Traveling to Tibet from Hong Kong is now easier than ever. The newly launched direct flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa offers the fastest route. On the other hand, you can choose from flexible connecting flights, a scenic train journey, or a combination of both for a more enriching travel experience.

In this guide we will walk you through the details about how to travel from Hong Kong to Tibet, and share insider tips for a seamless journey. Read on to get inspired for your upcoming adventure to Tibet.

How Far is Hong Kong from Tibet? Why Travel to Tibet via Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is located on the southern coast of China, adjacent to Guangdong Province. Tibet, officially known as the Tibetan Autonomous Region, is situated in the southwestern part of China, on the Tibetan Plateau. The distance between them is about 2500 kilometers.

Despite the long distance, many tourists choose to travel to Tibet via Hong Kong, mainly for three reasons. Firstly, Hong Kong is well-connected with a large number of international flights from Europe, North America, and other regions, making it a convenient stopover to mainland China and Tibet.

Secondly, many nationalities can visit Hong Kong without a visa, allowing for easy and hassle-free entry. Besides, Hong Kong has a unique blend of British and Chinese influences, thus providing a smooth cultural transition before you experience the distinct Tibetan culture.

Join our popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour for a smooth experience!

Hong Kong to Tibet by Direct Flight: The Fastest Option (Twice a Week)

Recently, the first-ever direct flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa has been launched. Operated by Tibetan Airlines, the flight departs twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. With a stopover in Chengdu, the journey takes about only 7.5 hours, making it the fastest way to get to Tibet from Hong Kong.

Route	Flight No.	Dep. - Arr.	Duration	Air Line	Frequency
Hong Kong-Lhasa	TV9702	15:55-23:30	7h 35m	Tibet Airlines	Wed, Sun
Lhasa-Hong Kong	TV9701	08:00-14:35	6h 35m	Tibet Airlines	Wed, Sun

While the direct flights are quite convenient, they are limited in availability. For a more flexible choice, you can take a connecting flight from Hong Kong to Lhasa via Chengdu, Chongqing, or other cities in mainland China.

Hong Kong to Tibet by Connecting Flight: The Popular & Flexible Choice

Hong Kong offers many direct flights to major cities in mainland China, making it easy to take a connecting flight to Lhasa. Popular transfer cities include Chengdu, Chongqing, etc.

Option 1: Connecting flight via Chengdu

Chengdu is one of the most popular gateways for flights to Tibet. The Chengdu to Lhasa flight operates over 20 times per day and takes only about 2 hours. So, after arriving in Chengdu from Hong Kong by flight, which departs 7 times per day and takes about 2.5 hours, you can even continue flying to Lhasa on the same day.

However, it is worth staying a couple of days in Chengdu as well. You can go to visit the Giant Panda Base to see the cute pandas, taste the famous spicy hot pot, or leisurely stroll in Chunxi Road for some shopping and local culture.

Option 2: Connecting flight via Chongqing

Chongqing is another great choice for connecting flights from Hong Kong to Lhasa. There are three daily direct flights from Hong Kong to Chongqing, each taking about 2 hours and 25 minutes. From Chongqing, there are over a dozen flights to Lhasa every day, with a flight duration of about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Since most flights to Chongqing from Hong Kong arrive in the evening, it might not be possible to catch a same-day flight to Lhasa. Therefore, you will likely need to spend a night in Chongqing before continuing your journey.

More Options via Xi’an or Beijing or Shanghai

Depending on your schedules and interests, you can also consider connecting flights via Xi’an, Beijing or Shanghai. These cities are well-connected with Hong Kong, and offer daily direct flights to Lhasa. For any questions or assistance with booking your connecting flight to Tibet, feel free to contact us.

Hong Kong to Tibet by Train: The Classic and Scenic Journey

The classic way to reach Tibet from Hong Kong is to travel the whole distance by train. There is no direct train to Lhasa from Hong Kong, but you can first take a convenient train to one of the seven gateway cities to Tibet, from where the famous Tibet trains depart.

Step 1: Take the High-speed Train to Guangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing or Shanghai

Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Railway Station is the main station for the high-speed trains that run to around 58 cities across mainland China. The high-speed trains from West Kowloon give you four major options for trains to Lhasa, which include Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

The train to Guangzhou is the shortest and fastest, and departs from the station over 40 times a day for Guangzhou South Railway Station. The trip takes just about an hour, and costs as little as 215 yuan per person. When you arrive in Guangzhou, you need to transfer along Metro Line 2 to the Guangzhou Railway Station for the trip to Lhasa.

You can also get the high-speed train to Chengdu East Railway Station from West Kowloon, which departs once a day at around 10:04 am, and takes around 8 hours 18 minutes. A second-class ticket costs around 875 yuan, and you can enjoy a one-day exploration in Chengdu before taking the train to Lhasa the following evening.

Trains to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station also depart from West Kowloon Station, and you can catch the Beijing train at 11:20 am and the Shanghai train at 11:37 am. With only one train a day to each destination, the trip to Beijing takes 8 hours 10minutes and to Shanghai is 8 hours 6 minutes. In Shanghai you need to transfer to the Shanghai Railway Station for the train to Lhasa.

Step 2: Take the Tibet Train to Lhasa

Once you have arrived at your chosen departure location from Hong Kong, you can board your train to Lhasa.

The trains from Guangzhou to Lhasa are actually the longest of all the seven Tibet trains, taking around 53 hours to reach Lhasa Railway Station. The train departs daily at around 9:15 am from Guangzhou Railway Station, and offers hard sleeper at 865 yuan and soft sleeper at 1468 yuan per person.

Trains from Chengdu run every other day to Lhasa, so it is a good idea to time your train from Hong Kong accordingly. The trains to Lhasa depart at around 9:11 pm, and take up to 34 hours 30 minutes. Hard sleeper berths cost from around 627.5 yuan each.

Trains from Beijing run daily to Lhasa, and depart at around 7:53 pm daily, taking up to 39 hours 43 minutes to reach Lhasa. Hard sleeper tickets cost from 720 yuan per person. And trains from Shanghai to Lhasa run daily at around 6:33pm, taking around 44 hours 32 minutes to reach Lhasa. Hard sleeper berths start at around 793.5 yuan each.

The trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is most recommended for exploring the plateau.

Hong Kong to Tibet by Flight + Train: The Convenient Way

If you are interested in taking the Tibet train but would rather have a shorter trip, you can first fly to mainland China and then take the train to Lhasa. The recommended city is Xining, which is the start of the famous Qinghai Tibet Railway and offers the shortest train ride to Lhasa.

Although there is no direct flight to Xining from Hong Kong, you can first take a non-stop flight to Chengdu, which takes only 2.5 hours, and then transfer to Xining. Flights from Chengdu to Xining run seven times daily, and take only about 90 minutes to reach Qinghai’s provincial capital.

Trains from Xining to Lhasa depart several times per day, offering a flexible choice. To ensure you don’t miss the best scenery during daylight hours, it is recommended to take the train departing at 21:50 pm. This journey takes about 20 hours, arriving in Lhasa the following afternoon.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Journey from Hong Kong to Tibet

To make your trip from Hong Kong to Tibet as smooth as possible, here are some essential travel tips:

1. Obtain Necessary Permits: Before traveling to Tibet, you’ll need a Tibet Travel Permit. We can make the application process smooth and hassle-free. However, if you are a Hong Kong resident holding an HK SAR Passport and Home Return Permit, this permit is not required.

2. Book Tickets in Advance: Whether you are taking a flight or a train to Lhasa, booking early is highly recommended. Many tourists visit the plateau, especially during the peak season, thus securing tickets in advance ensures better seats and prices.

3. Pack Essential Items: Always remember to bring warm clothing whenever you go to Tibet, as the night can be chill even in summer. Along bring sunglasses for sun protection, and lip balm for the dry weather. Besides, altitude sickness medication can also be helpful if you are not accustomed to the high plateau environment.

Our small group tour includes Tibet Travel Permit application and more services to ensure a smooth journey.

Conclusion

While there are many options to travel from Hong Kong to Lhasa, you can choose the right option based on your preferences and schedule.If you’re short on time, a direct or connecting flight is the quickest choice. If you prefer a scenic journey or would like to experience more along the way, you can choose the train or a combination of both.

By planning ahead, securing necessary permits, and preparing for high-altitude travel, you can enjoy a seamless and unforgettable journey to the Roof of the World. For more questions about Hong Kong to Tibet travel, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!