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Lhasa Transportation

Jun 28, 2016 6:39 By

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Getting to Lhasa

Lhasa Gongar Airport

Now people get to Lhasa and get away from Lhasa is by air or by bus. People will be able to take train to Lhasa very soon. It is convenient for tourists to get to Tibet by air. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is 97 kilometers away from Lhasa City. It takes about 2 hours to get to downtown Lhasa by bus and the fare is 20 Yuan. The bus from Shigates or Tsetang to Lhasa also stops at the airport. At the Gonggar Airport, there are flights from and to Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining, Guangzhou, Chamdo, Kunming and Katmandu.

Tips:

For information of flights at Gonggar Airport, please call 0891-6246465.

The location of air-tickets booking office: No.1 Nangre Road; Tel:0891-6833446; 0891-6822393 (at night)

Lhasa Long Distance Bus Station

Lhasa Long-distance Bus Station is located at the junction of Minzu Road and Jinzhuzhong Road. The following schedules show the distance between Lhasa and other cities including the fares.

Bus Schedule (through Sichuan-Tibet Highway)

Leaving from	Going to	Distance	Bus Fare (For Reference)	Remarks
Lhasa	Gongbujiangda	279km	70 Yuan
Lhasa	Bayi Town	464km	80 Yuan
Lhasa	Tongmai	550km
Lhasa	Zamu	639km
Lhasa	Bangda	950km
Lhasa	Rawok	766km
Lhasa	Jiangda	1349km
Lhasa	Chamdo	1062km	280 Yuan	Once for every 5 days
Lhasa	River	1436km
Lhasa	Chengdu	2415km		No regular bus service

Bus Schedule (through Qinghai-Tibet Highway)

Start	Destination	Distance	Fare (for reference)	Departure time
Lhasa	Nakqu	326km	63 Yuan (bus); 100 Yuan (Santana Car)	Any time
Lhasa	Damxung	162km	44 Yuan
Lhasa	Amdo	464km	102 Yuan
Lhasa	Yanshiping	653km	152 Yuan
Lhasa	Tuotuohe	745km
Lhasa	Golmud	1165km	210 Yuan (Sleeper bus); 180 Yuan (bus); 210 Yuan(mini-bus)	8:30
Lhasa	Xining	1947km	340 Yuan (sleeper bus)	11:30
Lhasa	Lanzhou	2216km	380 Yuan (sleeper bus)	13:30
Lhasa	Yinchuan	2321km	392 Yuan
Lhasa	Chengdu	3287km	500 (sleeper bus)	10:30
Lhasa	Chengdu	3287km	616 (deluxe sleeper bus)	Afternoon
Lhasa	Nanchong	3660km	550 (sleeper bus)	17:30
Lhasa	Chongqing	3680km	560 (sleeper bus)	14:30

Note: Golden Dragon sleeper buses or Daewoo sleeper buses are used for some of the above routes.

Bus Schedule (through the China-Nepal Friendship Highway)

Start	Destination	Distance	Fare (for reference)
Lhasa	Qushui	68km	10 Yuan
Lhasa	Nimu	83km	18 Yuan
Lhasa	Renbu	126km	25 Yuan
Lhasa	Shigates	280km	38 Yuan (mini-bus); 80 Yuan (Santana car); 60 Yuan (Golden Cup bus); 80 Yuan (Toyota jeep)
Lhasa	Lhatse	437km	No regular bus service
Lhasa	Tingri	572km	No regular bus service
Lhasa	Neyalamu	724km	No regular bus service
Lhasa	Zhangmu	754km	No regular bus service
Lhasa	Gyantse	264km	No regular bus service
Lhasa	Yatung	73km	100 Yuan (departure time: 10:30 am)

Tips:

1. You can find some privately run buses around the Lhasa Long-Distance Bus Station. Before you take one, you’d better have a look at the condition of the bus and bargain with the driver. It may be less expensive if you charter a bus with several other people. The drivers are nice and may introduce some practical information about traveling.

2. The bus fare may fluctuate and the bus schedule may change according to different season. Lhasa Long-distance Bus Station is in the junction of Minzu Road and Jinzhuzhong Road, facing the Monument of Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Sichuan-Tibet Highway. For information you can call 0891-6824469. The Eastern Outskirts Bus Station has buses to the neighboring towns. The newly built Northern Outskirts Bus Station has buses to Ngari.

3. If you want to go to Ali, you can take bus at Ali Office in Liangre Road in Lhasa, or at the Antelope Transport Company nearby. The company’s contact telephone number is 6888929.

Getting Around

Taking mini-bus is the cheapest way to get around in the city. The fare is 2 Yuan no matter how far you go. Both No. 1 Bus and No. 2 Bus may take you to Norbulingkha or Lhasa Long-distance Bus Station. No.3 bus and No.5 bus may take you to Dreprung Monastery and No. 4 to Sera Monastery. The private run mini-bus or jeep follows certain fixed route and the fare is also 2 Yuan. Most of them have a stop at the Tibetan Hospital (in the Jokhang Square).

Taking a taxi may cost you 10 Yuan no matter where you go in the city. But if you want to go out of town, you’d better negotiate with the driver over the price. For Dreprung Monastery, you need to pay about 20 Yuan.
Man-powered tricycles running on the streets are very interesting sights. If you want one, just wave your hands. Riding a tricycle is a good way to enjoy the appearance of the city. A tricycle usually takes two people and the price varies from 4 Yuan to 7 Yuan. Before getting on it, don’t forget to negotiate for the price.

Bus Schedule to Tsetang and Shannan

Start	Destination	Distance	Bus fare (for reference)
Lhasa	Zhaweng	144km	22 Yuan
Lhasa	Samye Monastery	155km	23 Yuan
Lhasa	Tsetang	191km	30 Yuan (mini-bus); 40 Yuan (deluxe bus)
Lhasa	Shannan		27 Yuan (bus);40 Yuan (mini-bus); 50 Yuan (Santana car)

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34 Comment ON "Lhasa Transportation"

Jun 21, 2024 2:17
Asked by Ke** from Singapore

Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash

Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin

Jun 21, 2024 2:17
Answered by Tibet Vista

Thanks for your inquiry. Our travel expert will send you a detailed itinerary according to your plan and help you arrange the best trip. Please check your email box.

Jun 21, 2024 12:30
Asked by Debo** from USA

Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.

Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah

Jun 21, 2024 12:31
Answered by Tibet Vista

Thank you for your inquiry. Travel time by vehicle depends on your route. For tours outside Lhasa, it often involves several hours of driving, with opportunities for short stops in local villages. Our one-on-one travel consultant will contact you to learn more about your plans and provide detailed schedules based on your route.

Jun 20, 2024 6:59
Asked by S** from HongKong

Tibet Tour from HK

May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you

Jun 20, 2024 7:00
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Shek, Thank you for reaching out and we are here to help. For Hong Kong residents that want to travel to Tibet, a Tibet Travel permit is not required, as long as you have the HKSAR passport, as well as the Home Return Permit (HRP). Officially known as the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, the HRP can be issued to Chinese nationals that are permanent residents of Hong Kong in order to enter mainland China. Cheers!

Jun 20, 2024 2:30
Asked by Na** from USA

Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?

Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?

Jun 20, 2024 2:30
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Nayak, Thank you for reaching out! We're here to help. Well, for Indian passport holders who plan to visit Mt. Kailash, you have to book your Tibet tour with a licensed Nepali or Indian travel agency that is authorized by the Foreign Affairs Office of TAR or Pilgrim Center (also known as Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center) to get your Tibet Travel Permit and run your Tibet tour. If you are an Indian origin who lives outside of India and have another passport, let's say a US or Canadian passport, in this case, we can help you get the Tibet Travel Permit and other travel documents and arrange the Mt. Kailash tours for you.

Jun 16, 2024 9:40
Asked by A** from Singapore

Enquiry on private tour

We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.

Jun 16, 2024 9:40
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Azmi, Thanks for your inquiry. A viable option is to fly from HK to Chengdu and later take Chengdu-Lhasa train to Lhasa. You may enjoy the Lhasa to EBC tour from Lhasa to Gyantse, Shigatse, and EBC, which is the most popular itineraries in Tibet. Our travel consultants will have a detailed discussion with you and give you an accurate quotation. Looking forward to seeing you in Lhasa. Best Wishes.

Jun 15, 2024 11:14
Asked by Na** from Canada

We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa

Hello We are a family of 3 (2 adults, 1 child) and would like to visit Tibet again in 2025. We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa, then stay in Lhasa and mostly just walk around Barkhor, but also visit 3 monasteries: Sera (by bus), Drak Yerpa (by pilgrimage bus) and Tschokhang. We would like to stay in Lhasa for 10 days total, then leave by plane. Can you arrange a permit for this trip for us (3 Canadians)? Best regards, Brigitte Mueller

Jun 15, 2024 11:14
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Nancy, We appreciate your message and are here to help. Of course, it is our great privilege to arrange a private Lhasa family tour for your family and help you secure the Tibet Travel Permit and Xining-Lhasa train ticket to Lhasa. Our friendly travel consultants will discuss with you for more details and help you plan an uplifting Tibet tour. Cheers!

Jun 15, 2024 11:12
Asked by Gr** from Canada

The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply

I heard from my friend that says there is difference between the above mentioned are: "Individual Tibet Entry Permit" - Individual Entering Tibet is granted. "Group Tibet Entry Permit" - Anyone from the group is Absent, the whole group is deny entry. May I know which one is the correct facts?

Jun 15, 2024 11:12
Answered by Tibet Vista

Tibet Travel Permit, the required travel document for entering Tibet Autonomous Region, has no distinction between individual and group. . What your friends might have mentioned is the Group Visa, specifically required for entry into Tibet from Nepal. You'll have to apply for the Group Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and you'll need at least four people in your group. You'll all have to enter and leave Tibet together. But if you're entering Tibet from mainland China, you don't need this group thing. Our travel consultant will contact you with more details and help you arrange your trip to Tibet.

Jun 15, 2024 11:10
Asked by Tam** from Singapore

Sightseeing Potala Palace

I would like to travel to Tibet in September 2024 from Kathmandu. Sightseeing Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and many more.

Jun 15, 2024 11:10
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Tamang, We appreciate your message and are here to help. September is a perfect time to travel from Kathmandu to Tibet. You can sign up for our 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland small group tour via Gyirong, EBC and Shigatse. This tour has fixed departures on Sept 6/13/20/27 and you can travel with other global travelers to share the tour cost. Another great option is to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and book the 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour to admire the majestic Himalayan range and travel across Lhasa and Shigatse, two of the biggest cities in Tibet. For both ways, our travel agents will help you get your Tibet Travel Permit and other travel documents needed and arrange the accommodations, local expert guide, etc. based on your travel preferences and interests. Cheers!

Jun 15, 2024 11:06
Asked by Ka** from Singapore

plan to travel to Mount Kailash

Hi I am Indian residing in Singapore and plan to travel to Mount Kailash in first week of September. I am all by myself and would like to join any travel group. How do i apply for tibet visa? How do i apply for Chinese visa? Could you help me with Travel Itinerary? Regards.

Jun 15, 2024 11:06
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Kadam, We appreciate your message and are here to help. If you are an Indian national with a Singapore passport, you can sign up for our 15-day Kailash and Manasarova Small Group Tour that departs on Sept, 1st. Firstly, you need to go to the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and fill out the application form to apply for the Chinese Visa yourself. After you get your Chinese Visa, you are expected to email the photos of your Singapore passport information page and Chinese Visa page to us to apply for Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. Remember to do this at least 20 days before your departure to Tibet. We will manage to deliver the Tibet Travel Permit to your hotel in the Chinese arrival city. So, you can show the Tibet Permit and board the flight or train to Lhasa. Our expert travel agents will offer you more details and help you plan a seamless Lhasa to Mt. Kailash tour. Cheers!

Jun 15, 2024 11:04
Asked by Nyen** from India

Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit

Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.

Jun 15, 2024 11:04
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Nyendak, Thank you for reaching out! Well, if you have applied a China Visa, a great option is to email the image of your Chinese visa page to us and we can help you apply for Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. So, you can fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa for Tibet visit. A recommended tour for you is 5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour where you can visit the landmarks of Tibetan monasteries in Lhasa and explore the holy turquoise Yamdrok Lake on a short excursion. Another important thing to consider is that due to the high elevation and thin air in Tibet, do consult a doctor to decide if it is safe to bring the infant to Tibet for travel with you. Our expert travel consultants will discuss more with you and help you plan a perfect Tibet journey. Cheers!

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