Flights to Tibet from US

Although there are no direct flights from the United States to Tibet, American travelers have convenient options to reach the plateau by transiting through China or Nepal. Major U.S. departure cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and New York offer nonstop flights to Chinese hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. From these gateway cities, travelers can then take a connecting flight—or in some cases, a scenic train—into Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Alternatively, U.S. citizens can fly to Kathmandu and continue to Lhasa either by air or overland.

This guide outlines the most practical and cost-effective routes for traveling from the US to Tibet, including estimated flight durations, ticket prices, and onward travel options from China and Nepal.

Flight Routes from the US to Tibet via China

Traveling to Tibet via China is often the most convenient option for Americans, as there are multiple nonstop flights from major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and New York to key Chinese hubs like Beijing and Shanghai. In this case, you need to apply for a China visa first then entrust your Tibet travel agency to apply for a Tibet travel permit by booking a Tibet tour prior.

As of 2025, flights between the U.S. and China have recovered to roughly one-third of pre-pandemic levels, but service is gradually increasing as more routes resume.

To make your journey easier, we've outlined some current flight schedules and frequencies for travelers flying from the U.S. Please note that the information is for reference only, and final schedules should be confirmed on the airlines' official websites.

1. Traveling from San Francisco to Tibet via Beijing/Shanghai

United Airlines offers a non-stop flight UA 888 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Beijing Capital International Airport(PEK). The flight duration is approximately 13 hours and 50 minutes. Flights often depart at 10:35 AM and arrive in Beijing at 3:25 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $455 and $1,200 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately 7 times a week.

Upon arrival in Beijing, passengers can connect to flights to Lhasa or other cities in Tibet, or opt for Beijing to Lhasa train services that offer scenic views along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Also United Airlines offers a non-stop flight UA 857 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The flight duration is approximately 14 hours. Flights often depart at 13:55 PM and arrive in Shanghai at 18:45 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $557 and $1,200 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately 7 times a week.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, passengers can connect to flights to Lhasa or other cities in Tibet, or opt for Shanghai to Lhasa train.

2. Traveling from New York to Tibet via Beijing/Shanghai

Air China offers a non-stop flight CA 982 from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) . The flight duration is approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes. Flights often depart at 2:05 AM and arrive in Beijing at 6:40 AM the following morning. On average, you can expect to pay between $975 and $1,200 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately two to four times a week.

Also China Eastern Airlines offers a non-stop flight MU 588 from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), operated by China Eastern Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 14 hours and 50 minutes. Flights often depart at around 4:25 AM and arrive in Shanghai at 7:25 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $1100 and $1,200 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately one to two times a week.

3. Traveling from Seattle to Tibet via Beijing/Shanghai

Hainan Airlines offers a non-stop flight HU 496 from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). The flight duration is approximately 13 hours and 15 minutes. Flights often depart at 11:00 AM and arrive in Beijing at 15:15 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $528 and $1,390 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates twice a week, on Tuesday and Saturday.

Delta Airlines offers a non-stop flight DL 281 from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The flight duration is approximately 13 hours and 10 minutes. Flights often depart at around 11:15 AM and arrive in Shanghai at 15:25 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $561 and $1,360 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately six times a week except on Thursday.

4. Traveling from Los Angeles to Tibet via Beijing/Shanghai

Air China offers a non-stop flight CA 984 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). The flight duration is approximately 15 hours and 5 minutes. Flights often depart at 11:25 PM and arrive in Beijing at 5:30 AM on the 3rd morning. On average, you can expect to pay between $570 and $1,430 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately 4 times a week, on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

China Eastern Airlines offers a non-stop flight MU 586 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) . The flight duration is approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes. Flights often depart at 12:30 PM and arrive in Shanghai at 5:15 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $450 and $1,230 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately 4 times a week, on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

5. Traveling from Detroit to Tibet via Shanghai

Delta Airlines offers a non-stop flight DL 389 from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The flight duration is approximately 15 hours and 35 minutes. Flights often depart at 10:10 AM and arrive in Shanghai at 13:45 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $788 and $1,500 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately 7 times a week.

6. Traveling from Dallas to Tibet via Shanghai

American Airlines offers a non-stop flight AA 127 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The flight duration is approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes. Flights often depart at 10:10 AM and arrive in Shanghai at 16:25 PM the following afternoon. On average, you can expect to pay between $640 and $1,230 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately 7 times a week.

7. Traveling from San Francisco to Tibet via Guangzhou

China Southern provides non-stop flights CZ 658 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). The flight duration is approximately 14 hours and 40 minutes. Flights often depart at 12:35 AM and arrive in Guangzhou at 6:15 AM the following morning. On average, you can expect to pay between $940 and $1,400 for an economy-class ticket. The flight operates approximately 2 times a week, on Wednesday and Sunday.

Upon arrival in Guangzhou, passengers can connect to flights to Lhasa or other cities in Tibet, or opt for the Guangzhou to Lhasa train.

Flight Routes from the US to Tibet via Nepal

Currently, there are no nonstop flights from the United States to Nepal. Travelers usually need to transit through cities such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or New Delhi. Airfares generally range from $900 to $1,500, depending on the departure city and layovers, making it slightly less cost-effective. Although U.S. citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Nepal, traveling from Nepal to Tibet requires a China group visa, which takes 3 working days and can only be applied for by at least four people together, with an invitation letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

While the direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa takes only about 1.5 hours, there are limited flights—typically 3–4 per week during peak season—and prices are relatively high, usually between $540 and $900. Alternatively, travelers can take an overland journey through the spectacular Himalayas to Lhasa, enjoying a more scenic and adventurous route.

At present, very few American travelers reach Tibet via Kathmandu due to the restrictions on flights and documents.

Conclusion

Flying to Tibet from the U.S. requires some planning, but travelers have practical options. Transiting through Chinese hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou offers frequent flights, flexible schedules, and onward connections to Lhasa by air or train. Alternatively, Kathmandu provides a unique Himalayan experience and an easier visa on arrival, though flights are limited and costs are higher. Understanding routes, schedules, and visa requirements in advance helps ensure a smoother journey to Tibet.