Travel To Lhasa from Shenzhen
In recent years, traveling from Shenzhen to Tibet has become increasingly popular, especially among international and Hong Kong travelers. This journey offers a striking contrast—from the vibrant urban atmosphere of Shenzhen to the spiritual heart of Tibet in Lhasa.
Hong Kong travelers can easily reach Shenzhen by high-speed train or through several land border crossings, making the journey highly convenient. Meanwhile, international travelers benefit from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, which is served by dozens of international airlines, offering flexible flight options.
How to Get to Tibet from Shenzhen?
The straight-line distance between Shenzhen and Lhasa is about 2,400 kilometers. Although there are currently no direct flights or trains between the two cities, travelers can still reach Lhasa in several ways: by flight, by train, or by combining flights and trains.
By Flight
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Lhasa. There are no direct flights from Shenzhen to Lhasa. Generally, it will be transferred via Chengdu, Chongqing, Guiyang, etc., and it usually takes 5.5-8.5 hours, including transfer time. Chengdu offers the most flight options for transit to Lhasa. The following are several commonly used flight transfer routes:
Shenzhen to Lhasa Flights via Connecting Cities (Reference)
| Transit City | Airlines (Common) | Leg 1 (Shenzhen → Transit) | Leg 2 (Transit → Lhasa) | Layover Time | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chongqing | Hainan Airlines / West Air | 07:25–09:35 (~2h10) | 12:05–14:55 (~2h50) | 2h30 | ~7h30 |
| Chengdu | Air China / Sichuan Airlines / Shenzhen Airlines | 10:05–12:20 (~2h15) | 14:30–16:50 (~2h20) | 2h10 | ~6h45 |
| Guiyang | China Southern / Tibet Airlines | 19:15–20:55 (~1h40) | 21:55–00:45 (~2h50) | 1h | ~5h30 |
By Train
Taking the train to Lhasa offers a more relaxed journey with scenic views along the way. There is no direct train from Shenzhen to Lhasa. You can first take the intercity high-speed rail to Guangzhou, and then take the direct train (Z264) to Lhasa. Duration is approximately 53 hours. The scenery along the way will take away the boredom during your journey.
By Flight and Train
If you would like to shorten the train journey while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, a popular option is to combine air and train travel. You can first take a flight to Xining, and then transfer to the train bound for Lhasa from either city. Compared with taking the train all the way, this option can save more than half of the total travel time. It also allows you to gradually enter higher altitudes, which can help your body adapt more comfortably to the plateau environment.
Tibet Travel Permit
If you plan to travel to Tibet from Shenzhen as a foreign tourist, the most important document you must obtain in advance is the Tibet Travel Permit. All non-Chinese passport holders are required to present this permit before boarding a flight or train to Lhasa.
Please note that the Tibet Travel Permit cannot be applied for individually. Independent travel is not allowed in Tibet, so travelers must book a tour through a licensed local Tibet travel agency. After you sign up, the agency will apply for the permit on your behalf using a copy of your passport and a valid Chinese visa.
Important: We recommend staying at least one night in Shenzhen before departure to allow sufficient time to receive your Tibet Travel Permit. As the permit is issued as a paper document, you must present the original when checking in for your flight to Lhasa or before boarding the train.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to travel from Shenzhen to Tibet?
The best time is May to October, when the weather is stable and travel conditions are generally good.
Peak Season (July to September)
Warm weather and the best scenery, but also the busiest period with higher prices and more crowds.
Shoulder Season (May to June & October)
Pleasant weather, good visibility, and fewer tourists. October is especially suitable for sightseeing, though nights can be colder.
Q: Will the Tibet Travel Permit be checked multiple times?
Yes. The permit will be checked at several points, including before boarding your flight or train to Lhasa, when checking into hotels, entering attractions, and passing through checkpoints. Please keep it safe and ready for inspection at all times.
Q: Can I collect my Tibet Travel Permit at Shenzhen Airport?
If your layover in Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is longer than 2 hours, it is possible to arrange for a local agent to deliver your permit to the airport. This must be coordinated in advance through your Tibet travel agency.
Q: If I take a train from Shenzhen to Tibet, which station should I depart from?
If you choose a high-speed rail connection, your departure station will be Shenzhen North Railway Station. It is the main hub for high-speed train transfers, offering the most frequent services and the most convenient connections.