Flying from Hong Kong to Lhasa is now more convenient than ever. The newly opened direct flight takes just about 7.5 hours, providing the fastest option. Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight via Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Beijing or Shanghai for a more enriching journey.

In this article, we will guide you through the best routes for flying to Tibet from Hong Kong. Keep reading to learn how to fly from Hong Kong to Lhasa easily and smoothly!

Great News: Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa is Now Available

The new direct flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa has been operating since February 2025. Operated by Tibetan Airlines, it runs twice a week, departing at 3:45 pm every Wednesday and Sunday. With a short stopover in Chengdu, the total journey takes about 7.5 hours to reach Lhasa Gonggar Airport.

For tourists from Hong Kong, this direct flight offers a faster and more convenient way to reach Tibet. However, due to the limited availability, it is best to book early to secure your preferred seat. If you prefer more flexibility, you can also take a connecting flight via Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, etc.

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Connecting Flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Chengdu - The Most Recommended Route

Transferring via Chengdu is the most recommended route for a connecting flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa. As one of the closest gateways to Tibet, Chengdu offers more frequent flights to Lhasa than other Chinese cities.

Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu

At present, there are six daily flights from Hong Kong to Chengdu, taking about 2.5 hours. These flights are operated by Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, and Cathay Pacific Airways, with prices starting at US$117 for a one-way economy ticket.

With proper planning, you can easily catch a connecting flight to Lhasa with minimal wait time. However, if you prefer, you can also stay overnight in Chengdu and explore this charming city, such as visiting the Panda Research Base to see the giant pandas.

You can explore Chengdu before continuing to fly to Lhasa.

Direct Flight from Chengdu to Lhasa

Chengdu is the primary hub for flights to Tibet, with over 20 direct flights to Lhasa daily. These flights run throughout the day, starting at 6:20 AM and continuing until 9:25 PM, offering multiple options for connecting flights.

Operated by major airlines such as Air China, Tibetan Airlines and China Southern Airlines, the flights from Chengdu to Lhasa take just about 2 hours. One-way economy fares start at US$104 per person.

Connecting Flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Chongqing - Another Popular Choice

Chongqing is another popular transfer option from Hong Kong to Lhasa. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is a cyberpunk city known for its unique geography and vibrant culture. It is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam and offers cruises along the Yangtze River.

Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Chongqing

There are three direct flights from Hong Kong to Chongqing per day, departing at 13:15, 14:50, and 20:55 with various Chinese airlines. The flight takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes, with fares starting from about $109 per person.

Since all three flights arrive late in the afternoon or evening, you will need to stay overnight in Chongqing before continuing to Lhasa.

Direct Flight from Chongqing to Lhasa

There are over ten daily direct flights from Chongqing to Lhasa, operated by airlines such as Sichuan Airlines and Tibetan Airlines. However, as most flights from Hong Kong arrive late, you will likely have to wait until the following day to catch a flight to Lhasa.

Flights from Chongqing to Lhasa take around 2 hours and 40 minutes and can cost as little as $90 for a one-way economy ticket. These flights start as early as 6:45 am, giving you plenty of time to plan your arrival in Lhasa on your first day on the plateau.

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Connecting Flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Xi’an - Explore Ancient China Before Tibet

Flying from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Xi’an is also a great option for tourists, especially those interested in Chinese history and culture. As the ancient capital of Imperial China, Xi’an is home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and many other popular attractions.

Direct Flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an

There are one to three daily direct flights from Hong Kong to Xi’an, operated by China Eastern and Cathay Pacific Airways. These flights take about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Compared to flights to Chengdu and Chongqing, fares of Hong Kong to Xi’an flights can be higher, starting at about 192US dollars per person.

Since there are fewer flights, you may need to stay overnight in Xi’an if take a later flight from Hong Kong. However, you can ultimate this time to explore the city’s rich historical and cultural sites.

Xi'an is home to the world-renown Terracotta Warriors.

Direct Flight from Xi’an to Lhasa

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport offers about eight daily direct flights to Lhasa, providing numerous options for onward travel. These flights take around 3 hours and can cost as little as 82 US dollars per person.

Flights from Xi’an to Lhasa start as early as 6:55 am and run throughout the day, with the last departure at 8:05 pm. This gives you flexible options for when to fly to Lhasa after exploring this ancient city.

Connecting Flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Beijing/Shanghai - Convenient Transfer Options

Flying from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Beijing or Shanghai is also a convenient option. Both cities have frequent flights to Lhasa, making transfer easy. You can also visit various cultural landmarks during layovers, enhancing your journey.

Direct Flights from Hong Kong to Beijing/Shanghai

Flying from Hong Kong to Beijing usually takes about 3.5 hours, with 15 direct flights available daily. The earliest arrival is at 11:40 am, so an overnight stay is necessary. You can take this opportunity to explore Beijing’s iconic sites, like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall.

Meanwhile, flying to Shanghai from Hong Kong is even quicker, taking around 2.5 hours. With over 20 flights daily, you will have plenty of options. Before heading to Tibet, you can visit Shanghai's famous attractions, including the Bund, Yu Garden, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

You can explore the Great Wall in Beijing before fly to Lhasa from Hong Kong.

Direct Flights from Beijing/Shanghai to Lhasa

From Beijing, there are four direct flights to Lhasa every day, departing at 07:10, 07:40, 13:15, and 14:55 respectively. The flight takes about 4 hours, with tickets starting at $150 per person. Currently, all these flights leave from Beijing Capital International Airport at present.

From Shanghai, there are no direct flights to Lhasa at present. The quickest option is to make a stopover in Xi’an or Chengdu, making the total journey around 6.5 to 7 hours. The fares of Shanghai to Lhasa flights start at over $120.

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What Documents are Required to Fly from Hong Kong to Lhasa?

For all international tourists, a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese Visa are required to fly to Lhasa. The good news is that if you are from a country eligible for visa-free entry to China, you only need the Tibet Travel Permit.

As for the Tibet Travel Permit, we can help you obtain it easily. Simply email us copies of your Chinese Visa and valid passport in advance, and we will handle the rest. If you don’t need a Chinese Visa, just send us a copy of your passport.

If you are a Hong Kong resident holding an HK SAR Passport and Home Return Permit, you can fly to Tibet without the Tibet Travel Permit.

This may sound complicated, but no worries! When you book your Hong Kong Tibet tour with us, we provide one-stop services, including handling all travel documents, making your journey smooth and hassle-free.

Conclusion

For tourists planning a Hong Kong Tibet flight journey, both direct and connecting flights are available. The direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option, though it operates only twice a week. The connecting flights take more time but allow you to explore amazing cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and Beijing before heading to Tibet.

No matter which route you choose, remember to prepare the required documents in advance. If you still have any questions about flights to Tibet, feel free to contact us. We’re always here to make your trip to Tibet smooth and worry-free!