How to Travel from Xian to Tibet: by Train or Flight?

Xi’an, the ancient capital and cultural hub of China, and Tibet, secluded in the remote Himalayas, may seem like entirely different worlds. However, both offer rich histories and vibrant cultural traditions, making them highlights of any tour.

Xi’an also serves as a major gateway to the Tibetan plateau for international travelers, with convenient rail and flight routes. Here, we’ll provide all the information you need about traveling from Xi’an to Tibet to help you choose the best way to go.

Why Travel to Tibet from Xi’an: Distance and Location

Xi’an is an excellent gateway to Tibet due to its strategic location and strong transportation connections. Situated about 1,700 kilometers northeast of Lhasa by air, or roughly 2,800 kilometers by road, Xi’an is a major transportation hub in northwest China. It offers convenient international flights as well as air and train routes directly to Tibet.

Non-stop flights arrive at Xi’an Xiangyang International Airport from major airports in Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo, making it convenient to reach for international travelers. Domestic flight routes connect Xi’an to Lhasa as well as cities large and small around China.

Xi'an is an excellent gateway to Tibet.

It is also one of the seven gateway cities with direct trains to Tibet. Starting from Xi’an, you can board a train that will take you on a scenic journey across China and over the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Besides, Xi’an is one of the best travel destinations in China for visiting fascinating historical and cultural attractions. Besides the must-see Terracotta Warriors, sites like the grand fortifications of the city, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Bell Tower of Xi’an are a glimpse into the imperial past of the ancient capital.

Xi’an to Tibet by Train: The Scenic Route

The 30-hour, 2,864 km journey from Xi’an to Lhasa by train is an incredible scenic adventure across China and the Tibetan Plateau. As you leave Xi'an, the train travels through the historic heart of the ancient Silk Road. You’ll pass by vast plains, small towns, and farms, with the backdrop of the Qinling Mountains to the south.

The journey from Xi’an to Lhasa by train is an incredible scenic adventure.

The train from Xi’an to Lhasa then passes through hills and deserts of Gansu, and the vast grasslands of Qinghai before ascending to the Tibetan Plateau. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway starts from Xining. It is the highest railway in the world, reaching over 5,000m high while crossing the Tanggula Pass.

There are 2 direct trains each day that leave from Xi’an Railway Station and arrive in Lhasa 30 hours later. Hard sleeper berths cost 611.5 CNY (85 USD), and soft sleepers are 969.5 CNY (135 USD). The added comfort and privacy of soft sleepers are worth the extra cost for the overnight train journey.

Xi’an to Lhasa Train Schedule

Xi’an to Tibet by Flight: The Quickest Way

Flying to Lhasa from Xi’an is the fastest way to arrive. Regular flights from Xi’an Xiangyang International Airport fly non-stop to Lhasa, taking only around 3 hours and 30 minutes to arrive. The route is operated by Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Tibet Airlines, with flights running from morning until the afternoon.

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Tibet Airlines has some of the cheapest tickets. Flight TV6051 departs at 08:05 and arrives in 3 hours and 20 minutes. Tickets start from 445 CNY (62 USD).

Xi’an to Lhasa Flights

More Routes to Travel from Xi’an to Tibet: Transfer via Xining

Combining air and rail travel is a great way to experience the stunning scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway while keeping travel time to a minimum.

Xining marks the true beginning of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and the 20-hour train journey from here across the Tibetan Plateau offers breathtaking views. From snow-capped mountains to vast plains, valleys, and alpine lakes, starting from Xining lets you see the most beautiful landscapes along the route. With frequent departures, Xining to Lhasa train is also the shortest direct rail option to Tibet.

Xining to Lhasa Train Schedule

On the other side, Xi’an and Xining are connected by four daily non-stop flights, operated by Hainan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with tickets starting from 228 CNY (32 USD). China Eastern’s Flight MU2313, for example, departs at 7:25 am and arrives at 9:10 am, offering a convenient morning option.

What Documents are Required for a Xi’an Tibet Tour?

The first step for a Xi’an Tibet tour is to find out if you need a tourist visa to travel to China. Currently, citizens from 54 countries can enjoy visa-free travel in China for stays between 15 and 90 days, depending on where you are from. If you do need a visa, the process is simple. Go to the nearest China Embassy, consulate, or visa service center and apply. A 30-day, single-entry visa takes 3-4 business days to process.

After securing your visa, you need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). The TTP is needed for all international travelers to Tibet. The permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and applied for on your behalf by a local Tibet travel agency. Just book your tour with us, and we will guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit. The TTP takes around 15 business days to process, so it is recommended to contact us in advance.

Tibet Travel Permit

In addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, additional permits are needed to visit areas outside of the Lhasa region. Visiting Everest Base Camp requires an Alien’s Travel Permit, and a Military Permit is needed for remote or sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash. We can help to handle these permits as well as long as you book your Tibet tour with us.

Conclusion

Choose Xi’an as your starting point for a Tibet tour for a deep experience of the culture, history, and geographic diversity in China. After touring the world-famous attractions like the Terracotta Warriors, you can board a train for a scenic trip to Tibet or hop on a flight and arrive in Lhasa in a couple hours. There’s no wrong choice, and with the flexible travel options available, anyone can find the perfect Xian Tibet tour.