Shanghai to Lhasa Flights

Shanghai is a favorite gateway of travelers coming from Europe, North and South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia, and from any other part of the world. It is a major hub for international flights from the most important cities around the world and from the major domestic cities of China. Moreover, Shanghai is a tourist destination on its own. So, if you are planning a trip from Shanghai to Lhasa, you can also allot one or two days for touring this awesome city of Shanghai.

Although Shanghai is 2,906 kilometers away from Tibet, you can reach Tibet from Shanghai within 7 to 9 hours of air travel. At present, several direct and connecting flights between Shanghai and Lhasa are operated every day by China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Tibetan Airlines, Air China, etc. If you can’t buy a direct flight to Lhasa from Shanghai, you can buy connecting flights with layovers in Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, or Xián.

Facts About Shanghai-Lhasa Flight

• Distance: 2,906 kilometers (1,806 miles)
• Flight Duration of One-stop Flight: 7 hours to 9 hours
• Frequency: 3 to 5 flights per day
• Major Airlines: Eastern Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Air China
• Ticket Average Price: 3,360 CNY (economy)
• Flight Type: One-stop flights and Connecting flights
• Airport Name and IATA Codes: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA)
• Altitude Difference: Shanghai—4 meters above sea level; Lhasa—3,650 meters above sea level

Airports of Shanghai that Operate Flight to Tibet

There are several airports in Shanghai, but only two airports operate flights to Tibet. These are the Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Hence, when you book a flight to Tibet from Shanghai, you should take note of the name of the airport; otherwise, you may get confused as to which airport you are going to board your flight.

1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)—is 30km away from the center of the city. It is situated at No. 300, Qihang Road, Pudong New Area and belongs to the three busiest airports in China. It is truly a major gateway for international travelers. It caters to international flights from 90 international cities. It also caters to domestic flights from all over China. At present, there is only a single direct flight from PVG to LXA and this flight usually departs at around 6:45 in the morning, although there are several connecting flights to Lhasa.
2. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)—is another international airport in Shanghai that is situated in Changning District. It's around 13 km to the west of the city. Unlike the PVG, it offers limited international flights, but many domestic flights. A single direct flight to Lhasa leaves SHA every day and makes a stop in Chengdu. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport also operates several connecting flights to Lhasa that make plane transfers to Chongqing, Dazhou, and Xi'an. 

Shanghai to Lhasa Flight Chart

Flights from Shanghai to Lhasa

Flights from Lhasa to Shanghai

The above-mentioned schedules and flight data should be used only for reference. You can contact us or refer to the different flight websites for a complete list of Shanghai-Lhasa flights. The number of flights daily is also subject to changes in the weather and the seasons.

Necessary Documents

There are several documents that you need to carry around when traveling to Shanghai and Tibet. These documents include your Chinese Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, and Passport.

Tibet Travel Permit is a must-have document for boarding a flight to Tibet, as you need to present it when you check in at the airport. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. You can only entrust a Tibet travel agency to obtain a permit for you by booking a Tibet tour. Additionally, processing this permit may usually take up to 10 days.

Arrival at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

After a few hours of air travel, you will arrive at the largest airport called "Lhasa Gonggar International Airport" (LXA). This airport is the most important airport in Tibet. It's 62 kilometers from Lhasa, located in Gonggar County, Shannan Prefecture. It is situated 11,710 ft above sea level, and only Boeing 747 and Airbus A340 can be launched at this airport.

This airport is serviced only by one international flight from Kathmandu. During peak season, there are one or two daily direct flights that ply the Kathmandu-Lhasa air route. These flights are operated by Sichuan Airlines and Air China.

FAQs about Shanghai Lhasa Flight

When is the best season to visit Tibet?

The summer months, from April to October, are the best months for traveling to Tibet. Besides, your flight options during these months are aplenty. During other months, many airlines lessen the number of flights that they provide. Thus, you have limited flight schedule options. Moreover, you should take the early morning flights for enough time to acclimate yourself to the high-altitude weather of Tibet.

Would I experience altitude sickness on my Shanghai-Lhasa flight?

During the flight to Tibet, you will not experience altitude sickness because the inside of the plane is pressurized. But when the plane arrives in Lhasa and you get out of the plane, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is the effects of high altitude on a person. Its symptoms may include vomiting, headaches, tiredness, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. It may also develop into high-altitude pulmonary edema, shortness of breath, high-altitude cerebral edema, and chronic mountain sickness. You should first have your checkup before embarking on a tour of Tibet. If you are physically in good condition, chances are you will be able to acclimate very soon to the high-altitude weather of Tibet. 

Do they offer discounted fares for kids?

Your kids who are aged 2 to 12 will surely get around a 50% discount. Moreover, your child will be exempted from paying Airport Construction Fee. If you bring an infant 2 years old or below, you will get a 90% discount for the infant, but the infant won't get a separate seat.

How can I book a Shanghai-Tibet flight?

You can book a flight ticket online on different online booking websites. You can book a ticket at the airports in China or get your ticket from flight resellers. If you choose us as your travel agency, we can help you book your flight ticket at a lower price.

How can I get the flight tickets I booked from you?

We usually book e-tickets and will send you detailed flight information. With this information, you can exchange your boarding pass easily from the counter of the related airline with your passport and Tibet travel permit.

How to get discounted flight tickets?

From November to March, airlines will give some discounts. In peak season, the demand far exceeds the supply, so it's tough to get a discounted ticket.

Can I board a direct plane to Tibet from my home country?

No, the only international flight to Tibet is from Kathmandu, Nepal. You need to fly to Nepal or mainland China, and then board a direct flight to Tibet.

What is the kids' flight fare?

Kids (ages 2 to 11) will save 50% of the adult flight fare, about USD 240.