Chengdu is one of the most popular departure locations for flights to Tibet. For most international travelers, embark on an exhilarating journey from the bustling city of Chengdu to the mystical land of Tibet is a wonderful choice. As your trusted travel companion, we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to ensure your flight from Chengdu to Lhasa is smooth and enjoyable. Here is a detailed process of flying from Chengdu to Lhasa.

Airports in Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. This bustling metropolis is home to the Giant Panda, an iconic symbol of China, and boasts a blend of ancient and modern attractions. Chengdu, as one of the most important transportation hubs in central and western China, has many air routes to other famous cities in China, which served by two major airports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), located in Shuangliu District, is the older and busier of the two airports. It serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, connecting Chengdu to numerous cities across China and the world. With its extensive network of airlines and convenient transportation links to the city center, it has been a key gateway for travelers to and from Chengdu for many years.

Taking the subway Line 10 is usually a popular choice for visitors traveling from downtown Chengdu to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Here are the detailed steps for you to get to Shuangliu Airport: first, from your nearest subway station, take the subway to a station where you can transfer to Line 10. Once you arrive at a station where you can transfer to Line 10, follow the clear signage to make the transfer. Then, board Line 10 in the direction of Shuangliu Airport. Line 10 runs directly to both Terminals 1 and 2 of Shuangliu Airport. The subway will make stops at both terminals, so make sure to get off at the correct stop depending on your destination.

The approximate distance from downtown Chengdu to Shuangliu International Airport via subway is around 20 kilometers (12 miles). And the travel time can vary depending on your exact starting point and the time of the day, but it typically takes around 1 hour under normal circumstances. And the subway fare could range from $1 to 3 as a rough estimate. Don’t be worry, you can check the fare on the ticket-buying machines once you are in the subway station.

To go to Shuangliu Airport by airport shuttle bus, first, you need to identify the nearest shuttle bus stop to your location in downtown Chengdu. Then purchase your ticket on the APP or Wechat mini program named Chengdu Bus, the ticket generally costs you $3. After that, wait for the shuttle bus to arrive and scan the code to get on the bus. The shuttle bus ride to Shuangliu Airport is generally comfortable and convenient. The buses are equipped with air conditioning and ample seating. Depending on your departure point, the journey may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. After a smooth ride, the shuttle bus will arrive at Shuangliu Airport. Once inside the airport, you can proceed to check-in, security, and your designated gate.

A taxi ride from downtown Chengdu to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is always a feasible choice for travelers who have ample budgets. Similarly, the approximate distance from downtown Chengdu to Shuangliu Airport varies depending on your exact starting point in the city center. The taxi ride duration can be affected by traffic conditions, but under normal circumstances, it should take 30 to 40 minutes to reach the airport from downtown Chengdu, and the taxi fare could range from approximately $12-15. For your convenience, it’s always advisable to factor in some extra time, especially during peak hours or in case of unexpected delay, to ensure a smooth journey. For added convenience, you may also consider using ride-hailing apps like DiDi, which offer lower and transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and a wide range of vehicle options.

Chengdu Tianfu Airport

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), situated in Jianyang, a suburb east of Chengdu, is the newer and second international airport of the city. Designed to handle the increasing air traffic and to further boost Chengdu’s connectivity globally, Tianfu International Airport has a modern terminal and advanced facilities. It aims to enhance Chengdu’s position as an important transportation hub in western China and provide travelers with a more efficient and comfortable airport experience. You can also choose to go there by subway, airport shuttle bus, or taxi.

To go to Tianfu Airport by subway Line 18 is very convenient. First, you have to determine the nearest subway station to your location in downtown Chengdu. Then, you may need to take one or more subway lines to reach the station where you can transfer to Line 18, which directly serves Tianfu Airport. Once you arrive at the transfer station, follow the signs to Line 18 and board the Line 18 subway train bound for Tianfu Airport. The journey on Line 18 from downtown Chengdu to Tianfu Airport typically takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on the specific station you board from. From the subway station, follow the signs to the airport terminals. You may need to take an escalator or walk a short distance reach the departure halls.

Taking the airport shuttle bus to Tianfu Airport is exactly the same as the way to Shuangliu Airport. First, you identify the closest airport shuttle bus stop to your location. Then purchase the ticket on the APP or Wechat mini program named Chengdu Bus, the ticket generally costs you $3. After that, wait for the shuttle bus to arrive and scan the code to get on the bus. Depending on your departure point and traffic condition, the journey may take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The shuttle bus will drop you off at the designated terminal at Tianfu Airport. Follow the signs to the airport entrance, where you can proceed to check-in, security, and your designated gate.

The distance of a taxi ride from downtown Chengdu to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport also depends on your exact starting point. However, on average, the distance is approximately 50 kilometers (around 31 miles). This makes it a significantly longer trip compared to the journey to Shuangliu Airport. As a rough estimate, the fare could range approximately $20 to 30 , depending on factors such as traffic conditions and any potential toll fees. The ride duration can take around 1 hour to 2 hours. However, during peak hours or in the event of unexpected delays, the travel time can easily exceed 2 hours. So, again, always factor in extra time to ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time to spare.

Lhasa Gonggar Airport

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is situated in the town of Jiazhulin, Gonggar County, Shannan Prefecture, in the southwestern direction of Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is approximately 85 kilometers away from the center of Lhasa. The airport has a substantial passenger handling capacity, with terminals equipped with modern facilities.

Tibet Horizon offers you the airport pick-up service for free.

Chengdu Lhasa Flights

Compared with 35-hour-long Chengdu Lhasa train, we highly recommend you to travel between Chengdu and Tibet by air. The flight from Chengdu would take you 2h30m to reach Lhasa. Lhasa, also known as Lasa, is a city located in the southwest of China, serving as the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It holds a beautiful Tibetan name, “Logsa,” which translates to “Holy Land” or “Buddhist Land.” Sitting at an elevation of 3,650 meters, Lhasa is a high-altitude city. It serves as the political, economic, cultural, and religious center of Tibet, boasting numerous Tibetan Buddhist temples and historical relics that attract countless tourists and pilgrims each year.

Chengdu to Lhasa Flight Schedule and Price

Flights from Chengdu to Lhasa offer a convenient and direct connection between the bustling metropolis of Chengdu in Sichuan Province and the spiritual heartland of Tibet, Lhasa. There are four daily flights departing from Chengdu Tianfu Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Usually it takes you 2 hour and 30 minutes, covering the distance of 1,312 kilometers, and the economy class ticket costs $90. Besides, Chengdu Shuangliu Airport offers you six daily flights to choose from. The flight distance is 1,266km with the same cost.

Lhasa to Chengdu Flight Schedule and Price

There are 12 flights operating between Lhasa and Chengdu every day. You can fly from Lhasa to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport at 11:45, 14:35, 15:35, 17:35, 18:55, and 19:20. Covering a distance of 1,312 kilometers, the tickets of economy class would cost you $230. Another six flights depart from Lhasa to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport at 9:00, 14:35, 17:00, 18:00, 20:20, and 21:25. The 1,266km flight distance would cost you 2 hours and $230.

Travel Documents for Flying from Chengdu to Lhasa

Mainland visitors need to carry a valid ID card.
Hong Kong and Macao residents need to prepare a Home Return Permit.
Taiwan residents need to prepare a Taiwan Compatriot Card and an original Tibet Travel Permit.
Foreign tourists need to carry a valid passport, Chinese Visa, and an original Tibet Travel Permit.
As a professional Tibet travel agency, Tibet Horizon provides you one-stop services for all the travel documents preparation for your Chengdu-Tibet flight.

Faqs on Travelling to Lhasa from Chengdu by Air

How to book my Chengdu Lhasa flight ticket?

Visit the official website of airlines, online travel platforms (such as Ctrip, Qunar, etc.), or contact airline customer service centers to book a ticket. And you can contact our travel consultant to book your flights. Considering that ticket prices vary with seasons and time, it is recommended to plan and book ahead to get a better price.

How to pack my bags and luggage for Chengdu Lhasa flight?

Understand the airline’s baggage regulations, including weight and size limits for hand luggage and checked baggage. Generally, the allowance weight for free hand luggage is 7kg, and the dimensions for a single item should not exceed 20cm (width) * 40cm (height) * 55cm (length). And the allowance weight for free checked baggage 20kg, and the dimensions for it should not exceed 40cm (width)* 60cm (length) * 100cm (height). Please remember any prohibited items, such as batteries, paint, gasoline, powders, liquids should be avoided.

How to board Chengdu to Lhasa flight?

Arrive at the airport ahead of time according to the flight information, generally 2 hours before the flight. Then go to the check-in counter of the corresponding airline to complete boarding procedures.

Check-in: Present your Tibet Travel Permit and ticket to complete check-in procedures. Choose a seat and print the boarding pass. If you need to check baggage, complete the check-in procedures at this step.
Security Check: Pass through the security check channel with the boarding pass and your Tibet Travel Permit. Follow security check regulations, put liquid items in a transparent bag, and pass them through the check separately.
Waiting: Go to the designated waiting area to wait for boarding according to the boarding gate information on the boarding pass. Pay attention to airport broadcasts and display information to avoid missing the boarding time.
Boarding: Board the plane with the boarding pass and Tibet Travel Permit within the specified time. Find your seat and fasten the seat-belt.

The flight time is about 2 hours, depending on the flight and route. During the flight, please follow the instructions of the flight attendants, keep mobile phones and other electronic devices turned off or set to airplane mode.

How to get to my hotel from Lhasa Gonggar Airport?

After arriving at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, follow the guidance to the baggage claim area to collect checked baggage. Travelling Xizang with Tibet Horizon, you will enjoy the free hotel pick up service. Our tour guide and driver will wait for you at the airport in advance.

Conclusion

This travel guide from Tibet Horizon provides comprehensive information on traveling from Chengdu to Lhasa by air. It covers key aspects of the journey, including airport transportation, flight schedules, ticket prices, travel document requirements, luggage regulations, and boarding procedures, which tries to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for you. By following the above steps, you can successfully complete your journey from Chengdu to Lhasa by plane. Wish you a pleasant trip!