As an important gateway city in northwest China, Urumqi is the key transit point to Xinjiang and even Central Asia. With its superior geographical location, Urumqi is not just a hub city of the Silk Road but also an important transportation node connecting the Eurasian continent, making it a vital bridge between the eastern and western regions, and domestic and international destinations. You can choose a convenient direct flight to Lhasa from Urumqi, with a flight time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. If you would like more information or itinerary details, contact Tibet Horizon, we will provide a comfortable and thoughtful Lhasa tour experience.

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is located in the northwest suburb of Diwopu, Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 16.8 kilometers from the city center. The airport was originally established in 1939 by the China-Soviet Civil Aviation Company and was named Dihua Airport, officially opening in 1946. Today, Diwopu International Airport has three terminals: T1, T2, and T3, covering a total area of 185,000 square meters. There are various ways to reach Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Let’s take a look!

Metro Line 1 - The most affordable option: Taking Metro Line 1 is the most economical choice, costing only about $1. It takes you directly to the airport station, you don't need to transfer to other transportation.

Airport Shuttle Bus - The most convenient way: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport currently has 4 shuttle bus routes, providing round-trip service between the city and the airport. The fare is usually around $2-3. These routes cover major areas in Urumqi, including the train station, business districts, and well-known hotels, making it easy to choose the right line to the airport.

Taxi - A comfortable option: Urumqi city center is about 17 kilometers from Diwopu International Airport, with a fare of approximately $6. In non-peak hours, the travel time is around 20-30 minutes, making it a very convenient choice.

Urumqi Diwopu Airport

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is located in Gonggar County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region, about 70 kilometers from downtown Lhasa, at an altitude of approximately 3,570 meters, making it one of the highest airports in the world. As the largest aviation hub in Tibet, Gonggar Airport is regarded as an important gateway connecting Xizang with various domestic destinations and some international routes.

Urumqi Lhasa Flights

Choosing a flight from Urumqi to Tibet will save you valuable time compared to the train and road. Taking a flight is a fast and convenient way to travel, allowing you to avoid long periods of bumps and fatigue, and easily reach Tibet, giving you more time to enjoy the local scenery and culture. So, we would recommend that you prioritize air travel.

Urumqi to Lhasa Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

Currently, there is only one direct flight from Urumqi to Lhasa. The flight departs from Urumqi Diwopu Airport around 9:10 and arrives at Lhasa Gonggar Airport at approximately 14:55, with a total flight time of about 5 hours and 45 minutes. This is the most convenient choice, with a short flight duration that saves you significant travel time, getting you to Tibet faster to begin your journey.

There are also several connecting flights from Urumqi to Lhasa every day. You can transit through cities such as Chongqing, Xi'an, or Chengdu. During the layover, you can also explore these cities briefly, adding more color to your Xinjiang Tibet trip. If you would like more detailed flight information, contact us, and we can assist you with booking your tickets.

Lhasa to Urumqi Flight Schedule and Ticket Price

There is also a direct flight from Lhasa to Urumqi, departing from Gonggar Airport at 15:35 and arriving at 21:05, with a total flight time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. In addition, there are connecting flights of several hours in Chengdu, Mianyang, Zhengzhou, and other cities, offering you flexible options. Below is the Lhasa to Urumqi flight schedule for your reference.

Travel Documents for Flying from Urumqi to Lhasa

Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Travel Permit is essential for all foreign travelers heading to Tibet. While tourists from Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau do not require this permit, it is the only legal way for foreign visitors and Taiwan compatriots to enter Tibet. Tibet Travel Permit can not be obtained at the airport but be applied in advance. The application process should be handled through an authorized travel agency like Tibet Horizon, we will help you complete all the necessary procedures to ensure a smooth trip.

When applying for the Tibet Travel Permit, you should provide a copy of your valid passport and Chinese Visa information. The application process typically takes 10 to 30 days, so it is important to plan your trip ahead. Once the permit is approved, we will mail it to you, ensuring you have all the required documents before boarding your flight to Tibet.

Chinese Visa

Except for travelers from countries with a visa exemption agreement with China, a Chinese Visa is significant for all foreign visitors entering the country and must be applied for before arrival. You can apply for your visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or region.

During your trip, you will present your Chinese Visa and passport multiple times, including booking flights, checking in at the airport, checking into hotels, and passing through border checks within Tibet. So, you should ensure your passport and visa remain valid for the entire duration of your journey.

FAQs on Travelling to Lhasa from Urumqi by Air

How to book my Urumqi to Lhasa flight tickets?

You can book flight tickets through major online travel platforms such as Ctrip, Qunar, Booking.com, Expedia, etc. You can also visit the official websites of the relevant airlines to check flight schedules and ticket prices, and book tickets directly online. Of course, you can also choose Tibet Horizon to provide booking services. We can help you book your flight from Urumqi to Lhasa based on your travel plans and offer related Tibet travel services and advice.

How to board the Urumqi to Lhasa flight?

First, you should arrive at the airport as early as possible, at least two hours before your scheduled departure, and prepare all the necessary documents, including your passport and Tibet Travel Permit, before heading to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport.

Second, once at the airport, go to the check-in counter for your airline. Present your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to the airline staff, who will check you in and provide your boarding pass. The boarding pass will show your flight number, boarding time, boarding gate, destination, and seat number.

Third, after the check-in, head to the security checkpoint. Follow all security regulations and keep your boarding pass, passport, and Tibet Travel Permit accessible for inspection.

Fourth, once through security, proceed to the waiting area. Pay attention to the airport announcements and the information on the screens to avoid missing your boarding time.

Fifth, when it’s time to board, go to the designated gate, present your boarding pass and Tibet Travel Permit to the gate staff, and follow their instructions to board the plane and find your seat.

Finally, after approximately 5-6 hours of flight, the plane will land at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Stay calm, listen to announcements, and follow the instructions to disembark.

How to get to my hotel from Lhasa Gonggar Airport?

When you arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, collect your luggage at the baggage claim area. Please be aware that foreign tourists can not travel independently in Tibet. If you book a Tibet Tour with Tibet Horizon, we will arrange a local tour guide and driver to take you to your hotel.

What should I do if I have altitude sickness in Tibet?

If you experience altitude sickness in Tibet, you should immediately rest, avoid strenuous activities, and drink plenty of water to help your body gradually adapt to the altitude environment. If symptoms are severe, oxygen cylinders or oxygen chambers can be used, and if necessary, drugs such as Rhodiola can be considered to relieve symptoms. If symptoms worsen, please tell our tour guide to seek medical help as soon as possible.

What is the best time to travel to Tibet from Xinjiang？

The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October, during the spring and early autumn. The weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Compared to the cold and low-oxygen winter, Tibet’s spring and autumn are far more pleasant, with temperatures usually between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.

During these months, you can not only experience Lhasa's unique religious culture but also admire the stunning natural landscapes, especially at Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. From late September to early October, you will see the leaves gradually turning yellow as autumn deepens. The golden leaves, clear blue lakes, and distant snow-capped mountains create a tranquil autumn scene.

Conclusion

This article provides information on the flight schedules, ticket prices, and required documents for traveling from Urumqi to Lhasa by plane. After reading this article, we believe you are well-prepared for your trip to Tibet. If you have any questions, you can contact Tibet Horizon. We hope you have an unforgettable journey to Tibet!