How to Get to Tibet from Shanghai?

Tibet is an outstanding travel destination known for its unique culture and long history, shaped by centuries of relative isolation. Today, improved transportation has made Tibet more accessible to travelers from around the world.

Shanghai serves as one of the most important gateways for international tourists traveling to Tibet. As a major international city with abundant global flight connections, Shanghai attracts travelers who wish to explore both modern China and the Tibetan Plateau. Its rich cultural heritage, well-developed travel facilities, and convenient transport links make it an ideal starting point for a journey from Shanghai to Lhasa. As a result, the Shanghai-to-Tibet route has become one of the most popular choices among international visitors.

How to Travel from Shanghai to Lhasa

Shanghai is around 2,944 kilometers from Lhasa, which is quite a distance to cover in a single tour. Yet, you have three viable options to reach Lhasa from Shanghai, namely: by train, by plane, or by a combination of plane and train travel. Each of these three options has its own pros and cons.

A. Shanghai to Lhasa by Train

The Shanghai to Lhasa train is renowned as the most beautiful Tibet train route. It covers a distance of around 4,373 kilometers. If you choose this traveling option, you would be spending around 44 hours and 30 minutes on the train.

One of the upsides of train travel from Shanghai to Lhasa is the chance to behold the scenic beauty of rural China. The gradual ascent of the train to Lhasa will allow you to see verdant plains, prairies, gorges, lakes, rivers, and majestic snowcapped mountains along the way. The sceneries make this train trip a once-in-a-lifetime journey that you will surely never forget. In addition, taking a train can help you adapt to the high-altitude environment better.

Shanghai's main train station is readily accessible from your hotel in Shanghai. You should book your ticket in advance to avoid any travel hassle. You can easily take your paper ticket from the ticket hall along with your passport and Tibet travel permit copy. It would be best if you choose the soft sleeper berths because you need to feel comfortable in this long, enervating, but exciting journey.

Shanghai to Lhasa Train Schedule:

There is a single train that departs from Shanghai to Lhasa every day. This train reaches Lhasa within three days. Three days is a lot of time to spend inside a train, but you can find a lot of things to enjoy along the way in your quest to reach Lhasa. Here is the basic information about the train schedule:

Train Amenities

This train is equipped with pressurized cabins and an oxygen supply to prevent shortness of breath. Its windows are also lined with UV filters. Moreover, the train is fully air-conditioned, and the hallways and bathrooms are well-maintained and kept clean likewise.

Altitude Changes and Scenic Spots

Tibet is situated on the Tibetan Plateau. Hence, the journey to Tibet from Shanghai is an ascending journey that entails gradual changes in altitude. Shanghai is 16 meters above sea level, while Lhasa is 3,650 meters above sea level. This gradual ascent gives you ample time to adjust to the high altitude and avoid altitude sickness.

From Shanghai, you will pass by Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Bengbu, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, Xian, Lanzhou, and Xining. Xining is already 2,200 meters above sea level. From Xining, the train will move to Golmud, Nangchu, and finally to Lhasa. Each of the abovementioned stops has something beautiful to offer. So, you should cherish every stopover and take pictures for memory. Additionally, stops usually range from 3 minutes to 25 minutes.

The train route from Shanghai to Xian covers mostly central China, which consists of flat plains with intermittent grasslands and scattered buildings. But once the train enters Xian, the views and landscapes radically change. Scenery after scenery of awesome mountains, lakes, massive ice, streams, and verdant fields would fall upon and enthuse your sight, leading you to mutter to yourself that this train journey is really worth the effort.

B. Shanghai to Lhasa by Plane and Train

If you can't afford to spend three long days of train travel, your next best option is to mix up train travel and plane travel. You can do this by boarding a plane to Xining, which is just 3 hours and 25 minutes away by plane from Shanghai; then, in Xining, you can board a train to Lhasa. This option allows you to see the best highlights of the Qinghai Tibet Railway while shortening your travel time by more than half.

Shanghai to Xining Flight Schedule

There are several direct flights from Shanghai to Xining. Here are the flight schedules.

Xining to Lhasa Train Schedule

There are several trains departing from Xining to Lhasa every day. In peak tourist seasons, more trains for your choice. >> See more about Xining to Lhasa train

C. Shanghai to Lhasa by Plane

If you want to reach Lhasa quickly, the flight from Shanghai to Lhasa would be your best option. The upside of this option is that it is convenient and fast. You can reach Lhasa from Shanghai in less than 4 hours. The downside of this option is that you have only a limited time to adjust to high altitude, which means you have less time to acclimate your body to the high altitude of Lhasa, making you more prone to experiencing altitude sickness. >> See more about Shanghai to Lhasa flights

There are several direct flights from Shanghai to Lhasa, usually available in the peak tourist season(July to September). During the shoulder and off seasons, there are some connecting flights, stopping in Chengdu, Xi'an or Kunming.

Here is the schedule of these direct flights:

Best Time to Travel from Shanghai to Tibet

The best time to travel from Shanghai to Tibet is from May to October, when weather conditions are relatively stable and transportation options are more frequent. During these months, flights and trains operate regularly, and road conditions are generally good.

Peak season (July to September)

This is the most popular travel period, especially during summer holidays. There are more direct flights from Shanghai to Lhasa, but airfares and accommodation prices are higher, and tourist sites can be busier.

Shoulder seasons (May–June & October)

These months are ideal for many travelers. The weather is comfortable, visibility is good, and there are fewer crowds compared to peak season. October is especially suitable for sightseeing, although nights can be colder.

Low season (November to April)

Winter travel is possible, but flights are fewer and temperatures are much lower, especially at night. On the positive side, skies are often clear, and popular attractions are less crowded.

Overall, for first-time visitors traveling from Shanghai to Tibet, May, June, and September are often considered the most balanced months in terms of weather, transport availability, and travel experience

Tibet Travel Permit

If you plan to travel from Shanghai to Tibet as a foreigner, the most important document you must obtain in advance is the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). This permit is mandatory for all non-Chinese passport holders and is required before boarding both flights and trains to Lhasa.

Please note that the Tibet Travel Permit cannot be applied for individually. Independent travel is not permitted in Tibet, so travelers must book a tour with a licensed local Tibet travel agency. Once your tour is confirmed, your travel agency will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf using a copy of your passport and a valid Chinese visa.

Note: We recommend staying at least one night in Shanghai to relieve jet lag and allow time to receive your Tibet Travel Permit. As the permit is issued as a paper document, the original must be presented at the airport check-in counter when flying to Lhasa.

FAQ

Can I travel independently from Shanghai to Tibet?

No. Independent travel is not permitted for foreign travelers in Tibet. You must book a tour with a licensed local Tibet travel agency, which will also apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf.

Is the Tibet Travel Permit checked multiple times?

Yes. The Tibet Travel Permit is checked at several points, including before boarding flights or trains to Lhasa and upon arrival in Tibet. If you are flying to Lhasa, you must carry the original paper permit. If you are taking the train, a copy of your permit is usually sufficient for ticket inspection.

Is the train from Shanghai to Lhasa safe at high altitude?

Yes. Trains to Lhasa are equipped with oxygen supply systems and pressurized cabins to help passengers cope with high altitude. The gradual ascent also allows better acclimatization compared to flying directly.

Can I receive the Tibet Travel Permit at Shanghai airport?

In most cases, the Tibet Travel Permit is delivered to your hotel in Shanghai. We recommend staying at least one night in Shanghai to allow enough time to receive the original paper permit before departure.

If your flight has a transit in Shanghai lasting more than 2 hours, it is possible to arrange for a local agent to deliver the permit directly to the airport. This must be coordinated in advance through your Tibet travel agency.

Which Shanghai airport is used for Lhasa flights?

Flights to Lhasa may depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), depending on the airline and season. Your travel agency will confirm the exact departure airport in advance.