Geneva to Lhasa: How to Get to Tibet from Switzerland

Tibet is not reachable by plane from Switzerland directly. There are two main routes for you to choose when traveling from Switzerland to Lhasa, Tibet. One way is to fly directly from a Switzerland city, like Zurich or Geneva, to a Chinese hub, like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and then fly to Lhasa for a quick trip. But if you have time and want to enjoy the scenic views along Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you can think about taking the train to Lhasa. Another way is to travel to Nepal and then fly or overland to Lhasa.

Sunset at Mount Kailash

Switzerland to Tibet via Chinese Mainland

From Switzerland, the most convenient way to get to Tibet from Switzerland is to take a direct flight from a major Swiss city to a major Chinese city, like Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, and then take a connecting flight or train to Lhasa.  The fastest route is this one, but it is costly.

Fly from Geneva to Beijing, then Get to Tibet from Beijing by Train or Flight

Tibet and Switzerland are not connected by direct flights. You can take a plane to Beijing from Geneva, and then take a short flight or a beautiful rail journey to Lhasa. 

Fly from Geneva to Beijing

There are direct flights as well as ones that include at least one layover from Geneva to Beijing. The travel time is variable, ranging from 15 to 32 hours. Think about layovers and the total time you will be traveling before choosing your flight. Direct flights arrive and depart in about 10 hours. The distance is 8235.44 km.

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Geneva to Beijing	GVA Airport T1-PEK Airport 13:20-05:30	10hrs 10mins	8,235.44km	$1,327

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Geneva to Beijing	GVA Airport T1-PEK Airport 13:20-05:30	10hrs 10mins	8,235.44km	$1,327

Explore Highlights in Beijing

Swiss tourists seeking a unique blend of technology and history have a number of options while visiting Beijing. Admire the Great Wall, a complex work of building, or explore the beautiful Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial house. Visit the Temple of Heaven to find serenity or stroll through the old alleyways known as the Hutongs, which are scattered with courtyard residences. Marvel at modern wonders like the Olympic Park and the CCTV Tower, or take a trip through the vast garden complex known as Summer Palace to experience the era of imperial rule.

the Great Wall

After Beijing tour, you can travel from Beijing to Tibet by train or flight

Take Tibet Train from Beijing to Lhasa

Take the famous Beijing-Lhasa train from Beijing to Tibet and enjoy the stunning Chinese landscape as you go. Take approximately 40 hours to traverse vast plains, lofty mountains, and the Tibetan Plateau. The cost of tickets for each seat class varies.

Train No.	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Frequency	Price
Z21	Beijing West - Lhasa 19:53 - 11:36 +3rd day	39hrs 43mins	3,757km	Daily	Hard Seat - $51 Hard Sleeper - $103 Soft Sleeper - $163

Train No.	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Frequency	Price
Z21	Beijing West - Lhasa 19:53 - 11:36 +3rd day	39hrs 43mins	3,757km	Daily	Hard Seat - $51 Hard Sleeper - $103 Soft Sleeper - $163

Notice:
The above schedule & price is for reference only. Please contact us for the latest schedule & price if you need to book Tibet train ticket from us.

Fly from Beijing to Lhasa

If you're in a hurry, think about taking a plane from Beijing to Lhasa. In four and a half hours, you can fly 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles). 

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Beijing to Lhasa	PEK Airport - LXA Airport 07:45 - 12:05	4hrs 29mins	2,625km	$330

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Beijing to Lhasa	PEK Airport - LXA Airport 07:45 - 12:05	4hrs 29mins	2,625km	$330

Fly from Zurich to Shanghai, then Get to Tibet from Shanghai by Train or Flight

It is a striking contrast to visit both the spiritual hub of Lhasa and a busy metropolis like Shanghai in one trip. Envision taking off over the clouds from Zurich to Shanghai, a modern marvel-filled city. After that, you set off on a journey to Lhasa, covering the trip quickly by plane or enjoying the beautiful scenery by rail. Imagine eating mouthwatering street food after taking in the futuristic skyline while strolling around Shanghai's Bund. Next, get ready for an entirely new level of amazement as you travel by rail or aircraft across the stunning Tibetan landscape.

Fly from Zurich to Shanghai

One fantastic way to visit two of the most vibrant cities on earth is to take a 12-hour journey from Zurich to Shanghai, which offers both non-stop and connecting alternatives. 

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Zurich to Shanghai	ZRH Airport - PVG Airport 13:00 - 07:05	12hrs 5mins	10,539km	$3,267

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Zurich to Shanghai	ZRH Airport - PVG Airport 13:00 - 07:05	12hrs 5mins	10,539km	$3,267

Explore Highlights in Shanghai

Experience the exhilarating bustle of this pedestrian-only shopping district, which is brimming with independent stores, international names, and street sellers. Encircled by majestic buildings like the People's Government Building and the Shanghai Museum, revel in Shanghai's vibrant political and cultural center. Experience thrilling rides, captivating shows, and beloved Disney characters at this popular theme park. Step into a world of magic and enchantment. To go through Chinese history, stop by this well-known museum, which houses a vast collection of items spanning millennia. Peace can be found by visiting this Buddhist temple, which is well-known for its enormous two-ton jade Buddha statue. See this trendy district, which mesmerizingly blends upscale stores, busy restaurants, and traditional shikumen residences.

A taste of Shanghai's European past may be found in this charming area with its Art Deco buildings, cobblestone roads, and fashionable cafes. This skyscraper, known as "The Opener" because of its trapezoidal top, is a marvel of architectural design. At the top of China's tallest building, take a quick lift trip and take in the unparalleled panoramic views. This is a fun day trip where you may see this old water town with its bridges, canals, and historical building.

the view of Shanghai

After Shanghai tour, you can travel from Shanghai to Tibet by train or flight

Take Tibet Train from Shanghai to Lhasa

Traveling by rail can take 44-47 hours, but the trip rewards you with beautiful views of China's landscape as you ascend into the Tibetan Plateau. Rail fares are generally more affordable than airline tickets. If time is not a brier and you want to enjoy the natural views then traveling by rail makes more sense than flying. There's never a better deal than flying with rail. Nevertheless, it takes more time. If you're free, you could try the train ride.

Notice:
The above schedule & price is for reference only. Please contact us for the latest schedule & price if you need to book Tibet train ticket from us.

Fly from Shanghai to Lhasa

By plane, the trip takes about four hours. This path is the quickest way to get to Lhasa. Here's the higher cost in comparison to using the train. And it will take 7 hours and 40 minutes. If you have a short time in hand then go for a plane journey.

Fly from Zurich to Hong Kong, then Get to Tibet from Hong Kong by Train or Flight

A striking contrast awaits you on your journey from Zurich to Lhasa. Envision departing from the quaint European city to the energetic metropolis of Hong Kong. After leaving Hong Kong, you'll continue your journey by deciding whether to take a train through China's breathtaking scenery or take a plane above it to see the ancient city of the plateau. There's Lhasa, a city rich in spiritual and cultural value, where you may tour historic monasteries and take in the calm ambiance. A spectacular fusion of contemporary marvels and age-old customs is promised on this journey.

Fly from Zurich to Hong Kong

If you dream of breathtaking views then travelling to Hong Kong from Zurich will transport you to a world of rich cultural diversity and delectable cuisine. It will take almost 12 hours and the distance is around 9291.03 km.

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Zurich to Hong Kong	ZRH Airport - HKG Airport 22:40 - 16:30	11hrs 50mins	9,291.03km	$1,413

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Zurich to Hong Kong	ZRH Airport - HKG Airport 22:40 - 16:30	11hrs 50mins	9,291.03km	$1,413

Explore Highlights in Hong Kong

There is something to captivate the interests of any type of tourist in Hong Kong. Take the famous Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor for a picturesque view, or climb Victoria Peak for breathtaking vistas. Enjoy the vibrant Temple Street Night Market, which is home to a maze-like array of vendors offering everything from souvenirs to regional specialties. While families can find infinite excitement at Hong Kong Disneyland, movie buffs may pay homage to renowned individuals at the Avenue of Stars.

Hong Kong

After Hong Kong tour, you can travel from Hong Kong to Tibet by train or flight

From Hong Kong to Lhasa, there are no direct train or plane routes. There are two ways to go to Lhasa, by plane or by train. But you have to travel somewhere in China first.

Take Tibet Train from Hong Kong to Lhasa

You can go to Guangzhou, Xining, and finally Lhasa by train. Depending on the times of the train connections, the total journey time is between 35 and 48 hours.  Along this route, you can enjoy the magnificent beauties of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, also known as the "Sky Train" due to its high altitude, as well as the comforts of a contemporary high-speed train during a portion of the voyage. Compared to flying, it is less expensive. 

 Fly from Hong Kong to Lhasa

If you're going to Lhasa by plane, you'll need to take a flight to Chengdu first because Chengdu has many connecting flights. The quickest flying option, including one layover, takes about six hours. Between Chengdu to Lhasa, there is no stopover. The quickest route to reach Lhasa is by air. When it comes to the trip, this one is more costly.

Switzerland to Tibet via Nepal

Fly from Switzerland to Nepal, then Get to Tibet from Kathmandu by Flight or Overland

Flying from Switzerland to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, is an option for tourists looking for a taste of both worlds. From there, the journey to Tibet's Lhasa begins. Take a short flight over the imposing Himalayas or set out on an extended road trip through ravishing valleys and glaciers.

Fly from Switzerland to Kathmandu

Currently, there is no direct flight between Switzerland and Lhasa. But you can easily get there by plane with only one transit in between. That is Nepal. Flying from Switzerland to Nepal, and then traveling to Lhasa, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. So the total duration of the flight with transit will be around 11 hours and 35 minutes.

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Transit	Price
Zurich to Kathmandu	ZRH Airport - KTM Airport 09:40 - 01:00	11hrs 35mins	6,824km	DOH Airport (16:25-17:35)	$662

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Transit	Price
Zurich to Kathmandu	ZRH Airport - KTM Airport 09:40 - 01:00	11hrs 35mins	6,824km	DOH Airport (16:25-17:35)	$662

Explore Highlights in Kathmandu

In addition to the great vistas of the Himalayas, Nepal offers thrilling sports and a rich cultural past. See the old temples, bustling bazaars, and historic squares of Kathmandu. When strolling or paragliding in Pokhara, take in the breathtaking Phewa Lake. Visit tigers and rhinoceroses while on jeep safaris throughout Chitwan National Park. The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, a sacred pilgrimage destination, is open for visits. By hiking to Everest Base Camp, you can see the world's tallest mountain.

Kathmandu

After Kathmandu tour, you can travel from Nepal to Tibet by flight or overland

There are two ways to travel from Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet. Plane travel and ground travel. By plane, you can reach your destination in a short time. You can also choose the overland option.

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa

From Kathmandu, Nepal, to Lhasa, Tibet, there might be direct flights available. Lhasa is only reachable by plane from Nepal at 1:15 hours. This is the quickest method.

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Kathmandu to Lhasa	KTM Airport - LXA Airport 08:30 - 12:05	1hr 20mins	607.63km	$597

Route	Dep.-Arr.	Duration	Distance	Price
Kathmandu to Lhasa	KTM Airport - LXA Airport 08:30 - 12:05	1hr 20mins	607.63km	$597

Travel overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Friendship Highway

This road journey offers a unique chance to enjoy a leisurely and immersive tour of the Himalayas instead of the luxuries of flying. Imagine going at your own pace and stopping at remote settlements to see Tibetan culture up close, all while admiring the magnificent vistas of the towering peaks rising from the rugged landscape and meandering through valleys festooned with vibrant prayer flags.

Usually starting at the Gyirong border crossing, the overland trip passes through Tibetan villages and monasteries. It takes about 12 hours and 4 minutes to drive approximately 860.1 kilometers from Nepal to Lhasa. The experiences you have will undoubtedly last a lifetime, even though it can take longer than a flight. Experience the thrill of adventure, the pure mountain air, and the constantly shifting landscape as you journey over one of the most magnificent mountain ranges on Earth. 

Tibet Travel Permit for Swiss Tourists

Although visitors to Switzerland can enter the country for up to 15 days without a visa, make sure to confirm the most recent regulations by contacting the Chinese consulate there. The most recent information is preferable as visa rules are subject to change.

All international travelers to Tibet must have a Tibet Travel Permit. This is a summary of how to get it: Depending on the workload and season, the processing period for a Tibet travel permit can change. It usually takes one to two weeks, though it may take longer in the busiest times of the year.

You can enjoy your desired journey without stress as Tibet Horizon will assist you with every step. 

Notice: Good news for tourists from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Singapore, Malaysia, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland! You can tour to Tibet from Nepal to enjoy the stunning scenery and splendor culture without the Chinese Group Visa.

Conclusion

Although direct flights or trains from Switzerland to Tibet aren't available, travelers can opt to fly fto Chinese mainland or Nepal first and then travel to Lhasa by train, flight or road. The ideal option for you will depend on your travel preferences, time limits, and financial situation.

We at Tibet Horizon, a seasoned travel company, provide a one-stop shop for trips from Switzerland to Lhasa, including hotel reservations, train and airline ticketing, and the application for a Tibet travel permit.  Hope to see you all in Tibet!