As one of the major gateways to China from around the world, Shanghai, the economic powerhouse of China, offers global travelers an easy jumping-off point to Tibet with contrasting landscapes and cultural encounters.

So, if you are planning to enter China via Shanghai and keep traveling from Shanghai to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region, we’ve got you covered! In this tutorial, we will walk you through how to travel from Shanghai to Tibet by Tibet train and flight and offer you expert travel solutions to maximize your Shanghai to Tibet tours.

How Far Is It from Shanghai to Tibet? The Location Map of Shanghai and Tibet in China

Shanghai is a sprawling megacity on the coast of the East China Sea, while Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, lies on the opposite side of China to the west. The straight-line distance between Shanghai and Lhasa on the map is around 2,909 km.

The actual flying distance between Shanghai and Lhasa is 2,978 km on a non-stop flight that takes 4: 20hrs. If you choose to ride the Tibet train from Shanghai to Lhasa (Z164), the distance is 4,330km from east to west across China. For an epic overland journey from Shanghai to Lhasa via scenic G318 Hwy, the total distance covers 4,670 km.

How to travel from Shanghai to Tibet by flight and train on the map.

Why Shanghai Is One of the Top Gateways to Tibet? Major Air Hub, Cultural Diversity, Flexible Travel Options

As one of the major air hubs in China, Shanghai Pudong International Airport has 95 direct routes to 43 different countries around the world. You can reach Shanghai within 24 hours conveniently from cities in North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and all over Asia.

Besides, you can experience contrasting cultures as Shanghai is a global metropolis with ultra-modern skyscrapers alongside historic settings while Lhasa is known for its sacred Buddhist atmosphere and stunning Himalayan landscapes.

On top of that, Shanghai offers you multiple ways to reach Tibet. You can opt for a flight, Tibet train, or a combination of the two. We will cover that below, please read on.

Ultra modern skyline in Shanghai.

Travel from Shanghai to Tibet by Flight (around 4hrs): Most Efficient & Easiest Way

If you are on a tight schedule, traveling by air offers you the fastest way from Shanghai to Tibet. China Eastern Airlines has daily non-stop flights to Lhasa available starting from 173 USD. The flight takes 4 hours and 20 minutes, leaving from Pudong International Airport.

Connecting flights are a great way to save some money, at the cost of increased travel time. Air China flies to Lhasa with a 1-hour, 15-minute stopover in Chengdu for 140 USD. The lowest price ticket can be found by changing airlines during a 5-hour, 35-minute stopover in Kunming.

Travelers land in Lhasa Gonggar International Airport by flight to Tibet.

Travel from Shanghai to Tibet by Tibet Train (44:32hrs): Most Memorable Way

Compared with traveling by air, riding on the world’s highest train to Lhasa offers one of the most memorable experiences for travelers. It travels across the Tibetan Plateau with amazing views of mountains, alpine lakes, and vast plains. The journey takes 44 hours and 32 minutes to travel the 4,373 km. Hard and soft sleeper berths are available.

Though it is a very popular journey, it can be difficult to secure train tickets, particularly in the high season (April to Oct.). If you have trouble booking tickets, making the return journey from Lhasa by train is a good option, or email your inquiry to us to help you book the Tibet train tickets.

10 Days Shanghai Lhasa Everest Base Camp Tour by Train

Tour Route: Train from Shanghai - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

The Scenic G318 Hwy Actually Starts from Shanghai to Kathmandu via Tibet

Well, many assume that the "Most Scenic Road of China"-- G318 National Highway begins from Chengdu to Lhasa, yet, to your surprise, it actually starts from Shanghai and ends in Zhuangmu on the Sino-Nepal border in Tibet across 8 provinces. It’s widely known as a travel bucket list for self-drive enthusiasts in China.

This epic overland road covers 5,476 km, studded with jaw-dropping canyons, alpine lakes, glaciers, towering peaks, pristine forests, expansive grasslands, etc. as you travel from the western highland regions of Sichuan province to the soaring Tibetan Plateau.

For adventure seekers, you can fly from Shanghai to Chengdu, travel overland from Chengdu to Lhasa in 7 days, and spend another 7 days traversing the mighty Himalayas via EBC to Kathmandu.

7 Days World-class Overland Route: Chengdu to Lhasa via G318 Highway

Tour Route: Chengdu - Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang - Zogang - Ranwu - Nyingchi - Lhasa

Price from USD1780 p.p

Our Most Recommended Way to Travel from Shanghai to Tibet: Combine Flight & Tibet Train

For most travelers, we recommend combining flights and trains to get the best balance of efficient travel with incredible scenery. You can fly from Shanghai to Xining, the starting point and best highlights of the scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and board the Xining to Lhasa train to Tibet.

Flights from Shanghai to Xining

Xining Train to Lhasa

The soft sleeper is highly recommended. Getting a good rest on the train will make you ready to start touring the iconic sites of Lhasa without delay. Learn the top 20 Tibet train FAQs.

The Most Recommended Tour Itineraries for Visiting Tibet from Shanghai

If you have a couple of days in Shanghai before heading to Lhasa, you may spend the first day exploring landmarks like Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, and the Shanghai Tower for an amazing Shanghai skyline. In the evening, stroll along the Bund as Pudong lights up. On day two, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, the 'Venice of China,' and the exotic French Concession area are also worth visiting.

After you arrive in Lhasa, the shortest and most classic Tibet tour is the 4-day Lhasa tour, where you can cover Tibet landmarks like the majestic Potala Palace, the holy Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street and watch the lively monk debates in Sera Monastery, etc. in Lhasa. If you have more time, the top 4 Tibet small group tours for you are the 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour, 8-day Lhasa to EBC tour, 10-day Lhasa to EBC and Namtso tour, and the epic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash pilgrimage tour, depending on your interest to uncover holy lakes, or sacred peaks in Tibet.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

For most travelers with 7 to 8 days in Tibet, our most recommended tours are the 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu tour and an 8-day Lhasa to EBC tour. The first option is for travelers who want to combine the Tibet tour with an extended journey to Nepal. You can cover the best highlights in Lhasa and then journey west to EBC visa Shigatse along scenic G318 Hwy before crossing the border to Nepal. While the 8-day Lhasa to EBC tour promises the 4 best viewing platforms to view Mt. Everest, with more local encounters for a lifetime adventure.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Essential Travel Documents for Shanghai to Tibet Tour

Overseas travelers can only visit Tibet via a pre-booked guided tour with a local Tibet travel agency like us. You need to apply for your Chinese Tourist Visa yourself through the nearest Chinese Embassy.

After that you are expected to email the clear images of your passport information page and Chinese Visa page to us, with which we can help you process Tibet Travel Permit (for free), a crucial travel document that allows you to board the flight and train to Lhasa. Remember to do it at least 20 days before you leave for Lhasa.

A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

Luckily, the following nationals can enjoy the Chinese Visa-free Policy. So, all you need is to send the image of your passport to apply for Tibet Permit for free from us.

Countries with Visa-Free Entry

While in Tibet, your local guide will help you process other travel documents to visit attractions beyond Lhasa. No worries at all!

Bonus Tips for Travelling from Shanghai to Tibet

As Shanghai is a coastal city with only an altitude of 9m whereas Lhasa has an elevation of 3,656m, the dramatic altitude ascent puts a real test to anyone who flies into Tibet from Shanghai, regardless of your fitness level.

So, after you land in Lhasa, either by flight or Tibet train, don’t rush to roam over Barhkor Street. Instead, it is advisable to stay at your hotel for a good rest, giving your body time to adapt to the altitude rise to avoid acute altitude sickness.

To most travelers, you may feel light-headed, headache, or shortness of breath, don’t panic, normally these symptoms will disappear through acclimatization in several hours to three days in Lhasa. You may also prepare the altitude sickness tablet by consulting the health doctor before leaving for Lhasa.

In addition to the thin air, Tibet is notoriously known for intense UV rays, dry air, and big day and night temperature changes, etc. make sure you bring your down and fleece jackets, even in summer if you plan to visit Mt. Everest or other high altitude regions, and wear sunglasses, sunhat, and use sunscreen (SPF 50+) to for sun protection in Tibet.

Finally, do respect the local customs and etiquette as Tibet is a Buddhist destination and you may see some unique religious practices like prostration on Barhor Street or Tibetans don’t eat fish, etc. If you are unsure about something, asking your guide first is the wisest decision.

Travelers explore the Barkhor street.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Shanghai offers you easy access to Tibet with multiple travel options contrasting landscapes, and diverse cultural encounters. Hopefully, you find this post helpful, if you have more questions about the Shanghai to Tibet tour, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Cheers!