As one of the most important gateways of China for tourists from all over the world, Shanghai offers global travelers an easy jumping-off point to start a Tibet tour. Although Shanghai is 2,906 kilometers away from Tibet, you can reach Tibet from Shanghai within 7 to 9 hours of air travel. Currently, several daily flights from Shanghai and Lhasa with a stopover in Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, or Xi’an, are operated by China Eastern Airlines and Tibet Airlines.

Airports in Shanghai

Please note that there are two airports in Shanghai operating flights to Tibet: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is located at No. 300, Qihang Road, Pudong New Area, about 30km from the city center of Shanghai. You can reach PVG from Shanghai Railway Station by metro, airport bus or taxi services.

Metro Line 4 + Line 2: You can walk to Shanghai Railway Station of Metro Line 4 through the underground passage from the northeast exit. Then take Metro line 4 from Shanghai Railway Station to Century Ave Station. Next transfer Metro Line 2 from Century Ave Station to Pudong Airport. It takes about 80 minutes and costs $1 one way.
Airport bus line 5: You can take airport bus line 5 to Shanghai Pudong Airport at the bus station on the south square of Shanghai Railway Station. It takes about 1.5 hours and costs $3.
Taxi: Taking a taxi is the most expensive way to get to Shanghai Pudong Airport, which is not recommended. The taxi fare from Shanghai Railway Station to Shanghai Pudong Airport is around $25 and the duration is around 80 minutes.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is located in Changning District, about 13 km west of the city center. Compared to Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport plays a more important role as an important aviation hub for domestic flights. There are different routes from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to different terminals.

To Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1:
Metro Line 10: You can board Line 10 in the direction of Hongqiao Airport T1. It takes about 5 minutes and costs $0.4.
Taxi: Taking a taxi is also a convenient way. The taxi fare is around $4 and the duration is around 18 minutes.

To Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2:
Metro Line 2: You can board Line 2 bound for Hongqiao Airport T2. It only takes about 2 minutes and costs $0.4.
Walking: If you don't have much luggage, you can walk to Hongqiao Airport T2. The total distance from Hongqiao Railway Station to Hongqiao Airport T2 is 800 meters, and it may take about 10-15 minutes.

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

There is only one airport in Lhasa -- Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA). It is the largest and most important airport in the Tibet Autonomous Region and is well-connected to many cities in China, including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Kunming, Chongqing, Xining, Shangri-La, etc. It is located in Gongga County, Shannan, about 65 kilometers southwest of Lhasa.

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

Shanghai Lhasa Flights

Numerous travelers choose to enter China via the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai since it has convenient flights connecting to the rest of the world. Whether you are from Europe, North America, Asia, or another continent, you will have an easy transfer from your hometown to this city and then take the daily flight from Shanghai to Lhasa, Tibet.

Shanghai to Lhasa Flight Schedule and Price

Currently, there are no direct non-stop flights from Shanghai to Lhasa. There are some daily Shanghai Lhasa flights with a stopover in Chengdu or Xi’an. On average, it takes about 7 to 9 hours for the flight of which about one and a half hours is for stopover. In addition, a few connecting flights stop at Kunming Airport and Chongqing Airport, where you can transfer other flights to Lhasa. Besides, the airlines that fly to Tibet from Shanghai include China Eastern Airlines and Tibet Airlines. Both two airlines can provide a relatively comfortable flight experience. In order to save time and effort in planning the trip, it’s highly recommended to choose a travel agency like Tibet Horizon to book the Shanghai Lhasa flight ticket and customize the itinerary reasonably for you.

Lhasa to Shanghai Flight Schedule and Price

On the return trips, there are several flights from Lhasa to Shanghai every day, with a stopover in Chengdu, Kunming, Chongqing or Xi’an. The whole journey takes about 7 hours, including the 1 to 2 hours layover in the stop-over city.

Travel Documents for Flying from Shanghai to Lhasa

As a foreign tourist, before boarding your flight to Lhasa from Shanghai, you will need to hand your passport, Chinese visa, and the original Tibet Travel Permit for the check. The passport and Chinese visa are the primary documents required for traveling to China from abroad. The original Tibet Travel Permit, also called Tibet Visa, is a must to obtain for all foreign tourists to enter Lhasa.

For your convenience, we at Tibet Horizon can help you get your Tibet travel permit. As the leading tour operator with years of experience, we have handled Tibet Travel Permit applications for thousands of travelers. Once we get the permit, we will hand it to your address in Shanghai. Then you can carry it to board the booked flight from Shanghai to Lhasa.

Faqs on Travelling to Tibet from Shanghai by Air

How to book my Shanghai Lhasa flight ticket?

You can book your Shanghai Lhasa flight on the airline official websites or travel platforms, like Expedia, Ctrip etc. And Tibet Horizon is the best assistant to help you plan a lifetime and valuable tour of Tibet. Our user-friendly platform allows you to effortlessly book your Shanghai to Lhasa flight, with a range of Shanghai Tibet tour options tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you are eager to immerse yourself in Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes or pursue an efficient and effective business travel experience, we’ve got you covered.

How to board Shanghai to Lhasa flight?

Firstly, ensure you have your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit with you. The Tibet Permit application typically takes 7 to 14 working days, so it’s advisable to book your Tibet tour at least 21 days in advance. If you have problems applying for Tibet Travel Permit, please don’t hesitate to contact Tibet Horizon.

Secondly, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time.

Moreover, upon your arrival at the airport, find the check-in counter for your airline. You need to show your passport together with your Tibet Travel Permit to the clerk, and they will give you a boarding pass that shows the flight number, boarding time, boarding gate, destination, and seat number. If you have baggage to check, this should also be done during check-in.

The next step is to go through the security check and wait for your plane. Pay attention to the airport announcements or the latest updates on the screen so you don't miss your boarding time.

When boarding, you should show your boarding pass and the Tibet Travel Permit to the attendant at the boarding gate and find your assigned seat on the plane.

Then, after a few hours in the air, your plane will touch down at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Stay calm and listen for instructions from the announcements as you disembark.

How to get to my hotel from Lhasa Gonggar Airport?

As a better option, you can use our shuttle service between your hotel and the airport for free, as long as you book your Tibet tour with us. In this case, when you arrive in Lhasa, our tour guide will meet you at the exit and transfer you to the reserved hotel. We prioritize punctuality, ensuring that you reach your destination on time. Our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, guaranteeing a pleasant and secure ride. Plus, with our competitive and transparent pricing, you can enjoy peace of mind without worrying about hidden fees.

What can I expect for my Shanghai Tibet tour with Tibet Horizon?

Tibet Travel Permit Guarantee and Responsible Tourism

For clients traveling to Tibet, we understand how troublesome and difficult it is to obtain a permit. However, based on our decades-long cooperation with the local Tibetan government, we 100% guarantee that you will receive a Tibet Travel Permit, and the application and delivery of the Tibet Permit is completely free of charge. Besides, we use experienced local drivers and professional guides, which not only provide more jobs for Tibetans but also let you experience authentic local life.

Cost-effective and Well-served Shanghai Tibet Tours

In a highly competitive travel market, Tibet Horizon is committed to creating a value-added travel experience by leveraging the advantages of competitive pricing and top service experience. To be specific, due to our large customer base, we offer significant savings on vehicles, hotels, tickets, and tour packages without compromising any service. In addition, we offer one-stop 24/7 professional 1-on-1 customer service, with our trained travel experts responding to your inquiries within 24 hours to make sure that you enjoy the scenery, culture, and history of Tibet wholeheartedly.

Conclusion

With this detailed guide, you’re now well-equipped to plan your Shanghai to Lhasa flight and ready to embark on an extraordinary trip that will leave you with unforgettable memories. If you have any questions or need assistance, our friendly team is always ready to help. Welcome to Tibet, and let us make your Shanghai Tibet journey smoother by joining one of our exceptional travel groups.