Tibet Getting Around

Transportation condition in Tibet has changed greatly in recent years. Not too long ago, pack animals were the main mode of transportation into the region. Now, Tibet's major cities have their own transportation systems, as well as highways, airlines, and the Qinghai Tibet Railroad connecting it to other regions of China.

Getting Around Tibet

By Taxi

It is easy to hail a taxi on the city streets. The taxi fare is RMB 10 for travel anywhere within the city. For longer trips, you need to negotiate a fare with the driver beforehand. It is necessary to point out that during peak seasons, the drivers like to charge higher prices.

By Bus or Mini-bus

Buses are available in central Tibet, but tourists can take these buses only if they have a travel permit. Mini-busses are the main form of transport in Lhasa city, and throughout Tibet. It is a quick and convenient way to get across town. Travelers can easily find microbuses, and charges usually start at 5RMB.

By Jeep

Jeep tours are a popular way of getting around Tibet. Though prices are relatively high, they can get to places many other forms of transport cannot.

By Bicycle

Roads in Tibet vary from rough dirt tracks to good-quality paved roads. There are restaurants, truck stops, and shops scattered around, so traveling by bike is another popular way to look around the city. Renting bicycles has become the most popular way for visitors to get around Lhasa. Bicycles can be rented from many hostels along Barkhor Street. Generally, the rental fee for an ordinary bike is 2RMB per hour and 20RMB per day; for a mountain bike, it is 3RMB per hour and 30RMB per day.

Jokhang Temple, Lhasa

Getting Around China from Tibet

By Airplane

There are flights from Lhasa to the Tibetan cities of Diqing and Chengdu. There are also flights from Lhasa to many of China's major cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. There are also flights to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city.  It takes about one and a half hours to get to Gonggar Airport from Lhasa City.

By Highway

There are several major highways leading into Tibet. They are the Tibet-Sichuan Highway, the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, the Yunnan Tibet Highway, and the China-Nepal International Road. These form a network in and around Lhasa and all major towns.

Note

During peak travel seasons, it may be difficult to get tickets, so booking tickets at least three days in advance is recommended.

Contact us if you want to explore more of Tibet or other cities in China.