How to Travel from Beijing to Lhasa
The distance between Beijing and Lhasa is 4046 kilometers. There are no high-speed trains connecting them. For those going to the plateau area for the first time, I suggest you take the train to Lhasa to gradually adapt to the altitude sickness on the way.
The Best Way to Travel From Beijing to Lhasa
The most recommended way to go from Beijing to Lhasa is by train. The train gradually enters high-altitude areas from low-altitude areas, allowing you to adapt to the plateau environment and helping to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.
On the train, you can see the Yellow River, Qinghai Lake, Hoh Xil, and the sunrise on the plateau, which are experiences that you cannot have by taking a plane.
| Features | Plane | Normal-Speed Train |
|---|---|---|
| Price | CNY3260/USD448 | CNY1186/USD163 |
| Duration | 4h15m | 39h43m |
| Frequency | 3/day | 1/day |
| Advantage | Time-Saving | Affordable |
| Disadvantage | Higher Cost | Longer Duration |
Beijing to Lhasa Train Route Map
The train from Beijing to Lhasa passes through Hebei Province, Shanxi Province, Gansu Province, and Qinghai Province. The scenery along the way changes from plains to deserts and finally to plateaus.
Beijing to Lhasa Overnight Train
China Train Ticket Booking
There is only one direct train from Beijing to Lhasa every day, departing from Beijing West Railway Station and arriving at Lhasa Railway Station. It is difficult to buy train tickets to Lhasa, especially during the travel peak season such as the summer vacation or October. For people with limited budgets, taking the train is a wise choice.
Beijing to Lhasa Overnight Train Time
(Update on July 29, 2024)
| Train Number | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z21 | 19:53 | 11:36 (Arriving at Third Day) | 39h43m |
Beijing to Lhasa Overnight Train Cost
| Seat | Soft Sleeper | Hard Sleeper | Hard Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | CNY1186/USD163 | CNY763/USD105 | CNY360/USD50 |
Beijing to Lhasa Transfer Train
The transfer train takes longer to arrive in Lhasa than the direct train, but it can be a choice. The main transfer stations are Xining Railway Station and Lanzhou Railway Station.
Beijing to Lhasa Transfer Train Time
(Update on July 29, 2024)
| Route | Specific Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing-Xining-Lhasa | Train Number | G671 |
| Departure Time | 8:13 | |
| Arrival Time | 18:27 | |
| Train Number After Transfer | Z8991 | |
| Departure Time | 21:50 | |
| Arrival Time | 17:39 | |
| Total Duration | 33h26m | |
| Beijing-Xi'an-Lhasa | Train Number | D43 |
| Departure Time | 20: 30 | |
| Arrival Time | 8:23 | |
| Train Number After Transfer | Z165 | |
| Departure Time | 9:27 | |
| Arrival Time | 15:05 | |
| Total Duration | 42h35m | |
Beijing to Lhasa Flight
Taking a plane from Beijing to Lhasa is the fastest way of transportation, which takes 4 hours, and this is the time you spend on the plane. The earliest flight departs from Beijing Capital Airport at 7:45 and arrives at Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 12:05.
Beijing to Lhasa Flight Time
(Update on July 29, 2024)
| Flight Number | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA4125 | 7:45 | 12:05 | 4h20m |
| CZ4123 | 12:35 | 16:50 | 4h15m |
| TV9816 | 14:55 | 19:10 | 4h15m |
Lhasa Transportation
Lhasa has no subway, so you can take a bus or taxi from Lhasa Railway Station or the airport to the downtown.
From Railway Station Downtown
It takes 20 minutes to take a taxi from Lhasa Railway Station to the Potala Palace, with a fare of CNY 18 and a distance of 7 kilometers. Lhasa Railway Station is located in Duilongdeqing District, 20 kilometers away from the Potala Palace. You can take bus 1, 10, 13 or 14 to the Potala Palace.
| Bus Number | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 1 | 51 minutes | CNY1 |
| Bus 10 | 69 minutes | |
| Bus 13 | 51 minutes | |
| Bus 14 | 50 minutes |
From Airport to Downtown
It takes 60 minutes to take a taxi from Lhasa Airport to the Potala Palace, with a fare of CNY 130 and a distance of 57 kilometers. Lhasa airport is about 60 kilometers away from the downtown area. Now the airport has opened buses to and from the urban area and the airport.
| Lhasa Airport to Downtown | |
|---|---|
| Operation Route | Railway station-Liuwu Bridge-Regional Tourism Bureau-Civil Aviation Administration |
| Operation Time | 4:30-the end of the Flights |
| Departure Time | A bus leaves every 10 minutes |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Cost | CNY30 |
Arrange a Lhasa Tour
Foreign tourists traveling to Tibet need a Tibet Travel Permit. Without it, you cannot enter Tibet by plane or train. You can book your trip to Lhasa with China Travel, and we will assist you in applying for the Tibet Travel Permit and deliver it to your hotel, saving you the time and effort of applying for it yourself.
- 4-Day Essence of Lhasa Tour
- 8-Day Lhasa, Shigatse, Mt Everest Base Camp Tour (private tour)
- 8-Day Lhasa, Shigatse, Mt Everest Base Camp Tour (small group tour)