, 24-hour boiling water, and dispersed oxygen systems for the comfort and safety of passengers. Hard and soft sleeper berths are available. The added comfort and privacy of the soft sleeper cabins are recommended to allow you to arrive well-rested in Lhasa and ready to start your tour.

Chongqing to Tibet Train

How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit for a Chongqing to Tibet Tour

Travelers from most countries require a tourist visa to travel to China. Chinese tourist visas can be easily arranged through the nearest Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Service Center. A standard tourist visa is valid for a single entry of 30-90 days. The cost of the visa depends on the country of citizenship.

Passport holders from some countries can enjoy visa-free entry for stays of 15-90 days.

Countries with Visa-Free Entry

All international travelers to Tibet must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). The permit is applied for after obtaining a visa or directly for travelers with visa-free entry to China. To apply for the TTP, a tour must be pre-booked with a registered Tibet travel agency that includes a guide and transportation. The agency applies for the TTP on your behalf. Processing usually takes 8-9 working days, but we recommend starting a month in advance.

Tibet Travel Permit is required for Chongqing Tibet tour.

Additional permits are needed to visit areas outside of Lhasa, including Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. These permits can be obtained after arriving in Tibet and will be arranged by your tour guide.

Our service includes the handling of all necessary permits. We have a 100% success rate obtaining the TTP for our guests and will hand-deliver the permit to you at your hotel or before you board the plane or train to Tibet.

More Tips for Traveling to Tibet from Chongqing

The best season to visit Chongqing and Tibet is from March to May and September to October. These months have milder weather, with little to no rain. Chongqing is known as a ‘furnace city’ with very hot summers, and both places see a big rise in tourists in July and August. Spring and fall are quieter seasons with great weather for being outdoors.

In spring and autumn, Chongqing will be warm but bring layers of clothing for Tibet. The plateau has warm daytime temperatures, but evening can be chilly, especially in high-elevation regions. Layers of clothing will help you adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

It is important to acclimatize after arriving in Tibet to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Despite being a hilly city, the average elevation in Chongqing is 244m. After arriving in Nyingchi or Lhasa, spend a few days touring the local area before venturing to higher-elevation regions.

Don’t forget sun protection. The sun at Tibet’s elevation is intense. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection. Lip balm and skin moisturizer will help keep you comfortable in the dry air and strong winds.

Spend a few days touring Chongqing if you have time. Chongqing hotpot is a legendary meal to try there, as well as the city’s many famous snacks. Sites like Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic area famous for porcelain production, and the Hongya Cave are worth visiting.

Chongqing Hongya Cave Night View

Conclusion

Chongqing is a great gateway for a Tibet tour. It is a dynamic and unique city with incredible food and attractions, and its convenient transportation options make it easy to transfer to Lhasa or Nyingchi. Regular flights provide a fast and convenient way for reaching Tibet, and the scenic rail journey is an adventurous and unforgettable way to see the amazing scenery. We have a wide range of Chongqing to Tibet tours available. Contact us for more information, and start planning your Tibet tour today.